Shay S.
Traveler
TravelerSpruce Row Campsite
Great Family campground
They are super family friendly, its very quiet and peaceful. The pool is beautiful and a cool and unique shape. They have activities on the weekends and its very safe for kids.
Camping near Jamesville, NY
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping near Jamesville, NY ranges from developed state park campgrounds to primitive dispersed sites, with most facilities concentrated within a 30-mile radius. Green Lakes State Park Campground serves as the region's premier camping destination, offering tent and RV sites as well as cabins and glamping accommodations. Several other campgrounds dot the region, including Morgan Hill State Forest, which provides both developed camping areas and dispersed camping opportunities for more self-sufficient visitors seeking a backcountry experience.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from May through October, with Green Lakes and Verona Beach State Parks closing around October 9th. The region experiences typical northeastern seasonal variations with summers being the primary camping season. "We loved this park. Nice that there are lots of options in town for food as we were traveling," noted one visitor about Green Lakes, highlighting the convenient location near amenities while still providing natural surroundings. Many of the campgrounds offer electric hookups and water, though the dispersed sites in Morgan Hill State Forest lack these amenities and require campers to pack in their own supplies and pack out all trash.
Campers frequently highlight the unique features of Green Lakes State Park, with its distinctive blue-green glacial lakes receiving particular praise. The park combines natural beauty with practical amenities, making it suitable for various camping styles. "Beautiful lakes! The walking/hiking trails are fabulous. They also offer an activity booklet for the kids to fill out during their stay to earn a patch," shared one visitor. Sites throughout the region vary in size and privacy, with some campgrounds offering more secluded wooded sites while others feature more open layouts. The proximity to Syracuse means campers have access to urban amenities while still enjoying outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, swimming, and fishing. Morgan Hill State Forest provides a more primitive experience for those seeking solitude away from the more developed camping areas.
Best Campgrounds near Jamesville (145)
1. Green Lakes State Park Campground
"The lake is a fascinating meromictic lake with clear calcium-rich waters that are not only pristine and beautiful to look at, but also great for swimming and snorkeling as the waters are crystal clear"
"The sites are nice, some are little close to each other but nice for group camping. A short distance (walk or by car) to the beach. The lake is a little chilly sometimes but very refreshing."
from $24 - $116 / night
Check Availability2. Oneida Shores County Park
"Great access to beach. Friendly campers and quiet. Easy to find. Not a lot of shade. Showers not conveniently located."
"And Nice bathhouse over near beach with pass entry for campers only for showers. Close to beach. Only issue. Camp host actually came and took our wood for our campfire!"
3. Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest
"throughout the state forest, this is a group of ten established and well maintained primitive campsites right on Spruce Pond with fishing available and an amazing network of hiking and cross country ski trails"
"Campsite 5 was very overgrown, but site 6 had a nice flat area of pine needles with a path to the road once you see it. However, I couldn't locate the fire ring for site 6."
4. Verona Beach State Park Campground
"Nice small state park, our site had a water spigot right behind our site hook up hose and filled camper. Lake is dirty but the had a nice splash pad for the kids."
"Campground sits on the edge of Lake Oneida with a nice camper’s beach and trail on the lake front. We stayed at site 11. As you can see sites are spacious and this one was right on the lake’s edge."
from $31 - $33 / night
Check Availability5. Woonton Family Farms
"Close to the nice village Skaneateles. It was a welcome difference from the common/look-alike campgrounds everywhere else. We will definitely come back! The Breuk family from the Netherlands"
"Woonton Family Farms is new to the Dyrt and offer a stunning farm with trails, water and forest to explore. Check them out and make sure to leave a review of your stay here on the Dyrt!"
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability6. Nature Lover's Paradise
"Nature Lover's Paradise is new to the Dyrt and they have an awesome spot to share with access to a vast network of trails in upstate New York. "
from $79 - $149 / night
Check Availability7. Fillmore Glen State Park Campground
"region of Upstate New York."
"Awesome little park in the Finger Lakes region with nature on site and lots more to do and explore nearby (wine trails!)."
from $21 - $67 / night
Check Availability8. The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone
"For activities, there are some great hikes around the campground, as well as excellent playgrounds, fishing, an awesome pool, and of course, free shuttle rides to the Turning Stone Casino right up the"
"Pool and walking paths were well kept. Dog waste stations were available but the park didn't have a dog park. Bummer for fino."
from $65 - $75 / night
Check Availability9. Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed
"This location has a set of 2 large trailhead parking lots for hikers and backpackers accessing the vast trail network of the Morgan Hill State Forest."
10. Stoney Pond State Forest Camping Area
"The spots are big and great walks as well if you have dogs. Easy access to the pond too. 20 minutes to waterfall state park & there is a maple shop not too far as well for treats etc."
"There are 15 drive-in campsites widely spaced and set into the woods, and two developed walk-in sites on the west shore."
Drive Time
- 6 min from Syracuse, NY
- 43 min from Utica, NY
- 1 hr 4 min from Ithaca, NY
- 1 hr 6 min from Binghamton, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Jamesville, NY
123 Photos of 145 Jamesville Campgrounds
Tate T.
Green Lakes State Park Campground
renee M.
Shady Pines Camp at CBG Farm - CLOSED
Neil L.
Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest
Nicole V.
Oneida Shores County Park
Janet R.
Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground
Ryan G.
Pleasant Lake Campground
Janet R.
Stoney Pond State Forest Camping Area
Thomas M.
Verona Beach State Park Campground
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Christmas Tree Farm Hideaway
Tate T.
Ta-Ga-Soke Campgrounds
April L.
The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone
Kelly J.
Yellow Lantern Kampground
Recent Reviews near Jamesville, NY
417 Reviews of 145 Jamesville Campgrounds
Pam R.
GuideOneida Shores County Park
Beautiful and peaceful
We had a great stay at Oneida Shores Campground. Over the weekend it was nearly full, but it never felt crowded. The other campers were friendly and there were no issues. At 10 pm, it got very quiet, no issues. The newly paved sites are level. The grounds are well kept. I wouldn't say the sites were too close together. We had plenty of room. The tent area is shaded by trees, the rv section is not. We encountered several park employees, all were very friendly and helpful. Never saw any geese. The only negative is that the showers and restrooms need a deep clean and upgrade, but they were serviceable.
- ddan H.Guide
Sunset Harbor RV and Cabins
Not a resort but a great low cost campground with fantastic views.
We found this little gem when planning our trip. It is owned & operated by a Patrick who works very hard to keep it in great condition. There are at least twenty RV sites with thirty amp & some with fifty amp power all with full hookups. He also has several vacation rental cabins on the site, some of which he has built. All this is located right on the shores of lake Ontario about six miles from Oswego NY. Great lake views. An inground in pool, restrooms and showers all kept clean & in great condition. On-site firewood at a good price. Very short walk to a restaurant offering seafood sandwiches/ platters as well as burgers etc with lots of lakeside seating. Also a fantastic Ice-cream shop with dozens of flavors within 2 minutes walk. Well worth staying. We will return.
What E.TravelerLake Chalet Motel and Campground
Clean, Quiet & Beautiful!!
This 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.
Elizabeth D.
ScoutShady Shores Campground
The views are spectacular
Its a small park with lots of campers that park year round. Super friendly golf cart riding community always ready to help out. Wifi isnt the best, but it was quiet and peaceful.
- Elizabeth D.Scout
The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone
Excellent park
Space was adequate with both shade and some sun, trash service and shuttle service was a plus . Pool and walking paths were well kept. Dog waste stations were available but the park didn't have a dog park. Bummer for fino.
- LLeighla S.Guide
Winona State Forest
Nice spots, lots of horseflies.
Very nice night spent at Winona State Forest with my boyfriend and our dog, Michelob. Lots of horseflies and mosquitoes but big spray did help and the fire. We have a truck bed tent we used for this trip and a canopy tent to put all of our stuff under. Each site does have a fire pit of some sort.
Lisa S.ScoutSpruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest
Peaceful forest site
Stayed at this very serene camping spot with abundant fireflies and no biting insects on June 26, 2026 for a quick overnight on a roadtrip. Arriving after dark, it was very difficult to find the sites. Campsite 5 was very overgrown, but site 6 had a nice flat area of pine needles with a path to the road once you see it. However, I couldn't locate the fire ring for site 6. I loved the sounds of the frogs at night and the birds at dawn, but if you're a very light sleeper, you might want ear plugs. Short hike up to the hang glider launch site was worthwhile. Nice, clean, accessible port-a-potty in the parking lot. Had spotty but mostly okay cell service (AT&T).
- AAimee L.Traveler
Selkirk Shores State Park Campground
Beautiful View
We thought the campground was beautiful, tight to your neighbors on majority of sites, and lack of trash cans for pet waste especially since the campground is so big. It has ball field, 2 playgrounds, rec room, camp store, lake Ontario to swim, trails for multi use, and pavillions. Down fall for us was small site , lack of trash cans to toss pet waste, not being told about fill station because there is no water faucets like most state parks along campground. We were there for first time so not familiar with park. Office did not offer us a map to get to our site or clue us in on filling our tank prior to parking camper. Main gate personnel not on same information. bathrooms could be cleaned more often. bathhouse building is all gender with bathrooms on one side of building and showers on other. Bathroom and showers are private space rooms. Beach is very rocky with little sand area. Life guards only guard one side of beach making everyone crowded to one side
Guide to Jamesville
Morgan Hill State Forest offers dispersed camping opportunities across its 5,000+ acres, with primitive campsites requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all trash. Located 12 miles south of Jamesville, the forest provides both established campgrounds like Spruce Pond and dispersed backcountry options. The highest elevation points reach about 2,000 feet, offering scenic views and challenging terrain for hikers looking for the best places to camp near Jamesville, New York.
What to do
Hiking trails and lakes: Green Lakes State Park features extensive trail networks around its distinctive glacial lakes. "There are 2 Great Lakes to hike around with awesome views. Fishing and boat rental if you want to be closer to the water," notes Kelly J. about Green Lakes State Park Campground.
Swimming beaches: Most campgrounds with lakes offer supervised swimming areas during summer months. At Verona Beach State Park, "Swimming is available at the large beach. You can rent a kayak and enjoy the beautiful lake. There are miles of trails to explore," according to Cindy H. about Verona Beach State Park Campground.
Waterfall exploration: Several state forests contain scenic waterfalls accessible via hiking trails. "Hiking the trail west on a day trip will bring you to the beautiful Tinker Falls, which may not be flowing during dry seasons but is still a gorge worth exploring!" shares Janet R. about Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed.
What campers like
Unique water features: The glacial lakes in this region have distinct characteristics. "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," reports Kenneth S. about Green Lakes State Park Campground.
Family amenities: Most established campgrounds offer playgrounds and recreational facilities. "Beautiful lakes! The walking/hiking trails are fabulous. They also offer an activity booklet for the kids to fill out during their stay to earn a patch," mentions Sheri S.
Privacy options: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites for those seeking quieter experiences. At Spruce Pond Camping Area, "The first few campsites are the best, the further down you go the worse the sites get for tent set up. Smaller tents would be best here. Great trees for hammock camping though," advises Neil L.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: The camping season typically runs May through October, with most facilities closing by mid-October. "We camped at Spruce Pond primitve campsites. Although dispersed primitive camping is allowed elsewhere throughout the state forest, this is a group of ten established and well maintained primitive campsites right on Spruce Pond," explains Janet R.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer weekends. At Fillmore Glen State Park Campground, "During the main season, this place is nuts! You'll definitely need to plan ahead and make reservations if you plan to be here on the weekends during the silly season. Bonus: Prices are lower on weekdays and you get a reduced rate for your second night, too."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience more noise than others. "Camp facilities were clean and well maintained. However, we were the only tent campers around and the RV groups were loud late and early. We struggled to sleep because of the noise. Tent campers beware," notes Kayleigh K. about Fillmore Glen State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Several parks offer kid-friendly swimming areas and boat rentals. "Camped here twice now. Love it, beach is great. 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," advises Sara H. about Green Lakes State Park.
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature updated play equipment. At Oneida Shores County Park, "The play area is giant and includes outdoor music play. Thanks drivers village for that. Beach area is nice and guarded," reports Zen W.
Bathroom facilities: Family-friendly restrooms vary by location. "The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground," shares Sheri S. about Green Lakes State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Services vary widely between campgrounds. At Verona Beach, "There are some sites with full hook-up available and also specific areas that allow pets," notes Cindy H.
Site layouts: RV site configurations differ significantly across campgrounds. At The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone, "Sitesare spacious, lots to do for kids, facilities are new and clean," according to Keri.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. "All sites are full hookups (i think) and paved. Definitely geared towards the RV or trailer crowd. Very well kept up, bathrooms are very modern and well stocked," shares Michael O. about The Villages RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Jamesville Beach Park for campers?
What amenities are available at Jamesville Beach Park for campers?
Jamesville Beach Park provides campers with essential amenities including restrooms, picnic areas with tables and grills, and drinking water stations. The park features designated camping areas with modest facilities. For those seeking more developed camping options nearby, Robert H. Treman State Park Campground offers bathrooms, showers, picnic facilities, and hiking trails. Alternatively, Oneida Shores County Park provides water access, toilets, and reservable sites. Jamesville Beach Park's main attraction is the swimming beach, which includes lifeguards during peak season, a playground for children, and volleyball courts for recreation.
What are the best photo spots at Jamesville Beach Park?
What are the best photo spots at Jamesville Beach Park?
Jamesville Beach Park offers several stunning photo opportunities throughout the seasons. The beach area provides beautiful lake views, especially at sunset when the water reflects vibrant colors. For nature photography, try the walking trails that showcase seasonal wildflowers and woodland scenery. Similar to Green Lakes State Park Campground, Jamesville features unique geological formations and clear water that create excellent photo backgrounds. The overlook points give panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys, particularly spectacular during fall foliage season when the landscape transforms with brilliant autumn colors.
When is Jamesville Beach Park open for camping?
When is Jamesville Beach Park open for camping?
Jamesville Beach Park's camping season typically runs from late May through early September, with peak availability during summer months. Similar to Verona Beach State Park Campground, the park follows standard New York State seasonal operations. Weather conditions may affect exact opening and closing dates each year. For year-round camping options in the region, The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone offers extended season availability. It's advisable to check with Onondaga County Parks for the current year's official camping schedule and reservation requirements before planning your visit.
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