Camping spots near Hartwick, New York cluster around the rolling foothills of the northern Catskills at elevations between 1,200-1,800 feet. The camping season typically runs from mid-May through early October, with most campgrounds closing before the first frost. Local camping areas feature a mix of state park facilities and privately-owned campgrounds specifically designed to accommodate visitors to nearby baseball attractions.
What to do
Baseball field access: Cooperstown Beaver Valley Campground offers on-site baseball fields available for team practice or casual games. "There are 2 baseball fields. Just a well laid out campground that was perfect for us," notes Eric L., highlighting the facility's baseball-focused amenities available for guest use.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds near Hartwick provide fishing access without requiring a boat. At Crazy Acres Campground at Beaver Spring Lake, guests appreciate "a big lake to fish in and a pool to relax by," according to Robert M., making it suitable for anglers of all ages.
Hiking trails: Gilbert Lake State Park Campground features extensive hiking options around its namesake lake. One visitor explains, "There's miles of hiking trails including one around the lake," providing campers with accessible outdoor recreation directly from their sites.
Cross-country skiing: For winter visitors, Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park offers maintained trails and winterized cabins. "Reserve one of the winterized cabins and come for a long weekend of cozy cabin time and quiet time outdoors on the winter trails," suggests Janet R., highlighting year-round accommodation options.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the Hartwick area have recently expanded their site sizes. At Gilbert Lake State Park, "They're finally adding a bunch of electric sites and have discontinued every other site in the deer run area. This makes the sites very large," reports Rob L., noting the ongoing improvements to camping comfort.
Swimming options: Multiple water recreation opportunities exist throughout the region. Glimmerglass State Park Campground features "a very nice beach with lifeguards for swimming," according to Patti M., who adds that "the lake is pristine and wonderful to swim in."
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention the spacing and layout of camping areas. At Glimmerglass State Park, one visitor noted, "The campsites are a great size for accommodating two tents and have many people gather at meals," highlighting the functional design of the camping areas.
Reliable utilities: Campgrounds generally provide dependable hookups for RVers and cabin campers. A visitor to Cooperstown Family Campground observed, "Healthy grass sites to park on with water, electric and sewer hook ups," describing the infrastructure available to guests.
What you should know
Cell service variability: Connectivity changes dramatically between campgrounds. While some sites report strong signals, others have limited reception. A camper at Gilbert Lake State Park noted, "The only downsides are the roads are rough and there's little to no cell signal. That could be a plus for some though."
Algae conditions: Some lakes in the region have developed seasonal algae issues. One camper reported that "a major problem at this park is the recent development of a toxic algae problem in the lake. Because of algae blooms during warm weather, swimming and fishing in Gilbert Lake are now prohibited."
Road quality: Interior campground roads vary significantly in condition and width. At Hartwick Highlands Campground, security features include "security gate to enter and exit," providing controlled access that limits traffic flow during overnight hours.
Baseball season crowds: During summer baseball tournaments, campgrounds fill quickly. "We drove around to the three closest RV parks to Dreams Park and would definitely stay here with the team and/or on your own," mentions a visitor to Hartwick Highlands, suggesting the importance of planning ahead during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Arcade access: Several campgrounds maintain game rooms with arcade machines. Cooperstown Family Campground offers "12 or so arcade machines in a cute barn they'll open up for you when you want to play," providing entertainment during inclement weather.
Playground facilities: Many camping areas feature dedicated children's play areas. A visitor to Cooperstown KOA appreciated that "the pool, along the dog park, bounce house and swing set were well taken care of," listing the family amenities available.
Group gathering spaces: Campgrounds often provide communal areas for team meetings or family gatherings. At Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park, "There is a beautiful picnic pavilion and playground, so kid friendly," notes a visitor, describing facilities that accommodate larger groups.
Structured activities: Some campgrounds organize regular events for younger guests. A camper at Crazy Acres mentioned, "We had fun, plenty of activities, a big lake to fish in and a pool to relax by. Nighttime family fun as well," indicating programmed entertainment beyond self-directed recreation.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: RV campers should research specific site dimensions before booking. A visitor to Cooperstown KOA observed, "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."
Hookup positioning: The location of utility connections can require creative parking. At Cooperstown Family Campground, one RVer noted, "My main complaints were the pedestals where we were were in the bushes directly behind the campers, and unfortunately for me my hookups are towards the front of my camper so I had to pull in sideways to reach the pedestal."
Seasonal site availability: Many campgrounds offer longer-term options for repeat visitors. At Crazy Acres, "Seasonal sites are extremely well kept," according to a reviewer who appreciated the maintenance standards for permanent setups.
