Camping around Oxford, New York offers diverse terrain across the Chenango Valley with elevations ranging from 900-1,400 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F with cooler evenings in the 50s, while spring and fall camping seasons often see frequent rainfall that can affect campground conditions. Most camping areas sit near small lakes or along the Susquehanna River watershed.
What to do
Swimming and water activities: Bowman Lake State Park Campground features a small, calm lake ideal for paddling and swimming. "The swimming beach soaking up the sun and cool refreshing water" provides relief during summer months, according to one camper, who noted that "the lake was regularly stocked with trout and other game fish."
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds offer walking paths through wooded areas. At Bowman Lake State Park Campground, "we brought our bikes and explored the many hiking and riding trails on the premises." The trails vary in difficulty, though some campers mention they're "not all that great and provided only minor enjoyment."
Antique shopping: The Butternut Hill RV Campground area is known for its concentration of antique shops. "The campground is in a convenient location in Bouckville, a small upstate NY village with a concentration of numerous antique shops, which is a draw for collectors in the area," reports one visitor who stayed during a festival event.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spaciousness at local campgrounds. At Soaring Eagle Campground, "the sites are larger than most campgrounds and well spaced out. I have been there on busy holiday weekends where it was full but still peaceful and private." Similarly, at Bowman Lake, "the campground is a maze of campsites through densely wooded forests so it's pretty private and shady."
River views: Waterfront sites are highly rated by visitors. At Riverside RV Campground, "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... The river is very pretty." Some campgrounds offer prime viewing spots along the water.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses receive frequent positive mentions. At Belden Hill Campgrounds, campers note "very nice couple, mostly older campers in year round RV's. Very quiet, good showers, very clean." Another visitor to Bowman Lake mentioned "Very clean facilities! Really enjoyed the kayaking and beach area."
What you should know
Seasonal weather impacts: Spring camping can encounter significant moisture issues. At Bowman Lake, one camper reported, "Our entire campsite was flooded so we just set up our tent on my brothers site with them." Another mentioned "Trees fallen down across the sites. Might be ok for a tent but that's all."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds sit near transportation corridors. At Riverside RV, visitors mention being "right on the river and the freeway! So it's kind of loud." Similarly, at The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone, there can be "proximity to some railroad tracks, which can be somewhat active and very audible in some spots."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly by location. Many campgrounds have limited or spotty coverage, particularly in more wooded areas. Most campgrounds don't advertise WiFi, though Butternut Hill notes this amenity where a reviewer mentioned "good WiFi, showers, laundry, and bathrooms!"
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: For families with children, swimming options vary. Pine Valley RV Park & Campground earns praise as "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."
Activity schedules: Some campgrounds offer organized events for children. At Tall Pines Campground, "I have been coming here since I was a kid and now take my family too. My 3 year old loves the swimming pool and the ice cream and craft carts that come around."
Budget considerations: Activities may incur additional costs at some locations. Tall Pines "advertises lots of activities, but be aware that everything costs extra. They seem to have figured out every way to make an extra buck," according to one reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some RV sites may require careful setup. At Belden Hill, one camper noted, "Pull thru full hookup, level, spacious. Room for pop up canopy and games. Great views of the mts... Unfortunatly we were there after a lot of rain from the hurricane, site was wet but useable."
Big rig accessibility: For larger RVs, access varies by campground. The Villages RV Park provides "spacious FHU sites. Pull thru and back ins" with paved pads, making it well-suited for larger rigs. Another camper traveling in a "34' class A" found they "had no problem getting a nice paved spot."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited in some parks. While Bowman Lake offers some electric sites with 30-amp and 50-amp service, they lack water and sewer connections. For complete hookups, Belden Hill provides "good working utilities on nice sites" with water, electric, and sewer connections.
