K
Kayla R.
Scout
ScoutMontrose Campground
Great location, wonderful owners
Love this campground along with the owners. They have taken good care of the property and do a wonderful job with making sure you are enjoying your time.
Camping near Kirkwood, NY
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The Kirkwood area of New York provides several established campgrounds with diverse accommodation options ranging from tent sites to cabins and glamping facilities. Chenango Valley State Park Campground, located in nearby Chenango Forks, features both tent and RV camping along with cabin rentals in a wooded setting near water. Pine Crest Campground in Windsor, situated along the Susquehanna River, offers similar amenities with highly-rated riverfront sites. The region includes both state-operated facilities and private campgrounds, with most locations situated within a 20-mile radius of Kirkwood providing access to lakes, rivers, and forested areas.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter camping opportunities. Advance reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months. "The campground is well kept and spacious with several different areas to camp in. The facilities are clean and tidy," noted one visitor about Chenango Valley State Park. Road access to most developed campgrounds is suitable for both cars and RVs, though some private campgrounds have better accommodation for larger rigs with 50-amp service and full hookups. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this part of New York, with occasional heavy rainfall affecting site conditions and accessibility, especially in spring after snow melt.
Waterfront camping represents a prominent feature across multiple campgrounds in the Kirkwood region. Forest Lake Campground provides access to a 22-acre lake with fishing opportunities, while Lakeside Campground features sites with views of sunsets over the water. A review mentioned, "There is a nice area to go down to the lake and a swing that you can watch the sunsets on." Many campgrounds maintain wooded sites that offer privacy and shade, with several reviews highlighting the balance between open spaces and forested camping areas. Family-friendly amenities such as playgrounds, swimming areas, and planned weekend activities are common at the larger established campgrounds, while some smaller facilities focus on providing a quieter, more natural setting with basic amenities.
Best Campgrounds near Kirkwood (126)
1. Chenango Valley State Park Campground
"This is a beautiful park, the hiking is great with varied trails, nice changes in elevation due to the glacial geology of the landscape, and scenic vistas overlooking 2 beautiful lakes."
"The only downfall is that there really isn't much else to do around the area."
from $21 - $123 / night
Check Availability2. Pine Crest Campground
"Very clean and right next to the river. Pool is nice."
"Pleasant campground right next to the Susquehanna river. One washer and dryer for about 150 RVs many are longer term. We just stayed a few nights"
3. Belden Hill Campgrounds
"Fantastic animal preserve zoo nearby which is a must visit. Pretty golf course with full bar and food right across the street. Overall one of our favorite stops on our New England trip."
from $53 - $65 / night
Check Availability4. Salt Springs State Park Campground
"A lical group, the Friends of Salt Springs, stepped up and offered to maintain the park with funds raised by their group."
"I stayed in late September in one of the drive in spots. There were no other campers bc of the season- and it’s mid week."
5. Lakeside Campground
"It was great to add this campground with secluded, wooded sites along a private lake. You can also enjoy fishing here. Let’s help them out and leave some reviews!"
from $38 - $146 / night
Check Availability6. Montrose Campground
"Each campsite had plenty of space to drive up to without being right on top of the other campers."
"It is a little off the beaten path but is great for families (plenty of activities for kids) and pets (our dog LOVES it there)."
from $28 - $34 / night
Check Availability7. Lakeside Campground
"There is a nice area to go down to the lake and a swing that you can watch the sunsets on."
from $27 - $99 / night
8. Oneida Campground & Lodge
"The staff is low key and blend in while working behind the scenes to make your stay a safe and great time."
from $15 - $140 / night
Check Availability9. Oasis in the woods by the family tree
from $58 - $75 / night
Check Availability10. Skyline Drive State Forest
Drive Time
- 7 min from Binghamton, NY
- 45 min from Scranton, PA
- 56 min from Elmira, NY
- 1 hr 4 min from Ithaca, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Kirkwood, NY
141 Photos of 126 Kirkwood Campgrounds
Carly S.
Private Campsite on 50 Acres
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Occanum Creek
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Agfa Lake
Riley S.
Oasis in the woods by the family tree
Cory S.
Oasis in the Woods
The Dyrt
Lakeside Campground
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Little Sit Farm Cosmic Glamping Site
Scott I.
Pine Crest Campground
Jeff H.
Chenango Valley State Park Campground
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Kellystone Park Campsite
Saraj B.
Hillside Campgrounds
Janet R.
Chenango County Cook Park
Recent Reviews near Kirkwood, NY
348 Reviews of 126 Kirkwood Campgrounds
Stefanie K.
TravelerLackawanna State Park Campground
Quiet getaway
The state park is beautiful. The site was very nice. The park itself is very big with many activities available such as boat rentals and a swimming pool. There's also an amphitheatre which hosts specials. During our stay the only activity we made it to was the pool. The main reason we didn't do more was the distance. We have a motorhome so we didn't have additional vehicles to get to and from places. We walked to the park which according to my Fitbit was 1.5 miles away. That doesn't seem too bad until you realize it's mostly hills in both directions! We are a fairly active young family who has no problem with a bit of a walk but after that experience we decided to just spend the remainder of our trip hanging out at our site. It's a good thing we only stayed 2 nights because our 10 year old might've lost his mind with boredom if we stayed longer. Overall, the site we had was great and I'd recommend it. My husband and I may come back for a couples date weekend.
- HHeather B.Traveler
Tall Pines Campground & Canoeing
Sweetest Campground Around
This was the sweetest campground around!! They deliver fire wood right to your site along with anything else you need. Free delivery of amazing pizza on Friday nights(delivered by a 1969 pink beetle!!). There is a giant river, a dog park and the camp ground is close to town, but far enough away so that you still feel like your camping! Amazing bathroom/shower facilities and a clean swimming pool:)
- TTinski H.
GuideSkyline Drive State Forest
Nice free spot in the woods
Only one spot as far as we could tell. We arrived 5.30PM and no one was there. There was quite a deep dip in the beginning of the side road, so higher clearance needed to get there. Nice spot between the trees, lots of shade, clean. Felt safe. There was a firepit. Bring bug repellent!
Howard S.ScoutDeer Haven Campground and Cabins
New management is awful.
Now 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.
- JJohn C.Scout
Cherry Ridge Campsites and Lodging
Cozy, quiet, polite staff
Two weeks in and the staff and people are so kind.
Ryan B.ScoutRussell Brook Campsites
Great campground
Owners are amazing, family oriented, campground has tons for kids to do and is close to Roscoe. Our family goes every year
- EERIC J.Traveler
Frances Slocum State Park Campground
Nice State Park
Really nice views from the sites. Facilities are well equipped and taken care of, but older. Trees between each rv site give a nice level of privacy
Emily M.TravelerLong Pond Campground
Great dispersed camp sites
All the roads are gravel, so it might get a little muddy after a big rain but I had no issue with a low clearance car driving around to explore the sites available. About half the sites are spread out in a large patch of spruce trees, I stayed at one of these. You can hear and sometimes see cars on the main road from your site but overall the spruce trees give you a lot more privacy. Had a neighbor blasting their speaker and didn't even hear it until I was walking by on that stretch of road. You might catch a glimpse of someone's fire at night, but it mostly felt like I had the place to myself. The other half are clustered much closer together among some deciduous trees but all the sites are pretty spacious, with a picnic table, fire pit, and easy access to the water. You might get a visit from day-use visitors looking for water access, especially if you pick a site closer to the water access paths, so if you're looking for more seclusion you may want to look elsewhere, but I didn't mind and the people who did stop near my site were respectful and didn't seem to want to disturb me once they saw the site near the water access was occupied. A free permit is needed for camping during the on-season. I stayed off-season and most of the sites were unoccupied, but I could see this being a popular spot during the warmer months. Port-a-potties are also not available off-season – be prepared to find a good cat hole spot or bring a wag bag if you're not self-contained. Seeing some litter around my site was a bit of a bummer (don't be that guy!), but overall the sites looked pretty clean and well-maintained. I did notice some broken glass at my site, so if you have pets (or shoe-averse children) be mindful of their paw pads (and feet). There's plenty of downed wood for making a fire, and I passed a couple homes selling firewood on the side of the road on the way. Service was spotty (AT&T) but if you wandered around enough you could get a couple bars to send a text, or if you really needed to, drive up the road a couple of minutes. I would easily stay here again, but if I came during the main season I'd probably want to plan a mid-week trip and get my permit and claim my site as soon as possible.
Guide to Kirkwood
Campsites near Kirkwood, New York provide access to a mix of forest and water recreation opportunities in the Southern Tier region. The area sits within the Upper Susquehanna River Basin at elevations ranging from 850-1,200 feet, creating varied terrain for both flat and hillside camping. Winter temperatures can drop below 10°F, while summer highs typically reach 80-85°F with moderate humidity levels compared to other parts of the state.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated fishing areas with varied catch. At Forest Lake Campground, campers can fish on a 22-acre lake. "Situated in Windsor NY on a 100+ acres overlooking a 22-acre lake," notes a reviewer who appreciates the lake access.
Hiking trails: Salt Springs State Park features trails through old-growth forest with notable geological features. "The special aspect of this park are the hiking trails through old growth hemlock forest, said to be the largest hemlocks in Pennsylvania," explains a reviewer. "The trout stream also cascades through some waterfalls, and there are gorges with unique geology."
Water recreation: Several campgrounds provide swimming and boating options. At Chenango Valley State Park Campground, "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."
What campers like
Scenic viewpoints: The elevated terrain provides panoramic views at certain campgrounds. At Belden Hill Campgrounds, "the views for the pull-through weekender sites are to die for. New owners are making some great updates," according to one camper. Another notes the "incredible views" and mentions the "good enough for web surfing on phone" wifi.
Wildlife viewing: The wooded settings support diverse wildlife. At Oasis in the Woods, they "do everything 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!"
Social activities: Many campgrounds offer organized events. At Pine Crest Campground, one visitor enjoyed the "pavilion with nightly entertainment." Forest Lake Campground received praise as "every weekend had a different potluck or wine&cheese pairings, bingo or the monthly cornhole tournaments."
What you should know
Winter camping availability: Unlike many seasonal operations, some campgrounds remain open year-round. At Montrose Campground, they are "open all year with some winter sites available. They have all sites available from tent right up to 50 amp full hook-ups."
Variable water access: Water access differs significantly between campgrounds. Salt Springs State Park requires preparation as "there is no potable water anywhere so bring some," while one reviewer noted that "one site [is] actually adjacent to a good swimming hole."
Security considerations: Staffing levels vary across campgrounds. At Salt Springs State Park, a visitor noted "we had some drama while there, possibly squatters causing trouble all through night. No one to call to control it. Police hours away."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's facilities. Chenango Valley State Park offers "swimming in the lake, golfing, boating, fishing, multi-use trails for hiking or mountain biking," making it "a great campground – very family-friendly" where kids can enjoy "playgrounds and spaces to ride bikes, swim, picnic, and all-around have fun!"
Wildlife education: Wildlife sightings can become educational opportunities. At Chenango Valley State Park, "wildlife" includes "beware of raccoons. They are brazen thieves here...and every campground they inhabit. Just don't leave your food out." The park also has "deer all over. Watch out for them on the roads. We had four that were feeding behind our site in the morning."
Splash features: Water play areas provide relief during hot weather. At Oneida Campground, "there are several group options to stay in either tent sites or cabin/lodge sites that are equipped with their own kitchen and shower facilities. Private remote sites are also available if you prefer to be off on your own in nature."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Different areas within campgrounds offer varied experiences. At Chenango Valley State Park, "parking pads in the non-electric section are dirt/grass. Some of the pads are short; this section is geared toward tent campers," while "parking pads in the electric loops (30 amps and 50 amps) have a good amount of gravel."
Access considerations: Road conditions vary significantly between campgrounds. A camper at Montrose Campground reported, "each campsite had plenty of space to drive up to without being right on top of the other campers" and was "beautifully taken care of."
Winter RV options: Off-season camping requires preparation but offers unique experiences. A winter camper at Pine Crest Campground noted, "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. We burned morning and night and better than finding random expensive bundles."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Kirkwood, NY?
What camping is available near Kirkwood, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Kirkwood, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 126 campgrounds and RV parks near Kirkwood, NY and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Kirkwood, NY?
Which is the most popular campground near Kirkwood, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kirkwood, NY is Chenango Valley State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kirkwood, NY?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kirkwood, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Kirkwood, NY.
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