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ScoutCherry Ridge Campsites and Lodging
Cozy, quiet, polite staff
Two weeks in and the staff and people are so kind.
Camping near Kirkwood, NY
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The Kirkwood area of New York provides several established campgrounds with diverse accommodation options ranging from tent sites to cabins and glamping facilities. Chenango Valley State Park Campground, located in nearby Chenango Forks, features both tent and RV camping along with cabin rentals in a wooded setting near water. Pine Crest Campground in Windsor, situated along the Susquehanna River, offers similar amenities with highly-rated riverfront sites. The region includes both state-operated facilities and private campgrounds, with most locations situated within a 20-mile radius of Kirkwood providing access to lakes, rivers, and forested areas.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter camping opportunities. Advance reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months. "The campground is well kept and spacious with several different areas to camp in. The facilities are clean and tidy," noted one visitor about Chenango Valley State Park. Road access to most developed campgrounds is suitable for both cars and RVs, though some private campgrounds have better accommodation for larger rigs with 50-amp service and full hookups. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this part of New York, with occasional heavy rainfall affecting site conditions and accessibility, especially in spring after snow melt.
Waterfront camping represents a prominent feature across multiple campgrounds in the Kirkwood region. Forest Lake Campground provides access to a 22-acre lake with fishing opportunities, while Lakeside Campground features sites with views of sunsets over the water. A review mentioned, "There is a nice area to go down to the lake and a swing that you can watch the sunsets on." Many campgrounds maintain wooded sites that offer privacy and shade, with several reviews highlighting the balance between open spaces and forested camping areas. Family-friendly amenities such as playgrounds, swimming areas, and planned weekend activities are common at the larger established campgrounds, while some smaller facilities focus on providing a quieter, more natural setting with basic amenities.
Best Campgrounds near Kirkwood (124)
1. Chenango Valley State Park Campground
"This is a beautiful park, the hiking is great with varied trails, nice changes in elevation due to the glacial geology of the landscape, and scenic vistas overlooking 2 beautiful lakes."
"The only downfall is that there really isn't much else to do around the area."
from $17 - $123 / night
Check Availability2. Pine Crest Campground
"Very clean and right next to the river. Pool is nice."
"Pleasant campground right next to the Susquehanna river. One washer and dryer for about 150 RVs many are longer term. We just stayed a few nights"
3. Belden Hill Campgrounds
"Fantastic animal preserve zoo nearby which is a must visit. Pretty golf course with full bar and food right across the street. Overall one of our favorite stops on our New England trip."
from $53 - $65 / night
Check Availability4. Salt Springs State Park Campground
"A lical group, the Friends of Salt Springs, stepped up and offered to maintain the park with funds raised by their group."
"I stayed in late September in one of the drive in spots. There were no other campers bc of the season- and it’s mid week."
5. Lakeside Campground
"It was great to add this campground with secluded, wooded sites along a private lake. You can also enjoy fishing here. Let’s help them out and leave some reviews!"
from $38 - $146 / night
Check Availability6. Lakeside Campground
"There is a nice area to go down to the lake and a swing that you can watch the sunsets on."
from $27 - $99 / night
7. Montrose Campground
"Each campsite had plenty of space to drive up to without being right on top of the other campers."
"It is a little off the beaten path but is great for families (plenty of activities for kids) and pets (our dog LOVES it there)."
from $28 - $34 / night
Check Availability8. Oneida Campground & Lodge
"The staff is low key and blend in while working behind the scenes to make your stay a safe and great time."
from $15 - $140 / night
Check Availability9. Oasis in the woods by the family tree
from $58 - $75 / night
Check Availability10. Forest Lake Campground
"Situated in windsor NY on a 100+ acres ove looking a 22acre lake. Friendly owners & fellow campers."
Drive Time
- 7 min from Binghamton, NY
- 45 min from Scranton, PA
- 56 min from Elmira, NY
- 1 hr 4 min from Ithaca, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Kirkwood, NY
141 Photos of 124 Kirkwood Campgrounds
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Private Campsite on 50 Acres
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Tentrr Signature Site - Occanum Creek
Riley S.
Oasis in the woods by the family tree
Cory S.
Oasis in the Woods
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Lakeside Campground
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Little Sit Farm Cosmic Glamping Site
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Pine Crest Campground
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Chenango Valley State Park Campground
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Hillside Campgrounds
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Chenango County Cook Park
Recent Reviews near Kirkwood, NY
343 Reviews of 124 Kirkwood Campgrounds
Ryan B.ScoutRussell Brook Campsites
Great campground
Owners are amazing, family oriented, campground has tons for kids to do and is close to Roscoe. Our family goes every year
- EERIC J.
TravelerFrances Slocum State Park Campground
Nice State Park
Really nice views from the sites. Facilities are well equipped and taken care of, but older. Trees between each rv site give a nice level of privacy
Emily M.TravelerLong Pond Campground
Great dispersed camp sites
All the roads are gravel, so it might get a little muddy after a big rain but I had no issue with a low clearance car driving around to explore the sites available. About half the sites are spread out in a large patch of spruce trees, I stayed at one of these. You can hear and sometimes see cars on the main road from your site but overall the spruce trees give you a lot more privacy. Had a neighbor blasting their speaker and didn't even hear it until I was walking by on that stretch of road. You might catch a glimpse of someone's fire at night, but it mostly felt like I had the place to myself. The other half are clustered much closer together among some deciduous trees but all the sites are pretty spacious, with a picnic table, fire pit, and easy access to the water. You might get a visit from day-use visitors looking for water access, especially if you pick a site closer to the water access paths, so if you're looking for more seclusion you may want to look elsewhere, but I didn't mind and the people who did stop near my site were respectful and didn't seem to want to disturb me once they saw the site near the water access was occupied. A free permit is needed for camping during the on-season. I stayed off-season and most of the sites were unoccupied, but I could see this being a popular spot during the warmer months. Port-a-potties are also not available off-season – be prepared to find a good cat hole spot or bring a wag bag if you're not self-contained. Seeing some litter around my site was a bit of a bummer (don't be that guy!), but overall the sites looked pretty clean and well-maintained. I did notice some broken glass at my site, so if you have pets (or shoe-averse children) be mindful of their paw pads (and feet). There's plenty of downed wood for making a fire, and I passed a couple homes selling firewood on the side of the road on the way. Service was spotty (AT&T) but if you wandered around enough you could get a couple bars to send a text, or if you really needed to, drive up the road a couple of minutes. I would easily stay here again, but if I came during the main season I'd probably want to plan a mid-week trip and get my permit and claim my site as soon as possible.
Ashlee C.TravelerAndersen Hill State Forest
Great spot!
Stayed one night. Spot was great! It had rained so we weren't able to have a fire, but there was a spot where others had one previously. A little road noise from Rt 79, but honestly wasn't terrible.
Janet R.
LegendRobert H. Treman State Park Campground
Terrific Treman Park
This is a state park centered on the amazing geologic features of Enfield Glen. A waterfall cascades through a gorge here, ending in a beautiful pool for swimming at the base of the falls, with a trout stream flowing out of it towards nearby Cayuga Lake. For the geologically curious, the trails through the gorge are fascinating and educational. And fossils abound, easily visible in the stream flowing out of the falls. This was a main draw for me about this park, as was the proximity to the paleontology institute and Museum of the Earth just to the north in the hamlet of Trumansburg. https://www.museumoftheearth.org/
Within the park itself, there are camping options for both tent and trailer camping. However, even if you usually prefer campground camping, it might be well worth your while to consider the camper cabins. These beautiful rustic cabins are located alongshore and adjacent to the falls in one of the most beautiful parts of the park! Although hikers and swimmers walk the trails nearby to the cabins alot during the day, they are usually done by late afternoon and then your cabin site is peaceful, shady and quiet, with the main sound being wind through the hemlocks and rippling of water over the stones in the brook closeby. Pull up a rocker and ease your way into a peaceful evening! Great location as a basecamp not only to explore the park, but also the nearby Geology museum as mentioned, plus Ithaca, Cayuga Lake, and area vineyards
- Janet R.Legend
Pinecreek Campground
Close to Ithaca and Cayuga Parks
This is a campground set in a nice forest location, but close by to Treman State Park and Ithaca, so a good base for day trips. They offer mostly RV camping, but do have a substantial area for tent camping and also have nice some rustic camper cabins as well as cottages and regular full service cabins. For families who enjoy neighbors, this is a good campground. Lots of families, lots of kids riding bikes and doing activities, nice kid-friendly fishing pond, lots of open space for ball games etc. There is even an offleash dog park so Fido can come along and have fun. This is a busier campground than I ordinarily would have chosen as a tent camper, but I was joining friends for a cabin stay on Labor Day weekend as nearby state park campgrounds were full. The whole grounds are well maintained and well landscaped, they did have some scheduled activities, and the pool looked sparkling clean. The cabin we stayed in was very nice, and set back into the woods along a small river and with good access to hiking trails. The camper cabins looked brand new, and I spoke to a family staying in one and they really liked it. My friends son loved the fishing, swimming, and meeting other kids to play with. The campground was not noisy for the size, and though it was large and nearly full everything was nice and all the campers respectful of each others space. Ithaca is not far for activities and supplies, and there are many local state parks that are easy to get to. I would rather camp right in a state park but this would be a great alternative especially for folks with RVs
Rachel C.ScoutHickories Park Campground
Great location
Beautiful park - some road noise from 17c. Sites are spacious
D C.ScoutLive The Outdoors LLC
Peaceful & Private Getaway🏞️
Really enjoyed staying here. It’s super private and peaceful, and we loved that it’s not a crowded campground. The land is open and easy to access, and you can tell the owners are constantly upgrading and improving things. We were even able to fish here, which was a bonus. Would definitely recommend if you appreciate privacy, nature, and a peaceful place with the freedom to relax and do your own thing.
Guide to Kirkwood
Campsites near Kirkwood, New York provide access to a mix of forest and water recreation opportunities in the Southern Tier region. The area sits within the Upper Susquehanna River Basin at elevations ranging from 850-1,200 feet, creating varied terrain for both flat and hillside camping. Winter temperatures can drop below 10°F, while summer highs typically reach 80-85°F with moderate humidity levels compared to other parts of the state.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated fishing areas with varied catch. At Forest Lake Campground, campers can fish on a 22-acre lake. "Situated in Windsor NY on a 100+ acres overlooking a 22-acre lake," notes a reviewer who appreciates the lake access.
Hiking trails: Salt Springs State Park features trails through old-growth forest with notable geological features. "The special aspect of this park are the hiking trails through old growth hemlock forest, said to be the largest hemlocks in Pennsylvania," explains a reviewer. "The trout stream also cascades through some waterfalls, and there are gorges with unique geology."
Water recreation: Several campgrounds provide swimming and boating options. At Chenango Valley State Park Campground, "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."
What campers like
Scenic viewpoints: The elevated terrain provides panoramic views at certain campgrounds. At Belden Hill Campgrounds, "the views for the pull-through weekender sites are to die for. New owners are making some great updates," according to one camper. Another notes the "incredible views" and mentions the "good enough for web surfing on phone" wifi.
Wildlife viewing: The wooded settings support diverse wildlife. At Oasis in the Woods, they "do everything to make sure you experience the wildlife to the fullest, including binoculars and a journal that you can see what other campers saw by the river!"
Social activities: Many campgrounds offer organized events. At Pine Crest Campground, one visitor enjoyed the "pavilion with nightly entertainment." Forest Lake Campground received praise as "every weekend had a different potluck or wine&cheese pairings, bingo or the monthly cornhole tournaments."
What you should know
Winter camping availability: Unlike many seasonal operations, some campgrounds remain open year-round. At Montrose Campground, they are "open all year with some winter sites available. They have all sites available from tent right up to 50 amp full hook-ups."
Variable water access: Water access differs significantly between campgrounds. Salt Springs State Park requires preparation as "there is no potable water anywhere so bring some," while one reviewer noted that "one site [is] actually adjacent to a good swimming hole."
Security considerations: Staffing levels vary across campgrounds. At Salt Springs State Park, a visitor noted "we had some drama while there, possibly squatters causing trouble all through night. No one to call to control it. Police hours away."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's facilities. Chenango Valley State Park offers "swimming in the lake, golfing, boating, fishing, multi-use trails for hiking or mountain biking," making it "a great campground – very family-friendly" where kids can enjoy "playgrounds and spaces to ride bikes, swim, picnic, and all-around have fun!"
Wildlife education: Wildlife sightings can become educational opportunities. At Chenango Valley State Park, "wildlife" includes "beware of raccoons. They are brazen thieves here...and every campground they inhabit. Just don't leave your food out." The park also has "deer all over. Watch out for them on the roads. We had four that were feeding behind our site in the morning."
Splash features: Water play areas provide relief during hot weather. At Oneida Campground, "there are several group options to stay in either tent sites or cabin/lodge sites that are equipped with their own kitchen and shower facilities. Private remote sites are also available if you prefer to be off on your own in nature."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Different areas within campgrounds offer varied experiences. At Chenango Valley State Park, "parking pads in the non-electric section are dirt/grass. Some of the pads are short; this section is geared toward tent campers," while "parking pads in the electric loops (30 amps and 50 amps) have a good amount of gravel."
Access considerations: Road conditions vary significantly between campgrounds. A camper at Montrose Campground reported, "each campsite had plenty of space to drive up to without being right on top of the other campers" and was "beautifully taken care of."
Winter RV options: Off-season camping requires preparation but offers unique experiences. A winter camper at Pine Crest Campground noted, "We camped in late November. A few campers. Quiet and we were able to camp on the river. Very nice owners and he brought us firewood. We burned morning and night and better than finding random expensive bundles."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Kirkwood, NY?
What camping is available near Kirkwood, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Kirkwood, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 124 campgrounds and RV parks near Kirkwood, NY and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Kirkwood, NY?
Which is the most popular campground near Kirkwood, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kirkwood, NY is Chenango Valley State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kirkwood, NY?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kirkwood, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Kirkwood, NY.
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