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Established Camping

Gilbert Lake State Park Campground

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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.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

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Location

Gilbert Lake State Park Campground is located in New York

Detail location of campground

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

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

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

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Jan. 23, 2022

Fantastic Cabin Getaway

Spacious cabin was clean and comfortable. Two bedrooms, one with bunk beds and another with a full. There were dressers in each room. Also in the main room with a fireplace, futon, and table with benches. Screened-in porch that had a toilet area. Full kitchen with fridge, oven and sink.

Two entrances, one to the kitchen and the other to the porch. Outside was a fire ring.

An easy hike to a nearby lake was very pretty. Lots of wildlife, coyotes howling in the distance at night and plenty of deer. Perfect time of year to go, barely any mosquitoes and it was warm during the day but cool at night to enjoy a roaring fire inside.

Large park with nice playground and picnic area for day use.

We had better than average cell phone service near/in the cabin with AT&T.

Site025
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Gilbert Lake State Park Campground by W L., January 23, 2022
  • Review photo of Gilbert Lake State Park Campground by W L., January 23, 2022
  • Review photo of Gilbert Lake State Park Campground by W L., January 23, 2022
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2021

Great spot !

We absolutely loved camping here! The park is very well maintained. The lake is gorgeous. We almost had the place to ourselves.

Site60
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 24, 2020

Good place to camp

They’re finally adding a bunch of electric sites and have discontinued every other site in the deer run area. This makes the sites very large. There’s 30 and 50 amp hookups. There’s a disc golf course, many pavilions, a decent beach with concessions, a walking trail all the way are the lake and it’s accessible from multiple points. Great place for the family as they can be a bit strict on unruly behavior. The only downsides are the roads are rough and there’s little to no cell signal. That could be a plus for some though.

Reviewed Jul. 15, 2019

Nice place to get away

I’ve been camping at Gilbert lake for 35 or so years. It’s pretty quiet, the state has made many sites bigger over the last few years and is starting to add electricity to more sites. You can fill your water tank at the dump station as there are no water hookups. There is plenty of places to get water to wash dishes or whatever you need. The Shower/ bathroom buildings are a bit dated but well maintained. There’s miles of hiking trails including one around the lake. Multiple really nice pavilions, disc golf course and a nice beach with lifeguards for swimming. I would definitely recommend.

Reviewed May. 17, 2019

Grew up here!

I’ve been here so many times, camping in tents and also in the cabins. There are a couple different sections to choose from. Cell signal is not great in most places except the sites “on top of the hill”. There is a big lake that is very built up for swimmers and has a playground, water sport rentals and more. There are also volleyball courts and horseshoes. Great place to bring the family!

  • Review photo of Gilbert Lake State Park Campground by Sierra K., May 17, 2019
  • Review photo of Gilbert Lake State Park Campground by Sierra K., May 17, 2019
  • Review photo of Gilbert Lake State Park Campground by Sierra K., May 17, 2019
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2018

nice!

Very well kept and nice. Went on some hiking trails and swam in Gilbert Lake with my dog.

  • Review photo of Gilbert Lake State Park Campground by Erin G., July 18, 2018
  • Review photo of Gilbert Lake State Park Campground by Erin G., July 18, 2018
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Reviewed May. 17, 2018

Great place to stay

Great place to stay, Close to Cooperstown. Nice lake for the kids to go swimming and fishing. If you like to hike they have some great trails. Nice size sites, the only down fall is they fill up fast.

SiteHill top #1
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Gilbert Lake State Park Campground by Carrie N., May 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Gilbert Lake State Park Campground by Carrie N., May 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Gilbert Lake State Park Campground by Carrie N., May 17, 2018
Reviewed Nov. 24, 2017

Gilbert Lake State Park

This park is quiet and peaceful in fall, when we visited, but looks to be heavily used in summer due to many amenities including a very large number of camper cabins and a large beach on a large lake with a picturesque setting and large boathouse. There is also a good sized though rather open campground for tents and Trailers, some have hookups but most of the sites are not very private unless you reserve a spot on the periphery along the tree line. There are lots of nice hiking trails, though beware hiking during hunting season as hunting is allowed within the park borders.

I am sorry to have to give a rating of three, however, because a major problem at this park is the recent development ofva toxic algae problem in the lake, Because of algae blooms during warm weather, swimming and fishing in Gilbert Lake are now prohibited, which is very unfortunate as the lake and watwr activities are a focal point of the park. If you are ok with just hiking and being iut in the woods you might still be interested in coming, The campground is not too private or scenic. The camper cabins are pretty basic but in a pretty setting.

one plus factor is the handicapped accessibility, there are many paved ir accessible trails, and the park office has available a new all-terrain wheelchair that patrons can use to get out into the woods and explore

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Gilbert Lake State Park Campground by Janet R., November 24, 2017
  • Review photo of Gilbert Lake State Park Campground by Janet R., November 24, 2017
  • Review photo of Gilbert Lake State Park Campground by Janet R., November 24, 2017
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What do reviews say about camping at Gilbert Lake State Park?

Gilbert Lake State Park Campground offers peaceful camping in a well-maintained setting with spacious sites. The campground has been upgraded with many sites now featuring electrical hookups (both 30 and 50 amp), and the Deer Run area has particularly large sites. There's excellent hiking with trails around the lake, a disc golf course, and swimming opportunities in the picturesque Gilbert Lake. The campground is quiet, especially in fall, and provides a convenient base for visiting nearby Cooperstown. Sites fill up quickly during peak season, but spring and fall visitors often enjoy having the place nearly to themselves.

What are the beach hours at Gilbert Lake State Park?

While specific beach hours aren't detailed, Gilbert Lake State Park features a large, well-maintained beach area on the picturesque lake. The beach includes amenities like a concession stand, playground, and a boathouse. For current seasonal beach hours, it's recommended to contact the park office directly or check the New York State Parks website, as hours may vary depending on the time of year and staffing availability.

How can I see pictures of campsites at Gilbert Lake State Park?

To view pictures of Gilbert Lake State Park's campsites, check the New York State Parks reservation website which typically includes campsite photos. The Dyrt camping app also features user-submitted photos of the campground, showing various sites, cabin options, and the lake area. Social media platforms and Google Maps reviews often contain recent visitor photos. For the most current images, consider calling the park office directly to inquire about their photo resources or virtual tours.

How do I make camping reservations at Gilbert Lake State Park?

Reservations for Gilbert Lake State Park can be made through the New York State Parks reservation system online or by phone. It's advisable to book well in advance, especially for summer weekends and holidays, as sites fill up quickly. The campground offers various camping options including tent sites and sites with electrical hookups (30 and 50 amp). While making reservations, you can select from different camping sections within the park. Water fill-up is available at the dump station, though there are no water hookups at individual sites.

Are cabins available at Gilbert Lake State Park?

Yes, Gilbert Lake State Park offers a large number of cabins for rent. The cabins vary in size and amenities, with some featuring two bedrooms (one with bunk beds and another with a full bed), dressers, a main room with fireplace, futon, and table with benches. Some cabins include a screened-in porch with a toilet area and full kitchens equipped with refrigerator, oven, and sink. The cabins are clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. They provide an excellent option for visitors wanting more amenities than traditional tent camping.