131 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Chenango County region surrounding Oxford, New York contains several established state park campgrounds and primitive camping areas within an hour's drive. Bowman Lake State Park Campground, located about 5 miles north of Oxford, offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations with electric hookups and showers. More remote options include Long Pond Campground, a dispersed camping area west of Oxford where primitive sites accommodate both tents and small RVs along the shoreline. The broader area features a mix of state forests with hike-in lean-to shelters at Ludlow Creek and Pharsalia Woods, plus several private campgrounds with full hookups for RVs.
Most developed campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from May through October. State parks like Bowman Lake and Chenango Valley enforce stricter regulations compared to dispersed sites. A visitor noted that "Long Pond is located in a state forest west of Smithfield Flats and Greene NY, and many locals come to Long Pond for fishing. The pond is quite large compared to other area ponds." Campers should be prepared for varying levels of amenities - while state parks offer modern bathrooms and showers, dispersed areas like Round Pond Pharsalia Woods have no facilities. Cell service varies throughout the region, with some remote areas having limited coverage. Several campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends.
Fishing opportunities represent a significant draw across multiple camping areas. At Long Pond, "the lake is very scenic and very productive for fishermen" with three different access points including a handicapped accessible fishing pier. Hikers can access portions of the Finger Lakes Trail from several camping areas, with trail segments connecting to scenic waterfalls like Tinker Falls and through old-growth forests. Water recreation opportunities vary by location - some campgrounds permit swimming only in designated areas with lifeguards, while others allow kayaking and canoeing on adjacent lakes and ponds. Several reviewers noted concerns about noise and security at more accessible dispersed camping areas, recommending the more developed state park campgrounds for families seeking established amenities and structured camping experiences.
"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."
from $17 - $65 / night
Check Availability"This is a beautiful park, the hiking is great with varied trails, nice changes in elevation due to the glacial geology of the landscape, and scenic vistas overlooking 2 beautiful lakes."
"The only downfall is that there really isn't much else to do around the area."
from $17 - $123 / night
Check Availability"Aside from that this was a short drive in and I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock."
"All the roads are gravel, so it might get a little muddy after a big rain but I had no issue with a low clearance car driving around to explore the sites available."
"This is a beautiful primitive hike-in campsite alongside the Ludlow Creek section of the Finger Lakes Trail in Chenango County, New York."
"This is a small county park and campground located east of Greene NY. It gets a lot if day use for fishing, hiking and picnicking. There is also a wooded campground, mostly RV’s and some tents."
"It has a small lake that is great for fishing and kayaks but swimming is not allowed. Some sites may be a challenge for the largest of rigs. Has a small play area for kids."
"Great for kids, kinda close to busy roads but close to convenient shopping and local activities when they open back up."
"My 3 year old loves the swimming pool and the ice cream and craft carts that come around."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"Fantastic animal preserve zoo nearby which is a must visit. Pretty golf course with full bar and food right across the street. Overall one of our favorite stops on our New England trip."
from $53 - $65 / night
Check Availability"Trail advocate Ed Sidote."
"This is a relatively new location for primitive camping in the Pharsalia Woods State Forest."
GuideI likes this spot and i really like that you need a reservation as well just to secure your spot! The spots are big and great walks as well if you have dogs. Easy access to the pond too. 20 minutes to waterfall state park & there is a maple shop not too far as well for treats etc.
ScoutOwners are amazing, family oriented, campground has tons for kids to do and is close to Roscoe. Our family goes every year
TravelerAll the roads are gravel, so it might get a little muddy after a big rain but I had no issue with a low clearance car driving around to explore the sites available. About half the sites are spread out in a large patch of spruce trees, I stayed at one of these. You can hear and sometimes see cars on the main road from your site but overall the spruce trees give you a lot more privacy. Had a neighbor blasting their speaker and didn't even hear it until I was walking by on that stretch of road. You might catch a glimpse of someone's fire at night, but it mostly felt like I had the place to myself. The other half are clustered much closer together among some deciduous trees but all the sites are pretty spacious, with a picnic table, fire pit, and easy access to the water. You might get a visit from day-use visitors looking for water access, especially if you pick a site closer to the water access paths, so if you're looking for more seclusion you may want to look elsewhere, but I didn't mind and the people who did stop near my site were respectful and didn't seem to want to disturb me once they saw the site near the water access was occupied. A free permit is needed for camping during the on-season. I stayed off-season and most of the sites were unoccupied, but I could see this being a popular spot during the warmer months. Port-a-potties are also not available off-season – be prepared to find a good cat hole spot or bring a wag bag if you're not self-contained. Seeing some litter around my site was a bit of a bummer (don't be that guy!), but overall the sites looked pretty clean and well-maintained. I did notice some broken glass at my site, so if you have pets (or shoe-averse children) be mindful of their paw pads (and feet). There's plenty of downed wood for making a fire, and I passed a couple homes selling firewood on the side of the road on the way. Service was spotty (AT&T) but if you wandered around enough you could get a couple bars to send a text, or if you really needed to, drive up the road a couple of minutes. I would easily stay here again, but if I came during the main season I'd probably want to plan a mid-week trip and get my permit and claim my site as soon as possible.
GuideBeautiful and well- maintained. Very roomy sites. Owner is friendly and responds quickly to calls.
TravelerStayed one night. Spot was great! It had rained so we weren't able to have a fire, but there was a spot where others had one previously. A little road noise from Rt 79, but honestly wasn't terrible.
LegendThis is a state park centered on the amazing geologic features of Enfield Glen. A waterfall cascades through a gorge here, ending in a beautiful pool for swimming at the base of the falls, with a trout stream flowing out of it towards nearby Cayuga Lake. For the geologically curious, the trails through the gorge are fascinating and educational. And fossils abound, easily visible in the stream flowing out of the falls. This was a main draw for me about this park, as was the proximity to the paleontology institute and Museum of the Earth just to the north in the hamlet of Trumansburg. https://www.museumoftheearth.org/
Within the park itself, there are camping options for both tent and trailer camping. However, even if you usually prefer campground camping, it might be well worth your while to consider the camper cabins. These beautiful rustic cabins are located alongshore and adjacent to the falls in one of the most beautiful parts of the park! Although hikers and swimmers walk the trails nearby to the cabins alot during the day, they are usually done by late afternoon and then your cabin site is peaceful, shady and quiet, with the main sound being wind through the hemlocks and rippling of water over the stones in the brook closeby. Pull up a rocker and ease your way into a peaceful evening! Great location as a basecamp not only to explore the park, but also the nearby Geology museum as mentioned, plus Ithaca, Cayuga Lake, and area vineyards
ScoutBeautiful park - some road noise from 17c. Sites are spacious
ScoutReally enjoyed staying here. It’s super private and peaceful, and we loved that it’s not a crowded campground. The land is open and easy to access, and you can tell the owners are constantly upgrading and improving things. We were even able to fish here, which was a bonus. Would definitely recommend if you appreciate privacy, nature, and a peaceful place with the freedom to relax and do your own thing.
TravelerNice private campground. Host was very generous. Used Coin operated laundry facilities. Full hookups for a reasonable price. Would return again.
Dispersed camping options near Oxford, New York include primitive sites at several state forests within a 30-minute drive. The region sits in the Chenango River Valley with elevations ranging from 950 to 1,800 feet, creating varied camping environments from riverside spots to forested highlands. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day with cooler evenings in the 50s, while spring and fall campers should prepare for nighttime temperatures that can drop into the 30s.
Fishing opportunities: At Chenango Valley State Park Campground, anglers can catch trout and bass in the park's lakes. "There is plenty of space to swim, and the walking trails are well maintained. You can also fish in the lake for trout and bass," notes camper Matt G. The park features two connected lakes with designated fishing areas.
Kayaking and paddling: The calm waters at Bowman Lake State Park Campground provide ideal conditions for kayakers of all skill levels. "The lake is small but calm and great for kayaking. There is a little 'beach' there for swimming, but know that it's a soft lake bottom further out," shares Oleńka S. Boat rentals are available seasonally from late May through early September.
Hiking trail networks: Several forest preserves offer interconnected trail systems for day hikes. "Bring your bikes, the swimming is great and the entire swimming/boating area just underwent a major renovation. You can rent kayaks and paddle boards and the park is well maintained," explains Courtney Z. about Chenango Valley State Park. Most trails are moderate difficulty with elevation changes between 200-400 feet.
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention appreciating the spacious layout at Ludlow Creek Lean-To Campsite. One reviewer describes it as "a beautiful primitive hike-in campsite alongside the Ludlow Creek section of the Finger Lakes Trail in Chenango County, New York... providing a wilderness type experience fairly close to several nearby villages." The lean-to is located on a wooded overlook above the creek.
Swimming areas: Multiple campgrounds offer designated swimming spots during summer months. At Chenango Valley, "Changing areas are available as well as a splash pad for the little kids. There are miles of trails to hike and roads to bike," notes Fred C. The swimming beach has lifeguards on duty from late June through Labor Day weekend.
Well-maintained facilities: Many campers comment on the cleanliness of facilities. "Clean shower house and grounds. Very quiet with primarily seasonal campers. Good clientele. Great rates," reports Bob D. about Chenango County Cook Park. Most campgrounds with shower facilities charge $0.25-$0.50 for 5-minute hot showers.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the region operate from mid-May through early October. "We camped in July, but were told that the park is opened for winter activities such as xcountry skiing and snow mobiling," shares Brian O. about Bowman Lake State Park. Some primitive sites in state forests remain accessible year-round but with no winter maintenance.
Variable amenities: Facilities range widely from fully-developed to completely primitive. At Round Pond Pharsalia Woods Dispersed, "Primitive camping is allowed anywhere in the vicinity as long as you are 150 feet from the waters edge and away from the parking lot... You need to sign in at the kiosk, but otherwise there are no permits needed and no fees." Dispersed sites have no potable water.
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant seasonal temperature swings. At Long Pond, a camper reported, "T-Mobile service has been exceptional as well. I am planning on staying here for a week or more and I see no reason to find another location as there is no fee or permit needed and you can stay up to 14 days I believe." Spring camping often includes muddy conditions after snow melt.
Best playgrounds: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. "My kids spent a week with my parents there, there were lots of sites that were separated from each other by small patches of words, which made it more private. Playgrounds and spaces to ride bikes, swim, picnic, and all-around have fun!" notes Kayti D. about Chenango Valley State Park Campground.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with designated swim areas when camping with children. "Playground and shallow swimming area for children with life guards and a sandy beach and new bath house. They have fishing and boat rentals," reports Mary P. about Chenango Valley, which has a designated children's splash pad.
Bike-friendly campgrounds: Some parks offer extensive paved roads for safer biking. "We brought our bikes and explored the many hiking and riding trails on the premises. We loved the swimming beach soaking up the sun and cool refreshing water," explains Brian O. about Bowman Lake State Park Campground. Most biking trails are relatively flat with occasional moderate hills.
Site length and leveling: Many campgrounds have limitations for larger RVs. At Belden Hill Campgrounds, "Pull thru full hookup, level, spacious. Room for pop up canopy and games. Great views of the mts... Wood/ice honor system. Would visit again. Stayed in 38ft motorhome," reports Tim W. Most sites can accommodate rigs up to 32 feet, with select sites handling larger vehicles.
Hookup availability: Electric options range from none to full hookups. "Easy access off I-88 friendly owner, friendly seasonal people. Pull thru full hookup, level, spacious," notes another Belden Hill camper. Amperage options vary from 20-50 amp service depending on the specific campground and site.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer on-site sanitary facilities. "Clean bathrooms and laundry rooms. Was just off season during our trip so sadly we didn't get to try the ice cream... Full hook ups and wifi but wifi wasn't working too well," mentions Jennifer K. at Belden Hill. Several public dump stations are available in Norwich and Binghamton for a $10-15 fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Oxford, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Oxford, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 131 campgrounds and RV parks near Oxford, NY and 14 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Oxford, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oxford, NY is Bowman Lake State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 8 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Oxford, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Oxford, NY.
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