Robert H. Treman State Park provides a mix of wilderness and convenience for campers visiting Cortland, New York. Located in the Finger Lakes region at around 1,200 feet elevation, the park features rocky gorges and glacial features characteristic of central New York. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with cooler evenings, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing.
What to do
Swimming at natural waterfall pools: Robert H. Treman State Park offers a unique swimming experience at the base of a waterfall. "Not just about the water falls... there is a diving board into a swimming hole filled by a waterfall which draws so many but the camping is great too," writes camper Paully B.
Hiking gorge trails: The area features multiple parks with gorge hiking opportunities. According to Matt G. from Robert H. Treman State Park, "Don't let the beginning steps fool you, the rim trail can be very strenuous." Many trails connect to waterfalls and offer varying difficulty levels.
Fishing in stocked lakes: Several parks in the region maintain stocked fishing areas. Brian O. from Bowman Lake State Park notes, "We loved that the rangers told us that the lake was regularly stocked with trout and other game fish."
Winter activities: Some parks remain open year-round. According to Scott M., who visited Treman State Park off-season, "Went in the fall, very quiet and peaceful. Woke to snow on the tent. Had a great time listening to the birds and enjoying the trails."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer wooded sites that provide separation from neighbors. At Chenango Valley State Park, Mary P. found that "Campsites are in the woods with picnic tables and fire ring, plenty of shade and a good amount of space between camps."
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower quality varies by park. At Green Lakes State Park, Chelsea B. notes, "As clean as the bathrooms are, the showers still suck... It's best to use the ADA bathrooms because those shower heads are normal and have wands."
Lake access: Most parks feature lake access for various activities. According to Barbara S. at Taughannock Falls State Park, "The campground is very walkable to the swimming area, which goes to 12 feet deep and has a dock to jump off of."
Family-oriented atmosphere: The region caters well to family camping. Mary P. at Chenango Valley says, "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."
What you should know
Site terrain varies: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain. At Watkins Glen State Park, Laura L. mentioned, "The sites are quite wooded with plenty of space in between. We stayed in a 30 ft. motorhome, and the roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves."
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from May to October. Green Lakes State Park runs from May 13 to October 9, while Taughannock Falls is open April 15 to October 16.
Weather considerations: Rain can impact camping experience. One camper at Bowman Lake noted, "Our entire campsite was flooded so we just set up our tent on my brother's site with them. Ended up being wonderful and the lake was beautiful."
Glamping in Cortland options: Beyond traditional camping, the area offers various luxury outdoor accommodations. Joseph S. at Empire Haven Nudist Park shares, "We've camped in two rustic cabins over the years. The campground is as quiet and peaceful as anyone would like, but the community enables campers the freedom to socialize and share meals."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some parks have better playground facilities than others. At Green Lakes State Park, Sara H. reports, "Great playgrounds for the kids," while at Pinecreek Campground, Sarah S. cautions, "Playground was really run down. Nice campground if you do not have children."
Shallow swimming areas: Locations with gradual water entry work best for young children. Chenango Valley offers a "shallow swimming area for children with lifeguards and a sandy beach and new bath house," according to Mary P.
Biking opportunities: Several parks feature bike-friendly areas. Courtney Z. recommends, "Bring your bikes, the swimming is great and the entire swimming/boating area just underwent a major renovation."
Cost considerations: Some campgrounds charge extra for children. Sarah S. notes about Pinecreek Campground, "The weekend got pretty pricey after adding our children to the site. They even charged us extra for our 8 month old."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric hookups are common but not universal. Cheryl W. from Pinecreek Campground mentions, "Our campsite was a full hookup with a large grassy area for setting up our outside chairs and picnic table."
Site levelness: Some parks have challenges with level sites. Victoria from Robert Treman warns, "Electric sites are not the best though. Rocky and unlevel. Not made for large campers."
Road conditions: Internal roads vary in quality. At Pinecreek, Mindie C. cautions, "My only complaint is the condition of the roads. They are in dire need of grading and new gravel. Be careful!"
Dump station access: Most state parks provide dump stations. Mary S. notes at Chenango Valley, "Water spigots on the loops and more water at the dump station."
