Established Camping
Gilbert Lake State Park Campground
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 3PM 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 not permitted.
Gilbert Lake State Park Campground, near Laurens, New York, is a fantastic spot for families and nature lovers alike. With a mix of tent sites, RV accommodations, and cozy cabins, it’s designed to cater to various camping styles while providing a comfortable experience.
The campground boasts clean facilities, including showers and toilets, which visitors appreciate after a day of hiking or swimming. Many campers have raved about the spacious cabins, highlighting features like a full kitchen, a fireplace, and a screened-in porch. One happy camper noted, “Spacious cabin was clean and comfortable,” making it a great choice for those who prefer a bit more comfort while enjoying the outdoors.
Outdoor activities abound here, with miles of hiking trails and a beautiful lake that’s perfect for swimming and fishing—though be aware of the recent algae issues. Families can enjoy the playground and picnic areas, while the disc golf course adds a fun twist for those looking to stay active. As one reviewer put it, “The park is very well maintained. The lake is gorgeous.”
If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with plenty of amenities and activities, Gilbert Lake State Park Campground is a solid choice. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows by the fire or exploring the scenic trails, you’ll find plenty to love about this campground.
Description
NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Gilbert Lake State Park
Gilbert Lake State Park's lake and three ponds lie in wooded, hilly terrain in the foothills of the Catskills. In addition to cabins and campsites, the park has more than 12 miles of interconnecting trails for hikers, skiers, snowmobilers and snowshoers. Playgrounds and a disc golf course, as well as swimming, boating, and fishing are also featured.
Park Rules & Information: - There is very poor cell service at the park.
- Maximum occupancy per campsite is 6 people.
- Maximum number of tents per campsite is 2.
- Tents are NOT permitted on Cabin sites.
- The permit holder must be at least 18 years of age to rent a campsite/cabin and must be present at all times. Park staff will check ID upon check-in.
- Chainsaws, subletting of camping areas, roller-blades, firearms, and fireworks are not allowed in the park.
- Water balloons are not allowed in the park.
- Firewood available at park, fires are allowed in designated areas only.
- Campers must be on site before the park closes and visitors must leave by 10PM. Park closes at sunset.
- Water is centrally located.
- Quiet hours 10PM to 8AM.
- Smoking is not permitted in the cabins.
- Generators may be used between the hours of 9AM to 11AM and 5PM to 9PM.
- There is an overflow parking area available for 3rd vehicles for a fee.
CABINS:
- Cabins require a 7 or 14-night minimum stay ALL SEASON. Restrictions are as follows:
- Cabins 1-12 and 17-21 require a Sunday to Sunday stay.
- Cabins 13-16 and 22-33 require a Saturday to Saturday stay.
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.
SWIMMING: Each year the campground makes every effort to provide safe swimming opportunities by testing the water and by keeping the swimming areas staffed with lifeguards. Please be aware that if the safety of our swimmers is compromised due to lack of lifeguard coverage or water quality issues, swimming will be prohibited. Swimming cannot be a guaranteed activity; therefore, we cannot offer refunds on camping stays. We apologize for this inconvenience as it may occur with little advance notice.
Looking to reserve campsite for just 1 night? If you make your reservation within 3 days of your arrival you can book a 1-night stay online or through the Call Center. Applies to campsites only.
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
Location
Gilbert Lake State Park Campground is located in New York
Directions
PLEASE NOTE: GPS navigation to Park is NOT accurate. PLEASE follow road side signs from main roadways. From Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse: Thruway (I-90) East to exit 30, Herkimer; Rte 5S West to Rte 51 South. Left on County Rte 12, follow signs four miles to park entrance. From Albany: I-88 West to Rte 205 (exit 13); Rte 205 North to Laurens; County Rte 12 West to park entrance. New York: Thruway (I-87) to exit 21 (Hudson-Catskill); Rte 23 West to Oneonta; Rte 205 to Laurens; County Rte 12 to park entrance. 607-432-2114
Address
18 CCC RD
Laurens, NY 13796
Coordinates
42.57300069 N
75.12800082 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 58 min from Utica
- 1 hr 2 min from Binghamton
- 1 hr 22 min from Albany
- 1 hr 37 min from Syracuse