Best Campgrounds near Trout Creek, NY

State forests and parks surrounding Trout Creek, New York provide a mix of camping experiences within the rural Delaware County landscape. Oquaga Creek State Park Campground offers established sites with full amenities including electric hookups, showers, and boat access to the park's lake, operating from May through early October. Within a 30-minute drive, Bear Spring Mountain managed by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) provides both developed campgrounds and more remote options for tent and RV camping. For those seeking a primitive experience, Beals Pond State Forest offers free dispersed camping with walk-in access and minimal facilities. The region's campgrounds typically sit near small lakes, ponds, and streams that support fishing and paddling activities.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from mid-May through October, with limited winter access. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with many state forest areas having minimal or no coverage. As one camper noted, "No cell service as soon as you turn into the park. I didn't even find an area where I could temporarily send and receive messages." Reservations are recommended for established campgrounds, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. The terrain features rolling hills and small mountains with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 feet, creating cool evening temperatures even during summer. Spring visits often encounter muddy conditions on forest roads and trails, while fall brings spectacular foliage but cooler temperatures requiring warmer gear.

Waterfront sites receive consistently positive reviews, with campers highlighting the peaceful settings. "Very private and right on the pond. You can see the water just a 10-foot trail away from our campsite," reported one visitor to a nearby pond. Fishing opportunities abound in the area's waterways, with trout, bass, and panfish commonly caught. Wildlife sightings frequently include deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. Some state forest campgrounds show evidence of limited maintenance, with one reviewer noting, "Though the natural setting is picturesque and secluded, the campground is not well maintained." Visitors seeking more amenities often choose private campgrounds like Unadilla KOA or Tall Pines Campground, which offer full hookups, camp stores, and organized activities, though these tend to have sites closer together than their state-managed counterparts.

Best Camping Sites Near Trout Creek, New York (160)

    1. Oquaga Creek State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Afton, NY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 467-4160

    $17 - $150 / night

    "Great little lake for swimming & fishing. Weather was miserable so proximity to Cooperstown was a plus. No cell service or wifi which didnt bother me but could some."

    "Cute cabins sprinkled all around the park. Lake with a nice beach and swimming area. Carry in boating. Great for tents or self contained RV."

    2. Bear Spring Mountain — DEC

    7 Reviews
    Downsville, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 865-6989

    $18 - $40 / night

    "Went here with some friends who had never been outside NYC before. They were absolutely blown away. For me, it was a nice site but not exceptional. Bring or rent a kayak!"

    "I drove to NYC for a business trip and ended up driving 1 and a half hour to reach this place. I always carry a tent in the back of my trunk and decided to go camping."

    3. Unadilla KOA

    4 Reviews
    Trout Creek, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 369-9030

    "A bit off the beaten path for a KOA, but nearly sold out in early October nonetheless. Sites range from typical large rig to dispersed tents next to a creek."

    4. Tall Pines Campground & Canoeing

    3 Reviews
    Bainbridge, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 563-8271

    "Great for kids, kinda close to busy roads but close to convenient shopping and local activities when they open back up."

    "My 3 year old loves the swimming pool and the ice cream and craft carts that come around."

    5. Beals Pond State Forest

    1 Review
    Trout Creek, NY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 357-2161

    6. Peaceful Valley Campsite

    4 Reviews
    Downsville, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 363-2211

    "Great location with full hook-ups. Nice riverside spots. Quiet during the week. Nice place to stay"

    "Great location with nice riverside spots. Weekdays are quiet, weekends not so much. Full hook-ups. Owners are friendly and great. Reccomended, especially during the week."

    7. Chenango Valley State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Chenango Forks, NY
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 648-5251

    $17 - $123 / night

    "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."

    8. Kellystone Park Campsite

    1 Review
    Afton, NY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 639-1090

    "Nice, field style campground, away from everything. They have nice events every other Saturday during summer. Pool, playground and a nice little store on site."

    9. Riverside RV Campground

    1 Review
    Bainbridge, NY
    12 miles
    +1 (607) 967-2102

    10. Kellystone Park

    1 Review
    Afton, NY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 639-1090
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Recent Reviews near Trout Creek, NY

410 Reviews of 160 Trout Creek Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Pine Crest Campground

    Great place

    Nice private campground. Host was very generous. Used Coin operated laundry facilities. Full hookups for a reasonable price. Would return again.

  • A
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Russell Brook Campsites

    Clean, Friendly, and Right on the Water

    Loved this place! It's clean and well-maintained - even the restrooms. Every site is well-equipped with its own water, electricity, fire pit, and picnic table. The best part is the waterfront sites. We were right next to a small brook, and falling asleep to the sound of the water behind our tent was amazing. Everyone we met was super friendly. We will definitely be back!

  • c
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Salt Springs State Park Campground

    Worked for me

    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. I love this park and it’s close to my house so I just wanted to crash there and wake up early to hike. It was quiet all night. The bathrooms are very far from tne sites and it was visible where some people had relieved themselves in the bushes. There is no potable water anywhere so bring some. I enjoyed it but during the on season or busy times tnere is zero privacy between sites other than sites 13 and 14. Def wouldn’t stay here during summer for that reason.

  • Tamar W.
    Sep. 22, 2025

    The Peekamoose Valley

    Not all sites open

    Despite current info posted online and even at the Lower Field site, not all sites are open. Only the Lower Field site is open. We walked down the hill, across the bridge, and looked at a few sites in each direction. It was walk-in only and about a 5-10 minute walk to the first site. The setting was nice, close to the creek, with a stone fire ring at each. You can see the folks in the next site but there’s quite a bit of privacy. There wasn’t much wood laying around to make a fire, so plan ahead. The ports potties are in the parking lot so it’s likely that you won’t make the trek up to them. Make sure you know the rules about how far away from the water you should pee and whatnot. I believe it’s on the info sign nearby. We have a roof top tent and we were stopping in the middle of a long drive so we just waited until dark and popped it in the parking lot and then left in the morning but I don’t think you’re supposed to do that. FYI they empty the dumpsters at 4am on Monday and then do the ports potties at 7am. Yay.

  • Lynsey M.
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Salt Springs State Park Campground

    Adventures!

    3 couples all ventured to Salt Springs and split the largest cabin for a few days. We electricity from a few outlets in the cabin if needed. Let me tell you that we spent very little time inside. We enjoyed the trials, waterfalls, and firepit cooked meals outside! Hemlock Grove, Penny Rock, and the saltspring kept us entertained! We cooled off under a waterfall :) I'm looking forward to visiting again! Bring some hotdogs/burgers for a yummy meal after a good day in PA!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Little Pond Campground

    Small sites and no service

    I didn’t hate this campground, but I won’t be going back.

    It’s a nice campground and perfect for single/family camping. I would not choose this location if I were taking a group of people. The sites are on the smaller side and many have slanted entrances.

    The campground is kept clean and the bathrooms were tidy. The campground is in bear country so you have to be mindful about leaving food out when you’re not at the site or asleep.

    There is a pond and there’s kayaks, canoes, etc for rent. The beach area is clean and the water is clear. I was there middle of August and the water was not cold and quite comfortable. There are some water front sites that you can use to access the water with a boat or paddle board.

    Cell service is non existent and they have a pay phone near the entrance booth where you can use to make/receive phone calls. It’s a 20 min drive back into town to get cell service. That’s a non- starter for me. It would be beneficial if they had service near the entrance at least for people to check in with Family.

  • Joe M.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Peaceful Valley Campsite

    STAY FAR AWAY!!!

    Stay clear!  Owner is a rude, nasty, vile human being!  He doesn’t care about paying costumers, they are a nuisance to him!  He overcharges customers constantly.  Cabins and bathrooms are filthy.  0 stars

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Hartwick Highlands Campground

    Closest campground to Dreams Park

    Great campground very well kept and closest to Dreams Park. We drove around to the three closest RV parks to Dreams Park and would definitely stay here with the team and / or on your own. Security gate to enter and exit, pool, store, arcade, wide open where the RV’s are.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Cooperstown Beaver Valley Campground

    Great proximity to Dreams Park

    Cute cabins, lots of great amenities, pools, corn hole, volleyball net, nicely kept baseball fields , store, areas for group picnics. You could have the whole team stay here in the cabins and bring RV’s too. Only 10min or so to dreams park. Wooded area where RV’s are and separate area where the cabins are. Great spot. Festive and well kept.


Guide to Trout Creek

Trout Creek sits at the northern edge of the Catskill Mountains in Delaware County, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,400 feet creating distinct temperature variations. The area's camping options typically open from mid-May through mid-October, though some state forests like Beals Pond remain accessible year-round for primitive camping. Winter access requires preparation as many forest roads aren't maintained after snowfall.

What to do

Fishing local waterways: Several campgrounds near Trout Creek offer direct water access for fishing enthusiasts. At Bear Spring Mountain — DEC, the pond provides good fishing opportunities. "There is an area for day use where you can rent a paddle boat or kayak to go out on the water," notes one reviewer, who also recommends hiking the loop trail around the pond.

Disconnecting from technology: The area provides a genuine opportunity to unplug. Oquaga Creek State Park Campground is particularly noted for this feature. "Oquaga is a great campground if you want to get off-the-grid for a little while. There are plenty of well-marked trails to hike," explains a camper who appreciated the quiet atmosphere.

Family activities: Beyond the standard camping experience, Tall Pines Campground & Canoeing offers organized events for children. "My 3 year old loves the swimming pool and the ice cream and craft carts that come around," shares one regular visitor who recommends the campground for "those seeking a family friendly- jellystone or koa type park with a mom and pop atmosphere."

What campers like

Lakeside amenities: The lakes and ponds near Trout Creek enhance the camping experience significantly. 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." This park recently underwent major renovations to improve the swimming and boating areas.

Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife that campers frequently observe. "We had four deer that were feeding behind our site in the morning," notes a visitor to Chenango Valley. Another camper at Bear Spring Mountain emphasized the abundant "wildlife!" and advised visitors to "obey bear rules!"

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. Oquaga Creek State Park receives positive feedback for its upkeep, with one visitor noting, "Bathrooms were clean and well stocked. The staff were very friendly."

What you should know

Variable cell service: Most campgrounds in the Trout Creek region have limited connectivity. At Oquaga Creek, one camper noted there is "No cell service or wifi which didn't bother me but could some," making it important to download maps or directions before arrival.

Weather considerations: The higher elevations mean temperature fluctuations can be significant. A visitor to Beals Pond State Forest cautions, "This state forest is beautiful but not easily accessible in the winter. After a certain point, the road is not maintained in the winter and I was unable to get cell reception with Verizon."

Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At Chenango Valley State Park, the camping areas are popular, with one visitor advising, "Sites are a good size. Some more secluded than others."

Access challenges: Some of the more remote camping areas require careful planning. Bear Spring Mountain's location is described as "Nothing but woods all around! Endless hiking and beautiful streams - you can drink straight from the pipes!"

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Choose campgrounds with designated swimming areas for children. "You can kayak and swim in the lake, and see incredible stars at night," reports a visitor to Oquaga Creek State Park, adding, "Great that the campground is just far enough from the lake/park, which makes it a bit more private."

Spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with ample space between sites. At Unadilla KOA, a camper noted, "Sites range from typical large rig to dispersed tents next to a creek," making it suitable for various camping styles and family sizes.

Activity planning: Check the calendar of events when booking. Tall Pines offers regular activities, though one visitor cautions, "This campground advertises lots of activities, but be aware that everything costs extra." Plan accordingly with a budget for extra activities.

Tips from RVers

Electric hookup options: Several campgrounds offer various hookup configurations. Unadilla KOA visitor noted, "The tent sites with electric like the one we took used 240v 50A plugs, so we had to borrow a converter plug from the office for our 120v equipment."

Site length considerations: Check site dimensions before booking. 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."

Seasonal road conditions: Spring camping often means dealing with mud. As one Bear Spring Mountain camper put it, the campground offers "Clean, private, and quiet" sites, but early season visitors should be prepared for potentially muddy conditions, especially at more remote locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Trout Creek, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Trout Creek, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 160 campgrounds and RV parks near Trout Creek, NY and 16 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Trout Creek, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Trout Creek, NY is Oquaga Creek State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Trout Creek, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Trout Creek, NY.