131 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Vestal, New York range from full-hookup RV parks to tent sites and cabins at state parks within a short drive. Chenango Valley State Park, located about 10 miles north of Vestal, offers a mix of tent, RV, cabin and glamping accommodations with well-maintained sites separated by wooded areas. Hickories Park Campground in nearby Owego provides riverside camping with full hookups for RVs. Pine Valley RV Park and Campground in Endicott accommodates various camping styles including tent camping, RV sites with 50-amp service, and cabin rentals within a family-friendly setting.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October due to the northeastern climate. "This is a beautiful and quiet campground - a hidden gem in Broome County," notes a visitor describing Greenwood County Park. Reservations are recommended at most established campgrounds, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months. Accessibility varies across sites, with most developed campgrounds offering paved or graveled roads suitable for standard vehicles. Cell service is generally available throughout the region, though may be limited in more remote areas. Winter camping options are limited, with only Greenwood County Park indicating year-round operation in the area.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for many local campgrounds. Several sites provide lake or river proximity, with fishing, boating and swimming opportunities. Pine Valley features a lake described by visitors as "scenic" with "several paths and trails" surrounding it. Family-friendly amenities appear consistently throughout regional reviews, with multiple campgrounds offering playgrounds, organized activities, and recreation areas. A reviewer noted that Hickories Park has "green grass perfect space for kids to play" and is "an excellent place to take your family." The proximity to Binghamton's attractions makes these campgrounds convenient bases for exploring the broader region while maintaining access to nature settings.
"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."
"The only downfall is that there really isn't much else to do around the area."
from $17 - $123 / night
Check Availability"i pulled in at about 6pm mid week, the ranger station was closed drove around & found tent site 79 open, it's next to the river."
"Lovely but simple views all around and rolling green hills in the distance. Campground is well-kept and relatively modern but not particularly memorable. Nice little stopover on a road trip."
"They have hayrides in the summer and swimming in the lake. Lakeside sites are spacious and reasonably priced. The owners are always accessible."
"There’s a lake, which is quite scenic, and several paths and trails."
from $27 / night
Check Availability"Typical New York weather. Overall, the park is more than I expected for a county park."
"The lake is pretty, the beach and picnic area is well kept, the campground is like a high quality state park—bravo to the Broome County Parks Department!"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"The tent sites are located in the back of the campground behind the sports field within the trees. I unfortunately didn’t get a chance to see them but they have them pictured on their website."
"Great family campground, decent sized sites, many lake side sites, very clean bathrooms/ showers. Several playgrounds, heated pool, pet friendly with shots paperwork."
"A lical group, the Friends of Salt Springs, stepped up and offered to maintain the park with funds raised by their group."
"I stayed in late September in one of the drive in spots. There were no other campers bc of the season- and it’s mid week."
from $58 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Fantastic animal preserve zoo nearby which is a must visit. Pretty golf course with full bar and food right across the street. Overall one of our favorite stops on our New England trip."
from $53 - $65 / night
Check Availability"Watkins Glen boasts one of New York’s most beautiful state parks! I last camped here in 2012 and absolutely loved hiking along the gorges. Also- the camping was next to perfect."
"Definitely one of the top places to camp and visit in New York, Watkins Glen State Park never disappoints. Each time I come back, I find something new to discover and have a great time doing that."
from $20 - $58 / night
Check Availability
GuideStayed October 14 without reservations because website showed lots of availability. Office was closed (M-F 8-4) so submitted honor system envelope with cash and stayed at Site 041 on Carpenter loop. Shower building was a short walk and was spacious enough. Water temp didn’t quite reach hot but was warm enough.
Electric kept on tripping breaker.
TravelerSpent a peaceful night car camping in site 151. Beautiful trees, nice shower houses, quiet neighbors. Just a beautiful and very affordable - $32 - stay. We’ll be back whenever we pass this way.
TravelerStopped for one night while traveling upstate and usually dispersed camping but it was getting late so we stopped in.
ScoutThis clothing-optional campground has a highly toxic, intrusive, and vindictive environment. During my stay, the seasonal permanent residents('perms') subjected me to intense harassment, inappropriate sexual advances, and severe social retaliation/rumor-spreading when those advances were rejected. The situation escalated to the point where an employee had to intervene for my safety. Furthermore, despite management allowing my photo to be taken in costume at a party, I was intentionally blocked from the community group where the photos were posted, leaving me unable to monitor how my image was being used. Avoid this place if you value your privacy, personal boundaries, and safety.
GuideThis was a great camping trip! We had site 29, nice spot with the North Rim trail right behind our site. Trails are beautiful. Restroom and shower close. You do need to be careful, lots of oaks trees and falling acorns! Easily dings you car hood, watch where you park. Close to down town for a visit to the awesome farmers market in Ithaca.
GuideNice small campground with only 9 sites. FF self pay station allows QR Code to recreation.gov to reserve online. Once you choose a site, just pay online and keep your cash tipping at the close by wineries!😉 The park is a bit neglected compared to the many other National Forrest we stay in. The potholes in the driving loop and gravel need repair. The Fire pits and pit toilets need attention. Overall, it has been quiet and convenient to the region around. We stayed 4 days so even the negatives were not a deterrent.
TravelerThis site was awesome. Still semi private and there were bathrooms which weren’t bad at all! Only draw back is you’re kind of close to other campers meaning you can hear them too. If you’re in for a more social dispersed experience this is it! I just prefer to have no one around for miles!
TravelerIn short it was perfect! This is a small family pet friendly campground. There is a pond that you can kayak and c&r fishing, just no swimming, there is snapping turtles! There is some handmade items in the office to purchase, also some camping needs, fire starters and firewood (6 dollars a bundle). There is a bath house, though we didn't use it so I can't tell you anything about it. There is also a trail but we didn't get to check it out. The owners can be seen here and there all over the property keeping it looking beautiful! It is clear just by watching them how much care they put into making this a great time to all that come there. On the weekends they offer meals that can be brought right to your site. We were there from Saturday till Wednesday morning and it was very peaceful. This is definitely be a place we will come back to. The only downfall to the place is that it has placed a high bar for other campgrounds to compare!
GuideReally 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!
Camping options around Vestal, New York extend beyond conventional campgrounds into dispersed sites along local waterways and throughout the surrounding Allegheny Plateau. The region sits at elevations between 800-1,700 feet, creating distinct microclimates across camping areas. Most campgrounds operate during a specific window from May through October when temperatures range from 45-85°F, with occasional summer thunderstorms requiring proper tent staking and rainfly coverage.
Water recreation access points: At Chenango Valley State Park, visitors can enjoy kayaking on the lake which is especially suitable for beginners. "The lake is pretty for kayaking for beginner or seasoned, as well as great hiking and mountain biking trails. Keep your eye peeled for the resident bald eagle," notes Paully B.
Hiking trail networks: The region offers various terrain options within a 30-minute drive. "Short easy trails. Lots of info about the glaciers that formed the lakes you can swim in. Great wildlife (wood ducks & kingfishers)," reports Dan N. about the educational nature trails at Chenango Valley State Park.
Wildlife observation opportunities: Many campsites provide wildlife viewing across multiple habitats. "We had four deer that were feeding behind our site in the morning," writes Mary S. about her experience at Chenango Valley State Park, adding that campers should "beware of raccoons. They are brazen thieves here...and every campground they inhabit."
Waterfront camping availability: Riverside sites offer popular direct water access. "I pulled in at about 6pm mid week... found tent site 79 open, it's next to the river. I was able to pull directly into the camp site," explains alyssa F. about her experience at Hickories Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campers praise the maintenance standards at local parks. "The bathhouse is clean. Sites are nice size," Michele D. writes about Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground. The campground also offers "nice, pull-through on gravel pad with full-hookups that can take large rigs," according to Cheryl W.
Site layout and spacing: Campgrounds in the region vary in site distribution patterns. "There are plenty of sites that are separated from each other by small patches of woods, which made it more private," notes Kayti D. about her family's week-long stay at Chenango Valley State Park.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly across the best places to camp near Vestal. "There is very very little cell reception and only wifi if you pay for it," explains Tracey about Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground, adding this forces campers to "put our phones and devices down and just relax."
Facilities vary seasonally: Key amenities may not be available early or late in the season. "One thing that we were kind of disappointed in, is that the campground pool doesn't open until the end of June," reports Jennifer W. when describing her experience at Watkins Glen State Park.
Reservation systems: Most campgrounds require advanced booking, especially for premium sites. "Get your reservations in early though weekends for lakeside sites are booked super fast!" advises Tracey about Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground.
Age-specific recreation options: Different campgrounds offer various activities suitable for specific age groups. At Pine Valley RV Park & Campground, "the giant swimming inflatables, putt putt even a giant slide. All part of the price of the campground," made Mommy D. exclaim it's "by far one of the best family oriented campgrounds we've ever been in."
Playground access: Many campgrounds in the Vestal area include designated play areas. "Playground and shallow swimming area for children with life guards and a sandy beach and new bath house," writes Mary P. about her experience at Chenango Valley State Park with her 5-year-old grandson.
Swimming safety considerations: Water access varies across campgrounds with different safety measures. "The beach area is well staffed and clean. Changing areas are available as well as a splash pad for the little kids," notes Fred C. about Chenango Valley State Park's swimming facilities.
Site selection strategies: RV campers should consider specific site features when booking. "Parking pads in the electric loops (30 amps and 50 amps) have a good amount of gravel," reports Mary S. about Greenwood County Park, adding that sites on "the outer part of a loop" typically have "more trees."
Utility access points: RV sites have varying hookup configurations across campgrounds. "Our site had water and electric, was a drive through spot for a typical RV with a section to the side of the drive through for the fire pit and picnic table," describes Amy R. about her stay at Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground.
Seasonal RV considerations: The camping season near Vestal creates specific challenges. "Easy access off I-88 friendly owner, friendly seasonal people. Pull thru full hookup, level, spacious," notes Tim W. about Belden Hill Campgrounds, though he cautions about potential weather impacts: "Unfortunately we were there after a lot of rain from the hurricane, site was wet but useable, not their fault."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping areas near Vestal?
The Vestal area offers several excellent camping options within driving distance. Chenango Valley State Park Campground is one of the closest options, featuring drive-in access, reservable sites, toilets, and big-rig-friendly areas. For a more secluded experience, Ludlow Creek Lean-To Campsite offers a beautiful primitive hike-in option alongside Ludlow Creek in the Finger Lakes Trail system. Other nearby options include Bowman Lake State Park and Belden Hill Campgrounds. Most campgrounds in the region are open seasonally from spring through fall, with some offering year-round availability. Many require reservations, especially during peak summer months.
What tent camping options are available near Vestal?
Tent campers near Vestal have several excellent options. Robert H. Treman State Park Campground offers beautiful tent sites surrounded by waterfalls, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities with amenities including bathrooms and showers. Taughannock Falls State Park Campground provides excellent tent camping with access to numerous trails, clean swimming areas, and the impressive Taughannock Falls. For those seeking a more primitive experience, the Finger Lakes National Forest's Blueberry Patch Campground offers secluded tent sites with basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. Most tent camping areas are open seasonally from May through October, with reservations highly recommended during summer weekends.
Are there RV parks available in Vestal?
Yes, there are several RV-friendly options near Vestal. Pine Valley RV Park & Campground in nearby Endicott offers drive-in access with reservable sites, water hookups, toilets, and is big-rig-friendly. Belden Hill Campgrounds near Harpursville also accommodates RVs with similar amenities. For those willing to drive a bit further, many state parks in the region have RV-compatible sites, though some like Bowman Lake State Park may have limited facilities. Most RV parks in the area operate seasonally from spring through fall, with varying reservation requirements. Call ahead to confirm availability, as some smaller parks may have limited hookup options.
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