In central New York, about 25 miles east of Syracuse, Durhamville sits within proximity to several glacial lakes and waterways. The region's camping sites often feature full hookup capabilities with electric, water, and sewer connections on relatively level terrain. Summer temperatures range from 65-85°F during camping season, with occasional thunderstorms possible throughout July and August.
What to do
Lake swimming and beach activities: Green Lakes State Park Campground offers swimming access to its rare meromictic lakes with their distinctive blue-green appearance. "The water is Crystal clear and very blue, you will think you are in the Caribbean Islands. We visit this park very frequently to rent a boat or to hike the trails," notes Kenneth S. about the unique swimming experience at Green Lakes State Park Campground.
Crystal mining adventures: Located near Durhamville, visitors can participate in actual mining activities to find quartz formations. "I found some excellent diamonds!" reported Lisa L. about her experience at Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA, which offers a unique activity not commonly found at typical glamping resorts.
River tubing excursions: The West Canada River provides a natural lazy river experience with easy access. "Tubing was the big hit with the kids. Sites were large. Very clean," shares Michelle M., highlighting one of the most popular activities at Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA. The tubing routes are well-established and include convenient entry and exit points.
Hiking diverse trail systems: Multiple trail networks surround the lakes with varying difficulty levels. "The trails around the lake are great! Beautiful water and various difficulties on the trails make it pretty fun to explore," explains Chelsea B. about the trail system at Green Lakes. Most trails are well-marked loops between 1-3 miles in length.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Many glamping options near Durhamville feature individual bathroom units instead of communal facilities. "The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground," explains Sheri S. about Glimmerglass State Park Campground.
Spacious waterfront sites: Campsites along Delta Lake provide direct water access with room for equipment. "Stayed in site 35 with a waterfront hookup! So pretty especially in the morning with the sunrise," explains Tris W. about their stay at Delta Lake State Park Campground, which offers multiple waterfront camping options.
Convenient location near towns: Many glamping sites are positioned within quick driving distance to necessities. "I enjoy this park so much! Really love that it is a park in the middle of little towns. Close to grocery, great walks and fun lake to swim in," shares Kelly J. about Green Lakes State Park's convenient location near supplies.
Well-maintained grounds: Campers consistently mention the upkeep of facilities and sites. "Clean, lots to do for the kids. Very friendly!" reports Idalis D. about Ta-Ga-Soke Campgrounds, where maintenance standards receive regular positive comments from visitors.
What you should know
Shower facilities vary widely: Not all glamping sites have equal bathroom amenities. "As clean as the bathrooms are, the showers still suck. I'll never understand why parks use the misting shower heads," explains Chelsea B. about Green Lakes, suggesting using the ADA bathrooms with normal shower heads when available.
Campground busy seasons: Some locations become crowded during peak times. "This is a very busy family resort during prime season and holidays, so if you're looking for a quiet, non-crowded location, this may not be the place for you (unless you try it in offseason)," advises Darby R. about Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA.
Equipment rental restrictions: Personal watercraft may not always be permitted. "You cannot bring your own kayaks you have to rent," notes Sara H. about Green Lakes, an important consideration for those planning water activities who might prefer to bring their own equipment.
Seasonal camper dynamics: Some glamping areas near Durhamville have high numbers of long-term residents. "When we pulled in, we felt like outsiders. Many people have seasonal sites and some of the activities are geared toward seasonal campers," shares Erin M. about her experience at Kayuta Lake Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play equipment for children. "The beach also has a great playground for kids that is perfect for play and swim," notes Kelly J. about Green Lakes State Park, which features playground equipment near water activities for convenient supervision.
Organized children's activities: Look for campgrounds with scheduled events for kids. "They have a nice pool. It's just a little small. The playground is old and outdated, but my kids didn't seem to mind," shares Erin M. about Kayuta Lake Campground, adding that her family particularly enjoyed the laser tag activity.
Educational opportunities: Some glamping locations incorporate learning experiences. "If you want something for everyone, this is the place. There are 2 Great Lakes to hike around with awesome views. Fishing and boat rental if you want to be closer to the water," explains Kelly J., highlighting how Bass Lake Resort provides multiple ways for children to engage with nature.
Water safety considerations: Beaches often have varying depths and safety measures. "The beach area is wide and shallow in most areas, in close proximity to the store and snack shop," reports Sheri S. about Green Lakes State Park, noting the family-friendly water conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Access roads can present challenges in some locations. "The roadways can get a little tight between the trees, and can make for some interesting backing in. Also, the roadways are mostly one-way, which can make getting creative with your trailer landing position tough," advises Michael O. about Kayuta Lake Campground.
Hookup availability: Not all glamping sites offer full connections. "There are some sites with full hook-up available and also specific areas that allow pets," explains Cindy H. about Green Lakes State Park, which offers various hookup options depending on the camping loop.
Seasonal limitations: Services may change throughout the year. "Very nice quiet campground. Bathrooms are a little old but very clean. There is a small pool but was closed because we were camping in October," reports Jason D. about Kayuta Lake Campground, highlighting reduced amenities in off-season periods.
Site leveling requirements: Ground conditions can affect setup. "The sites are good, level, and the campsite is pretty," notes Chelsea B. about Green Lakes State Park, indicating minimal leveling needed for RV setup at this location.
