Campgrounds near Rome, NY offer diverse terrain from rolling hills to water access points along Oneida Lake. The camping season typically stretches from late April through mid-October, with most facilities closing before winter. Several facilities have recently upgraded amenities including added electric hookups, improved playgrounds, and modernized bathroom facilities.
What to Do
Kayaking and boating on Oneida Lake: At Treasure Isle RV Park in Blossvale, campers have direct access to water recreation. "Treasure Isle is nice and quite. The sites are a good size with water and electric on each site... There is a nice bathhouse, playground, basketball court, Beach and walking trails," notes Heather R.
Laser tag activities: Kayuta Lake Campground offers organized games for families. "My five year old, husband, and Dad all signed up for laser tag. They had such an awesome time! That certainly is a fabulous amenity. We will come back for that alone because my son had so much fun. It is $10 per person but so worth it," shares Erin M.
Gem hunting: Many visitors to the area combine camping with unique activities like quartz mining. "Across the road from a do it yourself quartz mine. Plenty of things to do including tubing the west Canada river. Easy in easy out for the tubing," reports Secc P. about the mining opportunities near Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA.
What Campers Like
Direct lake access sites: Water sites are particularly popular at Delta Lake State Park Campground. "Was here with a camper on a lake accessing site. Sites are fairly big but not completely separated. Having the kayaks were great, there's so much to explore, and town is right down the road," shares Sierra K. Waterfront sites book quickly during peak season.
Pool and recreational amenities: Heated pools extend swimming season at several campgrounds. "They have a nice pool. It's just a little small. The playground is old and outdated, but my kids didn't seem to mind... We had such an awesome time!" writes Erin M. about Kayuta Lake Campground's amenities.
Convenient casino access: The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone offers a unique camping experience with shuttle service to gaming. "Convenient to the highway with 24 hour shuttles to the casino 5 minutes away, yet quiet and beautifully maintained. Offers a pool, playground, hiking trail, fishing pond, paddleboat rentals, camp store, very clean bath houses throughout," notes April L.
What You Should Know
Site privacy varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites than others. "The campground isn't the best I've experienced, a bit on the crowded side-similar to a woodsy suburb- but this could have been distinctive to Loop A where I stayed," reports a Delta Lake camper.
Water site availability: Waterfront sites can be difficult to secure without advance planning. At Verona Beach State Park Campground, "We attempted to set up near the lake, but found the wind to be overwhelming. We ended up in the corner site by the woods," shares Thomas M., highlighting weather considerations for lakefront camping.
Road conditions: Access to most campgrounds requires minimal off-road driving. "The road to get in was for the most part well taken care of... There were bathrooms in the middle of our loop which was great and easy to walk to and it was very clean," notes Tris W. about Delta Lake State Park's infrastructure.
Tips for Camping with Families
Splash pads and beach activities: Family-friendly water features make for popular recreation options. "Verona Beach State Park is nice and close to home. Also close to Utica and Rome. The kids love to hang out at the splash pad and the state recently revamped some of the playgrounds," shares Joe D.
Look for organized activities: Some campgrounds coordinate special events for younger visitors. Hidden Point Camp Ground provides structured recreation options. "Had a great time tent camping. Very clean and people were friendly. Also had great price for firewood at the camp shop," notes Tate T.
Check bathroom proximity: When camping with young children, facility access matters. "There are some sites with full hook-up available and also specific areas that allow pets. Swimming is available at the large beach. You can rent a kayak and enjoy the beautiful lake," advises Cindy H. about Green Lakes State Park.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds have expanded electric and water services. "Delta Lake State Park sits at the foothills of the Adirondack Park, just outside Rome, New York... 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," shares Amy W.
Site leveling considerations: Some campgrounds offer more level sites than others. "Spacious FHU sites. Pull thru and back ins," reports Boomer B. about The Villages at Turning Stone, which provides paved sites designed for larger rigs.
Seasonal occupancy impacts: Many campgrounds near Rome have high numbers of seasonal residents. "When we pulled in, we felt like outsiders. Many people have seasonal sites and some of the activities are geared toward seasonal campers," notes Erin M., suggesting weekend visitors might have a different experience than seasonal guests.
