142 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options around Howes Cave, New York range from developed state park campgrounds to remote dispersed sites. Max V. Shaul State Park Campground in nearby Fultonham provides 30 spacious campsites with picnic tables and fire pits, while primitive camping opportunities exist at Betty Brook Camp and Duck Pond Campsite within a short drive. The region includes both tent-focused areas and full-service campgrounds capable of accommodating RVs with hookups, such as Frosty Acres Campground approximately 25 miles northeast.
Road access varies significantly between developed and dispersed camping areas. Rougher conditions affect remote sites, particularly at Duck Pond Campsite. "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse," noted one visitor about Duck Pond. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with Thompson's Lake Campground at Thacher State Park opening earliest in late April. Winter camping remains available at select locations like Burnt Rossman State Forest. Cell service can be intermittent at remote sites, which becomes particularly relevant when navigating rough forest roads.
Campers consistently mention the peaceful atmosphere of smaller campgrounds in the region. Max V. Shaul State Park receives praise for its modern facilities and spacious sites. According to one visitor, "The bath house is clean and modern" while others appreciate the "lots of space between sites." Dispersed camping areas provide even greater seclusion, with Betty Brook Camp described as "remote" where "sometimes you never see anyone." Proximity to water features prominently in positive reviews, with stream-side camping available at several primitive sites. The elevation at certain campgrounds, particularly Frosty Acres at approximately 1,400 feet, delivers scenic valley views but can experience significant wind. Nearby attractions include waterfalls and hiking opportunities at Vromans Nose, enhancing the recreational value of camping in this area.
"Just ok distance between camp sites. If we return we might try the more upper loop further from the front"
"Watched a video on YouTube that was a walk through of each site. So peaceful. Lots of good hiking. Sinks for dishes, clean bathrooms and showers."
from $21 - $50 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $22 - $32 / night
Check Availability"It’s across from the bathrooms, behind there’s a trail that takes you to the lake (about a 5 min walk). No electric, water, or dump station."
"Some of the lakeside sites have private foot trails down to the water which was very nice."
from $21 / night
Check Availability"Only downside is there is not a hiking/walking path down to the lake from the campground. Very nice bathrooms w shower and wash station. Electricity and water available at or near each campsite."
"Close to Cooperstown and within driving distance from Oneonta. Quiet and spacious campsites"
from $18 - $30 / night
Check Availability"I live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road."
"After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad."
"Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads"
"Our site was on top of the creek, close to the path down to the water and close to a hiking trail. During our visit we drove around the nearby towns and didn't find much to see or do with our time."
"We had reservations about being side by side with other RVs but the site we were in was so big and being in a valley with huge trees all around a large open grassy area in the middle made everything feel"
"Entrance is soft"
"Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"
"There are water spigots near all the tent sites and they are nice and spread out. They have special events in a pavilion near the RVs including bingo"
from $34 - $55 / night
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TravelerThis campground is beautiful. The lake is good sized and clean. The property has beautiful fields and a creek that runs along the back. This is not a party campground and people are not packed in on top of each other. The little store is cute & affordable and the owners are on site 24/7.
ScoutMy family and I enjoy going here durning the summer. Always clean campsites and bathrooms.
GuideStayed at lot #71, loop B! It’s across from the bathrooms, behind there’s a trail that takes you to the lake (about a 5 min walk). No electric, water, or dump station. Firewood is near the entrance, they give you a burlap sack to fill up with!
GuideThis place is ab awesome getaway. It was so peaceful and quiet, not like some of the other campgrounds. The new owners are trying to make it all natural nature. They have a small trail around the campground, where you can see the creek and narure. While we were there, I saw 2 beautiful pheasants and rabbits. It was just what we needed, a nice quiet getaway and we will be back
TravelerPeople are super friendly and helpful. Campground is well maintained and very secure. RV site was very large and mostly level. Good location. Close to Hudson River and Albany.
TravelerLock 15 is big area with varied places to park. There is a port a potty and potable water and All free. Shaded areas and picnic tables. It is located on the Mohawk River. It is a busy train location across the river. A boat did not enter the lock during our visit but it is an active lock on the Erie Canal. There is ample parking for a dozen or more campervans. It’s only 25 miles from Copperstown, NY. Felt very safe here.
ScoutGilbert Lake State Park is located about 11 miles north of Oneonta, New York. I have camped here for a number of summers at their Hilltop Section, never dissapointed. There are a few trails that traverse the park for a few miles that are always green and shady. The lake offers swimming and kayaking. There is a concession stand and even a small museum that chronicles the efforts of the national CCC program under Roosevelt that constructed the park in the 1930's. After a long day of hiking, the campgrounds hot showers offer a great reprieve.
ScoutNow that All Star Baseball purchased this Oneonta campground this year, don't expect to stay here if you are not a baseball family. I went there in person yesterday for two nights at their"primitive" tent sites. After Hanna checked her computer, my dates were all cleared...great, then let me pay the $70... but no... she had to check with management first. I thought that was strange since that never happened to me before when getting any campsites elsewhere. I was told I'd be called later that day but nobody called me. I went back the next day only to be told all sites for the summer were rented out. Clearly that was not true based on her computer check the day before. BOTTOMLINE: if you are not a baseball family spending $1000's here, don't expect to even get the time of day. Therefore, they do not deserve anyone's business.
GuideWe've stayed here half a dozen times, usually for an evening along our camping trips. We did stay an extra day once to do some of the activities available.
It's a bit of a haul to get to the campground and the first time we were sure that we had missed a turn as we left Herkimer and headed up smaller and more winding roads to the campground. The turn off to the campground comes up fast and is quite sharp so be on the lookout for it.
The campground has many sites including back in and pull through. Not the largest of sites, but lots of green space to give the campground a park like feel. Some camp sites are right along the West Canada Creek. You can swim/wade in it, in addition to riding rafts along it.
There is a working "diamond" mine at the campground where you can try your hand at mining, or just buy some of the crystals that someone else did the work to get. There is a nice restaurant open most days (we have always managed to miss the days that it's open) in addition to stands near the mine that sell hot dogs and burgers.
There is a nice, large pool. In the park like area around it they have stands that sell mixed drinks, and others that sell ice cream and other deserts. The camp store is medium-large and has supplies, food, souvenirs (including Herkimer Diamond), etc.
Dispersed camping options abound in the rural landscape surrounding Howes Cave, New York. The region sits at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,400 feet with heavily forested terrain and numerous streams. Winter camping remains viable at select locations, with Burnt Rossman State Forest offering accessible sites even during colder months.
Waterfall exploring: Several waterfalls are within short driving distance of campsites near Howes Cave, New York. At Max V. Shaul State Park Campground, campers can venture to nearby falls. "There's no pond/lake here but there's several waterfalls nearby and vromans nose," notes Brian H. in his review.
Swimming and boating: The Thompson's Lake beach area provides water-based recreation during summer months. Thompson's Lake Campground offers "kayak and boat rentals, a nature center next door you can walk too," according to Sabrina H., making it ideal for water activities just 30 minutes from Howes Cave.
Winter recreation: For cold-weather enthusiasts, Burnt Rossman State Forest permits winter camping with sites accessible from the main road. Felix R. confirms it's "a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the area offer well-spaced camping spots. At Hide-A-Way Campsites, Jackie M. found it "well maintained clean campground. Friendly attendants guided us to site and directed in spot." The small size contributes to its quiet atmosphere.
Streamside camping: Primitive sites along waterways provide natural white noise and scenery. At Betty Brook Camp, Robert B. notes, "You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots," making it popular with campers seeking water features.
Modern bathhouses: Facilities at established campgrounds receive consistent positive mentions. Max V. Shaul State Park features new restroom buildings with "new bathrooms/showers and family bathrooms," according to Margaret L., who appreciates these upgrades along with reasonable firewood prices.
Road conditions: Access to remote sites can be challenging, especially for larger vehicles. Duck Pond Campsite reviews warn about difficult approaches: "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse," shares The L., noting intermittent cell service that complicated navigation.
Wind exposure: Higher elevation campsites experience significant wind. Frosty Acres Campground sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation and gets "windy as all get out," according to James S., though this position rewards campers with "view of the sunrise over the entire valley."
Early reservations: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Thompson's Lake Campground is especially busy between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, with lakeside sites booking months in advance.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. Glimmerglass State Park Campground receives praise from Dana O. who writes, "This campground has always been my go to. Now that I have kids, I appreciate the playground area near the beach more."
Nature programs: Educational opportunities enhance family camping experiences. Thompson's Lake offers a nature center with exhibits and programs specifically designed for younger visitors during summer months.
Washing stations: Family campers appreciate dedicated facilities for cleaning dishes. Melissa S. highlights Thompson's Lake's "nice bathroom facilities and dish washing station!" making mealtime cleanup easier when camping with children.
Site leveling: Many campgrounds have uneven pads requiring adjustment. Jackie M. notes that Hide-A-Way Campsites has a "gravel unlevel pad full hookups," suggesting RVers bring leveling blocks.
Winter RV options: Limited winter camping exists for hardy RVers. Frosty Acres Campground maintains a small winter section where "you'll have the entire mountain side all to yourself!" according to James S., who appreciates the opportunity for winter campfires and activities.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds experience water issues during peak season. Peter S. recommends bringing your own water when visiting certain campgrounds, noting water pressure and quality can vary significantly depending on the facility and time of year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far are campgrounds from Howe Caverns and what transportation options exist?
Campgrounds around Howe Caverns typically range from 10-30 minutes driving distance. Susquehanna Trail Campground is conveniently located off I-88 exit 13 in Oneonta, providing easy highway access. Cooperstown KOA is approximately 12.5 miles from downtown Cooperstown and set in quiet rural countryside, making it a reasonable drive to regional attractions. Most visitors rely on personal vehicles for transportation as public transit options are limited in this rural area. Some campgrounds may offer shuttle services for special events, but this isn't standard. Having your own vehicle is highly recommended for exploring the region, including Howe Caverns and other nearby attractions like the Baseball Hall of Fame and local shopping areas.
What campgrounds are available near Howe Caverns?
Several campgrounds are available near Howe Caverns in upstate New York. Max V. Shaul State Park Campground in Fultonham offers drive-in camping with reservable sites and toilet facilities. Nickerson Park Campground near Gilboa provides water hookups, toilet facilities, and is big-rig friendly. Other options include Country Roads Campground in Gilboa and Frosty Acres Campground near Schenectady. The area offers a mix of private and public campgrounds, with varying amenities from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups. Many campgrounds in the region are seasonal, typically operating from May through October, so it's advisable to check availability before planning your trip.
Is Hide-A-Way Campsites a good option when visiting Howe Caverns in NY?
Hide-A-Way Campsites in Central Bridge is indeed a good option when visiting Howe Caverns. Its location provides convenient access to the caverns while offering basic amenities including water and toilet facilities. For alternative options with more amenities, Treetopia Campground offers a unique camping experience in the Catskills with various accommodation types including RV sites, yurts, and custom rentals. This campground is managed by Betty, who provides tours of the facilities. Hide-A-Way Campsites is suitable for visitors primarily interested in exploring Howe Caverns and wanting a simple, accessible camping option in the immediate vicinity. Their drive-in access makes it convenient for both tent campers and those with recreational vehicles.
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