Chenango Valley State Park Campground spans across a glacial landscape with two large kettle lakes formed by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago. The park sits at approximately 900 feet elevation within New York's Southern Tier region and experiences a humid continental climate with cold winters and mild summers. The camping season runs from mid-May through early October, with mid-week reservations often available even during peak summer periods.
What to do
Swimming in natural settings: Chenango Valley's newly renovated beach facility includes a protected swimming area with lifeguards on duty. "The beach area is well staffed and clean. Changing areas are available as well as a splash pad for the little kids," notes a visitor to Chenango Valley State Park Campground.
Hiking and biking on varied terrain: Trails at Robert H. Treman State Park Campground offer significant elevation changes and scenic gorge views. "There are endless waterfalls, hiking trails, fishing holes and bird watching opportunities," reports one camper. The rim trail provides more strenuous options while valley trails offer easier routes.
Wildlife observation: Multiple parks near Binghamton provide excellent wildlife viewing. "Deer are all over. Watch out for them on the roads. We had four that were feeding behind our site in the morning," explains a visitor. Pack binoculars for potential eagle sightings, particularly at parks with lake access.
Fishing opportunities: Lakes and rivers around Binghamton support various fish species. "My son caught 2 sunfish," reports a visitor to Pine Cradle Lake, where catch-and-release fishing is permitted without a PA license. Most local lakes have specific fishing regulations posted at entrance stations.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Despite being an established campground, many sites at Hickories Park Campground offer good separation. "I was able to pull directly into the camp site. The campground is well maintained, the porta potty in the tent area was very clean, I felt very safe," reports one visitor about this riverfront camping option.
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and shower facilities receive consistent praise from campers in the region. A visitor to Oquaga Creek State Park Campground noted: "Bathrooms were clean and well stocked. The staff were very friendly." Most state parks feature renovated shower buildings with hot water.
Night sky viewing: The rural setting around many Binghamton-area campgrounds creates excellent stargazing conditions. "You can kayak and swim in the lake, and see incredible stars at night," explains an Oquaga Creek visitor. Light pollution is minimal, especially at sites farther from the Binghamton metro area.
Yurt camping options: For those seeking alternative accommodations, several locations offer yurt rentals near Binghamton, New York. Yurt camping combines tent-like structures with solid floors and more amenities than traditional tent camping. "The campground has bathrooms, showers, picnic tables, a playground and a dump station. There are cabins, tents and rv sites, some of which are handicapped accessible," notes one visitor.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The Binghamton area experiences variable weather patterns, even in summer. "We were just passing through on a rainy night, but this park would be a good choice for a multi-night stay," reports a camper at Chenango Valley. Pack clothing layers and rain gear regardless of season.
Limited connectivity: Most campgrounds have minimal or no cell service or WiFi. "There is very very little cell reception and only wifi if you pay for it. We had to put our phones and devices down and just relax," explains a camper at Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground.
Wildlife precautions: Raccoons and other wildlife are active at most campgrounds. "Beware of raccoons. They are brazen thieves here...and every campground they inhabit. Just don't leave your food out," warns a Chenango Valley camper. Food storage containers are recommended for tent campers.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds operate from May through October. Oquaga Creek State Park operates from "May 13 to October 9," with similar seasons at other state parks. Some private campgrounds extend slightly earlier or later depending on weather conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options for children: Multiple parks feature designated swimming areas suitable for families. "Playground and shallow swimming area for children with life guards and a sandy beach and new bath house," reports a visitor to Chenango Valley. The renovated splash pad offers additional water play for younger children.
Playground access: Look for campsites near playground facilities. A visitor to Keen Lake Resort Campground shares: "My kids absolutely love it and always have something to do. They have activity coordinators that make sure there is something to do for all ages every hour of the day!"
Biking opportunities: Many parks feature roads and paths suitable for family biking. "Bring your bikes, the swimming is great and the entire swimming/boating area just underwent a major renovation," advises a Chenango Valley visitor. Paved loops within campgrounds provide safe cycling for younger riders.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs and wildlife education. The Binghamton area features glacial history information panels, and park staff sometimes lead interpretive walks. "Plenty of info about the glaciers that formed the lakes you can swim in. Great wildlife (wood ducks & kingfishers)," notes one visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RVers should consider specific loops or sections for the best experience. "Sites in the electric loops (30 amps and 50 amps) have a good amount of gravel," notes a Chenango Valley visitor. Many state parks separate RV sites from tent-only areas.
Hookup availability: Electric and water hookups vary significantly between parks. "I chose an RV site and it was rough setting up on a gravel RV site," explains a tent camper at Pine Cradle Lake, highlighting that RV sites typically have different surfaces and features than tent areas.
Leveling requirements: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for leveling. "Electric sites are not the best though. Rocky and unlevel. Not made for large campers," warns a Robert H. Treman visitor. Research site specifications before booking, especially for larger RVs.
Dump station access: While many campgrounds offer dump stations, their locations and hours may vary. "Amenities include electricity at about 1/3 of the sites, pretty good restrooms/showers, water spigots on the loops and more water at the dump station," reports a Chenango Valley camper, noting the need to possibly relocate to access these services.
