Spruce Row Campground

For many New Yorkers, especially those in the central and western parts of the state, the Finger Lakes region represents a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and vibrant culture. Nestled high above Cayuga Lake, just north of downtown Ithaca, Spruce Row Campground & RV Park offers a fantastic opportunity to experience this beloved area from a comfortable and family-friendly base. This privately owned, family-run campground prides itself on providing a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, from first-time campers to seasoned RV enthusiasts. With a wide range of site types and amenities, Spruce Row aims to ensure that whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an activity-packed family vacation, your stay in the heart of the Finger Lakes is memorable and enjoyable. It's a spot where you can truly unpack, unwind, and explore the wonders of one of New York's most iconic regions.

Spruce Row Campground & RV Park is conveniently located at 2271 Kraft Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA. Its position high above Cayuga Lake offers scenic beauty while maintaining excellent accessibility to the myriad attractions of the Finger Lakes. The campground is situated just north of downtown Ithaca, making it a short drive to Cornell University, Ithaca College, and the city's vibrant downtown. Moreover, its location provides easy access to some of the region's most famous natural wonders, including Taughannock Falls, Buttermilk Falls, and Ithaca Falls, all within a short drive. For those coming from outside the immediate Ithaca area, the campground is easily reachable via major state routes like NY-96. While some internal roads are noted as being gravel and potentially having potholes, the overall access to the campground from main roads is straightforward. This central location in the Finger Lakes makes Spruce Row an ideal hub for New Yorkers looking to explore the area's renowned waterfalls, wine trails (including the Cayuga Wine Trail), and charming small towns, all without extensive travel.

Spruce Row Campground & RV Park offers a diverse array of services and amenities designed to cater to various camping preferences, from tenters to large RVs, ensuring a comfortable and engaging stay for families and individuals alike.

• Campsites: The campground features approximately 180-200 sites, accommodating tents, RVs, and even on-site RV rentals and cabins. You can choose from regular or pull-through campsites.
• Hookups: Many sites offer water and electric hookups (20, 30, and 50 amp available). There are also full hookup sites with sewer connections, and dedicated tent-only sites.
• Restrooms and Showers: Clean and well-maintained restroom facilities with hot showers are available for all campers.
• Swimming Pool: A "super-sized" 70' x 103' swimming pool is a major highlight, described as being tapered at all sides for easy access, suitable for all ages. Note that it's a "swim at your own risk" pool with no lifeguard.
• Fishing Pond: A large, stocked fishing pond provides excellent opportunities for angling, with reviewers noting catches of various sizes, including large bass.
• Camp Store: An on-site camp store offers essentials like firewood (must be purchased locally to prevent invasive species spread), ice, snacks, and some camping supplies.
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is advertised as available throughout the campground, though a past review suggests connectivity might vary, so it's wise to plan for limited reliance.
• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available for RVs.
• Pet-Friendly: Spruce Row is a pet-friendly campground, allowing pets (with some restrictions; call for details) so your furry family members can join the adventure.
• Laundry Facilities: Self-service laundry facilities are likely available (common for campgrounds of this size, though not explicitly detailed in all sources, usually implied by Good Sam ratings).

These services aim to provide a comprehensive and convenient camping experience for all guests.

Spruce Row Campground & RV Park offers a wealth of features and highlights that contribute to its reputation as a family-friendly and engaging destination in the Finger Lakes region:

• Abundant On-Site Activities: The campground provides a wide range of activities to keep everyone entertained, including two playgrounds, a jump pad, miniature golf, hiking trails, a game room, and daily hayrides.
• Planned Weekend Activities & Theme Events: A significant highlight is the robust schedule of planned activities and theme weekends. These include events like Christmas in July, NASCAR Weekend, Pig Roasts, Halloween Weekends, and various crafts and games, ensuring there's always something fun happening for kids and adults alike.
• Family-Oriented Atmosphere: Reviewers consistently praise the "family-friendly atmosphere" and the sense of community. Many highlight how suitable it is for children, with one guest noting, "My kids LOVE the pool!"
• Natural Surroundings: Beyond the amenities, the campground is nestled in a beautiful natural setting "high above Cayuga Lake," providing a refreshing backdrop for your escape. Willow Creek runs through the property, offering opportunities to wade and look for crayfish.
• Proximity to Finger Lakes Attractions: Spruce Row serves as an excellent base camp for exploring the wider Finger Lakes region. It's a short drive to:
  • Spectacular Waterfalls: Taughannock Falls State Park (home to one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rockies), Buttermilk Falls State Park, and Ithaca Falls are all nearby.
  • Wineries & Breweries: The renowned Cayuga Wine Trail and other Finger Lakes wineries and breweries are easily accessible for tastings and tours.
  • Universities: Close to Cornell University and Ithaca College, making it convenient for visiting families or alumni.
  • Cultural & Educational Sites: Attractions like the Sciencenter, Museum of the Earth, Cayuga Nature Center, and local farmers' markets are just a short drive away.
  • Watkins Glen: Approximately 25-30 minutes away, offering access to Watkins Glen State Park's famous gorge trail and the Watkins Glen International NASCAR track.
• Black Diamond Trail Access: The trailhead for the Black Diamond Trail is less than half a mile from the campground entrance, perfect for hiking, biking, and birding, connecting Taughannock Falls State Park to Cass Park in Ithaca.

These combined features ensure that guests at Spruce Row Campground have both on-site entertainment and convenient access to the best of the Finger Lakes region.

For reservations, inquiries, or more specific information regarding Spruce Row Campground & RV Park, please use the following contact details. It's always best to contact them directly, especially for current availability, rates, and any specific questions about their policies or facilities.

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

Phone: (607) 387-9225

Mobile Phone: +1 607-387-9225 (This is the same as the main phone number)

Email: camping@sprucerow.com

Website: www.sprucerow.com

The office hours are typically from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during their operating season (May 1 to Columbus Day in October). If calling during off-season months, they advise leaving a message for a prompt return call.

Spruce Row Campground & RV Park truly offers a compelling package for New York locals seeking a versatile and engaging camping experience in the Finger Lakes. Despite some varied feedback regarding road conditions or Wi-Fi consistency, the overwhelming sentiment from many campers, including those with young families, is overwhelmingly positive. One satisfied guest perfectly encapsulated its appeal: "We had a great time! The place is beautiful... We will definitely return." Another local family expressed, "It makes us realize what a great place we have that it is so close to home, yet oh so nice to get away!" The campground excels in providing a vibrant, activity-rich environment, with a "huge" swimming pool and a "great" fishing pond where "my nephew and I caught a lot of fish." The "friendly and helpful staff" and "lots of weekend activities for the kids" are consistent praises. For New Yorkers, this means a convenient escape that feels far removed from the daily grind, offering a genuine family-friendly atmosphere where kids can thrive and adults can relax. Its prime location near Ithaca's famous waterfalls, universities, and the Cayuga Wine Trail provides endless opportunities for exploration and discovery, making it an ideal base for experiencing the best of the Finger Lakes region. Spruce Row Campground provides an accessible, amenity-rich, and memorable outdoor adventure right in our own beautiful state.