Situated in the picturesque Southern Tier region of New York, Berkshire sits at approximately 1,040 feet elevation with rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests. Seasonal temperature variations create distinct camping experiences, with summer highs averaging 80°F and winter lows dipping into the 20s. Fall camping attracts visitors seeking colorful foliage displays along hiking trails and waterfront sites.
What to Do
Gorge hiking trails: At Robert H. Treman State Park Campground, the natural terrain offers impressive waterfall views and swimming opportunities. "Located in Tompkins County, Ithaca New York has beautiful gorges and hiking trails. Robert Treman is a treat and a gorgeous place to camp in the Ithaca, NY area. There are endless waterfalls, hiking trails, fishing holes and bird watching opportunities."
Kayaking on calm waters: Greenwood County Park provides rentable watercraft for exploring the lake. "This is a beautiful and quiet campground- a hidden gem in Broome County! There are boats available for rent, a waterfront swimming area, great fishing, and lots of trails to hike! Rain or shine, there are places to go and things to see!"
Winter recreation: Chenango Valley State Park Campground maintains multi-use trails that transform seasonally. "I have camped several times in all sorts of capabilities, tent camping, pop-up and hard sided campers. Whether you are looking for a campsite in a forest setting or one with a large open field you can find it. There's is a perfect lake for kayaking for beginner or seasoned, as well as great hiking and mountain biking trails."
What Campers Like
Fall foliage views: Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground delivers spectacular autumn colors. "Been here in all the seasons, each is beautiful. Campgrounds are wooded. Pretty basic facilities, nice though. None of the tent sites have exceptional views but you're a short walk from the creek/gorges."
Swimming areas with lifeguards: Chenango Valley State Park provides supervised swimming areas for families. "The beach area is well staffed and clean. Changing areas are available as well as a splash pad for the little kids. There are miles of trails to hike and roads to bike."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning encounters with deer and other wildlife enhance the camping experience at Greenwood County Park. "The lake is pretty, the beach and picnic area is well kept, the campground is like a high quality state park—bravo to the Broome County Parks Department! Really enjoyed the miles of hiking trails which are supposedly also great from snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the winter."
What You Should Know
Campsite privacy varies: Watkins Glen State Park Campground provides tree-lined sites with moderate separation. "The campsites are great and are all tree lined giving to a bit of privacy. As much as you get in campgrounds."
Seasonal closures affect amenities: Many campgrounds close swimming facilities before fall. "One thing that we were kind of disappointed in, is that the campground pool doesn't open until the end of June."
Weekend crowds at swimming areas: Popular swimming locations can become congested during peak summer weekends. "It can be VERY busy in the summer time in the swimming area, making it difficult to find your own 'space.' However, the hiking trails are awesome."
Tips for Camping with Families
Splash pads for younger children: Facilities at Chenango Valley State Park Campground accommodate various age groups. "Campsites are in the woods with picnic tables and fire ring, plenty of shade and a good amount of space between camps. They have so many birds, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and insects that it was a veritable wonderland. Playground and shallow swimming area for children with life guards and a sandy beach and new bath house."
Pet-friendly swimming access: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Berkshire provide river access spots for pets. "Bring your bikes, the swimming is great and the entire swimming/boating area just underwent a major renovation. You can rent kayaks and paddle boards and the park is well maintained and monitored by park police, very safe!"
Hayrides and seasonal activities: Pine Valley RV Park Campground schedules family events throughout summer. "This is by far one of the best family oriented campgrounds we've ever been in. The staff, the grounds, the amenities made me wish we were closer. So many things for kids to do. From boating, to giant swimming inflatables, putt putt even a giant slide."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some electric sites require additional equipment for proper setup at Robert H. Treman State Park Campground. "Beautiful park. Electric sites are not the best though. Rocky and unlevel. Not made for large campers."
Lakeside RV sites: Pine Valley RV Park and Campground offers premium waterfront locations. "I have been camping at Pine Valley for over 15 years and considerate a family oriented relaxing campground. They have hayrides in the summer and swimming in the lake. Lakeside sites are spacious and reasonably priced."
Campground road conditions: Access routes to pet-friendly campgrounds near Berkshire may have maintenance issues. "The hill you climb to the camp sites is riddled with pot holes. The bathroom was not very upkept/updated and kinda dirty. The road noise at night (from rt13 below) and the sound of the bathroom door slamming did not help with getting a good night sleep."
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