Hillside Haven Campground, Trumansburg, NY

Introduction / Overview

Hillside Haven Campground is quickly establishing itself as the premier choice for travelers seeking a modern, comfortable, and strategically located base camp in the heart of the beautiful Southern Finger Lakes region of New York. This relatively new campground has been specifically designed to cater to modern camping needs, from spacious sites for large Recreational Vehicles (RVs) to essential connectivity features.

Guests consistently highlight the quiet, relaxing atmosphere as a major draw, noting that the small, intimate park setting—with around 10 to 14 spaces—ensures a peaceful experience unlike the crowded environments of larger resorts. Situated between the two major Finger Lakes, Seneca and Cayuga, Hillside Haven provides a perfect balance of seclusion and convenience. It is not just a place to park your rig; it’s a tranquil haven that puts you within minutes of New York's most famous natural and cultural attractions.

Reviewers frequently praise the new amenities and excellent upkeep, which speaks to the care and professionalism of the owners. For local New Yorkers looking for a stress-free and quiet getaway that serves as a central launchpad for wine tasting, waterfall hiking, and exploring the dynamic cities of Ithaca and Watkins Glen, Hillside Haven Campground presents an exceptional option. Its focus on big-rig friendly access and reliable utilities means you can explore the region all day and return to a comfortable, fully-equipped home base every evening.

Location and Accessibility

Hillside Haven Campground boasts a truly ideal location for anyone wishing to explore the rich tapestry of the Finger Lakes region.

The specific address is:

Address: Co Rd 1, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA

The campground is nestled in the scenic Town of Hector, just outside of Trumansburg, NY. Its position along County Road 1 provides the quiet remoteness sought by campers while maintaining excellent accessibility to regional highlights.

Central Finger Lakes Hub: The location is a highly valued feature, as the campground sits centrally, making it a hub for attractions on both Seneca and Cayuga Lakes.
Proximity to Key Destinations: The drive time to major regional destinations is exceptionally convenient: approximately 20-25 minutes to the historic racing town of Watkins Glen and its iconic State Park, and 25-30 minutes to the vibrant, college city of Ithaca, home to Cornell University, Buttermilk Falls, and Robert H. Treman State Park.
Wine Trail Access: The facility is located just five miles from the famous Seneca Wine Trail, providing easy access to dozens of acclaimed wineries, breweries, and distilleries.
National Forest Border: The property borders the expansive Finger Lakes National Forest (FLNF), offering immediate access to hiking, nature trails, and additional outdoor activities on over 1,000 acres of public land.
RV-Friendly Road Access: While located on a county road, guests report that the access roads are manageable, even for large RVs, ensuring the "big rig friendly" promise extends from the site itself to the journey there.

Services Offered

Hillside Haven Campground focuses on providing essential, modern services that maximize comfort and convenience, particularly for RV owners:

Full and Partial Hookups: A mix of sites offers full hookups (water, electric, and sewer) or partial hookups (electric and water). Electric service options include 20, 30, and 50-amp connections to accommodate all RV types.
Reliable Wi-Fi Connectivity: One of the most praised amenities is the very good and reliable campground Wi-Fi, which is crucial for remote workers, streaming, or simply staying connected while traveling in a region where cellular service (particularly Verizon) can be spotty.
Clean Bathhouse: The facility includes a small, modern bathhouse with clean, well-maintained facilities, typically featuring three toilets and a shower for campers not utilizing their own RV facilities.
On-site Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for all guests, particularly those with partial hookups or dry camping.
Family and Pet Amenities: The campground is pet-friendly (dogs are welcome, limit 2 per site, and must be leashed) and features a playground for younger visitors.
Diverse Site Options: In addition to the approximately 14 RV sites, the campground also offers two cozy cabin rentals and three secluded tent sites, catering to a wider range of camping preferences.
Winter Camping Options: During the off-season (typically November 1 - April 15), the campground offers discounted rates with electric and Wi-Fi still available, though water services are turned off due to cold weather.

Features / Highlights

The core features of Hillside Haven Campground define its appeal to the modern Finger Lakes traveler:

Big Rig Accommodation: Every site is described as being big rig friendly, with ample space, level parking areas, and easy pull-through access available at many spots, accommodating even the largest Class A RVs and fifth wheels (up to 45 feet).
Quiet and Spacious Setting: The small size and intentional design of the park ensure a very quiet and relaxing stay, with sites offering plenty of room between neighbors, a feature highly valued by guests seeking tranquility.
Brand New Facilities: As a new campground, customers report that all utilities and amenities are brand new, ensuring a high level of function, cleanliness, and comfort.
Recreational Variety: The location offers unparalleled recreational access, from immediate hiking trails within the bordering Finger Lakes National Forest to the nearby famous gorge trails of Watkins Glen and Buttermilk Falls.
Cultural and Culinary Proximity: Beyond nature, the campground is a short drive to the extensive Seneca Wine Trail and the unique dining, culture, and college campus atmosphere of Ithaca.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries, or more details on site availability, especially regarding full hookups and specific big-rig sites, local users can reach Hillside Haven Campground directly:

Address: Co Rd 1, Trumansburg, NY 14886, USA

Phone: (607) 387-5553

Mobile Phone: +1 607-387-5553

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Hillside Haven Campground is perfectly suited for New York residents, especially those living in the Western and Central regions or those from the downstate area seeking a significant, high-quality weekend escape. It addresses two primary needs of the local traveler: prime location and reliable infrastructure.

The central location means less time driving and more time enjoying the state's best attractions—you can easily hike a world-famous gorge in the morning and be back for a local wine tasting in the afternoon. For the rapidly growing community of RV and large trailer owners, the "big rig friendly" design is a massive convenience, eliminating the stress of navigating tight, older campgrounds. Furthermore, the commitment to excellent, new utilities and strong Wi-Fi ensures a modern, hassle-free camping experience. Hillside Haven offers local New Yorkers a dependable, quiet, and amenity-rich home base from which to fully explore the natural beauty and culinary delights of the Finger Lakes. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxing retreat that still keeps all the adventure within easy reach.