Shay S.
Traveler
TravelerSpruce Row Campsite
Great Family campground
They are super family friendly, its very quiet and peaceful. The pool is beautiful and a cool and unique shape. They have activities on the weekends and its very safe for kids.
Camping near McGraw, NY
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
McGraw, New York serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences across central New York, with numerous state parks and campgrounds within a 25-mile radius. Established campgrounds like Fillmore Glen State Park and Yellow Lantern Kampground provide dedicated facilities for tent, RV, and cabin camping, while state forests such as Morgan Hill offer more primitive camping options. The Finger Lakes region, accessible from McGraw, features several campgrounds with waterfront settings, including Lighthouse Landing and Country Hills Campground, which provide water and electric hookups.
Seasonal operations significantly affect camping availability, with most developed campgrounds open from April or May through October. During summer months, reservations are essential for popular sites, particularly those with water access or electric hookups. The region experiences typical Northeast weather patterns with humid summers and cold winters, making spring and fall ideal for camping. State forests like Morgan Hill allow dispersed camping year-round with proper permits, though amenities are minimal. Forest roads may require high-clearance vehicles during wet periods. A camper noted, "Though the natural setting is picturesque and secluded, the campground is not well maintained. Some of the sites have new picnic tables, some have old tables that are falling apart, and some have none at all."
Waterfront locations consistently receive positive reviews, with ponds and streams being particularly popular features. Spruce Pond Camping Area in Morgan Hill State Forest stands out with its accessible fishing landing and newly built outhouse. The pond attracts both fishermen and wildlife enthusiasts. Several campers mention the family-friendly atmosphere at established campgrounds like Yellow Lantern, which offers "tons of activities for kids." For those seeking more solitude, primitive sites in state forests provide a more rustic experience, though campers should be prepared for varying maintenance levels. Some primitive locations offer impressive natural features, such as Bucks Brook State Forest, where visitors can camp near waterfalls and scenic gorges while hiking segments of the Finger Lakes Trail.
Best Campgrounds near McGraw (156)
1. Fillmore Glen State Park Campground
"region of Upstate New York."
"Awesome little park in the Finger Lakes region with nature on site and lots more to do and explore nearby (wine trails!)."
from $21 - $67 / night
Check Availability2. Yellow Lantern Kampground
3. Lighthouse Landing Campground
4. Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest
"throughout the state forest, this is a group of ten established and well maintained primitive campsites right on Spruce Pond with fishing available and an amazing network of hiking and cross country ski trails"
"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."
5. Cortlands Country Music Park and Campground
6. Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground
"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 $21 - $66 / night
Check Availability7. Robert H. Treman State Park Campground
"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 $24 - $128 / night
Check Availability8. Green Lakes State Park Campground
"The lake is a fascinating meromictic lake with clear calcium-rich waters that are not only pristine and beautiful to look at, but also great for swimming and snorkeling as the waters are crystal clear"
"The sites are nice, some are little close to each other but nice for group camping. A short distance (walk or by car) to the beach. The lake is a little chilly sometimes but very refreshing."
from $24 - $116 / night
Check Availability9. Taughannock Falls State Park Campground
"Taughannock Falls State Park is one of my favorite parks in New York."
"Went for a quick getaway to this little gem of a state park in the finger lakes region of New York. I’ll be coy, and use their slogan ‘Ithaca is Gorges’ and Gorgeous!!!"
from $24 - $67 / night
Check Availability10. Watkins Glen State Park Campground
"Watkins Glen boasts one of New York’s most beautiful state parks! I last camped here in 2012 and absolutely loved hiking along the gorges. Also- the camping was next to perfect."
"Definitely one of the top places to camp and visit in New York, Watkins Glen State Park never disappoints. Each time I come back, I find something new to discover and have a great time doing that."
from $24 - $58 / night
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Drive Time
- 29 min from Syracuse, NY
- 31 min from Binghamton, NY
- 35 min from Ithaca, NY
- 1 hr 10 min from Elmira, NY
Recent Camping Photos near McGraw, NY
199 Photos of 156 McGraw Campgrounds
Kelly J.
Yellow Lantern Kampground
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Christmas Tree Farm Hideaway
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Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground
Neil L.
Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest
Eshay R.
Camp Earth Connection
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Tentrr Signature Site - Rhodes End Retreat - Coleman Outfitted Site
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Long Pond Campground
Michelle L.
Fillmore Glen State Park Campground
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Tentrr Signature Site - Wildflower
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Tentrr Signature Site - Adirondack - Coleman Outfitted Site
AnthonyCarol Campground D.
Live The Outdoors LLC
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Recent Reviews near McGraw, NY
579 Reviews of 156 McGraw Campgrounds
Pam R.
GuideOneida Shores County Park
Beautiful and peaceful
We had a great stay at Oneida Shores Campground. Over the weekend it was nearly full, but it never felt crowded. The other campers were friendly and there were no issues. At 10 pm, it got very quiet, no issues. The newly paved sites are level. The grounds are well kept. I wouldn't say the sites were too close together. We had plenty of room. The tent area is shaded by trees, the rv section is not. We encountered several park employees, all were very friendly and helpful. Never saw any geese. The only negative is that the showers and restrooms need a deep clean and upgrade, but they were serviceable.
What E.TravelerLake Chalet Motel and Campground
Clean, Quiet & Beautiful!!
This campground is beautiful. The lake is good sized and clean. The property has beautiful fields and a creek that runs along the back. This is not a party campground and people are not packed in on top of each other. The little store is cute & affordable and the owners are on site 24/7.
Elizabeth D.
ScoutThe Villages RV Park at Turning Stone
Excellent park
Space was adequate with both shade and some sun, trash service and shuttle service was a plus . Pool and walking paths were well kept. Dog waste stations were available but the park didn't have a dog park. Bummer for fino.
- HHeather B.Traveler
Tall Pines Campground & Canoeing
Sweetest Campground Around
This was the sweetest campground around!! They deliver fire wood right to your site along with anything else you need. Free delivery of amazing pizza on Friday nights(delivered by a 1969 pink beetle!!). There is a giant river, a dog park and the camp ground is close to town, but far enough away so that you still feel like your camping! Amazing bathroom/shower facilities and a clean swimming pool:)
- TTinski H.Traveler
Skyline Drive State Forest
Nice free spot in the woods
Only 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!
Lisa S.ScoutSpruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest
Peaceful forest site
Stayed 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. Had spotty but mostly okay cell service (AT&T).
Howard S.ScoutGilbert Lake State Park Campground
Staff is great as well as the campgrounds
Gilbert 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.
April S.ScoutPleasant Lake Campground
The worst campground I've ever experienced.
The problems started before we even arrived. When I called to make a reservation, the owner was rude and impatient, repeatedly complaining that he couldn't hear me, despite me having full service. I discovered cell service at the campground was spotty, which made his attitude even more frustrating in hindsight. I told him it would be us and our dog, his immediate response was,"IT'S NOT A PIT BULL, IS IT?" in a hostile tone. I said no, she's an American Staffordshire, and my husband's service dog. He rudely replied that it was"THE SAME THING" and that they have breed restrictions. When I asked whether he was denying us, he avoided answering and demanded"legal paperwork" for her. I told him that no such paperwork exists, but she is trained to perform a task. He completed the reservation, took my payment, gave us a site number, and hung up. Since the office was closed and we had already been assigned a site number and paid, we assumed we could go directly to our site and finish any details in the morning. While setting up, the owner drove over and confronted us for not reporting to the office first. He then demanded proof of rabies vaccination, which is reasonable. We apologized that we had forgotten the paperwork and said we'd email it to him first thing in the morning. We were extremely annoyed that we saw multiple pit bulls as soon as we pulled in the campground. The next morning, we emailed the records to the campground around 10:10 AM, exactly as promised, as soon as our vet's office had opened. About 11:00, the owner left a voicemail demanding that we leave the property immediately because he had not received the paperwork. I called back and asked him to check his email again, he accused me of sending it to the wrong address. I told him that if he still couldn't find it after checking again, I would come to the office once I was dressed. 30 minutes later, he left another voicemail saying he had escalated it to the sheriff's office because we had not complied. Meanwhile, my husband was already walking to the office to handle things and the owner informed him that we were no longer welcome and that he had called the sheriff's office. Again, my husband told them to check their spam folder, and the email had been there all along. We communicated throughout the entire process and did exactly what we said we would do. The owner's son was far more reasonable and they did apologize, but it didn't make the situation right. The sites were tight, muddy, unlevel, and had awkwardly placed hookups. We were packed so close together that the row behind us overlapped the rear of our camper by a few feet. We had to share water with the neighboring site through a splitter at the spigot. We didn't use the restrooms or amenities because after our interactions with management, we felt completely unwelcome. We only stayed because we were in town for our grandson's first birthday and couldn't find another campground on such short notice.
Guide to McGraw
McGraw, New York sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation in the rolling hills of Cortland County, with the surrounding countryside characterized by mixed hardwood forests and small stream valleys. Camping options near McGraw include both primitive sites in state forests and established campgrounds with modern amenities. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F, with occasional thunderstorms that can affect forest road conditions.
What to do
Hiking gorge trails: At Fillmore Glen State Park Campground, visitors can explore multiple waterfalls and hiking paths. "Bathrooms are very clean and close to all campsites. Kids loved the park and swimming in the waterfall beach," notes Charyssa G., highlighting the park's natural swimming area.
Swimming in natural settings: The swimming area at Robert H. Treman State Park Campground features a unique waterfall swimming hole. One camper shares that "You can swim in the waterfall area here," though they caution that "it can be VERY busy in the summer time in the swimming area, making it difficult to find your own space."
Fishing at stocked ponds: Spruce Pond in Morgan Hill State Forest provides accessible fishing opportunities. A visitor mentions, "Lots of fisherman frequent the pond," and the area includes "an accessible fishing landing" making it suitable for anglers of various abilities.
Wine touring basecamp: Taughannock Falls serves as an excellent starting point for regional wine tours. A camper reports planning "a week long trip next year and will do all three tours, wine, beer, and cheese!"
What campers like
Clean, modern bathrooms: Green Lakes State Park Campground receives praise for its updated facilities. "The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground," notes Sheri S.
Secluded primitive sites: At Spruce Pond Camping Area, campers appreciate the wilderness setting. One reviewer describes, "There are fire grills and nicely developed tent sites, one nestled in the woods and three with their own pond access, and one is actually handicapped accessible."
Variety of camping options: Sites near McGraw range from rustic to full-service. At Taughannock Falls, a visitor notes, "The upper part of the campground is pretty private, while the lower end near the entrance/exit is more open."
Easy lake access: Campgrounds on Cayuga Lake provide water recreation opportunities. A Robert H. Treman visitor mentions the "beautiful gorges and hiking trails" complemented by "plenty of wineries and the finger lakes."
What you should know
Primitive camping requirements: For dispersed sites in Morgan Hill State Forest, "You may camp at this campground for free, but you do need a permit and should review the campground map to select your preferred site."
Site privacy varies significantly: At Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground, a visitor notes, "None of the tent sites have exceptional views but you're a short walk from the creek/gorges."
Wildlife activity levels: Spruce Pond campers should prepare for active wildlife. One camper reports, "This was a nice spot, but the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night."
Fall and spring offer less crowded experiences: A Buttermilk Falls visitor recommends seasonal timing: "Deer outside the tent, wildflowers through summer, great leaves in fall."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When selecting a campsite near McGraw, consider proximity to play areas. At Green Lakes, one camper notes, "Beach also has a great playground for kids that is perfect for play and swim."
Educational hiking opportunities: Many state parks offer learning experiences along trails. At Taughannock Falls, a visitor appreciated the "Lots of educational posters along the way to keep you informed of what you were seeing and the history about how it was created."
Family-friendly activities: Yellow Lantern Kampground particularly caters to families with children. "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," reports Kelly J.
Swimming depth consideration: When planning water activities, note varying depths. One Taughannock Falls visitor mentions the swimming area "goes to 12 feet deep and has a dock to jump off of," which may be important for families with younger children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: At Taughannock Falls, check the location of electrical connections before setting up. "Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you'll need extra long cords," advises one RVer.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional preparation. At Robert H. Treman, a visitor cautions, "Electric sites are not the best though. Rocky and unlevel. Not made for large campers."
Full hookup availability: For RVers seeking all amenities, Green Lakes stands out. As one camper notes, "This state park campground is one of the few that offer full hook ups," making it particularly appealing for larger rigs or longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near McGraw, NY?
What camping is available near McGraw, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, McGraw, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 156 campgrounds and RV parks near McGraw, NY and 18 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near McGraw, NY?
Which is the most popular campground near McGraw, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near McGraw, NY is Fillmore Glen State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 15 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near McGraw, NY?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near McGraw, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 free dispersed camping spots near McGraw, NY.
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