Looking for a place to go glamping near Johnson City? Glamping near Johnson City is a great way to travel off the beaten path. Find the right glamping site for you with our user-submitted photos, reviews, and tips. The Dyrt makes it easy to find glamping for your Johnson City adventure.
While most people consider New York City to be the main attraction of the state, further upstate lies Chenango Valley State Park; a much calmer 1,137 acre natural wonder of New York. This park is known for its two kettle lakes, named Chenango and Lily. The lakes, which were created after the last Ice Age, formed when large chunks of ice that were left behind by a glacier ended up buried deep beneath the earth. Over time, that ice melted, forming the bogs and wetlands known today as Chenango and Lily.
The park’s rich ecosystem attracts both migrant as well as predatory birds and other watchable wildlife. Subsequently, birdwatchers will delight finding and spotting the woodpeckers, nuthatches, warblers and thrushes found along woodland trails. You will also find herons, ducks, and kingfishers over on the lakeside.
Those searching for something closer to the lakes will enjoy an abundance of excellent fishing opportunities. Fishermen can attempt to catch trout, bass, perch, and bullhead in Chenango Lake, as well as the various wetlands and marshes throughout. Lily Lake is not known for its fishing opportunities, but makes a the perfect place for a relaxing day at the beach. After you’ve soaked up some rays, enjoy a relaxing game of gold over at the 18-hole Chenango Valley State Park Golf Course. There’s never a shortage of activities, nor scenic beauty to take in during your stay here. And luckily, if you can’t fit it all into one day the park offers fantastic overnight accommodations as well.
When camping here, take comfort knowing there’s plenty of room for everyone. In fact, campers can choose from among 184 campsites, or 24 warm and cozy cabins. The park offers shower buildings routinely placed throughout, as well as an amply-stocked convenience store with camper information inside.
Fortunately, there is a variety of campsite sizes and amenities to choose from. However, if you’re planning on camping with an RV, consider reserving your site at least a few months in advance as space can fill up very quickly, especially during the summer.
Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, with a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound. Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. Rim trails overlook the gorge. Camping near Watkins Glen allows you to enjoy the Olympic-size pool, scheduled summer tours through the gorge, tent and trailer campsites, picnic facilities and excellent fishing in nearby Seneca Lake or Catherine Creek, which is renowned for its annual spring run of rainbow trout.
**Cash or Check payments only
Keen Lake Camping and Cottage Resort is a privately owned 90-acre spring fed mountain lake, located in the scenic northern Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania just off Route 6. Our campgound offers a variety of accommodations available for you and your family ranging from Seasonal Camping, RV Camping, Popup Camping, Tent Camping, and Seasonal Cottage Rentals. Our serene natural setting provides fresh, clean country air, a variety of amenities to fit your needs while on your vacation, a complete activities program for the young and young at heart, excellent fishing (large mouth bass, perch, walleye, crappies and more) and the opportunity to relax with your family and friends - to read, to boat, to swim, to walk, to think, to play, and mostly to create precious memories with those you best love.
$27 / night
You won’t forget your time in nature under the stars. Beautiful bell tent located near flowing creek that allows you to be at one with nature. Record any animals you see in our journal, use the binoculars on a search. Enjoy our stocked bench with all your camping needs. Sit around the firepit under the stars and enjoy a night away.
Nearby, you can visit the famous country zoo, Animal Adventure , where April the Giraffe became famous! Visit the many Pumpkin Farms, The Cider Mill, Apple Orchards, beautiful parks nearby for hiking & biking.
$58 - $75 / night
Traveler
We enjoyed staying at Keen lake resort. Loved the lake and glamping.
TravelerKeen lake is the most cleanest friendliest family environment campsite you will ever find. Beautiful lake great fishing. Activities all day long for the children. Great general store that has everything in it that is open from sun up to sundown. The nachos and ice cream are the best. Super friendly staff. It's big they have tent sites right along the lake the lake is huge there's so much I could say but I would run out of room. I started coming here when I was four and I am now 46 years old and it is just the best place ever. It will always have a special place in our heart. Look forward every year to coming here no matter what age my kids are they all have a blast. From tent sites to RVs to cottages to glamping you name it they have it highly recommend it. Recently went camping to somewhere a little bit closer to home and it's nothing compared to here. It's like comparing Macy's to Walmart. You will never regret coming here. So pack your family up and have a great time.
Legend
We were just passing through on a rainy night, but this park would be a good choice for a multi-night stay.
Activities for a Multi-Day Stay
Swimming in the lake, golfing, boating, fishing, multi-use trails for hiking or mountain biking
You're only about 20 minutes from the Binghamton/Johnson City area. For us, that means food and craft beer.
Sites in the Chipmunk Camping Area
Parking pads in the non-electric section are dirt/grass. Some of the pads are short; this section is geared toward tent campers. We found a site long enough to easily accommodate our vehicle and teardrop trailer (30 ft total) since we didn't want to detach for a one night stay. Even if the pad wasn't that long, there are other pads wide enough to handle a vehicle and trailer like ours side by side.
Parking pads in the electric loops (30 amps and 50 amps) have a good amount of gravel.
We usually prefer sites on the outer part of a loop, and this was no exception. The sites have more trees.
Amenities
Electricity at about 1/3 of the sites
Pretty good restrooms/showers
Water spigots on the loops and more water at the dump station
Trash disposal
Playground at the beach area, not the campground
Wildlife
Beware of raccoons. They are brazen thieves here...and every campground they inhabit. Just don't leave your food out.
The park brochure warns of the occasional bear but that's true even in towns all over NY. I doubt you'll see one.
Deer are all over. Watch out for them on the roads. We had four that were feeding behind our site in the morning.
Traveler
My experience here was most enjoyable. I stayed in a yurt for the first time and it was also my first time camping since my teenage years. The yurt was most comfortable and the park is beautiful in the spring. Went hiking and was sure to bring my camera along. Got some beautiful shots too. Would highly recommend visiting and/or camping here!
Guide
New York State pretty much has abandoned this park. Trees fallen down across the sites. Might be ok for a tent but that’s all.
Legend
Jake here from the Dyrt! Harpy hollow not only has a great location in northern New York but is veteran owned and operated and ready to host more campers. Check them out and leave a review on the Dyrt when you stay!
Guide
Definitely one of the top places to camp and visit in New York, Watkins Glen State Park never disappoints. Each time I come back, I find something new to discover and have a great time doing that. Pair awesome trails and camping space with world class wineries up the lake, you cannot go wrong.
RangerWatkins Glen boasts one of New York’s most beautiful state parks! I last camped here in 2012 and absolutely loved hiking along the gorges. Also- the camping was next to perfect. Sites are decently sized and well secluded from one another.
in addition, the park is so well situated within the Finger Lakes and all the various wine trails! Made for a perfect girls weekend! Definitely recommend!
TravelerCampground has cabins and yurts, pull in sites for RV’s and strictly walk in tent sites. There is a beautiful lake and a very large pool. We went in early spring midweek, it was very quiet and exactly the get away we wanted.
Guide
Taughannock Falls State Park is one of my favorite parks in New York. The camp grounds are excellent, there are TONS of trails nearby, the swimming area of the lake is close, and the water is very clean. The crown jewel of the place is Taughannock Falls, which is a short flat hike to one of the tallest single drop waterfalls on the east coast. It really is quite the sight. There are cool playgrounds for the kids, grills, restrooms, showers, and plenty of activities to do, such as stand up paddle boarding. Taughannock has it going on, and I will be back!
GuideWent for a quick getaway to this little gem of a state park in the finger lakes region of New York. I’ll be coy, and use their slogan ‘Ithaca is Gorges’ and Gorgeous!!! The falls trails were all well defined and excellent for a beginner, moderate hiker. More advanced trails were also offered as well as biking trails, so plenty for any level of adventurer!! Lots of educational posters along the way to keep you informed of what you were seeing and the history about how it was created. The locals were pleasant, and eager to share fun facts about their area. We stayed at the campground in the park. It was cozy, clean, and just right for a little off the grid fun. No electricity or water hook ups available, but nice big public baths and plenty of water access all around the camp ground. (Say one water spot every 3-4 camp sites). There was also a dump station and trash dumpsters easily accessible at the entrance. Can not wait to go back, planning a week long trip next year and will do all three tours, wine, beer, and cheese!! Till next September!! Stay Gorges!!!
ScoutOkay, we all get that there is awesome hiking, scenery, wineries, racing, and more in the Watkins Glen area. So let’s just chat about the campground.
The bathhouses were A+. Clean, well maintained, newer…just overall impressive!
There were water fill up stations EVERYWHERE! We camped in the dry camping loop - it was the only one available to us in our 35’ class A. We didn’t miss anything!
The playground was OUTSTANDING! All adults in our party and we couldn’t help but jump on some of the swings. It’s a newer type playground and is hands down the best I’ve ever seen!
Last, and certainly not least…personnel.
We had the opportunity to speak with the campground ranger, facilities engineer, and gate attendants. Everyone was accommodating, friendly, warm, helpful, and more. :).
One of the BEST campgrounds out there! Thank you New York State, the NYState park system and all the folks at Watkins Glen State Park Campground who make the magic happen!!!
One mention: our site was rated for a 25’ RV, we were 35’ long and fit nicely. Other sites rated for 35’ RV were NOT long enough. (We had to switch sites).
Guide
Pinecreek is a beautiful park in a great area 10 minutes from downtown Ithica New York and Lake Cayuga. The area has everything you could possibly want or need. Fabulous State Parks with spectacular waterfalls, a farmers market right on the lake front, Cornell University and so much more. That being said it may be the reason the campground doesn't offer any planned activities. They do have a swimming pool and what appears to be a large clubhouse/meeting area that is not or was not used while we were there, nor were any activities publicized. They do have a small arcade but it did not stay open past 8 pm and did not appear to be air-conditioned.
Our campsite was a full hookup with a large grassy area for setting up our outside chairs and picnic table. Although we enjoyed our stay we felt it was a bit overpriced for not having much to offer. They also have a very long list of rules & while they do allow pets there is a list of breed restrictions you need to be aware of before booking a reservation. They also charge for electricity on any stays one week or longer which we had not encountered previously at campgrounds where we have stayed.
Overall we enjoyed our stay but not sure we would stay again.
LegendThis is an amazing state park that has something for everyone. There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network if hiking and horse riding trails. There are several campgrounds, with tremendous variety for every camping style. There are standard car camping tent sites, RV sites, and yurts and camper cabins. For those who like more rustic options, there are hike-in sites that are beautiful and not far from the parking area. The campsites are nestled in a deep shady mature forest, and peaceful and quiet due to the wooded aspect and spacing of sites (at least for me, in September in a hike-in site not far from the regular campground). It is nice to have such a fine camping and outdoor recreation opportunity within an easy drive of the city of Clarks Summit, so probably a great weekend getaway for local folks, but a wonderful stopover for anyone on a road trip through northern PA as it is not far off Interstate 81. I was there only one day, but would like to be back to explore the trails!
GuideI absolutely love coming to Watkins Glen Campground, especially when I went to get away from the busy city. This park has gorgeous waterfalls, and great paths to walk and hike on. It's located in Upstate New York, so it's close enough to the city but you feel like you are far away from the city. The campsites are great, clean and well kept. This park does get pretty busy though, because it is open to campers and people who just want to visit for the day to walk the trails. I love that they have trails that lead very close to the waterfalls..lots of rim trails that literally overlook the waterfalls and gorges. In the campground they do offer a pool, which again, does get busy because it's open to everyone regardless if you are camping or not. There also is tours you can take in the summer that will take you along the waterfalls and gorge, they have a playground for kids and an area with picnic tables. I went mid July and it was extremely busy, not sure when a good time to go during the summer when it's not as busy. That was the only downside I would say, is how crowded it was. There is also Seneca Lake nearby that many people go to fish in, however I didn't go on this trip but plan to next time. There are restrooms on site, however I didn't think they were that clean. Toilet paper and seat covers were out in most stalls, so I would advise to bring your own when you go. There is also some gift shops and food stands set up...one food stand has some pretty good hot dogs! The hikes to the gorge and waterfalls is pretty well maintained, however there are quite a bit of stairs. There were some people with kids in strollers that had to turn around because the stairs made it difficult. Not handicap friendly. I would advise to wear a good pair of walking shoes, and not sandals because it is slippery in some spots and again, a lot of stairs! I would highly recommend coming here, even if you don't decide to stay the night!
TravelerA nice little campground and RV park that is within minutes of Binghamton’s attractions-including several of the carousels! There’s a lake, which is quite scenic, and several paths and trails.
Guide
This is by far one of the best family oriented campgrounds we've ever been in. The staff, the grounds, the amenities made me wish we were closer. So many things for kids to do. From boating, to giant swimming inflatables, putt putt even a giant slide. All part of the price of the campground. Would definately recommend and go again if in the area.
ScoutI have been camping at Pine Valley for over 15 years and considerate a family oriented relaxing campground. They have hayrides in the summer and swimming in the lake. Lakeside sites are spacious and reasonably priced. The owners are always accessible.
Legend
Jake with the Dyrt here! I loved learning about this spot and everything they do to make sure you experience the wildlife to the fullest, including binoculars and a journal that you can see what other campers saw by the river! Check them out and leave a review on the Dyrt!
GuideBeautiful state park, nice beach and splash pad. Lots of room to explore, ride bikes, and fish!
GuideWe had a great night at this campground. Overall it's a pretty large campground, and there sites were a nice size. We were there on a weeknight and basically had the primitive area to ourselves.
ScoutWe've stayed at Chenago Valley SP twice now. Our first visit was at the Pine Bluff camping area and our second was the Chipmunk Bluff. The campground is well kept and spacious with several different areas to camp in. The facilities are clean and tidy. We will definitely stay again.
GuideI have camped CVSP several times in all sorts of capabilities, tent camping, pop-up and hard sided campers. Whether you are looking for a campsite in a forest setting or one with a large open field you can find it. There's is a perfect lake for kayaking for beginner or seasoned, as well as great hiking and mountain biking trails. Keep your eye peeled for the resident bald eagle and think about brining your clubs for a round of golf. The bathhouses are maybe the only negative to our whole experience but with the upgrade coming right now to the swimming area which oncludes better water circulation and a splashpad we will alwaus enjoy our trip here.
GuideThis campground has many large sized campsites and plenty of hiking, swimming and fishing to do. One highlight is the close vicinity to the infamous 'April the giraffe'!!! If you feel adventurous, take a paddle tour down the river, it's a great way to spend the day connecting with nature and disconnecting from the electronics!
Travelerthis campground has only electric hookup but plenty of fresh water. the dump station is big and easy access. the camo sites are spacious and you are not on top of your neighbor.
TravelerChenango Valley is a great state park. The beach area is well staffed and clean. Changing areas are available as well as a splash pad for the little kids. There are miles of trails to hike and roads to bike.
ScoutBring your bikes, the swimming is great and the entire swimming/boating area just underwent a major renovation. You can rent kayaks and paddle boards and the park is well maintained and monitored by park police, very safe! Love, love, love it here!!
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Johnson City, NY is Chenango Valley State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 20 reviews.
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