Hamilton, New York sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation in Madison County, with surrounding terrain featuring rolling hills and small valleys. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F with moderate humidity. The area includes several state forests with primitive camping options alongside more developed campgrounds with electric hookups and shower facilities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Green Lakes State Park Campground provides excellent fishing with a uniquely colored lake. "This park is beautiful and very clean. 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.
Hiking trails: Multiple trails range from easy to moderate difficulty in the region. At Bowman Lake State Park Campground, "The trails were not all that great and provided only minor enjoyment," according to Gerald L., suggesting focusing on lake activities instead.
Mountain biking: State forest roads throughout Pharsalia Woods offer biking routes with minimal vehicle traffic. Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite connects to these areas. Janet R. mentions, "You can camp here, you can kayak or fish on the pond, go mountain biking on the network of state forest roads that are all part of the Pharsalia Woods Game Refuge."
Water activities: Swim in designated beach areas with lifeguards at larger campgrounds. "Camped here on a Thursday night in late September... Water access at a lovely nearby pond," writes Cameron about primitive sites at Charles E. Baker State Forest.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Spacing varies significantly between campgrounds. At Stoney Pond State Forest Camping Area, "There are 15 drive-in campsites widely spaced and set into the woods, and two developed walk-in sites on the west shore," according to Janet R.
Full hookup sites: Several campgrounds offer complete utility connections. "This state park campground is one of the few that offer full hook ups. The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground," Sheri S. writes about Green Lakes State Park.
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower quality varies significantly. "Bathrooms are regular campsite bathrooms. Never very clean. Especially because it was wet out," notes Kelly J. about Bowman Lake, while other reviewers praise newer facilities at The Villages RV Park.
Tree cover: Natural shade availability differs by campground. At Lebanon Reservoir Campground, "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... Way easy access, but not a ton of shade or privacy," according to Michael O.
What you should know
Site levelness: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "It was gravel and not super level, but we made it work," writes Oleńka S. about Bowman Lake State Park, suggesting wheel levelers are necessary equipment.
Seasonal crowds: Summer weekends see heaviest usage at all campgrounds. The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone offers consistent availability and "Turning Stone is well maintained with nice sites. Memorial day weekend the weather is beautiful spring weather. All full hook up sites from full sun to full shade," according to Carl G.
Transportation options: Some campgrounds provide shuttle services. The Villages RV Park offers "24 hour shuttles to the casino 5 minutes away, yet quiet and beautifully maintained," notes April L.
Pet restrictions: Specific pet-friendly camping near Hamilton, New York includes designated loops or sites. Most campgrounds have standard policies requiring vaccination records and proper waste disposal, with some offering dedicated exercise areas.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Not all campgrounds have play equipment. "Nice place with swimming, fishing, and other things to do. Nice people," writes Scott A. about Lake Chalet Motel and Campground, though Bowman Lake visitors note "the kids were missing a playground."
Swimming areas: Beach quality varies significantly between locations. Green Lakes State Park provides "a large beach" with "swimming available," according to Cindy H., while primitive sites lack designated swimming areas.
Bathroom proximity: Consider distance to facilities when booking with children. At Bowman Lake, Pedro R. notes "depending where your camp site is it's a bit of a walk to it."
Bug considerations: Insect activity peaks in summer months. "There are a lot of mosquitoes, but with some bug spray and a couple thermacell mosquito repellents, we were comfortable the whole time," advises Oleńka S. regarding Bowman Lake State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: RV sites vary significantly in size and accessibility. Stoney Pond offers limited options with "Site number 1 is quite flat and open and could accommodate a trailer or camper van but isn't very scenic," according to Janet R.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections aren't universal. "All sites are full hookups (I think) and paved. Definitely geared towards the RV or trailer crowd," notes Michael O. about The Villages RV Park.
Generator policies: Rules vary by campground, with most state parks restricting hours or prohibiting use. Many campers recommend battery or solar power alternatives for dispersed sites.
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive sites may challenge larger vehicles. Pharsalia Woods campsites require "a short walk-in from Elmer Jackson Rd, or by paddling in from the parking area in the west side of the pond," according to Janet R.
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