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Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds Introduce

Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds is a premier outdoor destination located in the picturesque rolling hills of Cortland, New York. Spread across 40 acres of lush landscape along the banks of the Tioghnioga River, this family-owned and operated facility has been a staple of the Central New York camping community for over 30 years. Designed to offer a classic "summer camp" feel combined with modern conveniences, the grounds provide a versatile escape for seasoned RV travelers and families seeking a weekend getaway. The park is characterized by its spacious layout, offering a mix of sunny, open meadows and shaded groves that cater to the diverse preferences of the modern camper.

The atmosphere at Yellow Lantern is one of nostalgia and community. As a facility that has been under the same family leadership since 1987, there is a deep-seated commitment to maintaining a safe, orderly, and welcoming environment. Visitors often find themselves immersed in a setting where tradition meets recreation, from evening campfires in the recreation hall to seasonal celebrations like "Christmas in July." Whether you are stopping over on a long journey through the Finger Lakes region or settling in for a seasonal stay, the campground provides a tranquil home base that highlights the natural beauty of the Upstate New York countryside.

Location and accessibility are among the top reasons travelers choose Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds. Conveniently situated at 1770 NY-13, Cortland, NY 13045, USA, the park is easily reached via Interstate 81 (Exit 11), making it a highly accessible stop for those traveling between Syracuse, Binghamton, and Ithaca. Its position just two miles outside historic downtown Cortland allows guests to enjoy a secluded natural setting while remaining minutes away from local amenities, including the CNY Living History Center, the 1890 House Museum, and various local eateries. The campground is also well-equipped for guests with mobility needs, featuring wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, and designated parking areas to ensure everyone can enjoy the great outdoors.

The service offerings at Yellow Lantern are comprehensive, designed to accommodate everything from the smallest pop-up campers to the largest luxury RVs. With over 250 sites available, the facility provides the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable and stress-free stay. The management prides itself on being onsite and available to assist guests, ensuring that even late-night arrivals are greeted with the helpful service that has become a hallmark of the Panzanella family's tenure. Services include:

  • Over 200 electrical sites, including options for 30-amp and 50-amp service to power modern rigs.
  • Full hookup sites featuring water, electric, and sewage connections for long-term convenience.
  • Clean and well-maintained restroom and shower facilities located at multiple points throughout the park.
  • Two onsite laundry facilities, making extended stays practical for families and full-time travelers.
  • A fully stocked camp store providing essentials such as ice, wood, s'mores supplies, and RV accessories.
  • Flexible payment options including debit cards and NFC mobile payments for a modern check-in experience.

The features and highlights of the campground are what truly bring the "Kamp Grounds" experience to life. From the refreshing swimming pool to the quiet riverfront fishing spots, there is something to engage every member of the family. The park is particularly noted for being "Good for Kids," offering structured play areas and seasonal events that keep younger campers entertained and active. The highlights of the facility include:

  • A large, sparkling swimming pool that serves as the center of activity during the warm summer months.
  • Two separate playgrounds featuring classic equipment that encourages outdoor play and social interaction.
  • A spacious recreation hall equipped with a fire pit, perfect for community gatherings and evening relaxation.
  • Tioghnioga River access along the back of the property, offering peaceful views and opportunities for fishing.
  • Pet-friendly policies that welcome dogs, ensuring that your four-legged family members don't have to stay behind.
  • Regularly scheduled community events, including hayrides, bingo, and themed holiday weekends like "Halloween in August."

For those planning a visit to the Cortland area, reaching out to the campground office is the best way to secure your preferred spot. Reservations are encouraged, especially during peak summer holidays and the popular autumn foliage season. Contact details for the facility are as follows:

Address: 1770 NY-13, Cortland, NY 13045, USA

Phone: (607) 756-2959

Mobile Phone: +1 607-756-2959

When considering which campground is worth choosing in Central New York, Yellow Lantern Kamp Grounds stands out for its longevity and dedicated family management. It is an ideal choice for the traveler who values a structured environment where rules are respected to ensure the comfort and safety of all guests. The pride of ownership is evident in the level sites, the well-manicured grounds, and the ongoing improvements made to the electrical and sewage systems over the decades. Unlike more corporate or impersonal parks, Yellow Lantern offers a genuine connection to the local community and a staff that genuinely cares about your experience.

Furthermore, the campground is worth choosing for its unbeatable proximity to the Finger Lakes' eastern gateway. Staying here puts you within a 30-minute drive of the vibrant culture of Ithaca and the scenic gorges of Taughannock Falls, while still allowing you to return to the quiet, star-filled skies of Cortland. The combination of vintage charm, modern RV hookups, and a safe, kid-friendly atmosphere makes it a reliable and delightful choice for anyone looking to experience the heart of New York's outdoor lifestyle. Whether you are fishing by the river or enjoying a wagon ride through the park, Yellow Lantern provides the backdrop for the kind of memories that keep families returning year after year.

Location

Customer Reviews

3.0
83 reviews
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Chasemom
Aug 26, 2025

What a lovely experience. Sandy and her husband were so accommodating. We did not arrive until 10pm and they welcomed us and were so helpful. I would disregard the bad reviews on here. There are a set of rules to follow at all campgrounds and the more negative reviews are from the rule breakers! ❤️We stayed here again on our way back home, 8/25. Another great stay and Sandy was so accommodating again. We did not arrive until 8pm. Thank you and see you again in October! 😉

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Gregor Profitlich
Jun 14, 2025

The staff was extremely unfriendly! We arrived on bikes and while one of us waited at the office, the other one just had a quick look at the place to see if it would suit us. We were told that this had been trespassing. The manager even accused us to have used the restrooms! Finally she claimed that they don’t take tents, even though we had seen tents on the photos on Google. The campground is on nice grounds, and it was almost completely empty, but the staff is extremely unfriendly!

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sandra hill
Jun 24, 2025

This is a late review. This campground was beautiful and quiet. We were too far from the office for the wi-fi to work well but that’s not too important to us. The staff was friendly. They readily allowed us to stay past check out time to finish a time sensitive issue.

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Carrie Boyle
Sep 07, 2025

Love this Campground! The owners are the sweetest couple! The sites are spacious and the pool is refreshing! We love it here!

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Sarah Scorse
Aug 13, 2024

We had a great experience as a family at the yellow lantern. This is our 3rd year camping there! The kids enjoyed playing in the pool, riding their bikes and playing on the playground. It was a very quiet and peaceful campground. Thank you for a wonderful time!