138 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Earlville, New York area contains a variety of camping options throughout the surrounding state forests and managed recreation areas. Dispersed camping is available at Whaupaunaucau State Forest and Bear Wallow Pond in Pharsalia Woods, while more developed facilities can be found at Bowman Lake State Park Campground and Lebanon Reservoir Campground. Charles E. Baker State Forest offers primitive camping with designated sites featuring fire pits and picnic tables. The region includes a mix of accommodation types ranging from tent-only areas to full-service RV campgrounds with hookups, as well as cabin rentals at select locations like Bowman Lake State Park and Lebanon Reservoir.
Camping permits are required at several locations in the area, particularly within DEC Wildlife Management Areas. "Camping in this DEC Wildlife Management Area is limited, and requires a permit. Visit the regional DEC office or call 607-753-3095; allow one week for permit to be processed," notes one visitor about Pharsalia Y Pond. Many state forest locations allow free primitive camping but require campers to follow standard backcountry regulations, staying at least 150 feet from water sources. The camping season generally runs from May through mid-October, with Bowman Lake State Park operating from May 13 to October 9. Winter access is limited, though some areas remain open for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling during colder months.
Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront locations across the region. Lebanon Reservoir Campground receives praise for its scenic boating opportunities and well-maintained facilities. According to one visitor, "The sites themselves are all in the open, with a nice forest behind you. Way easy access, but not a ton of shade or privacy." Primitive sites in state forests offer greater seclusion and lower costs, with Charles E. Baker State Forest described as a "beautiful forest with miles of trails" offering both official camp spots with water access and dispersed sites. Several reviews mention the excellent hiking opportunities on the Finger Lakes Trail, which connects multiple state forests in the area and provides access to primitive lean-to shelters maintained by volunteer hiking clubs.
"Only found one designated campsite, which was available, but there’s a lot of good space for dispersed camping right nearby. Access at the end of a long, but well maintained, dirt road."
"Beautiful forest with miles of trails. I found this spot passing through on my bike and had no problem pitching a tent in a secluded spot in the woods."
"We had never been to site before so when we booked, we thought we were next to a bathroom. Turns out you had to walk through woods to get there in the mud."
"There was a potable water spigot a few sites over and a bathroom with showers a short walk away. This is a great spot for tent camping, so if that’s your vibe this place is perfect."
from $17 - $65 / night
Check Availability"The sites themselves are all in the open, imagine parallel parking your rig off the side of a road, with a nice forest behind you. That's kind of the deal here."
"There is also a famous Inn and restaurant, the Landmark Inn, which anchors the town, adjacent to a trailhead for a hiking trail along the historic Chenango Canal, an offshoot of the Erie Canal. "
"The spots are big and great walks as well if you have dogs. Easy access to the pond too. 20 minutes to waterfall state park & there is a maple shop not too far as well for treats etc."
"There are 15 drive-in campsites widely spaced and set into the woods, and two developed walk-in sites on the west shore."
"The lake is a fascinating meromictic lake with 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"
"The sites are nice, some are little close to each other but nice for group camping. A short distance (walk or by car) to the beach. The lake is a little chilly sometimes but very refreshing."
from $20 - $116 / night
Check Availability"This is a relatively unknown oasis outside of the county, but this state forest has a network of miles of trails for both hiking and criss country skiing."
"The campground is still being minimally maintained as a group of 8 drive-in campsites on the north side, and 4 other scattered sites on the east and of the pond."
"This campsite is a hike in stop on the Finger Lakes Trail, but can also be accessed by a short walk-in from Elmer Jackson Rd, or by paddling in from the parking area in the west side of the pond."
"The site is adjacent to a small parking area and fishing access on a really beautiful pond, which is unnamed on the map but is an impoundment of Bear Wallow Creek so it can be considered Bear Wallow Pond"
ScoutI didn’t realize how much I needed a few days away from screens and work until we got here. Most of our time was spent reading outside, making food at the campsite, and taking walks. By the second day I had completely stopped checking the time. That is exactly what I want out of a camping trip.
ScoutAlways have a good time, staff is always friendly. Ive been coming here since i was a kid my grandparents always had a seasonal here.
ScoutThis was our kids’ first proper camping trip, so we weren’t sure how they would handle sleeping somewhere completely different. They ended up loving the whole experience.
ScoutRiverbend East was where we decided to take our new camper for its first real trip. We were still figuring out where everything went and probably took twice as long as everyone else to get settled, but it ended up being a great weekend. Having the hookups available made our first trip much less intimidating. We are already looking forward to getting back out again.
TravelerIn short it was perfect! This is a small family pet friendly campground. There is a pond that you can kayak and c&r fishing, just no swimming, there is snapping turtles! There is some handmade items in the office to purchase, also some camping needs, fire starters and firewood (6 dollars a bundle). There is a bath house, though we didn't use it so I can't tell you anything about it. There is also a trail but we didn't get to check it out. The owners can be seen here and there all over the property keeping it looking beautiful! It is clear just by watching them how much care they put into making this a great time to all that come there. On the weekends they offer meals that can be brought right to your site. We were there from Saturday till Wednesday morning and it was very peaceful. This is definitely be a place we will come back to. The only downfall to the place is that it has placed a high bar for other campgrounds to compare!
ScoutWe really like keeping our RV here for the summer. It’s easy to come up for the weekend, settle in, and enjoy some time outside without having to set everything up again.
ScoutWe keep our fifth wheel at Riverbend East for the season and have been very happy with the amount of space around our site. We never feel packed in, and there is plenty of room to sit outside, cook, and enjoy a fire. The water views and access to fishing are a big part of why we chose this campground. It is a simple, comfortable place where we can disconnect and enjoy the summer.
ScoutStayed here for a few nights and had a good time. Nothing overly fancy, just a comfortable campground with lots of space and a peaceful atmosphere.
GuideReally liked it. Love the layout, with camp sites having mowed paths to the restrooms and showers in the middle of each loop. Nicest showers and rest rooms we have seen so far. Each site has brush between them so you can not see your neighbors. Pretty, quiet, relaxing. The groomed hiking trails are the best and Arctic Lake is beautiful. Staff were so nice, and loved doing the scavenger hunt!
The Earlville, New York area encompasses several state forests and recreational areas offering varied camping experiences. Charles E. Baker State Forest provides free primitive camping with hike-in and walk-in access points suitable for tent campers seeking solitude. Meanwhile, developed facilities like Lebanon Reservoir Campground and Bowman Lake State Park accommodate both tent and RV campers with electric hookups, showers, and water access. The region includes a mix of established campgrounds with amenities and dispersed sites in places like Whaupaunaucau State Forest and Bear Wallow Pond, where campers can experience more secluded surroundings.
Camping permits and regulations vary across the region's public lands. Many state forest sites require advance permits despite being free, particularly in wildlife management areas. According to one visitor at Pharsalia Y Pond, "Camping in this DEC Wildlife Management Area is limited, and requires a permit. Visit the regional DEC office or call; allow one week for permit to be processed." Road access ranges from well-maintained routes to challenging forest roads marked as "low maintenance." Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October, with Bowman Lake State Park and Lebanon Reservoir Campground closing by mid-October. Winter conditions can make access difficult, and some roads may become impassable during spring thaw or after heavy rainfall.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw throughout the region. Several primitive sites cluster around small ponds and reservoirs, offering fishing and non-motorized boating opportunities. Bear Wallow Pond provides "a clearing for tenting adjacent to a small parking area and fishing access on a really beautiful pond," as one camper described. The area's state forests feature interconnected trail systems, including segments of the Finger Lakes Trail that provide backpacking routes between camping areas. Campers seeking more developed experiences gravitate toward Lebanon Reservoir Campground and Bowman Lake State Park, which feature amenities like hot showers, picnic tables, and boat rentals. Sites throughout the region vary considerably in terms of privacy, with state forest campgrounds typically offering more seclusion than developed parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Earlville, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Earlville, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 138 campgrounds and RV parks near Earlville, NY and 13 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Earlville, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Earlville, NY is Charles E. Baker State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Earlville, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Earlville, NY.
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