Spruce Row Campground

- 2271 Kraft Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850

For New York residents looking to experience the breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant culture of the Finger Lakes region, Spruce Row Campground & RV Park in Ithaca, NY, offers a perfect home base. Located high above the shores of Cayuga Lake, Spruce Row is renowned as a family-oriented destination, providing everything from rustic tent sites to spacious, full-hookup RV sites, and even on-site rentals including RVs and a Deluxe Cottage. The park's commitment is to an exciting, memorable, and relaxing vacation experience for all ages, with a strong emphasis on community and on-site activities.

The campground operates seasonally, typically from May 1st to early October, offering various accommodations to suit every style of outdoor enthusiast. Guests consistently praise the park's excellent location and the helpfulness of the staff and ownership. For instance, one review highlights an instance where the owner personally came out to help diagnose a battery draining issue on an RV, even providing a charger—a level of support and customer care that goes above and beyond the expected campground service. This friendly atmosphere, combined with a commitment to maintaining a family environment with enforced quiet hours, makes Spruce Row a highly desirable escape. While the dirt and gravel roads have been noted as rough, and there are strict policies regarding early check-in fees and non-refundable deposits, the overall value is found in the array of activities and its unparalleled proximity to some of New York's most treasured natural landmarks.

Spruce Row Campground’s location is arguably one of its greatest assets, offering prime access to the best of the Finger Lakes region, particularly the Ithaca area and the Cayuga Lake corridor.

The physical address is: 2271 Kraft Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA.

This location places the campground in the town of Ulysses, just outside the city of Ithaca, granting guests both tranquility and convenience. Access is simple via well-maintained regional roads. From a local user’s perspective, the proximity to key destinations is unrivaled:

• **Taughannock Falls State Park:** Located a mere 5-minute drive away (approximately 1 mile), offering immediate access to one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rockies.
• **Ithaca & Cornell University:** Only about 15 minutes away, providing quick trips for dining, shopping, cultural events (like the Hangar Theatre and Sciencenter), and campus visits.
• **Cayuga Wine Trail:** Within a 5-mile radius, allowing easy day trips to taste local wines and experience the region's burgeoning viticulture.
• **Other State Parks:** Within a 30-minute drive, campers can easily reach Buttermilk Falls State Park, Robert H. Treman State Park, and Watkins Glen State Park, solidifying its standing as a central hub for gorge exploration.
• **Black Diamond Trail:** A trailhead is less than a half-mile from the campground entrance, perfect for hiking and biking enthusiasts.

This exceptional positioning makes it an ideal spot for New Yorkers who want to maximize their Finger Lakes itinerary.

Spruce Row offers a diverse range of accommodations and essential support services to ensure a comfortable stay for all types of campers and visitors.

• **Variety of Site Types:** The park features non-hookup tent sites (often located in desirable, quiet wooded areas), water and electric sites, and full hookup sites (electric, water, sewer) for large RVs and travel trailers.
• **On-Site Rentals:** For those without their own equipment, the campground provides on-site RV rentals (large travel trailers with full amenities) and a Deluxe Cottage rental, complete with kitchen and full bath.
• **Campground Store:** A well-equipped on-site store ensures campers have access to necessities, including essential supplies and park-approved bundles of seasoned firewood (in compliance with NYS DEC regulations to prevent the spread of invasive pests).
• **Waste Management Services:** Garbage and recyclables are conveniently picked up at the campsite, and the park offers a "Honey Wagon" holding tank dumping service right at the site for a fee, in addition to a complimentary dump station use.
• **RV Assistance:** As highlighted in a customer review, the ownership and staff have shown willingness to assist guests with vehicle maintenance issues, offering a level of personalized support beyond typical campground expectations.
• **Restroom and Shower Facilities:** Multiple restroom and shower facilities are provided, though guests should be aware that occasional closures may affect access to the nearest facility, making it wise to inquire at the front desk upon check-in.

The recreational features at Spruce Row are a major draw, solidifying its identity as a family entertainment destination.

• **Super-Sized Swimming Pool:** A standout feature is the massive 70' x 103' swimming pool, which is tapered on all sides for easy access, providing a fantastic centerpiece for summer fun.
• **Planned Activities and Theme Weekends:** The park actively hosts a calendar of events, including planned activities, crafts, games, and popular theme weekends (like Halloween), ensuring that guests have entertainment regardless of the weather.
• **Recreational Variety:** On-site fun includes two playgrounds, a jump pad (bounce pillow), an 18-hole mini-golf course, and a "Fun Hut" for indoor games and group activities.
• **Nature and Water Access:** The park features a large fishing pond stocked with trout, sunfish, and bass, and offers nature experiences like exploring Willow Creek for crayfish.
• **Proximity to Hiking:** Easy access to the Black Diamond Trail provides miles of pathways for hiking, biking, and connecting to Taughannock Falls State Park and Ithaca.
• **Friendly and Helpful Staff:** The consistent feedback regarding the owner’s and staff’s friendly, personal service creates a highly welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere that makes return visits appealing.

To secure your reservation or inquire about seasonal rates and rentals at this highly sought-after Finger Lakes destination, please use the contact details provided below.

Address: 2271 Kraft Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA

Phone: (607) 387-9225

Mobile Phone: +1 607-387-9225

Reservations, especially for holiday weekends, often require a three-night minimum stay and are subject to strict, non-refundable deposit policies. It is always best practice to confirm the terms before booking.

Spruce Row Campground is exceptionally suitable for New York locals—particularly those seeking a high-value, activity-packed vacation in the Southern Tier—because it expertly balances prime location with extensive on-site amenities. It functions as the ultimate basecamp for experiencing the world-class natural attractions and academic excitement of the Ithaca area, offering quick drives to the magnificent Taughannock Falls, the Cayuga Wine Trail, Cornell University, and countless other gorges and trails.

For families, the large pool, jump pad, mini-golf, and organized weekend activities ensure that the kids are entertained, giving adults a chance to relax. Furthermore, the dedication of the owner and staff, exemplified by their personal assistance to guests with technical issues, provides a sense of security and genuine hospitality that is deeply appreciated by campers. While the need for road maintenance and strict cancellation fees are points for travelers to note, the convenience of the location, the breadth of recreational features, and the welcoming environment make Spruce Row a compelling and highly practical choice for New Yorkers looking for a memorable and hassle-free Finger Lakes camping experience.

Spruce Row Campground

2271 Kraft Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA