142 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Marathon, New York offers several camping opportunities within the Finger Lakes region of central New York State. Country Hills Campground, located directly in Marathon, provides RV and tent sites with electric hookups, water access, and sanitary facilities. The surrounding area includes both established campgrounds and dispersed camping options, with Long Pond Campground offering more primitive camping experiences approximately 15 miles southwest of Marathon. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV campers, with several state parks like Bowman Lake and Chenango Valley offering cabin rentals in addition to traditional camping areas.
Camping seasons generally run from April through October across most established sites, with full services typically available mid-May through early October. "Some of the sites have new picnic tables, some have old tables that are falling apart, and some have none at all," noted one visitor to a nearby primitive camping area, highlighting the varied amenities and maintenance levels at different locations. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays during summer months, particularly at popular state parks. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage at established campgrounds closer to towns. Winter camping options are limited, though Greenwood County Park, about 20 miles from Marathon, maintains year-round access with reviewers noting it as "a beautiful and quiet campground—a hidden gem."
The fishing opportunities represent a significant draw for many campers throughout the region. Several small lakes and ponds near Marathon provide waterfront camping with fishing access, including Long Pond where "people have driven in to fish and kayak" according to one camper. While swimming is prohibited at some locations like Cook Park, most water-adjacent campgrounds permit fishing and non-motorized boating. Campers seeking more privacy might prefer the dispersed camping options in state forests, where sites are often situated away from crowds but still provide basic amenities like fire rings and occasionally portable toilets. Family-friendly activities are abundant at established campgrounds, with Yellow Lantern Kampground described as having "tons of activities for kids to do" according to a frequent visitor.
"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 $17 - $123 / night
Check Availability"Typical New York weather. Overall, the park is more than I expected for a county park."
"The lake is pretty, the beach and picnic area is well kept, the campground is like a high quality state park—bravo to the Broome County Parks Department!"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Aside from that this was a short drive in and I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock."
"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."
"We had never been to site before so when we booked, we thought we were next to a bathroom. Turns out you had to walk through woods to get there in the mud."
"There was a potable water spigot a few sites over and a bathroom with showers a short walk away. This is a great spot for tent camping, so if that’s your vibe this place is perfect."
from $17 - $65 / night
Check Availability"Located in Tompkins County, Ithaca New York has beautiful gorges and hiking trails. Robert Treman is a treat and a gorgeous place to camp in the Ithaca, NY area."
"A waterfall cascades through a gorge here, ending in a beautiful pool for swimming at the base of the falls, with a trout stream flowing out of it towards nearby Cayuga Lake. "
from $20 - $128 / night
Check Availability"Buttermilk Falls State Park is a great state park in central New York. The scenery is what makes this park stand out."
"Short drive out of Ithaca proper near one of the Finger Lakes. Medium to easy trails (the ones near the gorges are steep but with nice rock steps)."
from $17 - $66 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $35 / night
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TravelerOnly 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!
ScoutStayed at this very serene camping spot with abundant fireflies and no biting insects on June 26, 2026 for a quick overnight on a roadtrip. Arriving after dark, it was very difficult to find the sites. Campsite 5 was very overgrown, but site 6 had a nice flat area of pine needles with a path to the road once you see it. However, I couldn't locate the fire ring for site 6. I loved the sounds of the frogs at night and the birds at dawn, but if you're a very light sleeper, you might want ear plugs. Short hike up to the hang glider launch site was worthwhile. Nice, clean, accessible port-a-potty in the parking lot.
ScoutGilbert Lake State Park is located about 11 miles north of Oneonta, New York. I have camped here for a number of summers at their Hilltop Section, never dissapointed. There are a few trails that traverse the park for a few miles that are always green and shady. The lake offers swimming and kayaking. There is a concession stand and even a small museum that chronicles the efforts of the national CCC program under Roosevelt that constructed the park in the 1930's. After a long day of hiking, the campgrounds hot showers offer a great reprieve.
ScoutNow 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.
TravelerCampground is quiet, bathrooms are OK. Some sites have power, some don’t, none have water or sewer. Lots of things to do here. Been here 5 days and still haven’t done it all.
TravelerSite 80 is across from water access. But only 5 minutes to fill your tank. If you book an inside loop close to #80 you will be close to water.
TravelerThis is a small no frills campground centrally located near many Finger Lakes attractions (wineries especially). We had full hookups and everything worked as it should. The bath house is old but everything is functional. Shower was nice and hot. We were one of only 2 RVs there at the time so I would say it was very quiet except that the other party had a 4 and 5 year old who kept things lively and visited our site constantly until we asked them not to for awhile. Cute kids though. The campground is woodsy with just one unpaved road circling around the RV sites. There are tent sites also that looked very private, currently unmowed when we were there.
GuideI likes this spot and i really like that you need a reservation as well just to secure your spot! The spots are big and great walks as well if you have dogs. Easy access to the pond too. 20 minutes to waterfall state park & there is a maple shop not too far as well for treats etc.
TravelerAll 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.
Camping spots near Marathon, New York offer access to the Finger Lakes and southern tier landscapes at approximately 1,200 feet elevation. The region features rolling hills with mixed hardwood forests and watershed areas feeding the Tioughnioga River. Most campgrounds open from late April through mid-October, with typical overnight temperatures dropping into the 40s F even during summer months.
Kayaking and fishing access: Country Hills Campground in Marathon provides direct water access for anglers and paddlers. "Me and my husband stayed here to visit a local friend and it wasn't bad it was very private and quiet," reports a visitor to Yellow Lantern Kampground, located 15 miles northwest of Marathon.
Swimming in natural settings: Several parks near Marathon offer swimming opportunities during summer months. At Chenango Valley State Park, "The beach area is well staffed and clean. Changing areas are available as well as a splash pad for the little kids," according to a recent visitor.
Hiking trail options: Multiple trail systems exist within 30 minutes of Marathon. Long Pond Campground offers hiking access near the water. "I am just a few steps away from sitting on the dock and admiring the scenery," notes one camper who appreciated the easy trail access to viewpoints.
Secluded waterfront sites: The more remote camping areas provide greater privacy. "Campgrounds are wooded. Pretty basic facilities, nice though. None of the tent sites have exceptional views but you're a short walk from the creek/gorges," explains a visitor to Buttermilk Falls State Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The woodland settings support diverse animal populations. "We had four that were feeding behind our site in the morning," reports a camper at Chenango Valley State Park about the deer that frequently visit campsites.
Water recreation variety: Multiple lakes and rivers offer different water experiences. "Friendly helpful staff. Well-run campground. Highlight is the tubing, kayaking and canoeing right on the river that leads to the campground," notes a visitor to Lighthouse Landing Campground, about 19 miles northeast of Marathon.
Site maintenance varies significantly: Some campgrounds maintain better facilities than others. "Campgrounds is a maze of campsites through densely wooded forests so it's pretty private and shady even though it's full no matter what season we visited," explains a camper at Bowman Lake State Park.
Weather preparedness essential: The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations. "Went in the fall, very quiet, and peaceful. Woke to snow on the tent," reports a camper at Robert H. Treman State Park, highlighting the need for proper gear even during shoulder seasons.
Differing bathroom quality: Facilities vary between parks. "This place has amazing hiking trails with great waterfalls. Campsite was clean and bathrooms were ok," notes a Robert H. Treman State Park visitor, while others mention older facilities at some locations.
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds specialize in family programming. "Tons of activities for kids to do. I still remember from when I was little kid having a great time and still have gone again as an adult," explains a visitor about Yellow Lantern Kampground.
Playgrounds and safe swimming: Many parks offer designated child play areas. "Campsites are in the woods with picnic tables and fire ring, plenty of shade and a good amount of space between camps. They have so many birds, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and insects that it was a veritable wonderland. Playground and shallow swimming area for children with life guards," describes a visitor to Chenango Valley State Park.
Accessible nature exploration: Several areas offer easier trails for younger hikers. "This was a great campground – very family-friendly. My kids spent a week with my parents there, there were lots of sites that were separated from each other by small patches of words, which made it more private. Playgrounds and spaces to ride bikes, swim, picnic, and all-around have fun!" reports a Chenango Valley visitor.
Site selection considerations: RV sites vary significantly in quality and size. "Site 54 at Robert H Treman is very large, flat, nonelectric and well shaded with areas of sun. A long walk to the restroom," notes one RVer, adding useful context about amenities proximity.
Limited hookup availability: Electric options exist but with restrictions. "We had a back in site with a fire pit, picnic table, and no hook ups. It was gravel and not super level, but we made it work. There was a potable water spigot a few sites over and a bathroom with showers a short walk away," reports a visitor to Bowman Lake State Park.
Seasonal considerations: Shoulder season camping offers advantages but requires preparation. "This is a great spot for tent camping, so if that's your vibe this place is perfect. We had a lot of tree cover so we didn't even need our air conditioning on during an 85 degree day," explains a Bowman Lake camper who visited with their trailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Marathon, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Marathon, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 142 campgrounds and RV parks near Marathon, NY and 18 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Marathon, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Marathon, NY is Chenango Valley State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Marathon, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 free dispersed camping spots near Marathon, NY.
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