12 Mile (Horsey Hilton) Camping Area
Gaines, New York
camping area, 4 numbered site, mostly ATV users now
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
The Finger Lakes National Forest, positioned along the ridges between Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake, offers scenic beauty and unlimited recreational opportunities any season of the year. Whether you are a hiker, cross country skier, camper, fishing or hunting enthusiast, snowmobiler, horseback rider, mountain biker, or wildlife watcher, the Forest can provide the recreational experience you are seeking!The most popular season is autumn when the trees and pastures are ablaze with color. Hunter ejo
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Reviews
Watkins Glen is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
New York weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Watkins Glen.
Don't miss local attractions near Watkins Glen. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
Mar 23, 2026
This is a real gem in Central NY. The only national forest in the state. There is a small campground for a fee but you may also backpack/hike into several areas to disperse camp. A lean-to is on the finger lakes trail that runs through the southern part of the forest. The Interloken trail is a 12 mile trail right though the center. Also horse trails, horse camps and group camping areas available.
Mar 23, 2026
Quiet and relaxation, I did a 7 day they hike from Watkins Glen (check out the waterfalls) to Ellicotville I met half a dozen people, very peaceful. I also hiked a 14hr loop from Watkins until 4am!! Coyotes, Deer, owls and other things I couldn’t see with a full sky of stars was a fantastic experience on a well marked, well maintained trail- hats off to the caretakers
Mar 23, 2026
Excellent trails to hike. Areas of water and waterfalls, views over Seneca Lake. Many trails have periodic ways to get back to main roads too. A means in my view to save a life of accidents happen. I have been coming here for years and just did the entire interloken trail.
Mar 23, 2026
It seems like a nice place to hike. We went when it was raining and cold so we didn't meet anyone else. It's very flat, wooden and in the spring we went, there are quite some flowers. That section has trail in the woods and dirt road running parallel with it. So you can take either. Be aware there is very little parking, 4 cars, at the trailhead.
Mar 23, 2026
Small but pleasant national forest. In a state deprived of Federal land, this was an oasis. We camped along chicken coop road and marveled at the golden foliage, clear skies, and well-established dispersed campsite options.
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