Bowman Lake State Park Campground sits within a densely wooded forest area approximately 28 miles from South Plymouth, New York. The park features multiple camping loops with sites spaced through woods that provide natural privacy. Winter temperatures in this region often drop below freezing, with summer highs averaging around 80°F, making late spring through early fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Boating and fishing at the lake: Bowman Lake State Park Campground offers water recreation options during summer months. According to one camper, "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. As fisherman we loved that the rangers told us that the lake was regularly stocked with trout and other game fish."
Swimming at beaches with lifeguards: Glimmerglass State Park Campground maintains a supervised swimming area during summer. A visitor noted, "The beach is great and well kept," while another mentioned, "The lake is pristine and wonderful to swim in. Nice beach. Also a place for showers and a bathroom and small place for food and extras things you might need for camping."
Tubing in creeks: The river at Herkimer KOA provides gentle floating opportunities. One reviewer shared, "The creek is AMAZING. Both kid and adult friendly and it's free, just bring a tube or purchase for cheap at the camp store. Lazy river flow with some faster spots, truly a perfect way to spend the days in the sun."
What campers like
Private, wooded campsites: Oquaga Creek State Park Campground offers secluded sites. A reviewer noted, "Great that the campground is just far enough from the lake/park, which makes it a bit more private." Another visitor mentioned, "Nice park with area loops that all have a central bath house. Cute cabins sprinkled all around the park."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the upkeep of bathrooms and showers. At Green Lakes, a reviewer pointed out, "The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground." Another camper at Bowman Lake stated, "Conveniences are provided with many bathrooms and shower facilities throughout the camp ground."
Stargazing opportunities: The rural setting offers excellent night sky viewing. A camper at Oquaga Creek mentioned, "You can kayak and swim in the lake, and see incredible stars at night." This makes the area ideal for astronomy enthusiasts seeking dark skies away from city lights.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Remote locations mean unreliable connectivity. A reviewer at Oquaga Creek noted, "Oquaga is a great campground if you want to get off-the-grid for a little while." Plan accordingly by downloading maps and information before arrival.
Weather considerations: Rain can affect camping conditions. One Bowman Lake camper shared: "Our entire campsite was flooded so we just set up our tent on my brothers site with them. Ended up being wonderful and the lake was beautiful. Bathrooms were regular campsite bathrooms. Never very clean. Especially because it was wet out."
Reservation timing: State parks fill quickly during peak seasons. Most state park campgrounds in the region operate from mid-May through early October, with weekend dates booking months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Chenango Valley State Park Campground offers child-friendly areas. One visitor shared, "Playground and shallow swimming area for children with life guards and a sandy beach and new bath house." Another noted, "This was a great campground – very family-friendly. 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."
Consider campgrounds with activity options: Look for places with multiple recreation choices within walking distance. A Bowman Lake visitor mentioned, "It's pretty bustling and everyone spends their time at or along the lake. Nice place though the kids were missing a playground."
Plan for bug protection: New York forests have significant insect populations in summer. One camper advised, "There are a lot of mosquitoes, but with some bug spray and a couple thermacell mosquito repellents, we were comfortable the whole time."
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness: Unadilla KOA and similar campgrounds may have uneven sites. A camper noted, "It was gravel and not super level, but we made it work. There was a potable water spigot a few sites over and a bathroom with showers a short walk away."
Confirm hookup types: Electric options vary between campgrounds. At Bowman Lake, a reviewer mentioned, "No hookups but that means people have generators, though the campsites are big and you won't necessarily hear your neighbor running theirs."
Consider glamping close to South Plymouth, New York: For those seeking upscale camping experiences, several parks offer alternatives to traditional tent or RV camping. A visitor to Deer Haven noted, "Enjoying our stay here so much! Owners are very sweet and were accommodating when we had to check-in 5 mins late because of traffic."
