Green Lakes State Park attracts campers year-round with its unique meromictic lakes located at an elevation of 424 feet above sea level. Beyond the luxury glamping options mentioned elsewhere, the park offers traditional campground accommodations with 145 campsites and 7 cabins available from May through October. Campsites are arranged in loops through hemlock forests, providing varying degrees of shade and privacy.
What to do
Hiking around glacial lakes: The park's 10-mile trail system includes the popular 3.1-mile loop around Green Lake. "This park is beautiful and very clean. We visit this park very frequently to rent a boat or to hike the trails," notes Kenneth S. from Green Lakes State Park Campground.
Water activities beyond swimming: Green Lakes offers more than just beach access. "You cannot bring your own kayaks you have to rent. Fun hiking area the water is gorgeous," explains Sara H. who visited Green Lakes. Boat rentals typically cost $7-15 per hour depending on boat type.
Golf course access: The 18-hole championship golf course borders the camping areas. "Golfing is also available on site!" mentions Sheri S. who appreciates the recreational diversity at Green Lakes State Park Campground.
Winter sports options: While most visit during summer, the park remains open year-round with trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when snow conditions permit. Trails are not groomed but well-marked with colored blazes.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: The comfort stations provide individual bathroom units. "The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground," reports Sheri S. from Green Lakes State Park Campground.
Lakeside relaxation: Many visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere near the water. "I enjoy this park so much! Really love that it is a park in the middle of little towns. Close to grocery, great walks and fun lake to swim in," comments Kelly J.
Spacious campsites: For those seeking more room, some state parks in the region offer generously sized sites. "We stayed in the 800 loop along the tree line. Sites were very spacious!" notes Colleen M. from Cayuga Lake State Park Campground.
Proximity to amenities: The campground's location makes supply runs convenient. "Close to grocery, great walks and fun lake to swim in," adds Kelly J. about Green Lakes, highlighting its accessibility to essentials while maintaining a natural setting.
What you should know
Seasonal campground operation: Green Lakes State Park Campground operates from May 13 to October 9, with peak season running from late June through August. Reservations open 9 months in advance and fill quickly for summer weekends.
Shower facilities vary: Bathroom quality can differ between loops. "As clean as the bathrooms are, the showers still suck. I'll never understand why parks use the misting shower heads," notes Chelsea B. from Green Lakes. "It's best to use the ADA bathrooms because those shower heads are normal and have wands."
Kayak restrictions: Unlike some lakes, you cannot use personal watercraft at Green Lakes. "You cannot bring your own kayaks you have to rent," explains Sara H., which helps protect the sensitive meromictic lake environment from invasive species.
Noise considerations: The layout affects sound travel between sites. At Cayuga Lake State Park Campground, one camper observed: "Tent camping here felt like we were camping in a neighborhood backyard. We could hear so many different families talking and really doing everything you do while camping."
Tips for camping with families
Beach amenities for children: The swimming area includes features for various ages. "Beach for swimming with concession stand with quite a full menu. Beach also has a great playground for kids that is perfect for play and swim," shares Kelly J. from Delta Lake State Park Campground.
Scheduled activities: Some nearby campgrounds offer organized events. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, a camper noted: "There is a lot of activities for the kids to do, from mini golf, jumping pillow, water balloon fights and much more," making it a complementary option to the more nature-focused experience at Green Lakes.
Accessible camping options: Families with mobility considerations can find suitable sites. "Accessible sites are really very accessible," mentions Amber A. about Cayuga Lake State Park, where ADA-compliant facilities include paved paths and adapted bathrooms.
River wading for children: For a different water experience than yurt camping in Manlius, New York, consider river access points. "The kids had a blast playing in the river, heck the adults had fun too," shares Carrie N. from Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp Resort, located about 45 minutes from Manlius.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Green Lakes offers both electric-only and full-hookup sites. "This state park campground is one of the few that offer full hook ups," notes Sheri S., making it suitable for RVers seeking more amenities than typical state park camping near Manlius provides.
Site leveling: Many campgrounds in the region feature relatively flat terrain. At Treasure Isle RV Park, approximately 30 minutes from Manlius, "The sites are a good size with water and electric on each site. There is a dumping station to use, some sewer sites," according to Heather R.
Site selection tips: When booking a yurt or cabin near Manlius, New York, check hookup locations. As Beth from Taughannock Falls advises, "Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you'll need extra long cords."
Seasonal sites available: For frequent visitors, some parks offer seasonal options. "Owners and seasonals are very friendly, well maintained," notes Keri about Treasure Isle RV Park, suggesting it as an alternative to short-term yurt camping in the Manlius area.
