Oriskany Falls sits at an elevation of 1,161 feet in central New York, nestled within the Oriskany Creek Valley. The region typically experiences cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers with peak camping season running from late May through mid-October. Most campgrounds in this area have a mix of wooded and open sites with variable cellular reception depending on specific location.
What to do
Hiking near glacial lakes: Green Lakes State Park Campground features unique hiking trails around two meromictic lakes with distinctive blue-green water. "The hike around the lake is about 2 miles and is totally worth it! Plenty of picnic areas as well," notes a visitor. The loop trail provides consistent shade during summer months.
Paddling options: At Treasure Isle RV Park in Blossvale, campers can enjoy beach access and water activities. "There is a nice bathhouse, playground, basketball court, beach and walking trails," reports one camper. The park operates seasonally from late April to mid-October.
Casino entertainment: Camping near Green Lakes State Park Campground gives access to various attractions. "If you want something for everyone, this is the place. There are 2 Great Lakes to hike around with awesome views. Fishing and boat rental if you want to be closer to the water," shares a regular visitor.
What campers like
Accessible swimming: The swimming areas at regional parks offer relief during summer heat. "The beach area is wide and shallow in most areas, in close proximity to the store and snack shop," reports a Green Lakes visitor. Most beach areas open Memorial Day through Labor Day with lifeguards on duty.
Varied campsite options: Woonton Family Farms provides a different camping experience. "We had an excellent stay at the farm of the Woonton Family Farms with our RV, it was a cozy and beautiful campsite with personal attention of the owner. We had a great campfire, fresh blackberries and the option of canoeing," shares a Dutch family.
Recently renovated facilities: Many campgrounds have updated their amenities. "The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground," notes a camper about Green Lakes. Several campgrounds offer similar privacy-focused bathroom setups.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most RV camping near Oriskany Falls, New York operates on a limited schedule. "Turning Stone has lovely locations and is kept up nicely. Over Memorial Day weekend, the weather is gorgeous for spring," reports a visitor to The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone.
Train noise considerations: Some campgrounds have nearby railroad tracks. At The Villages RV Park, one visitor cautions about "the proximity to some railroad tracks, which can be somewhat active and very audible in some spots (you'll want to stay towards the south/front of the park if this kind of thing bothers you)."
Special event camping: Butternut Hill RV Campground hosts several regional events. "The campground is adjacent to the festival fields, lining a forest edge with expansive views of the surrounding valley. During special events, vendors and exhibitors have a convenient and inexpensive place to stay," explains a visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Green Lakes, one visitor notes, "Beach also has a great playground for kids that is perfect for play and swim. Dogs are welcome."
Shower facilities: When camping with children, bathroom quality matters. "As clean as the bathrooms are, the showers still suck. I'll never understand why parks use the misting shower heads. It's best to use the ADA bathrooms because those shower heads are normal and have wands," advises a family at Green Lakes.
Weekend planning: For family RV camping near Oriskany Falls, timing matters. Riverside RV Campground offers a convenient stop with river access. "This place is right on the river and the freeway! So it's kind of loud but the people are super friendly and had fresh vegetables and home baked goods available."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: At The Villages RV Park, site location affects your experience. "That and some sites aren't that close to a bath house, so if you're not planning on using your RV bathroom, you might be looking at a longer walk than others based on where your site is," notes one RVer.
Leveling considerations: Site preparation varies between campgrounds. One visitor to Treasure Isle RV Park mentions, "Treasure Isle is nice and quiet. The sites are a good size with water and electric on each site." Most RV sites in the region require minimal leveling.
Rental options: For those traveling without gear, some parks rent equipment. At Green Lakes, "Just past the swimming area is boat rentals ($7/hr for row boat rental)." Some campgrounds also offer golf cart rentals during peak season.
