G
Greg F.
Scout
ScoutCooperstown KOA
Great location and campground
Spaces were easy in/out. Mature trees between sites. Pool, office, pickleball, k9kamp, bathrooms were all nice.
Glamping near South Plymouth, NY
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Chenango Valley State Park Campground and Oquaga Creek State Park feature upscale glamping options with rustic-luxe charm throughout New York's scenic southern tier. Both locations offer elevated canvas accommodations that blend wilderness immersion with modern comforts, including electricity, comfortable beds, and premium linens. According to a visitor, "We stayed in a beautiful glamping tent with real beds and electricity—it felt like a boutique hotel experience in nature." The safari-style tents at Chenango Valley provide panoramic views of the surrounding forest, while Oquaga Creek's luxury canvas structures feature private decks and outdoor seating areas for evening stargazing, creating a sophisticated retreat experience approximately 30 minutes from South Plymouth.
Trails surrounding these boutique camping destinations connect to scenic woodland paths that wind through old-growth forests, offering exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities and photography spots. One guest shared, "The glamping tents gave us the perfect base to explore the incredible hiking trails while still returning to comfort each evening." Both glamping resorts provide seasonal guided nature walks, and Oquaga Creek offers access to its pristine lake for kayaking and swimming during summer months. The luxury camping experience includes proximity to Cooperstown's attractions, with the Baseball Hall of Fame approximately 45 minutes from the glamping sites. Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing on designated trails while returning to climate-controlled accommodations. Most glamping structures remain open from May through October, with reservations recommended 3-6 months in advance for peak summer weekends.
Best Glamping Campgrounds near South Plymouth (33)
1. Bowman Lake State Park Campground
"We had a back in site with a fire pit, picnic table, and no hook ups. It was gravel and not super level, but we made it work."
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $21 - $65 / night
2. Gilbert Lake State Park Campground
"Two bedrooms, one with bunk beds and another with a full. There were dressers in each room. Also in the main room with a fireplace, futon, and table with benches."
"Gilbert 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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $17 - $156 / night
3. Chenango Valley State Park Campground
"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."
"Short easy trails. Lots of info about the glaciers that formed the lakes you can swim in. Great wildlife (wood ducks & kingfishers)."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $21 - $123 / night
4. Green Lakes State Park Campground
"The lake is a fascinating meromictic lake with clear calcium-rich waters that are not only pristine and beautiful to look at, but also great for swimming and snorkeling as the waters are crystal clear"
"There are many sites with electric available at every site. There are some sites with full hook-up available and also specific areas that allow pets. Swimming is available at the large beach."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $116 / night
5. Unadilla KOA
"A bit off the beaten path for a KOA, but nearly sold out in early October nonetheless. Sites range from typical large rig to dispersed tents next to a creek."
6. Oquaga Creek State Park Campground
"There are plenty of well-marked trails to hike. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked. The staff were very friendly."
"Sites are large with a good buffer, fire ring & grill. Good mix of tent & trailer. Staff was pleasant and helpful. Great little lake for swimming & fishing."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $17 - $150 / night
7. Glimmerglass State Park Campground
"Very quiet small campground - friendly staff - large spots/mainly bigger setups. Only downside is there is not a hiking/walking path down to the lake from the campground."
"Beautiful views and great staff. Each tent site has its own fire pit with a grate for cooking."
Check Availabilityfrom $14 - $26 / night
8. Deer Haven Campground and Cabins
"On top of hill right outside of town. Stayed during the week and was able to get a more secluded, wooded site. (Most of them are pretty open) It was quiet at night."
9. The Getaway at Emerald Glen
Check Availabilityfrom $140 - $450 / night
10. Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA
"An incredible plethora of things to do - river floating, great play ground and pool, well stocked store, the restaurant across the street at the mines is delicious, the diamond mines were AWESOME."
"Clean ...clean bathrooms ...large sites lots of fun activities for the kids fishing and tubing on the creek...well stocked store reasonable prices...pool is clean well maintained...pet friendly...enclosed"
Drive Time
- 50 min from Binghamton, NY
- 52 min from Utica, NY
- 1 hr 6 min from Syracuse, NY
- 1 hr 17 min from Ithaca, NY
Recent Glamping Photos near South Plymouth, NY
65 Photos of 33 South Plymouth Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Glamping Reviews near South Plymouth, NY
196 Reviews of 33 South Plymouth Campgrounds
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.
LegendDelta Lake State Park Campground
Nice Park!
Had an overnight stay here and it was really peaceful. The reservoir had been drained but it was still lovely to look out across the property. You definitely can’t beat $30 for an electric site! Restrooms were a bit dated but clean. Staff was very friendly. Our site was spacious and next to a short walking trail through the trees.
MJ W.
GuideOquaga Creek State Park Campground
Very Nice and would go again; but not the Adirondacks.
Really liked it. Love the layout, with camp sites having mowed paths to the restrooms and showers in the middle of each loop. Nicest showers and rest rooms we have seen so far. Each site has brush between them so you can not see your neighbors. Pretty, quiet, relaxing. The groomed hiking trails are the best and Arctic Lake is beautiful. Staff were so nice, and loved doing the scavenger hunt!
Anthony
TravelerDelta Lake State Park Campground
Nice Campgrounds, Beautiful Lake.
The campground facilities are very outdated. That's most likely due to the majority of "campers" having RV's and not needing to use the facilities. The restrooms/dish sink area Only having Cold water to wash up hands & dishes, the 1 and Only shower area for All 3 Loops reminded me of being in a horror film...full of dead insects everywhere, ther are signs posted letting you know its gonna take about 5 minutes to semi-heat up, and the shower spray directly on the floor vs staying contained withvh
Howard S.ScoutGilbert Lake State Park Campground
Staff is great as well as the campgrounds
Gilbert 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.
- Howard S.Scout
Deer Haven Campground and Cabins
New management is awful.
Now 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.
- MMark M.Guide
Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA
Interesting things to do at this campground
We've stayed here half a dozen times, usually for an evening along our camping trips. We did stay an extra day once to do some of the activities available.
It's a bit of a haul to get to the campground and the first time we were sure that we had missed a turn as we left Herkimer and headed up smaller and more winding roads to the campground. The turn off to the campground comes up fast and is quite sharp so be on the lookout for it.
The campground has many sites including back in and pull through. Not the largest of sites, but lots of green space to give the campground a park like feel. Some camp sites are right along the West Canada Creek. You can swim/wade in it, in addition to riding rafts along it.
There is a working "diamond" mine at the campground where you can try your hand at mining, or just buy some of the crystals that someone else did the work to get. There is a nice restaurant open most days (we have always managed to miss the days that it's open) in addition to stands near the mine that sell hot dogs and burgers.
There is a nice, large pool. In the park like area around it they have stands that sell mixed drinks, and others that sell ice cream and other deserts. The camp store is medium-large and has supplies, food, souvenirs (including Herkimer Diamond), etc.
Abby H.ScoutHerkimer Diamond Mine KOA
Disrespect & Discrimination
Long read, but so worth it! Below is the review that I posted last August after our vacation. Mind you, the vacation for my immediate family has been 10 years in a row and when I was a kid the same! The incident that happened was with our friends and therefore when I wrote the review, it stated what I witnessed! I was hoping that management changed and/ or they fixed the problems so I was willing to give it another try, I mean, this has been apart of my childhood and my children’s so why not! I called today, lady was super nice and helping me look through all the campsites because we come with so many people! I paid and then friends of ours called. After they called, our friends said that my reservation was cancelled. What??? So I called back thinking it was something on my end. I then had to wait for management to call back. Called back, and whoever I spoke with was extremely rude! She basically told me I was never welcome back and that the owners said so! Now mind you through this whole thing, I never talked to the owners. So do the owners only take one side of the story? I’m not even someone that this incident directly happened to! I said, well can I please speak to your manager or the owner. No, i am the manager, you are not welcome back. I told her that everyone in our party will probably cancel as well and her response was“I’m just waiting for 1 person to call me”! I said a few choice words and I hung up. CRYING. WHAT????? Are you discriminating me because of an issue you had with another camper???? I can’t believe what this has amounted to. So instead of dealing with your issues you just don’t allow people back? Instead of having the owner or management actually call and have a respectful, which was not had, conversation with someone you just brush it off! I have come to Herkimer longer than some of these people have worked there! I really don’t have words for how I feel. And to make matters worse I always go over my dad’s anniversary of his death, August 5, because this was his favorite place and now I can’t go and neither can my children. Great job herkimer diamond mines koa! I applaud you on your discrimination, disrespect and the lack of empathy you have for your campers! Especially the ones who have been a constant! I’m assuming Phil and his wife are still management, good luck! And to the campers that wish to go there, I really hope you enjoy yourselves because it truly is an amazing place. Unfortunately, my memories had to stop here! August 2025 This review is extremely hard for me to write, but what I had witnessed for a week of being there is disgusting& just simply not right. My family has been coming to Herkimer KOA for decades. Throughout the years, we have shown many other families this"gem"... or so we thought. This year was a bit different, there are new camp managers... This week I have witnessed human waste being sprayed all over campsites, management that discredits everything you say, management that thinks its okay to have charges on your bill that they cant even explain, ice cream cart that closes right before the last kid orders& leaves in tears, bathrooms that are disgusting! This is NOT THE HERKIMER I REMEMBER AS A KID! If you look on google, the owners of this campground is a family that has owned it for 50 years! That's amazing& kudos to them! But Phil, Phil is going to ruin every ounce of what they have worked so hard for!& being a business owner, you want management there representing YOU! Doing what YOU would do if you were there. Those owners should not be receiving mine& my friends reviews today if management did their job! Unfortunately, again very hard to say, we will not be returning if Phil is there.& I can honestly say, that the 14-20 families we bring every time, that spend thousands of dollars, will not be as well! Thank you Phil for ruining a vacation I personally held so close to my heart.& because you don't care about how you treat people& how you manage, you have lost years& years& years of loyalty.
Rachel C.ScoutHickories Park Campground
Great location
Beautiful park - some road noise from 17c. Sites are spacious
Guide to South Plymouth
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."
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campsite near South Plymouth, NY?
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near South Plymouth, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near South Plymouth, NY is Bowman Lake State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 8 reviews.
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What is the best site to find glamping camping near South Plymouth, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 glamping camping locations near South Plymouth, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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