The Hamilton, New York area offers additional RV camping options beyond the major resorts. Located in central New York at approximately 1,100 feet elevation, the region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and fall temperatures cooling to 45-65°F. Campgrounds typically operate from mid-spring through mid-fall with most closing by mid-October.
What to do
Swimming and boating: Green Lakes State Park Campground provides a large beach area and boat rentals for $7/hour. "You cannot bring your own kayaks you have to rent. Fun hiking area the water is gorgeous. Great playgrounds. Bathrooms and showers were very clean," notes a camper at Green Lakes State Park Campground.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail options exist in the area, including the historic Chenango Canal trail. One visitor to Butternut Hill RV Campground mentions, "There is 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."
Fishing access: Several campgrounds offer fishing ponds or lake access. "Treasure Isle is nice and quite. The sites are a good size with water and electric on each site. There is a dumping station to use, some sewer sites. There is a nice bathhouse, playground, basketball court, Beach and walking trails," according to a visitor.
What campers like
Unique water features: The lakes in the region have distinctive qualities. At Green Lakes, campers appreciate the unusual coloring: "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."
Family-friendly amenities: Clean facilities and activities for kids rank high. "Big campsite, big sites, lots of activities, beautiful boating! The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground," says a reviewer about Green Lakes State Park.
Farm camping experiences: For those seeking alternatives to typical RV parks near Hamilton, New York, Woonton Family Farms offers a different experience. "We had an excellent stay at the farm of the Woonton Family Farms with our RV, it was a cozy and beautiful campsite with personal attention of the owner. We had a great campfire, fresh blackberries and the option of canoeing."
What you should know
Weather preparation: The region can experience significant rain, so drainage is important. A camper at Butternut Hill noted, "It rained really hard one day of the event, and though the access roads got a little muddy, the campsites seem well drained and did not get muddy."
Noise considerations: Some RV parks in Hamilton, New York face noise challenges. At Riverside RV Campground, one camper mentioned, "This place is right on the river and the freeway! So it's kind of loud the people are super friendly and had fresh vegetables and home baked goods available."
Seasonal events: The area hosts numerous festivals that affect campground availability. "The campground is adjacent to the festival fields, lining a forest edge with expansive views of the surrounding valley. During special events, vendors and exhibitors have a convenient and inexpensive place to stay," notes a visitor to Butternut Hill.
Tips for camping with families
Private bathroom options: Select campgrounds offer updated facilities. "The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground. The beach area is wide and shallow in most areas," notes a camper at Green Lakes.
Playground access: Multiple sites provide play areas. "Fun hiking area the water is gorgeous. Great playgrounds. Bathrooms and showers were very clean," says a reviewer about Green Lakes State Park Campground.
Kid-friendly activities: The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone offers numerous options. "We have a Class A motorhome and flat tow a Jeep. The campground was beautiful and easy to get in and out of. The sites were level and great size with nice spacing in between," says a family that stayed there with children ages 8 and 13.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: For extended stays, select the right campground. "Offers a pool, playground, hiking trail, fishing pond, paddleboat rentals, camp store, very clean bath houses throughout, maintained sites, fire rings at each site and organized in loops to offer wooded and full sun sites depending on what you are looking for."
Site selection: Different loops offer varying experiences. "Convenient to the highway with 24 hour shuttles to the casino 5 minutes away, yet quiet and beautifully maintained... organized in loops to offer wooded and full sun sites depending on what you are looking for," explains a reviewer about Turning Stone.
Big rig access: Some Hamilton, New York RV parks can accommodate larger vehicles. Treasure Isle RV Park provides "sites are a good size with water and electric on each site. There is a dumping station to use, some sewer sites."
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