Camping options near Newark Valley, New York sit within the Southern Tier region of the state, characterized by rolling hills and glacially-formed valleys. Most campsites in this area lie between 800-1,200 feet in elevation, creating moderate temperature variations between daytime and nighttime hours, especially in spring and fall seasons. Nearby Finger Lakes influence local weather patterns, often resulting in cooler evening temperatures even during summer months.
What to do
Waterfall swimming: At Robert H. Treman State Park Campground, the swimming area offers a unique experience beneath cascading falls. "You can swim in the waterfall area here. Need I say more? Actually, it can be VERY busy in the summer time in the swimming area, making it difficult to find your own 'space.' However, the hiking trails are awesome. Don't let the beginning steps fool you, the rim trail can be very strenuous."
Hiking glacial terrain: Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground provides trails showcasing Ice Age landscape features. "Been here in all the seasons, each is beautiful. 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. Reserve ahead of time in summer. Lots of woods, wildlife here and in the many other state parks close by to keep all ages occupied."
Bird watching: Watkins Glen State Park Campground offers excellent songbird habitat along wooded trails. "I stay here usually once or twice a year and spend my weekends hiking the various gorge trails nearby. Tent camping is nice here. The sites are good sized, they offer cabins as well. The bathhouses are clean and well lit at night."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Hickories Park Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. "I pulled in at about 6pm mid week, the ranger station was closed. Drove around & found tent site 79 open, it's next to the river. I was able to pull directly into the camp site. The campground is well maintained, the porta potty in the tent area was very clean, I felt very safe."
Seasonal beauty: Fall foliage transforms many campsites near Newark Valley into colorful landscapes. "Greenwood can get VERY crowded in the summer time, but for good reason. The swimming is excellent, lots of space for everyone, and they have lifeguards on duty just in case. There are grills and picnic tables, but you have to get there pretty early to claim them."
River access: Multiple campgrounds offer streamside sites with fishing opportunities. "This is a very quiet place, it seemed like many folks here are retired, taking their RVs and staying for a little while at a time. The river is very close, some campsites are right on the river. There are facilities, and the park has a playground and many soccer fields."
What you should know
Off-season advantages: Greenwood County Park offers year-round camping with fewer crowds during shoulder seasons. "This was my first time visiting Greenwood County Park and I was pleasantly surprised. Your camping and recreation options are definitely better in the 'off' season because hardly anyone was here, but the fall colors were absolutely spectacular!"
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience highway or railroad sounds. "The only draw back to this campground is the close proximity of the noisy highway but great for a one night stay or longer if you're accustomed to the noise."
Reservation timing: Many campsites fill months in advance for summer weekends. "This was a total surprise when we stayed at this site. We thought we were going to go to another park to camp but this one was so nice we ended up staying. Bathrooms were nice. Sites were really flat with some tree coverage for shade."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation: Pine Valley RV Park & Campground provides multiple water activities for children. "This is by far one of the best family oriented campgrounds we've ever been in. The staff, the grounds, the amenities made me wish we were closer. So many things for kids to do. From boating, to giant swimming inflatables, putt putt even a giant slide. All part of the price of the campground."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature recently updated play equipment. "Watkins Glen is beautiful and scenic. If you enjoy hiking and scenery this is the place for you. I would describe the hikes as moderately difficult. The main one has a lot of steps but lots of walkway in between them so it's not just up up up more steps."
Privacy levels: Round Top Retreat offers more secluded cabin options. "We just returned to philly after a long weekend here. This was our 6th consecutive summer visiting here. Very secluded. We let the kids and dogs run pretty much wherever without worry. And close to Ithaca so you can drive into town easily."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds have variable terrain requiring leveling blocks. "Site 54 at Robert H Treman is very large, flat, nonelectric and well shaded with areas of sun. A long walk to the restroom. Beautiful waterfall swimming pool is very cold, but great on a hot day. The new loop is a large field--we got one of the few shady sites in the new loop."
Loop selection: Chenango Valley State Park Campground offers distinct camping areas with different characteristics. "We've stayed at Chenango Valley SP twice now. Our first visit was at the Pine Bluff camping area and our second was the Chipmunk Bluff. The campground is well kept and spacious with several different areas to camp in. The facilities are clean and tidy."
Electric options: Most campgrounds offer 30-amp service, with fewer 50-amp sites available. "Parking pads in the electric loops (30 amps and 50 amps) have a good amount of gravel. We usually prefer sites on the outer part of a loop, and this was no exception. The sites have more trees."
