Reservations are available through NYS Office of Parks, and nightly rates run $17 to $65 depending on site type, with the season running from mid-May through early October. Bowman Lake State Park Campground sits in Oxford, New York, set within densely wooded terrain that gives most sites a noticeably shady canopy. Back-in sites are gravel and not always level, so trailer campers should come prepared to work with the terrain. The campground layout winds through the trees in a way that puts 20 to 30 feet between most sites, and the heavy tree cover tends to muffle generator noise even when the campground fills up.
The lake draws most of the activity. Anglers will find it regularly stocked with trout, and there is a boat ramp and rental marina for those arriving by water. A small swimming area with a sandy edge provides lake access, though the bottom softens considerably further out. Trails loop around the lake and connect to biking routes, though multiple reviewers note the hiking options are limited in scope. Fire pits at individual sites include a cinder block wall that supports a cooking grate and blocks wind.
Facilities include bathrooms with showers, though the campground has historically relied on a central bathhouse that can mean a longer walk depending on site placement. Cleanliness is mixed across reviews. One reviewer noted "trees fallen down across the sites," so conditions can vary by season and maintenance cycle. Campers interested in the broader region can also browse campgrounds near Bowman Lake State Park or consider nearby options like Pharsalia Woods Lean-To Campsite to the north. If the wooded sites and lake access fit your itinerary, booking ahead is the surest way to secure a spot.
Description
Bowman Lake State Park is a 967-acre remote retreat known as "a camper's paradise". Scenic park roads wind through evergreen and hardwood forests to 150 campsites and 8 cabins. There is a sandy lakefront for swimmers and sunbathers with several picnic areas nearby. The lake is regularly stocked with trout, and birdwatchers can spot as many as 103 species of birds. There are over 13 miles of scenic trails for hiking as well as marked snowmobile and cross-country trails for winter enjoyment.
ATTENTION PET OWNERS: - Current proof of rabies inoculation is required at check-in (metal tags will not be accepted).
- At any time during your stay, pet owners may be required to provide proof of rabies inoculation upon request. Be sure to have this information available to present to park staff.
- Where pets are permitted, there is a maximum limit of 2 pets per site.
- Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6ft and under control at all times.
- Do not leave pets unattended and always clean up after them.
- Pet owners/permit holders are liable for any damage, personal injury, or nuisance caused by the pet.
- Pets are not permitted in beach areas or bathrooms.
SWIMMING: Each year, the park makes every effort to provide safe swimming opportunities by testing the water regularly and maintaining an adequate number of trained lifeguards. If park staff feels that the safety of beach patrons is compromised due to inadequate lifeguard coverage or water quality issues, swimming will be prohibited until a time that those issues are resolved. There will be NO REFUNDS issued on camping stays if the beach is closed for swimming. We apologize for this inconvenience as it may occur with little advance notice.
PRE-REGISTRATION: Have an existing reservation? Don't forget to PRE-REGISTER!! Two days prior to arrival you can sign into Reserve America and pre-register. IT SAVES TIME.
LENGTH OF STAY: A camping party and their equipment may occupy a site for a maximum of 14 continuous nights. After which, the camping party and equipment must leave the site and facility for 48 hours before registering again for another site.
Please Note: To ensure fairness for all NY customers, any reservation with departure dates outside the 9-month Maximum Window cannot be changed or cancelled until 18 days after the reservation was made.
OPRHP General Camping Rules, Information, and Cancellation Policy
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
New York State Park Campgrounds: Same-day reservations are allowed until 3 p.m. on day of arrival; this applies to campsites only. Reservations can be made online or through the ReserveAmerica Call Center: 1-800-456-2267. Walk-ins are permitted on campsites only.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBowman Lake State Park Campground is located in New York near Oxford
Directions
The park is located off Route 220, 8 miles west of Oxford. 607-334-2718
Address
745 BLIVEN SHERMAN ROAD
Oxford, NY 13830
Coordinates
42.52200031 N
75.68000097 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 41 min from Binghamton, NY
- 1 hr 3 min from Ithaca, NY
- 1 hr 5 min from Syracuse, NY
- 1 hr 16 min from Utica, NY
