Camping sites near Manlius, New York offer diverse terrain options from the Finger Lakes foothills to the Oneida Lake shoreline. The region's forest camping areas sit at elevations between 1,200-1,800 feet with summer temperatures typically ranging 70-85°F during peak camping season. Overnight temperatures can drop to the 50s even in summer, making proper gear essential for tent campers.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone, campers can enjoy the stocked fishing pond. The park also offers paddleboat rentals for water recreation without bringing your own equipment. "There is the casino, dining, golf course and more near by," notes one reviewer.
Hiking network access: The Onondaga Trail provides connectivity to the larger North Country Scenic Trail system. At Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground, hikers can access this trail network directly from their campsites. "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!"
Beach swimming: Most lakeside campgrounds offer supervised swimming during summer. "The beach area is wide and shallow in most areas, in close proximity to the store and snack shop," notes a camper about Oneida Shores County Park. Lifeguards are typically on duty from late June through Labor Day weekend at designated swimming areas.
What campers like
Accessible facilities: Some state forest campgrounds have made efforts to accommodate visitors with mobility needs. At Spruce Pond Camping Area, "There are fire grills and nicely developed tents sites... and one is actually handicapped accessible with its own accessible fishing landing and an easy access to the parking lot. There is a brand new outhouse with wide accessible doorway as well."
Privacy levels: Campgrounds offer varying degrees of site separation. "This location is peaceful and quiet with mature trees and plenty of distance between neighboring campers, and would be an ideal setting for a group campout," says a camper about the Morgan Hill Forest Onondaga Trailhead area.
Private bathroom options: Some facilities offer individual bathroom units rather than communal spaces. "The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground," mentions a visitor to Green Lakes State Park Campground.
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest access roads may be unpaved and challenging after rain. "You can best access this campground from the south side of the forest; the entrance is from state route 13 on Morgan Hill Rd south, adjacent to a very nice farm stand that is a good stop for supplies."
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby attractions or transportation routes. "The only real negatives would be the proximity to some railroad tracks, which can be somewhat active and very audible in some spots," notes a camper about The Villages at Turning Stone RV Park.
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds in the Manlius area require advance booking during summer weekends. "Turning Stone is well maintained with nice sites. Memorial day weekend the weather is beautiful spring weather. All full hook up sites from full sun to full shade. Been coming here for 25 + years," says one regular visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds accessibility: Multiple campgrounds feature children's recreation areas. At Verona Beach State Park Campground, "There is a pavilion that is enclosed for everyone's use. There are nice clean bathrooms with showers. There is a public, life guarded beach." Another visitor notes, "The kids love to hang out at the splash pad and the state recently revamped some of the playgrounds."
Water activities supervision: Lake conditions vary across campgrounds. "We needed a campground not too far off our route from Niagara Falls to NH and this was great. Very windy when we arrived. Our campsite 8 did not have a fire ring but others did. Right on water…can't drive on path in front of the water sites so you are essentially on the water."
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on your needs for privacy and activity access. "This is a nice campground. I mean really nice. Very well thought out. All sites are full hookups (i think) and paved," mentions one visitor about The Villages RV Park, adding, "some sites aren't that close to a bath house, so if you're not planning on duecing in your box, you might be looking at a longer walk than others based on where your site is."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: For those requiring complete utility connections, options exist within the area. At Oneida Shores County Park, "Campground is recently paved. Lots of geese, therefore lots of goose poop. Sites are small and close together. Nice wooded setting on the lake." Another camper notes, "Host and hostess very nice and helpful. Great access to beach. Friendly campers and quiet. Easy to find. Not a lot of shade."
Navigational challenges: Some RV campgrounds have specific traffic flow patterns. "We recently booked a weekend stay at Oneida Shores campground. This wasn't our first stay here but will most likely be our last. Upon arrival, we pulled in front of the office and decided to turn around... We were immediately met by the irate campground owner screaming at us telling us it was a one way and we couldn't go that way."
Seasonal preparation: RV sites may have different ground conditions depending on weather. "This was our first trip in our camper. This was in June. It was muddy. The beach was nice and clean. Life guards around. Nice playground and bathrooms available. Staff was nice. Picnic areas available."
