Happy Pastures Campground Introduce
For New Yorkers looking to trade the rapid pace of city life for the rolling hills and serene waters of the Finger Lakes, Happy Pastures Campground offers an authentically rustic and educational escape. Located in the picturesque town of Spafford, just south of the village of Skaneateles, this family-owned destination is designed around the concept of "agritourism." It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to not only enjoy the great outdoors but to immerse themselves in the daily rhythms of a working farm. Whether you are arriving with a luxury RV or looking for a cozy cabin retreat, Happy Pastures invites you to reconnect with nature and agriculture in one of Central New York's most beautiful settings.
The campground’s mission is deeply rooted in fostering a greater appreciation for the ecosystem and the origins of our food. Managed by a dedicated local family, the atmosphere is characterized by a warm, personal touch that is often missing from larger corporate campgrounds. It is not uncommon to be greeted by the owners’ children on horseback or to see the farm’s animals wandering near the barn. The property sits at a high elevation between Skaneateles and Otisco Lakes, providing panoramic views that are particularly breathtaking during the "golden hour" as the sun sets over the valley. For those seeking a quiet, family-oriented environment where the primary entertainment is the local wildlife and friendly farm animals, Happy Pastures is a standout choice.
Location and Accessibility are key components of the Happy Pastures experience. Located at 1132 E Lake Rd, Skaneateles, NY 13152, the campground is easily reachable for residents across the state, serving as a perfect midpoint for those traveling from Syracuse, Rochester, or even the Southern Tier. While the setting is decidedly rural and private, it remains within a short 10-minute drive of the pristine shores of Skaneateles Lake and about 15 minutes from Otisco Lake. The property features organized on-site parking and wide access paths to accommodate various vehicle sizes. For local travelers, the proximity to the village of Skaneateles offers easy access to high-end dining and boutique shopping, though many guests find the peace of the "pasture" so compelling they rarely feel the need to leave.
- Situated on 50 scenic acres in the town of Spafford, New York.
- Centrally located between Skaneateles Lake and Otisco Lake.
- Easily accessible from major regional routes via E Lake Rd.
- Ample on-site parking designed for campers and visitors.
- Proximity to local attractions like the Bear Swamp State Forest.
Services Offered at Happy Pastures Campground cater to a variety of lodging preferences, ranging from traditional RV setups to fully furnished suites. The facility has undergone recent updates to ensure that even while guests are "roughing it," they have access to modern and sparkling clean amenities. The owners have carefully curated the services to support both short-term weekenders and long-term seasonal residents who wish to call the Finger Lakes home for a few months. Here is a look at what you can expect during your stay:
- RV Camping with dedicated 30-amp and 50-amp electrical hookups.
- Water hookups available at RV sites and shared hydrants for cabins.
- Seasonal RV dumping station located behind the main building for guest use.
- Cozy Cabin rentals equipped with heat, air conditioning, and lights for year-round comfort.
- Modern Hotel-style Suites featuring private bathrooms and kitchenettes.
- Sparkling clean bathhouses with individual shower, toilet, and sink units.
- Utility room featuring deep sinks for dishwashing and a community microwave.
- On-site Campground Store offering home-grown meat, coffee, and campfire supplies.
Features and Highlights are what truly set Happy Pastures apart from other regional campgrounds. The "Happy" in the name reflects the joyful interaction between the guests and the farm’s resident animals. The heart of the property is the Red Barn, which acts as a social and educational hub. Children and adults alike are encouraged to participate in the farm experience, turning a simple vacation into a memorable learning opportunity. The natural landscape also provides a playground for those who enjoy the simpler things in life, like birdwatching or stargazing under a sky free of light pollution.
- Interactive Animal Barn where guests can visit and pet cows, horses, goats, and chickens.
- "Chore Time" opportunities where families can help the owners feed and care for the animals.
- Stunning panoramic views of the hills and valleys from nearly every campsite.
- Small on-site pond perfect for catch-and-release fishing.
- Dedicated playground area for kids featuring swings and a rock-climbing wall.
- Sand volleyball court for friendly group games and outdoor recreation.
- Proximity to snowmobile trails and winter sports for year-round adventure.
- Cody’s Supply Cabin, stocked with games, toys, and firewood for cozy evenings.
For those ready to plan their Finger Lakes farm stay, reaching out to the owners is the best way to secure your spot. Whether you are looking for a weekend in a suite or a full season in the RV circle, the staff is known for being incredibly responsive and helpful.
- Address: 1132 E Lake Rd, Skaneateles, NY 13152, USA
- Phone: (315) 730-4421
- Mobile: +1 315-730-4421
What is worth choosing about Happy Pastures Campground is the rare combination of a breathtaking natural overlook and an intimate, small-scale farming experience. In a region known for its luxury lakefront properties, Happy Pastures offers a grounded, authentic alternative that emphasizes family, education, and the environment. It is the perfect choice for parents who want their children to understand the value of hard work and the beauty of agriculture, all while enjoying the comforts of a clean, modern campsite. Choosing this campground means you aren't just a number in a large RV park; you are a guest on a family’s homestead, invited to witness the daily magic of life in the pasture.
Moreover, the versatility of the accommodation makes it a year-round destination. While the RV sites are a summer staple, the climate-controlled cabins and suites allow New Yorkers to enjoy the Finger Lakes during the quiet beauty of winter or the vibrant colors of autumn. The cleanliness of the newly renovated facilities ensures that even the most "indoor" people can feel comfortable. If you value friendly hospitality, educational fun for your children, and some of the best sunset views in New York, Happy Pastures Campground is an exceptional local gem that deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.
Location
Customer Reviews
Had a wonderful experience despite the fact we wondered about what “being in a pasture” meant. We had beautiful views of the hills surrounding the campground from our camper van, which were especially gorgeous at sunset. Facilities were sparkling clean and new. We enjoyed the friendly welcome by the owner and her daughter (who rode in on horseback), to make sure we had everything we needed. We enjoyed the barn, visiting and petting the cows, horses and goats. For bird watchers, there are a nice variety of birds in the pasture and surrounding woods. Would definitely stay again.
We had an amazing stay at Happy Pastures. We stayed in one of the suites for 3 nights and we wished it was longer. The owners and their children were very friendly and allowed my daughter to get in there and help with chores. We loved being so close to the barn. The suite was perfect for my family (2 adults, 10yo and 3yo). We can't wait to go back.
This was a very nice campground to stay in because, the owner Kim was very warm and inviting. It is a relatively new park with RV sites as well as newer tent camping, which is more wooded. There were bathrooms on site as well as a small country store that featured many of their Creatively branded items. They also sell beef from their farm business. I bought a couple of sirloins which were delicious. The owner let me stay overnight and pay in the morning and greeted me with a cup of coffee. Which really helped me get through my morning because I was struggling having traveled for a week prior. I highly recommend checking this place out because it is close to Lake Skaneateles and many other points of interest.
Family owned and run, clean facilities, great view of sunset. Staff communicates clearly with check in/check out expectations and is readily available if you need something. The barn is walking distance, all the animals are very friendly, and you can go see them whenever. Highly recommend.
A very beautiful place, will stay again!
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