General Campground Information

Select My Site

Looking to reserve a specific site?  We now have a way to do this when booking either online or by phone.  For online reservations, go to the Choose You Campsite page  (after entering your dates, number of guests, and equipment) and click on the KOA Select My Site link for the site type you are looking for. When using the select my site feature guests will be charged a one-time convenience fee in keeping with the current rate for this optional feature.

Cable Service

Please Note: Starting May 6, 2025, cable TV will no longer be available at the Watkins Glen/Corning KOA Resort. We've made this change to focus on enhancing other aspects of the guest experience, including upgraded Wi-Fi for streaming and connectivity. Thank you for your understanding!

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY & PHOTO USE RELEASE FORM

All Campers/Guests over the age of 18 are required to sign a WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY & PHOTO USE RELEASE FORM for themselves and any minors they are responsible for. This waiver can be found here: Watkins Glen/Corning KOA Liability Waiver.

During Check in/Arrival: Please have all person(s) over the age of 18 come into the camp store to complete this paperwork.

Check-in/Check-out Times

Check-in time is after 2:00 pm for sites and after 3:00 pm for cabins. Check-out time for cabins is by 11:00 am, for sites is by 12:00 noon. Early check-in requires prior approval. Late check-out requires prior approval plus the current hourly late check-out fee.

Store Hours

Currently our Kampstore is open from 9:00am - 9:00pm daily.  Before Memorial Day weekend and after Labor Day weekend, the hours will be posted at the store entrance.

Pool Hours - General Rules

The indoor and outdoor pool hours are from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm until Labor Day weekend.  After that, the indoor pool is open the same hours as the store.  Everyone must have a wristband to enter the indoor pool area. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times that they are at the pool and are not allowed in the hot tub.  The pools are not life guarded.

Late Arrival

If you are arriving late, please make sure you have a reservation. We are a gated campground and you will need to receive a card at the front desk to enter. Our store is open until 9 pm from Father's Day weekend thru Labor Day weekend. For other arrival dates please call 800-562-7430 before 5 pm if you are expecting to arrive late.

Pet Policy

We do not allow pets in our Deluxe Cabins, but we do allow them in our 1 & 2 Room Camping Cabins, and of course they are welcome in all other sites.  Aggressive dogs are not allowed and will result in eviction. Please clean up after your pets and keep them on a leash. It's highly recommended that you to bring your pet's shot records.

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours are from 11:00 pm to 8:00 am. Turn off all outside radios and TVs by 10 pm.

Visitor Policy

All visitors must register at the front desk. There is a visitor fee that will be charged per person. All visiting cars must have a car pass.

Group Reservation Policy

For two or more site reservations, our $25 premium reservation fee will automatically be added to each reservation.  This will lock your sites together.  PLUS you will each receive fresh cookies!

Firewood Policy

New York State has mandated that firewood from more than 50 miles away from our campground not be brought in unless you have a proof of sales with an accepted certification.

Speed Limit 5MPH

Posted Speed Limits are in place for the protection of our campers & pets. All guests are required to abide by the 5 mph maximum speed limit.
We care about the safety and well-being of all of our guests. We do not want any of our guests to cause or become the victim of a motor vehicle accident that results in serious injury or death here at the Watkins Glen KOA. Once an incident occurs we cannot turn back the clock, but we can all work together to prevent a devastating accident.

Golf Cart Rentals

Rentals of our campground golf carts can be made ahead of arrival by calling the campground at 800-562-7430 or by visiting the store.  Drivers of our golf carts must be licensed and be 18 years of age or older.  No open or closed alcohol is allowed on the golf carts. (a violation of these rules and all other declared rules will result in the immediate confiscating of the golf cart, no refund will be issued.)

Tent Site Policy

For tent sites, we allow four adults per site, when there are no children under 18.

Personal Golf Carts

Personal Golf Carts are allowed to be used at the Watkins Glen/Corning KOA Resort.  Drivers of golf carts must be licensed and be 18 years of age or older. Golf Cart must be insured; other terms apply. No open or closed alcohol is allowed on the golf carts.

Violation of golf cart rules will result in a Tire Lock/Wheel Clamp "Boot" being placed onto your golf cart for the remainder of your stay. The "Boot" WILL NOT BE REMOVED UNTIL AFTER 9 AM ON THE DAY OF YOUR DEPARTURE.

General Campground FAQs

Q: Where is the Watkins Glen/Corning KOA Resort located?
A: We're located in the heart of the Finger Lakes at 1710 State Route 414, Watkins Glen, NY 14891, just minutes from Watkins Glen State Park, downtown Watkins Glen, and a short drive to Corning, & the Corning Museum of Glass
Q: What types of sites do you offer?
A: We offer a variety of accommodations including RV Sites (full hookup and pull-thru), Tent Sites, Camping Cabins, Deluxe Cabins, and Lodges—something for every type of camper.
Q: When does the campground open for the 2026 season?
A: Our 2026 season begins on April 3rd and runs through November 1st.
Q: Is the campground pet-friendly?
A: Yes! We welcome well-behaved pets at our RV and tent sites, and our cabins are pet-friendly too (Additional Fees may apply depending on cabin type).
Q: Is there Wi-Fi at the campground?
A: Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the campground.
Q: Do you have an indoor pool?
A: Yes! Our indoor pool is open during our entire camping season, and our outdoor pool & water slide opens seasonally, weather permitting.
Q: What amenities are available on-site?
A: Enjoy amenities like our indoor pool, outdoor pool, hiking trails, jumping pillow, mini golf, gem mining, fishing pond, food truck, and scheduled activities throughout the season. *And So Much More*

Events & Activities FAQs

Q: What events do you host during the season?
A: We offer themed weekends and family activities all season long. Check our event calendar for details on activities we host, and those happening in the local area.
Q: Are the activities just for kids?
A: Our Activities Team runs crafts, games, themed weekends, and fun events for kids, adults, and families all season.
Q: Can non-registered guests join in on activities?
A: Most activities and amenities are exclusive to registered campers & their registered guests.

Facility & Services FAQs

Q: Do you have laundry facilities?
A: Yes, 24/7 laundry facilities are available for guest use.
Q: Is there a store on-site?
A: Yes! Our Camp Store is stocked with camping essentials, snacks, souvenirs, and local Finger Lakes products.
Q: Do the Deluxe Cabins have bathrooms and kitchens?
A: Yes, Deluxe Cabins and Lodges feature private bathrooms, kitchen(ettes), and climate control. *Unless otherwise noted in site description 
Q: Is there a dump station available?
A: Yes, we have an on-site dump station, and many of our RV sites are full hookup for convenience.

Local Area & Concierge FAQs

Q: How close is the campground to Watkins Glen State Park?
A: We're less than 3 miles from the main park entrance—just a short drive to explore the famous Gorge Trail and waterfalls.
Q: What are some nearby attractions?
A: Top local attractions include Watkins Glen State Park, Seneca Lake Wine Trail, Watkins Glen International Speedway, and the Corning Museum of Glass.
Q: Do you offer concierge or local activity recommendations?
A: Yes! Our Guest Experience Team can help you plan local adventures based on your interests - from waterfall hikes and wine tours to dining and family fun.

Meet Your Hosts

Paul & Cam Friesen, Matt & Lavender Bush

Our goal is that you have a legendary camping experience, making us the standard by which you measure all others.

Paul and Cam Friesen enjoyed camping with their kids over the years and now enjoy the lifestyle of KOA ownership.

They purchased their KOA in June 1992, moving from the Chicago area. "Paul and I like working together. And when our kids were still at home, it was nice being together as a family," notes Cam.

Prior to moving to the KOA Kampground business, Cam was a full-time Mom for their four kids, and Paul was a manager in computer information systems for an office supply company. They enjoyed camping in Wisconsin and Minnesota prior to heading east.

Now that their children are grown, and the grandchildren have started arriving, they have become avid RVers and enjoy travel throughout the year.

"We like the campers who come here," Cam added, and they do their best to keep the customers happy.

Paul designed and built a creative Pirate Ship playground using 100% recycled plastic lumber, which is safer for the kids, Cam noted. "It's huge. It's 44 feet long and has a couple of decks and slides and walkways. The kids just have a ball on there."

Another project was even larger. They built a 6,900-square-foot indoor recreational building in 2005, complete with a large indoor pool, spa, and fitness room.