Camping near Earlville, New York offers visitors access to the Chenango River watershed at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, where the rolling hills of central New York create natural boundaries between campsites. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from May through early October due to the area's cold winters and occasional late spring frost. Yurt camping options provide alternatives to traditional tent sites during the typical 70-85°F summer temperatures.
What to do
Kayaking on accessible lakes: At Bowman Lake State Park Campground, the small lake provides perfect conditions for beginners. According to Gerald L., "We went up for a weekend trip. Very clean facilities! Really enjoyed the kayaking and beach area." The park also offers boat rentals for visitors who don't bring their own equipment.
Hiking moderate trails: Green Lakes State Park Campground features unique blue-green lakes with surrounding trails. As Cindy H. notes, "There are miles of trails to explore. There is a camp store, laundry room, recreation room, playgrounds and much more." Most trails range from 1-3 miles and connect camping areas to swimming beaches.
Mining for crystals: Visitors can search for unique quartz specimens at Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA. Julia P. explains, "The mines are wonderful also if you'd want to search for your own Herkimer diamonds (clear doubles terminated quartz)." Equipment rentals available on-site with fees ranging from $12-25 depending on tools selected.
Tubing creek adventures: Several campgrounds offer creek tubing opportunities during summer months. At Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA, "There is a beautiful river where some of the sites are located next to, where you can wade into, kayak, tube down, or just sit on the bank and watch the local wild life swim by," according to Darby R.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between camping areas. At Bowman Lake State Park Campground, Kim B. reports, "Campground is a maze of campsites through densely wooded forests so it's pretty private and shady even though it's full no matter what season we visited."
Clean facilities: Maintained bathrooms and showers rank high for camper satisfaction. Chelsea B. at Green Lakes State Park notes, "The sites are good, level, and the campsite is pretty but 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."
Varied accommodation options: The region offers alternatives to traditional tent camping. Loomis Lair provides yurt camping near Earlville with distinctive circular tent structures. For those seeking yurt camping in Earlville, New York's surrounding areas, options range from basic to premium.
Proximity to historic sites: Many campgrounds provide access to historical attractions. Near Glimmerglass State Park Campground, Patti M. shared, "With Cooperstown 15-20 minutes away no lack of things to do for adults and kids. Great restaurants also."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for premium sites. At Cooperstown KOA, Jim G. advises, "You can't park any vehicle over 20' in Cooperstown, but you can park for free (even a motorhome) in the Yellow Lot and take the Trolley into town for $2.50. Super convenient!"
Site limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on specific sites. At Bowman Lake, Pedro R. noted, "Only down side was it had just one central bathroom for the whole campground having to wait for shower stalls was a little issue but very hot water even after waiting which was good and depending where your camp site is it's a bit of a walk to it."
Seasonal variations: Weather conditions impact camping experiences significantly. Oleńka S. reports, "There are a lot of mosquitoes, but with some bug spray and a couple thermacell mosquito repellents, we were comfortable the whole time."
Water quality differences: Lakes in the region have varying characteristics. Chenango Valley State Park Campground features lakes formed by glacial activity. Mary P. observed, "They have fishing and boat rentals, however the lake is pretty small and a lot of trees still in the water since a flood."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Parks with play areas provide entertainment for children. At Delta Lake State Park Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "They have recently added electricity to the sites and a new playground at the beach. The concession stand at the beach will deliver to your camp site."
Beach facilities: Swimming beaches with lifeguards benefit families with children. Mary P. at Chenango Valley State Park noted, "Playground and shallow swimming area for children with life guards and a sandy beach and new bath house."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer learning experiences for young campers. At Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA, Michelle M. shared, "This was part of our gemstone trip which including sluicing, diamond mining, visiting the gemstone museum, then we stopped at Howe Caverns on the way home. Tubing was the big hit with the kids."
Structured activities: Some campgrounds coordinate special events for children. Jeani B. observed, "Very beautiful campground with tons of planned activities for the kids."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electrical service varies by campground. At Unadilla KOA, Deborah W. cautions, "The tent sites with electric like the one we took used 240v 50A plugs, so we had to borrow a converter plug form the office for our 120v equipment."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional preparation. At Deer Haven Campground, Jen B. noted, "On top of hill right outside of town. Stayed during the week and was able to get a more secluded, wooded site. (Most of them are pretty open)... Convenient WSE hookup right at site."
Length restrictions: Larger rigs face limitations at certain sites. According to Nancy W. at Cooperstown KOA, "Our site (#41) was a pull-thru but there was no way we could drive our 45' motorhome forward out of the site because of a large tree and narrow roads. So we ended up having to back out."
