The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Utica. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that New York camping has to offer. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Utica and user-submitted reviews.
The Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Resort welcomes everyone to our home! You can stay in our themed deluxe cabins and lodges, such as our Windmill, Tree-House, Solar Kolony, Astronomy and Astrology Lodges. Alongside our KOA's campsites, the West Canada Creek offers trout fishing and fun for canoeists, tubers and kayakers alike! Throughout the season, we also run daily activities from tie dying shirts, hay wagon rides, bingo, s' more bonfires, pool parties, and many more. As part of our KOA, you can also prospect for world famous Herkimer Diamonds at our above ground mining attraction! They're beautiful quartz crystals that were faceted by nature half a billion years ago. Here you can also experience all Miners' Village has to offer from the Trading Post Jewelry Store, Educational Center, Artisan Center, Mining& Lapidary Station, and Fossil-and-Gemstone Sluicing area! If you're looking for a delicious snack, you can visit our Canteen Cafe or dine at Miners' Table, a full-service wood-fired pizzeria and chophouse. You can even have dinner delivered right to your campsite!
To learn more visit our website, herkimerdiamond.com or koa.com/campgrounds/herkimer/
Delta Lake State Park is located on a peninsula extending into Delta Reservoir. You'll find the terrain is wooded and generally flat. Year-round visitors can enjoy the day in one of many picnic areas, or on one of the many hiking and nature trails. There is also a boat launch and shoreline fishing for trout, pike, bass, bullhead and perch. Campers can enjoy 101 tent, trailer or RV camping sites and there is a sandy beach with swimming in the summer. For winter visitors there are cross-country ski trails.
Thanks to a grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, a Hippocampe Beach/All Terrain wheelchair is now available at Delta Lake State Park to access beach and trails.
Pavilion Information Delta Lake has ten pavilions/tents. Prices range from $50 to $200 and can accommodate 50 to 168 people. Check availability at ReserveAmerica.com
Current Water Quality - Beach Results.
Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in campsites and day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals)
Amenities
Biking
Boat Launches
Camper Assistance Program
Campsites, Cabins & Lodging
Fishing
Food (Accessible)
Hiking
Ice Fishing
Pavilions and Shelter Rentals (Accessible)
Playgrounds
Showers (Accessible)
Snowmobiling
Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
Swimming Beach$15 - $33 / night
Green Lakes State Park's outstanding features are its two glacial lakes surrounded by upland forest. Both Round and Green Lakes are meromictic lakes, which means that there is no fall and spring mixing of surface and bottom waters. Such lakes have a high potential for evidence of ancient plant and animal life. Another special feature of the park is an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, where visitors can snowshoe in winter, and there are 10 miles of trails that cross-country skiers can use. Geography: Green Lakes State Park is located just east of the city of Syracuse, in upstate New York. Recreation: Considered a flagship facility, visitors can enjoy biking, boating, fishing, golf, hiking, picnicking, camping, and wintertime cross-country skiing. Facilities: The park's facilities include a beach, rowboat rentals, cabins and campsites, food concessions, a golf course, trails, picnic tables and pavilions, a playground, showers, and dumping stations.
$18 - $36 / night
$12 - $22 / night
Just a short shuttle ride from Turning Stone Resort Casino, The Villages RV Park offers a wonderful array of activities and amenities for RV enthusiasts. Turning Stone Campground has 175 paved sites includes full utility hookup and wireless internet service. The RV park features nature trails, a recreational area for bocce ball, horse shoes, tennis, basketball and volleyball and separate ponds for paddle boating and fishing. A heated pool and hot tub are open daily from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend.
$65 - $75 / night
OUR STORY
Camping for us is a way of life – creating time to slow down, living at nature's pace, enjoying family and friends, the excitement, the freedom...seeing the stars on a clear night, feeling the warmth of the fire on your toes, waking up in the morning to hear the birds singing or people laughing, and seeing those scrunchy, sleepy faces. Making these memories is what we strive for at West Canada Creek Campground.
The Campground, which is a privately owned by the Mouna Family, spans 17 acres with the beautiful West Canada river running through it. To top it off, it is at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. WCCC as it is lovingly known, was created and built to focus on giving families the opportunity to go camping in the Adirondack Mountains, making memories that last generations.
The Mouna's have a passion for outdoor life. When they began their search for a campground across both Canada and the USA, they fell in love with the campground as soon as they saw it. They wasted no time moving from Ontario, Canada to make their new home in Upstate New York. Owning a campground has been a lifelong dream and it is now a reality. Having recently taken over, Jason and Imrana look forward to continuing to make lifelong family camping memories with you.
We hope to see you at WCCC this summer!
The Mouna Family
$63 - $999 / night
**Kayuta Lake Campground and Marina is a beautiful, amenity-packed, family-friendly, kid-friendly, dog-friendly campground and vacation spot located at the foothills of the Adirondacks at Kayuta Lake in a wooded setting! **
We offer camping fun and theme weekends for campers of all ages. We also have a boat launch and boat slips to rent.
Just 30 minutes north of Utica, New York, and 35 minutes south of Old Forge, New York.
Whether you go explore the Adirondacks, visit the many attractions in the area or simply lay back, relax and let the kids have fun, we hope you find Kayuta Lake Campground and Marina to be the perfect choice for your getaway.
$57 - $67 / night
The Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Resort welcomes everyone to our home! You can stay in our themed deluxe cabins and lodges, such as our Windmill, Tree-House, Solar Kolony, Astronomy and Astrology Lodges. Alongside our KOA's campsites, the West Canada Creek offers trout fishing and fun for canoeists, tubers and kayakers alike! Throughout the season, we also run daily activities from tie dying shirts, hay wagon rides, bingo, s' more bonfires, pool parties, and many more. As part of our KOA, you can also prospect for world famous Herkimer Diamonds at our above ground mining attraction! They're beautiful quartz crystals that were faceted by nature half a billion years ago. Here you can also experience all Miners' Village has to offer from the Trading Post Jewelry Store, Educational Center, Artisan Center, Mining& Lapidary Station, and Fossil-and-Gemstone Sluicing area! If you're looking for a delicious snack, you can visit our Canteen Cafe or dine at Miners' Table, a full-service wood-fired pizzeria and chophouse. You can even have dinner delivered right to your campsite!
To learn more visit our website, herkimerdiamond.com or koa.com/campgrounds/herkimer/
Delta Lake State Park is located on a peninsula extending into Delta Reservoir. You'll find the terrain is wooded and generally flat. Year-round visitors can enjoy the day in one of many picnic areas, or on one of the many hiking and nature trails. There is also a boat launch and shoreline fishing for trout, pike, bass, bullhead and perch. Campers can enjoy 101 tent, trailer or RV camping sites and there is a sandy beach with swimming in the summer. For winter visitors there are cross-country ski trails.
Thanks to a grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, a Hippocampe Beach/All Terrain wheelchair is now available at Delta Lake State Park to access beach and trails.
Pavilion Information Delta Lake has ten pavilions/tents. Prices range from $50 to $200 and can accommodate 50 to 168 people. Check availability at ReserveAmerica.com
Current Water Quality - Beach Results.
Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in campsites and day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals)
Amenities
Biking
Boat Launches
Camper Assistance Program
Campsites, Cabins & Lodging
Fishing
Food (Accessible)
Hiking
Ice Fishing
Pavilions and Shelter Rentals (Accessible)
Playgrounds
Showers (Accessible)
Snowmobiling
Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing
Swimming Beach$15 - $33 / night
Green Lakes State Park's outstanding features are its two glacial lakes surrounded by upland forest. Both Round and Green Lakes are meromictic lakes, which means that there is no fall and spring mixing of surface and bottom waters. Such lakes have a high potential for evidence of ancient plant and animal life. Another special feature of the park is an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, where visitors can snowshoe in winter, and there are 10 miles of trails that cross-country skiers can use. Geography: Green Lakes State Park is located just east of the city of Syracuse, in upstate New York. Recreation: Considered a flagship facility, visitors can enjoy biking, boating, fishing, golf, hiking, picnicking, camping, and wintertime cross-country skiing. Facilities: The park's facilities include a beach, rowboat rentals, cabins and campsites, food concessions, a golf course, trails, picnic tables and pavilions, a playground, showers, and dumping stations.
$18 - $36 / night
$12 - $22 / night
Just a short shuttle ride from Turning Stone Resort Casino, The Villages RV Park offers a wonderful array of activities and amenities for RV enthusiasts. Turning Stone Campground has 175 paved sites includes full utility hookup and wireless internet service. The RV park features nature trails, a recreational area for bocce ball, horse shoes, tennis, basketball and volleyball and separate ponds for paddle boating and fishing. A heated pool and hot tub are open daily from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend.
$65 - $75 / night
OUR STORY
Camping for us is a way of life – creating time to slow down, living at nature's pace, enjoying family and friends, the excitement, the freedom...seeing the stars on a clear night, feeling the warmth of the fire on your toes, waking up in the morning to hear the birds singing or people laughing, and seeing those scrunchy, sleepy faces. Making these memories is what we strive for at West Canada Creek Campground.
The Campground, which is a privately owned by the Mouna Family, spans 17 acres with the beautiful West Canada river running through it. To top it off, it is at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. WCCC as it is lovingly known, was created and built to focus on giving families the opportunity to go camping in the Adirondack Mountains, making memories that last generations.
The Mouna's have a passion for outdoor life. When they began their search for a campground across both Canada and the USA, they fell in love with the campground as soon as they saw it. They wasted no time moving from Ontario, Canada to make their new home in Upstate New York. Owning a campground has been a lifelong dream and it is now a reality. Having recently taken over, Jason and Imrana look forward to continuing to make lifelong family camping memories with you.
We hope to see you at WCCC this summer!
The Mouna Family
$63 - $999 / night
Scout
Very remote and secluded. We got there after dark and it was beautiful to wake up to the view of the lake. Car camped, but there was enough room for a tent. Fire pit at the site and a bathroom across the way from the first site.
Guide
We needed a campground not too far off our route from Niagara Falls to NH and this was great. Very windy when we arrived. Our campsite 8 did not have a fire ring but others did. Right on water…can’t drive on path in front of the water sites so you are essentially on the water. Nice clean facilities.
Guide
One night stay. Great sight. Friendly helpful staff. Only drawback is steady stream of trains going by around the clock. I didn’t mind by my wife didn’t sleep well.
Traveler
The tent site and the 70 acres of hiking trails sound like the perfect getaway for anyone looking to reconnect with nature. I love the idea of having access to such a large network of trails, especially with the Finger Lakes area offering so much natural beauty. By the way, if you’re ever in need of some inspiration or ideas for nature-related essays, check out Nature Essay Examples and Topic Ideas on https://www.topessaywriting.org/samples/nature —there’s a lot of helpful content there! Overall, this seems like the ideal spot for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Guide
Call the telephone number got a recording left a message. Did not get a call back. Send email. Got no response.
Scout
I came up here with my dog for a solo camping trip for a couple of days to get away! Rich the host is super nice and answered any questions I had about staying/getting there. I had the whole camp ground to myself so that was even better. It is definitely off the beaten path but we'll worth it if your just trying to escape a little bit. But Verizon does get service. There are some nearby trails that are within 15 minutes of the camp ground which is also a plus. No need to bring Fire wood as there is a ton all around you. You can also buy from the host as well. There was a decent portapotty on the camp ground which is very nice to have. This was just what we needed. We really loved our stay and cant wait to go back! Thank you Rich!
Scout
Nice and calm place in that little State Forest. Internet and fire pits are available. All sites seem fairly similar, except two are tent-only (no car acces to the site).
Scout
Clean, modern bathrooms. Campsites were raked and ready for us when we arrived. Super friendly staff! Just a well laid out campground that was perfect for us. Peaceful, a mix of wooded sites for RV's and open sites with their cabins. 2 swimming pools, really nice playground for the younger kids, 2 baseball fields. Just a top notch place.
Guide
This was our first time here, and we were looking forward to a relaxing visit. The sites were very large and well spaced out, with a beautiful fire ring. The bathrooms were clean. This campground got a 3/5 mainly because quiet hours are not enforced. Unfortunately, people were up blaring radios until approximately 3 am, being roudy. At approximately 2 am, someone decided it would be a good idea to do burnouts with their diesel truck, and went around the camp loop twice, doing just that. Vehicles were driving by the campsites all night long. This is naturally not entirely the campgrounds fault, but it was unfortunate to be misled by the campground rules. On a positive note, the campground is dog friendly, in certain areas, with proof of rabies vaccination, of course. Overall, I would say that this campground is geared more toward the RV and trailer crowd.
Scout
This campground has it all. Heated pool, great store, large sites, surrounded by trees, events, soft serve ice cream, tube rentals to float on the creek (river). FHU as well as tent sites and cabins. We love staying here, the facilities are clean and big showers.
Ranger
Yes, it’s true! You’ve hit the campground bathroom lottery here!
Let’s start off with the pros: bathrooms are great! Super modern and clean and hot, free showers! Very handicap accessible as well.
The whole campground is very well kept. Completely litter free and all the buildings and signs are modern and cool looking. Five stars all the way for the people running this place. They are doing an awesome job keeping it very fresh.
Maintenance/facilities: 5 stars
Camping sites:
I’ll start with the positive. It was a simple and easy, level site. And we had electric. So it was good.
The cons: There is zero privacy here. Virtually no trees or shrubs between sites and sites are close to each other. In the rolling meadow sites opt for the electric as the tent only sites are basically a sardine can of campers. I mean in one spot the tents were so close to each other I thought it was a group campsite but it was not. Like a group hostel room but with tents instead of bunks.
We were only here for 1 night passing through and it was great for that but I would not feel comfortable hanging outside at my site in quarters so close. Maybe I’m just weird because many people did. I can’t imagine spending any longer than 1-2 nights here. I would stay again but would check out other camp spots first. In our area 118 and 120 seemed to the best that backed up onto trees as opposed to just other sites.
Camping sites: 2 stars
Amenities: there’s a lot to do here. However I feel I must say you cannot reach the lakes from the rolling meadow campground without a car, bike or very long walk. You can see a bit of round lake through the trees but it really isn’t accessible. Expectations are the doom of any trip so just keep that in mind. You’re not going to bed with any sort of lake views or sounds near you. Also you can only swim at the beach which is pretty small and guarded by some pretty enthusiastic lifeguards taking the job pretty seriously. I guess you will appreciate it if you have little kids to me it was a turn off as I don’t prefer to feel like a fish in a bowl when I swim. But again this is just personal preference! Also there were a lot of rules at this tiny beach - more than I have seen at pretty much any other beach anywhere in the world. Mostly I assume the rules are there to protect the water which I can appreciate but don’t expect a relaxing lake vibe here. Lots of picnic tables and a perfect place to have a picnic and chill for a bit. Very clean beach bath area and I really appreciated the charging station with 4 covered outlets available and a charging counter. I didn’t use it but was impressed someone thought to add that in to the building plans.
With all the rules in place there is just one missing: No political propaganda of any type should be allowed at the campsites. We were almost blinded by idiocy each time we walked to the bathroom as we had to go past a full size Trump flag someone was flying in front of their site. Can’t even imagine the rage I would’ve felt if I had to camp next to that. Fortunately I found a cut through in the woods which I used to get around it on the way to the bathroom. Camping is where you go to get away from all of it! This is state owned land and they should not be allowing that sort of inflammatory full sized political flag in any area as it only raises the blood pressure instead of dropping it. You can’t bring your own SUP or kayak, face mask or list of any other things to the lake (rules) but you can have your heart attack inducing propaganda all over your site and in everyone else’s face - makes no sense.
Would I stay here again: Yes. But only for 1 night passing through. I felt too crowded to be there for any length of time. It was hard for me to relax outside.
Value was a 5 star because I had full electric for $30/night and there was plenty to do. I should note for kids this place is a goldmine! Great playgrounds everywhere and you can rent kayaks. And it’s great for bikes. And it was all very handicap accessible which I thought was very impressive. You can tell a lot of thought went into the facility side of park. If they cut out 1/4 of the camp sites it would be spacious and amazing. And the trumpeter is just a case of bad timing for me, not a permanent thing (although I do think they should ban that decoration of insanity at state run parks).
Traveler
This was a nice spot, but the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night. Port-a-potty was available.
Guide
The roads are through the campground are very tight making backing into a spot very difficult. There was very little grass around the sites, mainly dirt. They also charge for every extra activity. In general just too tight for my liking.
RangerI'm not used to seeing so many druggies in a state park: they typically can't afford a state park. I pulled in and my site was free on both sides. Then a small car pulled in and a woman sat on the picnic table chain-smoking cigarettes. A little later a pick up truck showed up with three more people. A little later another vehicle showed up with more people. I think at one point there were at least five people, but you couldn't tell if it was a family or, some strange tribe. Well, they camped right under my window and proceeded to burn fallen sticks and branches and whatever they could find. They came and left a lot probably to get drugs.
Scout
Nice area. Lots of room. Laundry room ok with 2 washers and 2 dryers. Lots of open fields.
Legend
The coordinates lead you to a small parking area at the end of Grover Brown Rd, which is accessed by going north from Rt 23. The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintanence road. But if you follow the road north to the end, you will come to a dead end and a parking circle that gives you the option of hiking north past a gate into the state forest on a hunting trail, or west onto the Finger Lakes Trail where dispersed camping is allowed within the state forest. However, the whole road in is a tough ride, it is posted extensively en route that you are passing private property with no trespassing allowed until you see the DEC sign announcing the border of the state forest. The parking area is overgrown, the neighbors aling the road en route seem frustrated with hikers coming into the forest via this route, and the Trailhead here for the Finger Lakes Trail is blocked by downed trees that seem to have been there for a while. While you might try to hike the trail for day use, I wonder if this may not be a great place to leave your car during a foray into the woods for dispersed camping. Although the Pharsalia Forest is beautiful throughout, and dispersed camping is allowed throughout, there are better places to access it. There are also designated primitive campsites in several locations in other areas of this state forest which are worthy of your camping adventures! You
Legend
I saw this on a map of unreviewed campsites and decided to check it out en route to another spot. As it turns out, this listing is in error and should not have been listed on the Dyrt. This is a private residence on private land, is not available for camping or lodging of any kind. Although close to state forest land,it is not within the state forest and is privately owned. The perimeter is well marked with no trespassing signs in case there is any doubt. If you continue further north on this back road, you will come to the state lands, and the border is well marked with state forest signs. Continue to the the parking area at the end of the road and you will be able to park and then access the trailhead for the Finger Lakes Trail which will take you into the state forest where dispersed camping is allowed. Again, do not stop at the “Sunny Pind “ site as listed here, but continue north to the Pharsalia Woods Dispersed camping trailhead
LegendThis is a primitive state forest campground on the south shore of Stoney Pond. There are 15 drive-in campsites widely spaced and set into the woods, and two developed walk-in sites on the west shore. Site number 1 is quite flat and open and could accomodate a trailer or camper van but isnt very scenic. The other sites are great for tenting but the drive-ins are variable. There are several new clean outhouses with doors meant to be wide enough for wheelchairs, but the gravel roads of the campground are not very wheelchair friendly. There is one site set aside for picnicking and day use only, on a very pretty spit on the south shore. There is a small boat launch meant for canoes and kayaks and small non mototized fishing boats, alongside a gravel peninsula for shore fishing. The pond is pretty with mature shade trees, and the campground also has a trailhead to access a large network of hiking trails. If you want to backpack in, dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest
Legend
This is a small state forest campground in the Morgan Hill forest from which you can directly access the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country scenic trail. Although the campsites here are primitive and free, they are official developed campsites and not really “dispersed” campsites. There are several basic tent spots, which are just cleared grassy areas adjacent to the trailhead parking circle; BUT in addition, there are two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits. These are very nice roomy wooded campsites, and the developed sites are supposedly ADA accessible —but while I agree that the picnic tables and cement pad around the fireplace can certainly accomodate wheelchairs, and the tenting area is roomy, note that there are NO OTHER ADA amenities at these sites, eg no water source and NO toilet or outhouse right at the campground. While you can drive right up to your campsite location, which is accessible, you would actually have to hike quite a long ways west on the OnondagaTrail to access a pit toilet, or to have stream access for obtaining water to boil, so you DO need to come prepared to use the bushes by your campsite and leave no trace, plus bring your own water. (See attached map where I circled the campground area in orange) That being said, this location is peaceful and quiet with mature trees and plenty of distance between neighboring campers, and would be an ideal setting for a group campout. Hiking the trail west on a day trip will bring you to the beautiful Tinker Falls, which may not be flowing during dry seasons but is still a gorge worth exploring! You can best access this campground from the south side of the forest; the entrance is from state route 13 on Morgan Hill Rd south, adjacent to a very nice farm stand that is a good stop for supplies, and there is a DEC forest sign to mark the turn off from Rt 13. After that, you are on your own and should bring a map to navigate as the hiking trails are marked with signs where they cross the roads, but the road to turn off from Morgan Hill Rd to the campground is not marked. You can set your driving directions on Google Maps beforehad, to this endpoint: https://www.google.com/maps/dir//42.767846,-75.997552/@42.7799792,-76.08097,12z?entry=ttu
You might also want to download the free Avenza map of the forest which will allow you to navigate real time even if you don't have cell service, that link is here: https://store.avenza.com/products/morgan-hill-state-forest-nysdec-map?queryID=eb824498ff4125babc1c06655b111da4&objectID=42626406056092
general info for this state forest is here:
Legend
This location has a set of 2 large trailhead parking lots for hikers and backpackers accessing the vast trail network of the Morgan Hill State Forest. (See area circled in image on map) You do not camp here at these parking lots, but from here can backpack in to the woods on the Onondaga Trail or connecting trails, and from there you can do LNT dispersed camping as long as you follow the state forest camping rules(see this link for more details: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/camping/state-land-rules) such as not setting up camp within 150 of a stream or other body or water, and not near an official campground (There are 2 official drive-in primitive camp grounds in the vicinty, for which you need permits from the local ranger; otherwise, elsewhere in the forest you can backpack the various trails and camp at your own site if you leave no trace). You need to bring your own water, there is none provided here, and be prepared to pack out your own garbage. Be sure to download a copy of the forest map with the trails network marked, as the various trails are blazed and have occasional signs, but they crisscross in a confusing network and you can get easily turned around without a map. The woods are beautiful and the trails are well developed, but also be prepared for ticks and the need for repellent as they are thick in spring and early summer. Note: the trails going west from here enter the Labrador Hollow Unique area, which is part of the state forest but is a special preserve where camping is NOT allowed, so be aware of your lication
Scout
Turning Stone has lovely locations and is kept up nicely. Over Memorial Day weekend, the weather is gorgeous for spring. Every fully equipped site, with complete shade or full sun. been visiting for more than 25 years. Nearby are a golf course, food options, a casino, and @geometry dash online .
Scout@penalty shooters 2 said loved where we were this time. page 121. On these hot days, with a slope and a nice breeze.
LegendThis review is for the Morgan Hill primitve campsites at Spruce Pond. Although dispersed primitive camping is allowed elsewhere throughout the state forest, this is a group of ten established and well maintained primitive campsites right on Spruce Pond with fishing available and an amazing network of hiking and cross country ski trails along with mountain biking along the forest roads. There are fire grills and nicely developed tents sites, one nestled in the woods and three with their own pond access, and one is actually handicapped accessible with its own accessible fishing landing and an easy access to the parking lot. There is a brand new outhouse with wide accessible doorway as well. The setting is scenic and peaceful, and you can easily paddle or fish on the pond. You can also easily hike from here to the Labrador Hollow overlook where area hang-gliders launch, you might see some in action or at least get an amazing view of the Labrador Valley!
Note: a detailed map of the campground is here: https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/docs/regions_pdf/sprucepond.pdf
You may camp at this campground for free, but you do need a permit and should review the campground map to select your preferred site
Legend
This is a primitive undeveloped campsite, there is a clearing for tenting but no potable water or amenities of any kind. The site is adjacent to a small parking area and fishing access on a really beautiful pond, which is unnamed on the map but is an impoundment of Bear Wallow Creek so it can be considered Bear Wallow Pond. I have been there in both summer, when the shoreline wildflowers are riotous, and in fall when the changing leaves are breathtaking. If you camp here, you can kayak or fish on the pond, go mountain biking on the network of state forest roads that are all part of the Pharsalia Woods Game Refuge, or access the Finger Lakes Trail or Canasawacta Creek Trail (see website for this listing for map of the refuge and more info at https://cnyhiking.com/FLT-PharsaliaWMA.htm)
You can get to the site from state highway 23 via the Benedict Hill Rd, or from the hamlet of Beaver Meadow going south and west of Cole Hill via Mud Lane. A peaceful pretty wooded spot not far from either Norwich or South Otselic for an easy overnight or weekend. I give it 4 stars not for amenities but for being an idyllic example of a dispersed primitive site
ScoutThis place is great! $10 for a tent site right on the canal and the staff is super friendly
Legend
Both the Glimmerglass State Park and the Glimmerglass Festival Opera House list their location as Cooperstown, but in actuality the Park is 8 miles outside of Cooperstown on the northeast side of Otsego Lake, with the Opera House nearby on the northwest corner of the lake nearby. If you are going to visit one, you should also visit the other! In fact the park is an ideal spot to stay if you are wanting to take in any of the Glimmerglass music or theater productions which have quite a professional lineup in the summer season. If staying at the park you will also enjoy the amazing beach and waterfront on Otsego Lake, and great kayaking on the lake as well as the stream flowing into it. You can also hike, ot take a day trip into Cooperstown, especially for museums and all things baseball.
The camping opportunities give you three options: the main campground by the park office, which is wooded and shady and has electric hookups as needed, and is close to the beach, but you will have a lot of neighbors. If you want a quiet tenting experience, choose the Beaver Pond primitive tenting campground! This offers a small number of large, well spaced and private tent only sites set back in the woods by a beautiful pond and by the Beaver Hiking trail. Very peaceful with more solitude than the main campground, but a longer walk to the beach. The third and newest option, the Travis Field campsites, reminds me of an overflow parking area at an outdoor festival, unfortunately just a bunch of basic tent campsites plunked in an open grassy field located in between the beach and the Beaver Pond sites. I am guessing the park has greater demand for campsites than the original campground offers, so they put these spots up in an open field, and maybe folks would rather have these sites than nothing if they want a week at the lake, but they would not be a first choice unless perhaps you have a group that wants to gather together and take a block of these sites. I didnt check out the cabins, but there are some, which might be especially good if you want to come in the winter as the park is open year round
Legend
This is a small hidden gem of a state park where the only camping available is in camper cabins—and pretty amazing glamping for camper cabins! Although there may be times when there may be people and groups around for day use, the small number of cabins and they way they are spread out will make you feel like you are at your own private retreat. The cabins are beautifully built with lovely settings, and well appointed though you need to bring your own linens. There are a couple of ponds for fishing, but if you want to swim you need to go over to nearby Otsego Lake. The trails wind through mature forest, and you can cross country ski here in winter—in fact, reserve one of the winterized cabins and come for a long weekend of cozy cabin time and quiet time outdoors on the winter trails. There is a beautiful picnic pavilion and playground, so kid friendly. Unfortunately, pets can come for day use but cant stay in the cabins. Reservations must be made in advance for the cabins, and you can be sure they will be filled on special event weekends in nearby Cooperstown, especially for events at the Baseball Hall of Fame or the Farmers Living History Museum. . The park is far enough on the outskirts of town to be away from crowds and noise, but close enough to run to town for activities, get supplies or check out unique cafes and bakeries
Camping near Utica, New York, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakes to well-maintained campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.
Camping near Utica, New York, has its perks and quirks. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot waiting for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Utica, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Utica, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 114 campgrounds and RV parks near Utica, NY and 12 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Utica, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Utica, NY is Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Utica, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Utica, NY.
What parks are near Utica, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Utica, NY that allow camping, notably Blue Mountain Lake and Upper Delaware National Scenic and Recreation River.