Best Campgrounds near Cazenovia, NY
Camping areas within a 25-mile radius of Cazenovia, New York range from developed state parks to primitive forest sites. Green Lakes State Park Campground, approximately 15 miles northwest of Cazenovia, offers tent and RV camping with electric hookups, as well as cabin accommodations. Stoney Pond State Forest Camping Area, just 5 miles from Cazenovia, provides more primitive camping options with 15 drive-in sites and two walk-in tent sites along the south shore of Stoney Pond. Morgan Hill State Forest offers free dispersed camping for those seeking a more secluded experience, while Nature Lover's Paradise provides a single reservable tent site with access to hiking trails.
Most developed campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from May through October. Green Lakes State Park maintains regular operating hours from May 13 to October 9, while The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone follows a similar season. Several locations require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. Many campgrounds provide electric hookups and basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, though primitive sites in state forests have limited or no facilities. As one camper noted about Stoney Pond, "This is a primitive state forest campground on the south shore of Stoney Pond. There are 15 drive-in campsites widely spaced and set into the woods, and two developed walk-in sites on the west shore."
The pristine lakes at Green Lakes State Park represent a highlight of camping in this region. The park features two unique meromictic lakes with striking blue-green waters that draw visitors for swimming, hiking, and photography. A visitor described them as having "clear calcium-rich waters that are not only pristine and beautiful to look at, but also great for swimming and snorkeling as the waters are crystal clear and very deep." Trail networks throughout the area provide additional recreational opportunities, with Morgan Hill State Forest offering hiking paths and Stoney Pond featuring shoreline fishing areas. Most campgrounds accommodate pets, though rules vary by location. Primitive sites in state forests offer more seclusion and typically less crowding than the popular developed campgrounds, which can fill quickly during peak summer periods, especially on holiday weekends.
