Best Campgrounds near Norwich, NY

Norwich, New York is surrounded by a mix of state forests and established campgrounds offering diverse camping experiences. Bowman Lake State Park Campground provides developed sites with electric hookups, showers, and accommodations for tents, RVs, and cabins about 10 miles west of Norwich. For more primitive experiences, Pharsalia Woods State Forest and Round Pond offer dispersed camping options with minimal amenities but scenic natural settings. The region includes both fee-based established campgrounds with full facilities and free primitive sites on public lands, particularly in the surrounding state forests that characterize this rural part of central New York.

Camping in the Norwich area follows seasonal patterns with most developed campgrounds operating from May through early October. State parks like Bowman Lake have defined seasons, typically opening mid-May and closing after Columbus Day weekend. State forest camping areas remain accessible year-round but may have limited winter maintenance. Many primitive sites in areas like Pharsalia Woods require permits that must be obtained from regional DEC offices with advance notice. The terrain varies from level, accessible campgrounds to more remote hike-in locations along the Finger Lakes Trail system. As one reviewer noted about Round Pond, "This is a relatively new location for primitive camping in the Pharsalia Woods State Forest. There is a parking area just off the Plymouth Reservoir Rd that allows you to access a network of trails that traverse the state preserve."

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in the region, with several ponds and small lakes offering fishing and paddling opportunities. Campers frequently mention the fishing quality at locations like Bear Wallow Pond and Long Pond, which feature accessible shorelines and boat launches. The Finger Lakes Trail provides connectivity between many camping areas, making the region appealing for backpackers seeking multi-day adventures. Several visitors highlight the pristine natural settings and wildlife viewing opportunities. Primitive lean-to shelters along hiking trails receive positive reviews for their secluded locations. A camper described the Ludlow Creek Lean-to as "a beautiful primitive hike-in campsite alongside Ludlow Creek section of the Finger Lakes Trail in Chenango County, providing a wilderness type experience fairly close to several nearby villages, and only a half hour drive from the town of Norwich."

Best Camping Sites Near Norwich, New York (130)

    1. Bowman Lake State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Oxford, NY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 334-2718

    $17 - $65 / night

    "We had never been to site before so when we booked, we thought we were next to a bathroom. Turns out you had to walk through woods to get there in the mud."

    "There was a potable water spigot a few sites over and a bathroom with showers a short walk away.

    This is a great spot for tent camping, so if that’s your vibe this place is perfect."

    2. Hunts Pond State Forest

    2 Reviews
    New Berlin, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 674-4017

    "The campground is still being minimally maintained as a group of 8 drive-in campsites on the north side, and 4 other scattered sites on the east and of the pond."

    3. Whaupaunaucau State Forest

    1 Review
    Sherburne, NY
    6 miles
    Website

    "This is a relatively unknown oasis outside of the county, but this state forest has a network of miles of trails for both hiking and criss country skiing."

    4. Round Pond Pharsalia Woods Dispersed

    1 Review
    South Plymouth, NY
    6 miles
    Website

    "This is a relatively new location for primitive camping in the Pharsalia Woods State Forest."

    5. O Land

    1 Review
    New Berlin, NY
    9 miles
    +1 (813) 841-4756

    $35 / night

    6. Pharsalia Woods Lean-To Campsite

    1 Review
    South Plymouth, NY
    10 miles

    "Trail advocate Ed Sidote."

    8. Ludlow Creek Lean-To Campsite

    1 Review
    Oxford, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 674-4017

    "This is a beautiful primitive hike-in campsite alongside the Ludlow Creek section of the Finger Lakes Trail in Chenango County, New York."

    9. Gilbert Lake State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Laurens, NY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 432-2114

    $17 - $156 / night

    "Two entrances, one to the kitchen and the other to the porch. Outside was a fire ring.

    An easy hike to a nearby lake was very pretty."

    "Great place to stay, Close to Cooperstown. Nice lake for the kids to go swimming and fishing. If you like to hike they have some great trails. Nice size sites, the only down fall is they fill up fast."

    10. Pharsalia Y Pond

    1 Review
    South Plymouth, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 753-3095

    "This campsite is a hike in stop on the Finger Lakes Trail, but can also be accessed by a short walk-in from Elmer Jackson Rd, or by paddling in from the parking area in the west side of the pond."

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Showing results 1-10 of 130 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Norwich, NY

328 Reviews of 130 Norwich Campgrounds



Guide to Norwich

Camping near Norwich, NY, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Robert H. Treman State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Beautiful walking trails, waterfalls, and a natural swimming area," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Little Pond - DEC is close to the Beaverkill, a renowned fly fishing stream. A camper shared, "Close to the Beaverkill and lots of great fly fishing."
  • Swimming: Check out the beach at Glimmerglass State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "You will enjoy the amazing beach and waterfront on Otsego Lake."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Chenango Valley State Park Campground stated, "Clean bath houses. Tons of biking and hike trails."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Delta Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites were very large and well spaced out."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Fillmore Glen State Park Campground have playgrounds and hiking trails. One reviewer said, "Lots of hiking trails, great facilities, and a very new playground."

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A visitor at Delta Lake State Park Campground noted, "Quiet hours are not enforced," which might affect your experience.
  • Site Proximity: Campers at Taughannock Falls State Park Campground mentioned that sites can be close together, which may limit privacy. One camper said, "The sites were also very close to each other and rather shallow."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Robert H. Treman State Park Campground, may lack certain amenities. A review mentioned, "The dumping station is lacking but overall nice park."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. Chenango Valley State Park Campground is noted for its family atmosphere, with one reviewer saying, "It's a very pleasant park with a family atmosphere."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Glimmerglass State Park Campground highlighted, "You can also hike, or take a day trip into Cooperstown."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. One camper at Fillmore Glen State Park Campground mentioned, "Great facilities and very new playground."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA noted, "Sites are a little tight getting in but once you are in you have plenty of room."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a lifesaver. Campers at Delta Lake State Park Campground appreciated the availability of electric hookups for their RVs.
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Campgrounds like Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA are close to fun activities like mining for diamonds. One camper said, "An incredible plethora of things to do - river floating, great playground and pool."

Camping near Norwich, NY, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Norwich, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Norwich, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 130 campgrounds and RV parks near Norwich, NY and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Norwich, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Norwich, NY is Bowman Lake State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 8 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Norwich, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Norwich, NY.