Cabin camping sites near Baldwinsville, New York sit within central New York's glacial landscape, where elevation averages 400 feet above sea level and summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s with evening lows around 60°F. Most cabins remain open from May through mid-October, with peak season coinciding with the New York State Fair in late August and early September when campgrounds throughout the region fill rapidly.
What to do
Swimming and beach access: Fair Haven Beach State Park features a wide sandy beach on Lake Ontario with shallow swimming areas monitored by lifeguards. "The beach area is wide and shallow in most areas. In close proximity to the store and snack shop (ICE CREAM)," notes Sheri S. about nearby Green Lakes State Park Campground.
Boat rentals and fishing: Boat rentals are available at many parks for approximately $7/hour. "Just past the swimming area is boat rentals ($7/hr for row boat rental)," mentions Sheri S. at Green Lakes, while at Cayuga Lake State Park Campground, Laura Nicole A. shares that "Kayaking in Cayuga Lake was not lacking some beautiful views."
Waterfall hiking: Several parks feature waterfall hikes on maintained trails. Charyssa G. recommends Fillmore Glen State Park Campground where "kids loved the park and swimming in the waterfall beach," and Kim B. notes the park has "five waterfalls, spring fed swimming area, hiking trails, all set in a gorge type atmosphere."
What campers like
Unique water features: The glacier-formed lakes in the region have distinctive coloring. Kenneth S. describes Green Lakes State Park Campground water as "Crystal clear and very blue, you will think you are in the Caribbean Islands." The unusual water color makes swimming and photography particularly popular.
Private bathrooms: Many campgrounds have updated their bathroom facilities in recent years. At Fillmore Glen, Shari G. notes that "The bathrooms are modern, kept very clean, and the showers are awesome," while Sheri S. points out that Green Lakes offers "private [bathrooms] with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground."
Proximity to local attractions: Cabin rentals position visitors near regional wineries, breweries, and small towns. Harry H. mentions that around Cayuga Lake you'll find "attractions like wine trails, breweries, quaint amusement parks," and Kelly J. appreciates that Oneida Shores County Park is "a park in the middle of little towns. Close to grocery, great walks and fun lake to swim in."
What you should know
Site layout and privacy: Many campgrounds have open site layouts with limited privacy. At Cayuga Lake State Park, meg observes that "Tent camping here felt like we were camping in a neighborhood backyard. We could hear so many different families talking and really doing everything you do while camping but the area felt so open and unobstructed voices carried."
Seasonal limitations: Rental cabins book quickly during peak season. Harry H. warns that Bluff Camping Area at Fair Haven Beach State Park "Fills up during August when the State Fair is in Syracuse (same is true for every campsite in this area)."
Shower and bathroom codes: Some parks require access codes for facilities. At Oneida Shores, Kristie M. notes that "You need a code to use the bathroom and there is only 1. Showers could be closer and seem more accommodating to day users."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Theme parks like Jellystone offer structured children's programs. Justin F. reports that Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp Resort "Organized the Halloween activities nicely. Yogi and the characters were very involved," and Carrie N. confirms "There is a lot of activities for the kids to do, from mini golf, jumping pillow, water balloon fights and much more."
Playground facilities: Most parks maintain dedicated play areas for children. Sara H. found at Oneida Shores that "The beach was nice and clean. Life guards around. Nice playground and bathrooms available," and Michael O. notes that Green Lakes offers "playgrounds and much more."
Beach safety considerations: Swimming areas vary in depth and supervision. Nicole V. cautions about busy holiday weekends: "My husband and I camped here from 6/17/22 - 6/19/22. We had a great and relaxing time until Saturday evening when the three dogs at a neighboring site all slipped their collars and began running around the campground."
Tips from RVers
Campsite accessibility: Some parks offer better RV access than others. Amanda K. shares about their Cayuga Lake experience: "We stayed at campsite#5- It was large enough to fit our 27' camper however it was very close(with no privacy) to the neighbors. Has electric hook-ups."
Road conditions: Interior campground roads may have specific traffic patterns. Margaret C. warns about Oneida Shores: "Side note, there are no signs marking the road as a one way... They went to the parking lot as instructed and was met with a flashlight in his face and was questioned by police."
Campground layout considerations: RV sites may be separated from tent camping areas. Kayleigh K. had this experience at Fillmore Glen: "Camp facilities were clean and well maintained. However, we were the only tent campers around and the RV groups were loud late and early. We struggled to sleep because of the noise. Tent campers beware."
