The Johnson City area offers RV camping in New York's Southern Tier region at elevations ranging from 800-1,200 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers, colorful falls, and cold winters with significant snowfall. Most campgrounds in the area open from May through October due to the seasonal climate patterns.
What to do
Water activities on the Susquehanna River: Pine Crest Campground in Windsor provides direct river access with "a huge pond, pavilion with nightly entertainment, a swimming pool, all right in the susquehanna River. A boat lunch also to lunch your watercraft," according to Frank M.
Hiking nearby: Chenango Valley State Park Campground offers "miles of trails to hike and roads to bike," as Fred C. notes. The park features "short easy trails. Lots of info about the glaciers that formed the lakes you can swim in. Great wildlife (wood ducks & kingfishers)," adds Dan N.
Family-friendly recreation: Pine Valley RV Park & Campground provides extensive activities as one camper describes: "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."
What campers like
Scenic views: Belden Hill Campgrounds features "incredible views" according to Jennifer K., who adds it's "really nice clean and quiet campground. Incredible views. Staff and residents so helpful and friendly. Clean bathrooms and laundry rooms."
Secluded camping: Hickories Park Campground offers riverfront sites where campers appreciate the natural setting. One reviewer notes it's "a very nice open area to camp in... Some of the best river access there is to paddle through a great small town."
Wildlife observation: Chenango Valley State Park provides opportunities to spot local wildlife. Mary S. reports: "We had four that were feeding behind our site in the morning," and advises watching for the "resident bald eagle" mentioned by another camper.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most rv sites near Johnson City, New York operate from April through October. Aspen Family Campground in Candor runs "May 12 to September 30," while Soaring Eagle Campground operates "May 1 to Columbus Day."
Site privacy varies: Spruce Row Campground has some drawbacks according to Jodi: "The campground is primarily seasonal sites and the sites are very close together. We were on an end spot at an intersection inside the campground."
Weather considerations: When camping in fall, prepare for changing conditions. Scott I. reports from winter camping at Pine Crest: "We camped in late November. A few campers. Quiet and we were able to camp on the river. Very nice owners and he brought us firewood."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Riverside RV Campground is "right on the river" and "close to convenient stores," making it practical for families needing supplies. While the campground is "kind of loud," it offers easy access to riverside activities.
Swimming options: Chenango Valley State Park features a "shallow swimming area for children with life guards and a sandy beach and new bath house," as Mary P. explains. Another camper mentions the "splash pad for the little kids" that makes it especially suitable for younger children.
Budget-friendly activities: Pine Valley RV Park includes numerous activities in their camping rates. One reviewer highlights that amenities like "giant swimming inflatables, putt putt even a giant slide" are all "part of the price of the campground," providing good value for families.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RV sites near Johnson City, New York, Belden Hill Campgrounds offers good options. Tim W. notes: "Easy access off I-88 friendly owner, friendly seasonal people. Pull thru full hookup, level, spacious. Room for pop up canopy and games."
Utilities and connectivity: Jennifer K. mentions Belden Hill provides "Full hook ups and wifi but wifi wasn't working too well. Good enough for web surfing on phone but no streaming on TV. Great at&t service."
Winter RV camping: Pine Crest Campground accommodates late-season RV camping. Scott I. advises: "We were self contained. Which was best since the bath house was closed for the winter." The campground owners provide support with "firewood. We burned morning and night and better than finding random expensive bundles."
