Best Campgrounds near Earlville, NY
The Earlville, New York area contains a variety of camping options throughout the surrounding state forests and managed recreation areas. Dispersed camping is available at Whaupaunaucau State Forest and Bear Wallow Pond in Pharsalia Woods, while more developed facilities can be found at Bowman Lake State Park Campground and Lebanon Reservoir Campground. Charles E. Baker State Forest offers primitive camping with designated sites featuring fire pits and picnic tables. The region includes a mix of accommodation types ranging from tent-only areas to full-service RV campgrounds with hookups, as well as cabin rentals at select locations like Bowman Lake State Park and Lebanon Reservoir.
Camping permits are required at several locations in the area, particularly within DEC Wildlife Management Areas. "Camping in this DEC Wildlife Management Area is limited, and requires a permit. Visit the regional DEC office or call 607-753-3095; allow one week for permit to be processed," notes one visitor about Pharsalia Y Pond. Many state forest locations allow free primitive camping but require campers to follow standard backcountry regulations, staying at least 150 feet from water sources. The camping season generally runs from May through mid-October, with Bowman Lake State Park operating from May 13 to October 9. Winter access is limited, though some areas remain open for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling during colder months.
Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront locations across the region. Lebanon Reservoir Campground receives praise for its scenic boating opportunities and well-maintained facilities. According to one visitor, "The sites themselves are all in the open, with a nice forest behind you. Way easy access, but not a ton of shade or privacy." Primitive sites in state forests offer greater seclusion and lower costs, with Charles E. Baker State Forest described as a "beautiful forest with miles of trails" offering both official camp spots with water access and dispersed sites. Several reviews mention the excellent hiking opportunities on the Finger Lakes Trail, which connects multiple state forests in the area and provides access to primitive lean-to shelters maintained by volunteer hiking clubs.
