143 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds in the Cincinnatus, New York area include state parks, primitive sites, and dispersed camping options throughout the surrounding forests. Bowman Lake State Park Campground, located about 14 miles north of Cincinnatus, provides developed camping with electric hookups for RVs and tent sites in wooded settings. Long Pond Campground offers more rustic, dispersed camping opportunities with drive-in sites for tents and small RVs. The region also features several primitive hike-in tent sites along the Finger Lakes Trail, including Pharsalia Woods Lean-To and Jackson Pond Tent Sites, which provide secluded backcountry experiences.
Road access and camping conditions vary significantly across the area, with some sites requiring high-clearance vehicles or short hikes. Most established campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October, while dispersed camping in state forests is available year-round with proper permits. As noted in one review, "Campsite 1 is adjacent to the handicapped fishing pier, and is supposedly an accessible campsite. Though an all terrain wheelchair could navigate from car to campsite, a regular one could not due to gravel." Many primitive sites lack amenities like potable water or garbage service, requiring campers to pack in supplies and pack out waste. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, particularly in the more remote areas of Pharsalia Woods and Balsam Swamp State Forest.
Fishing access represents a major draw for campers throughout the Cincinnatus area, with multiple ponds and streams offering productive angling opportunities. A visitor described Long Pond as "a short drive in and I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock. People have driven in to fish and kayak so I don't feel isolated and afraid." Most campgrounds provide some degree of water access, with sites at Bowman Lake State Park featuring swimming areas with lifeguards during summer months. Several primitive sites in state forests feature fire rings and established tent pads but minimal other amenities. Campers seeking solitude should consider the more remote walk-in sites, while those wanting more facilities might prefer the established campgrounds with showers and electric hookups.
"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"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 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 Availabilityfrom $35 / night
Check Availability"Trail advocate Ed Sidote."
"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."
"This is a great primitive campsite located close to Jackson Pond with access from a small parking area and trailhead of the Finger Lakes Trail, or via canoe or non-motorized boats from a nearby boat launch"
"This is a beautiful primitive hike-in campsite alongside the Ludlow Creek section of the Finger Lakes Trail in Chenango County, New York."
TravelerOnly one spot as far as we could tell. We arrived 5.30PM and no one was there. There was quite a deep dip in the beginning of the side road, so higher clearance needed to get there. Nice spot between the trees, lots of shade, clean. Felt safe. There was a firepit. Bring bug repellent!
ScoutStayed at this very serene camping spot with abundant fireflies and no biting insects on June 26, 2026 for a quick overnight on a roadtrip. Arriving after dark, it was very difficult to find the sites. Campsite 5 was very overgrown, but site 6 had a nice flat area of pine needles with a path to the road once you see it. However, I couldn't locate the fire ring for site 6. I loved the sounds of the frogs at night and the birds at dawn, but if you're a very light sleeper, you might want ear plugs. Short hike up to the hang glider launch site was worthwhile. Nice, clean, accessible port-a-potty in the parking lot.
ScoutGilbert Lake State Park is located about 11 miles north of Oneonta, New York. I have camped here for a number of summers at their Hilltop Section, never dissapointed. There are a few trails that traverse the park for a few miles that are always green and shady. The lake offers swimming and kayaking. There is a concession stand and even a small museum that chronicles the efforts of the national CCC program under Roosevelt that constructed the park in the 1930's. After a long day of hiking, the campgrounds hot showers offer a great reprieve.
ScoutNow that All Star Baseball purchased this Oneonta campground this year, don't expect to stay here if you are not a baseball family. I went there in person yesterday for two nights at their"primitive" tent sites. After Hanna checked her computer, my dates were all cleared...great, then let me pay the $70... but no... she had to check with management first. I thought that was strange since that never happened to me before when getting any campsites elsewhere. I was told I'd be called later that day but nobody called me. I went back the next day only to be told all sites for the summer were rented out. Clearly that was not true based on her computer check the day before. BOTTOMLINE: if you are not a baseball family spending $1000's here, don't expect to even get the time of day. Therefore, they do not deserve anyone's business.
TravelerThis is a small no frills campground centrally located near many Finger Lakes attractions (wineries especially). We had full hookups and everything worked as it should. The bath house is old but everything is functional. Shower was nice and hot. We were one of only 2 RVs there at the time so I would say it was very quiet except that the other party had a 4 and 5 year old who kept things lively and visited our site constantly until we asked them not to for awhile. Cute kids though. The campground is woodsy with just one unpaved road circling around the RV sites. There are tent sites also that looked very private, currently unmowed when we were there.
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.
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.
The camping sites near Cincinnatus, New York sit within the rolling hills of central New York state at elevations ranging from 1,000-1,600 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F, while summer days typically reach the mid-70s to 80s with cool evenings. The area's state forests feature a mix of hardwoods and conifers with numerous small ponds and streams that attract wildlife and provide recreation opportunities.
Fishing the productive waters: Several ponds throughout the region offer excellent angling opportunities for various fish species. At Long Pond Campground, visitors note the pond "is quite large compared to other area ponds, and there are three accesses for fishing: a regular boat launch with parking lot and dock, a carry-in kayak access near campsite 6, and a handicapped accessible fishing pier near campsite 1." The pond is known to be "very productive for fisherman." Nearby at Pharsalia Y Pond, campers find "deep and clear" water "stocked with brook trout" in an "idyllic setting."
Hiking the trail network: The Finger Lakes Trail passes through much of the region, connecting various camping areas. At Pharsalia Y Pond, you can access "day hikes on the Finger Lakes Trail" or "walk or drive along various state forest roads to several other ponds in the Wildlife Management area for good birdwatching." The trail system offers varied terrain and difficulty levels suitable for most hikers.
Water recreation beyond fishing: Many campgrounds provide multiple water-based activities. At Chenango Valley State Park Campground, there's "a perfect lake for kayaking for beginner or seasoned," plus "swimming in the lake" and boat rentals. One camper noted the "beach area is well staffed and clean. Changing areas are available as well as a splash pad for the little kids."
Private, wooded sites: Many campsites offer good separation from neighbors. At Bowman Lake State Park Campground, the "campground is a maze of campsites through densely wooded forests so it's pretty private and shady even though it's full no matter what season." Another camper praised how "secluded and in the woods" their site was, "right next to the lake as well."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural setting provides chances to observe various animals. One camper at Chenango Valley noted seeing "great wildlife (wood ducks & kingfishers)" while another mentioned "deer are all over. Watch out for them on the roads. We had four that were feeding behind our site in the morning."
Free, rustic sites: For those seeking more primitive experiences, several free campgrounds exist in the state forests. The Ludlow Creek Lean-To Campsite is "a beautiful primitive hike-in campsite alongside Ludlow Creek" located in "a beautiful, unspoiled and seldom visited region of state forest, providing a wilderness type experience fairly close to several nearby villages."
Campsite conditions vary widely: Some sites require preparation for primitive conditions. At Long Pond Campground, there is "no water or garbage services at this site" and "most camping spots are ideal for tents or very small campers or trailers." Another camper observed the "campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel."
Bathroom facilities are limited: Even established campgrounds may have minimal facilities. As one Chenango Valley camper noted, "the bathhouses are maybe the only negative to our whole experience." At Jackson Pond Tent Sites, there are "no potable water, garbage disposal or latrines, so be prepared."
Reservation and permit requirements: Some sites require permits or advance booking. For Jackson Pond, "camping in this DEC Wildlife Management Area is limited, and requires a permit" from the regional DEC office, with campers needing to "allow one week for permit to be processed."
Suitable campgrounds for kids: Some sites are more family-friendly than others. Yellow Lantern Kampground has "tons of activities for kids to do" and is described as "clean and fun activities to keep kids busy." At Chenango Valley, families will find a "shallow swimming area for children with life guards and a sandy beach and new bath house."
Biking opportunities: Several campgrounds have terrain suitable for family bike rides. At Chenango Valley, one visitor recommends to "bring your bikes" as there are "miles of trails to hike and roads to bike." The park's layout makes it easy for children to ride safely within the campground.
Wildlife education: The abundant wildlife provides learning opportunities. One family at Chenango Valley mentioned they "have so many birds, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and insects that it was a veritable wonderland." This natural setting makes for impromptu nature lessons with children.
Site limitations for larger rigs: Most campgrounds in the area have restrictions on RV size. At Long Pond Campground, sites are described as "ideal for tents or very small campers or trailers." One camper specified that their site was "level and long enough for a very small trailer" but noted challenges with solar power due to tree coverage.
Electric hookup availability: Only certain campgrounds offer electrical connections. Bowman Lake has "no hookups but that means people have generators, though the campsites are big and you won't necessarily hear your neighbor running theirs." At Chenango Valley, "electricity at about 1/3 of the sites" is available.
Weather contingencies: The area's variable weather can impact RV camping. One Bowman Lake camper shared that "our entire campsite was flooded so we just set up our tent on my brothers site with them" after heavy rain. RVers should have backup plans for inclement weather conditions, especially in spring and fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cincinnatus, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cincinnatus, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 143 campgrounds and RV parks near Cincinnatus, NY and 16 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Cincinnatus, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cincinnatus, NY is Bowman Lake State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 8 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cincinnatus, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Cincinnatus, NY.
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