Camping sites near Marietta, New York sit within the elevated terrain of Central New York, where summer temperatures average 75-80°F during the day and can drop to the 50s at night. The surrounding hills range from 1,000-1,500 feet in elevation, creating microclimates that affect camping conditions. Many campgrounds in this region operate with limited cell service, particularly in the more remote areas of Morgan Hill State Forest.
What to do
Hiking gorge trails: At Fillmore Glen State Park Campground, visitors can explore impressive gorge formations with multiple waterfall views. "Very cute and small area. Close to the waterfall," notes one camper, highlighting the accessibility of natural attractions.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Spruce Pond Camping Area offers fishing opportunities in a more secluded setting. "Lots of fisherman frequent the pond," reports a visitor, adding that "The first few campsites are the best the further down you go the worse the sites get for tent set up."
Swimming in natural pools: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas unique to the region. As one camper at Fillmore Glen described, "Kids loved the park and swimming in the waterfall beach," providing a refreshing alternative to typical lake swimming.
Cross-country skiing: Winter visitors can access groomed trails throughout Morgan Hill State Forest. The campground offers "an amazing network of hiking and cross country ski trails along with mountain biking along the forest roads," making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
What campers like
Private farmland camping: Woonton Family Farms offers an intimate camping experience with just two sites on working farmland. One visitor described it as "a cozy and beautiful campsite with personal attention of the owner. We had a great campfire, fresh blackberries and the option of canoeing."
Natural swimming areas: Many campers appreciate the unique swimming options. At Green Lakes State Park Campground, "The beach can get busy during the summer however it is a great place to swim, camp, boat (there are rentals) and enjoy yourself!"
Family amenities: Campgrounds typically include facilities designed for family comfort. "Bathrooms are very clean and close to all campsites. Kids loved the park and swimming in the waterfall beach," notes a Fillmore Glen visitor, reflecting the family-friendly nature of many sites.
Modern bathroom facilities: Clean, well-maintained facilities matter to campers. One visitor highlighted that Morgan Hill's primitive campground even has "a brand new outhouse with wide accessible doorway" and an "accessible fishing landing," showing attention to accessibility even at more remote sites.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds in the area reach capacity during summer weekends. At Watkins Glen State Park Campground, "Expect to hear your neighbors once and a while," as sites can be crowded during peak season.
Seasonal limitations: Operating seasons vary across campgrounds. Taughannock Falls runs from April 15 to October 16, while Green Lakes operates from May 13 to October 9, creating a narrow window for camping opportunities.
Site privacy concerns: Many campsites offer limited separation between neighbors. At Oneida Shores, one camper noted that "Not a lot of shade" was available, which can affect comfort during summer months.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences significant temperature variations. "Weather conditions vary considerably between seasons, with potential for significant rainfall in spring and cool nights even during summer months," so packing layers is essential.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible playgrounds: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas designed for children. "The beach area is wide and shallow in most areas. In close proximity to the store and snack shop (ICE CREAM)," notes one Green Lakes visitor, highlighting amenities that appeal to families.
Educational opportunities: Taughannock Falls State Park Campground offers learning experiences through its visitor center. "Great visitors center at the Taughannnock Falls overlook. Staff were all very friendly and helpful," reports a camper, making it ideal for educational family outings.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. "We were the only tent campers around and the RV groups were loud late and early. We struggled to sleep because of the noise," warned one Fillmore Glen visitor, suggesting midweek stays for families seeking quiet.
Swimming safety: Water access varies between campgrounds. Green Lakes features "a great playground for kids that is perfect for play and swim. Dogs are welcome," providing supervised swimming areas suitable for children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric hookups are common but full-service sites are limited. At Green Lakes, "This state park campground is one of the few that offer full hook ups," making it desirable for RVers needing complete services.
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have tight interior roads. "The roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves," noted a Watkins Glen visitor with a 30-foot motorhome, suggesting caution for larger vehicles.
Campsite positioning: At Taughannock Falls, "Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you'll need extra long cords," advises a practical camper, highlighting the importance of preparation.
Proximity to amenities: Several campgrounds offer convenient locations near towns. Green Lakes is praised as "a park in the middle of little towns. Close to grocery, great walks and fun lake to swim in," providing convenient access to supplies while maintaining a natural setting.
