The Finger Lakes region surrounding New Woodstock, New York offers diverse terrain with hills rising from 1,200 to 2,000 feet above sea level, creating distinctive camping microclimates. Summer temperatures typically range between 55-80°F, while campgrounds at higher elevations often experience temperatures 5-10 degrees cooler than valley locations. State forests and recreation areas in this region provide both developed facilities and primitive backcountry sites.
What to do
Lake activities at Green Lakes: Green Lakes State Park Campground offers swimming, boating, and fishing. "You can rent a kayak and enjoy the beautiful lake. There are miles of trails to explore," notes Cindy H. The unique mineral-rich waters create distinctive blue-green coloration visible throughout the year.
Hiking the interconnected trail systems: Multiple state forests offer extensive trail networks. The Finger Lakes Trail section running through Bucks Brook State Forest provides moderate to challenging terrain. "Bucks Brook carves a beautiful gorge through Bucks Brook State Forest before it cascades into the Otselic River," explains Janet R. Most trails remain passable year-round but can become muddy during spring thaws.
Wildlife observation: State forest areas permit wildlife photography and bird watching. According to Janet R., at Pharsalia Woods "you can walk or drive along various state forest roads to several other ponds in the Wildlife Management area for good birdwatching." Dawn and dusk offer optimal wildlife viewing times, particularly near water sources.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Stoney Pond State Forest Camping Area features well-spaced campsites. "There are 15 drive-in campsites widely spaced and set into the woods, and two developed walk-in sites on the west shore," explains Janet R., noting the natural separation between sites provides privacy uncommon at more developed campgrounds.
Clean facilities at established campgrounds: Lebanon Reservoir Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "The facilities are very nice. Bathrooms are new and clean, and well kept. Showers were great," writes Michael O. The campground store stocks basic supplies and firewood.
Access to fishing ponds: Multiple locations offer fishing access. At Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite, Janet R. reports "a clearing for tenting adjacent to a small parking area and fishing access on a really beautiful pond" where shoreline wildflowers bloom in summer and fall foliage creates scenic views.
What you should know
Primitive sites require preparation: Many state forest sites lack amenities. Janet R. explains that at Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground, "while you can drive right up to your campsite location, which is accessible, you would actually have to hike quite a long ways west on the Onondaga Trail to access a pit toilet, or to have stream access for obtaining water to boil, so you DO need to come prepared to use the bushes by your campsite and leave no trace, plus bring your own water."
Tick prevention needed: Ticks remain active in warmer months. Janet R. notes regarding Morgan Hill State Forest that hikers should "be prepared for ticks and the need for repellent as they are thick in spring and early summer." EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin-treated clothing provide effective protection.
Shower facilities vary significantly: Not all campgrounds offer showers. At Green Lakes State Park, Chelsea B. warns, "as clean as the bathrooms are, the showers still suck. I'll never understand why parks use the misting shower heads." She recommends using "the ADA bathrooms because those shower heads are normal and have wands."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Verona Beach State Park Campground offers recreational facilities for children. "The kids love to hang out at the splash pad and the state recently revamped some of the playgrounds," writes Joe D. The park also features a lifeguarded beach during summer months.
Water safety considerations: Most water access points lack lifeguards. At Green Lakes, Sara H. reports "Love it beach is great. You cannot bring your own kayaks you have to rent." Parents should note that personal flotation devices remain required for children under 12 on most watercraft.
Private bathrooms at select locations: Some campgrounds feature family-friendly bathroom facilities. Sheri S. points out that Green Lakes State Park bathrooms "have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground." These private facilities accommodate parents assisting young children.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone offers comprehensive amenities. April L. describes it as "convenient to the highway with 24 hour shuttles to the casino 5 minutes away, yet quiet and beautifully maintained." The park maintains paved sites throughout.
Site leveling requirements: RV sites vary in grading across campgrounds. Michael O. notes that at Lebanon Reservoir Campground, "Sites are mostly level, but some did slant quite a bit. Hookups are well located and modern." Bring leveling blocks for sites with moderate slopes.
Off-season considerations: Several campgrounds operate seasonally. Boomer B. reports The Villages at Turning Stone has "Spacious FHU sites. Pull thru and back ins" but check seasonal availability as many campgrounds in the region close between October and May due to winter conditions.
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