Nestled between the western Catskills and the Allegheny Plateau, campgrounds near Binghamton sit at elevations between 800-1,700 feet with terrain shaped by multiple glacial advances. Summer camping temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with facilities generally open from May through October when wildlife activity is most visible. Several dog friendly campgrounds near Binghamton maintain year-round accessibility for off-season exploration.
What to do
Boat rentals at Chenango Valley: Access kayaks and paddle boards after the recently renovated boating area at Chenango Valley State Park Campground. "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!" notes Courtney Z.
Golf course access: Enjoy a round between camping sessions at Belden Hill. "Pretty golf course with full bar and food right across the street. Overall one of our favorite stops on our New England trip," shares Jennifer K. from Belden Hill Campgrounds.
Animal preserve exploration: Visit the nearby wildlife sanctuary with exotic and native species. "Fantastic animal preserve zoo nearby which is a must visit," recommends Jennifer K. This pet-friendly destination provides educational opportunities while keeping your dog on-leash.
Hemlock forest hiking: Explore old-growth forests with some of Pennsylvania's largest hemlock trees. "The special aspect of this park are the hiking trails through old growth hemlock forest, said to be the largest hemlocks in Pennsylvania. The trout stream also cascades through some waterfalls, and there are gorges with unique geology," explains Janet R. from Salt Springs State Park Campground.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Multiple pet-friendly campgrounds feature river access. "We stayed in late November. A few campers. Quiet and we were able to camp on the river. Very nice owners and he brought us firewood," reports Scott I. from Pine Crest Campground.
Grassy sites with mountain views: RV campers appreciate the scenery and setup. "Pull thru full hookup, level, spacious. Room for pop up canopy and games. Great views of the mts," notes Tim W. Many sites accommodate pets with designated areas for exercise.
Family-friendly amenities: Water features stand out among favorite activities. "From boating, to giant swimming inflatables, putt putt even a giant slide. All part of the price of the campground," shares Mommy D. from Pine Valley RV Park & Campground.
Fall color viewing: The region transforms during autumn months. "This was my first time visiting Greenwood County Park and I was pleasantly surprised. Your camping and recreation options are definitely better in the 'off' season because hardly anyone was here, but the fall colors were absolutely spectacular!" reports Janet R.
What you should know
Swimming restrictions vary: Rules about pet access to water areas differ between campgrounds. "During summer months, the swimming areas at most campgrounds prohibit pets, though dogs can often access designated shoreline areas for cooling off," notes a park ranger at Hickories Park Campground.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, but Hickories operates first-come, first-served. "It is a first come first serve campground," confirms Paully B. Sites fill quickly during summer weekends.
Off-season facilities: Winter and shoulder season campers should verify what amenities remain open. "We were self contained. Which was best since the bath house was closed for the winter," notes Scott I. about Pine Crest Campground.
Wildlife considerations: Beyond standard leash rules, be aware of specific regional wildlife. "We had four that were feeding behind our site in the morning," mentions Mary S. about deer at Chenango Valley. Keep food secured and pets controlled.
Tips for camping with families
Best swimming spots for kids: Certain areas offer child-focused water features. "Playground and shallow swimming area for children with life guards and a sandy beach and new bath house," describes Mary P. about Chenango Valley State Park.
Multi-generational options: Cabins work well for mixed camping experience levels. "This was a great campground – very family-friendly. My kids spent a week with my parents there, there were lots of sites that were separated from each other by small patches of woods, which made it more private," shares Kayti D.
Entertainment planning: Look for scheduled activities at campgrounds. "Pavilion with nightly entertainment," mentions Frank M. about Pine Crest Campground, providing social opportunities beyond natural features.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing creates memorable experiences. "They have so many birds, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and insects that it was a veritable wonderland," shares Mary P. Pack binoculars for younger campers.
Tips from RVers
Utility availability: Water access points vary between dog-friendly parks. "Water spigots on the loops and more water at the dump station," notes Mary S. about Chenango Valley. Be prepared with filled tanks when facilities are limited.
Site selection strategy: Choose locations based on noise considerations. "Dog park is kind of annoying with all the barking and owners shouting futile commands, try to camp away from it. Ditto for train noise, stay by the river," advises Amber A.
Connectivity concerns: Internet access remains limited at many sites. "Good enough for web surfing on phone but no streaming on TV. Great at&t service," reports Jennifer K. about Belden Hill Campgrounds.
Seasonal access roads: Some pet-friendly campgrounds near Binghamton have challenging approach roads during inclement weather. "Unfortunately we were there after a lot of rain from the hurricane, site was wet but useable, not their fault," notes Tim W. Call ahead during questionable conditions.
