Oriskany Falls sits within a region characterized by rolling hills and small glacial lakes at approximately 1,280 feet elevation. Traditional campsites remain the standard accommodation, but yurt camping near Oriskany Falls has gained popularity as a year-round option. The area's moderate summer temperatures averaging 78°F make it comfortable for extended outdoor stays from May through October when most campgrounds operate.
What to do
Hiking trails: Bowman Lake State Park Campground offers a 3.1-mile loop trail around the lake for easy exploration. According to Gerald L., "The trails were not all that great and provided only minor enjoyment," suggesting visitors might want to supplement with other activities during their stay.
Kayaking: Green Lakes State Park Campground features distinctive blue-green glacial lakes perfect for paddling. Kenneth S. notes, "This park is beautiful and very clean. The water is Crystal clear and very blue, you will think you are in the Caribbean Islands."
Mining adventures: Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA provides unique opportunities to hunt for double-terminated quartz crystals. A visitor mentioned, "The mines are so much fun," making this a distinctive activity not found at standard campgrounds.
Beach swimming: Multiple parks offer supervised swimming areas during summer months. Sara H. reports that Green Lakes has a "great beach" and that "bathrooms and showers were very clean," making it suitable for full-day outings.
What campers like
Unique water features: The distinctively colored lakes at Green Lakes State Park draw significant interest. One camper observes, "You can rent a kayak and enjoy the beautiful lake. There are miles of trails to explore."
Tubing opportunities: Delta Lake State Park Campground offers water recreation beyond swimming. Sierra K. mentions, "Having the kayaks were great, there's so much to explore, and town is right down the road."
Proximity to attractions: Glimmerglass State Park Campground provides convenient access to Cooperstown's attractions. Patti M. notes, "With Cooperstown 15-20 minutes away no lack of things to do for adults and kids. Great restaurants also."
Yurt accommodations: Loomis Lair stands out as the only dedicated yurt camping option near Oriskany Falls, New York. These permanent structures offer a compromise between tent camping and cabins for visitors seeking alternative lodging.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from May through mid-October. Several parks, including Delta Lake and Green Lakes, close in early October, making advance planning essential.
Shower facilities: Quality varies significantly between campgrounds. At Bowman Lake, one camper noted, "Bathrooms were regular campsite bathrooms. Never very clean. Especially because it was wet out."
Reservation requirements: During peak season (July-August), securing spots at popular destinations requires advance booking. Most parks allow reservations up to nine months in advance.
Site privacy: Bowman Lake State Park Campground offers secluded sites. Oleńka S. observed, "We had a lot of privacy because the campgrounds next to us were empty, but even if there were people nearby there was about 20-30 ft between our site and the next."
Tips for camping with families
Beach amenities: Delta Lake State Park features family-friendly swimming areas. Amy W. points out, "They have recently added electricity to the sites and a new playground at the beach. The concession stand at the beach will deliver to your camp site."
Playground access: Cooperstown KOA provides multiple recreation options. Rachel Y. found that "The pool, along the dog park, bounce house and swing set were well taken care of," making it suitable for children of various ages.
Organized activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular family events. Jeani B. noted that Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA has "tons of planned activities for the kids," providing structured entertainment beyond self-directed play.
Private shower options: Green Lakes offers updated facilities that benefit families. A camper mentioned, "The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. Oleńka S. observed at Bowman Lake: "It was gravel and not super level, but we made it work. There was a potable water spigot a few sites over and a bathroom with showers a short walk away."
Hookup availability: Ta-Ga-Soke Campgrounds offers water and electric sites suitable for RVs. One reviewer noted, "The site was good size and included a picnic table and a fire ring. Site however was very close to other sites and not very private."
Satellite access: At Cooperstown KOA, Jim G. found that "The WiFi is very good-- modern and surprising speeds (60Mbps) and cell phone for AT&T was decent," which matters for RVers needing connectivity.
Water pressure considerations: Water service can be inconsistent at some locations. Jim G. noticed at Cooperstown KOA that "the water pressure seemed to drop on occasion and one night was low for quite a while due to the pool being filled."
