Having spent time here over the years, this is one of those places that holds a special place in my heart.
There is something about the laughter echoing through the campground, the excitement of children racing to the playground, the smell of campfires drifting through the evening air, and the friendships formed around picnic tables that makes Hickory Hill Camping Resort feel like more than just a campground. It feels like a summer tradition.
On Saturday, June 27, Hickory Hill will once again open its gates for a day centered around everything we love about the Finger Lakes—community, family, giving back, and making memories.
The resort's Community Celebration will feature an Open House, Scamper's Birthday Celebration, and a special spotlight event: the Second Annual Hickory Hill Climb fundraiser benefiting Wellness G.I.F.T.S.
Founded by Hickory Hill owner Janet Opila-Lehman in 2001, Wellness G.I.F.T.S. provides social, recreational, therapeutic, and educational opportunities for individuals with special needs and their families throughout our region.
The annual climb has quickly become much more than a fundraiser. It is a reflection of the values that have long defined Hickory Hill—neighbors helping neighbors, families supporting one another, and a commitment to creating a community where everyone belongs.
Participants are invited to climb for a cause while helping raise awareness and support for this important organization. Registration is $25 per person and includes an event T-shirt.
⭐ Saturday Highlights at Hickory Hill
Saturday's Community Celebration is packed with activities for campers and visitors of all ages, making it the perfect day to experience everything Hickory Hill Camping Resort has to offer.
The day begins at 9:00 a.m. with a grab-and-go breakfast and registration for the Hickory Hill Climb. From 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., local vendors will be set up near the camp store, offering guests an opportunity to shop and connect with area businesses.
The climb itself takes place from 11:00 a.m. to noon, followed by plenty of family fun throughout the afternoon. Cool off at the 12:00 p.m. water slide by the lower pool, enjoy live music with Stereo Dave from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., or get creative during the 3:30 p.m. tie-dye activity.
As the sun begins to set, the campground comes alive for Scamper's Birthday Bash at 6:00 p.m. at the pavilion, featuring a raffle drawing, bike giveaway, and face painting.
Come hungry because the Keuka Trails Food Truck will be serving up delicious eats from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., while Unparallel Band provides live music to round out the evening.
Whether you're climbing for a cause, dancing to live music, shopping with local vendors, or simply enjoying time with family and friends, Saturday at Hickory Hill promises a full day of Finger Lakes fun.
Throughout the day, families can celebrate the birthday of Hickory Hill's beloved mascot, Scamper. Expect plenty of smiles, laughter, and the kind of moments that become favorite summer memories.
For those who have never visited Hickory Hill, the Open House offers the perfect opportunity to discover all the resort has to offer—from tent sites and RV hookups to cozy cabins, cottages, and lodges that make camping accessible for every style of traveler.
Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes, Hickory Hill also serves as an ideal home base for exploring everything our region has to offer: wineries, lakes, hiking trails, small towns, local shops, and the hidden gems that make this corner of New York so special.
As campground manager Alan Lehman shared, "Our goal is to bring people together. Whether families are joining us for a weekend getaway, supporting a local cause, celebrating with Scamper, or discovering everything the Finger Lakes has to offer, we want Hickory Hill to be a place where memories are made and community connections grow."
Guests attending the Open House are asked to register at the camp store before entering the park.
Plan Your Visit
Hickory Hill Camping Resort
7531 County Route 13
Bath, NY 14810
631-433-1813
www.hickoryhillcampingresort.com
Keuka Roots Reflection
In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, places like Hickory Hill remind us to slow down and savor the simple moments.
It's the joy of children chasing fireflies at dusk. The stories shared around a campfire. The friendships formed between neighboring campsites. The quiet reminder that some of life's best memories aren't found in grand adventures, but in the time we spend together.
What makes places like Hickory Hill so special isn't just the campsites, cabins, or amenities—it's the people behind them. As a family-owned and operated resort, Hickory Hill has been built on the belief that creating meaningful experiences matters. That commitment, carried through generations, can be felt in every welcoming smile, every thoughtfully planned activity, and every family tradition that returns year after year.
Generational businesses are woven into the fabric of the Finger Lakes. They remind us that stewardship matters, that community matters, and that the places we cherish today become part of the stories our children and grandchildren will tell tomorrow.
The ongoing support of organizations like Wellness G.I.F.T.S. is a reflection of those values—neighbors helping neighbors and families creating spaces where everyone belongs.
These are the places where roots grow deeper, memories last longer, and strangers often become friends.
And perhaps that's what summer around the Finger Lakes is really all about.
Stay Rooted. Stay Keuka.™
