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.
