Best Campgrounds near West Edmeston, NY

Camping options around West Edmeston, New York include a diverse range of public and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Charles E. Baker State Forest offers free primitive camping with both designated sites and dispersed camping areas, while Gilbert Lake State Park Campground provides more developed sites with facilities for tent and RV camping. Several campgrounds in the region accommodate cabin rentals, particularly near Cooperstown and Richfield Springs, including Lake Chalet Motel and Campground and Cooperstown Beaver Valley Campground. Most camping areas operate from mid-May through early October, with limited year-round options.

Access to dispersed camping areas requires advance planning, as some state forests need permits for overnight stays. The region's camping season generally runs from May through October, with most established campgrounds closing during winter months. Road conditions vary significantly between maintained park roads and rougher forest access routes. Weather patterns can affect camping experiences, particularly during spring and fall when temperature fluctuations are common. Cell service is often limited in more remote areas like Charles E. Baker State Forest and Hunts Pond State Forest. A camper noted that "Charles E. Baker State Forest has miles of trails with free primitive camping sites with water access, though there are no toilets."

Many campgrounds feature water access as a primary attraction, with fishing and swimming opportunities at locations like Gilbert Lake State Park and Hunts Pond State Forest. Family-friendly developed campgrounds typically offer amenities including showers, electric hookups, and picnic facilities, particularly those closer to Cooperstown. Several visitors highlighted the peaceful nature of camping in state forests compared to more populated private campgrounds. One review emphasized that "Hunts Pond State Forest provides quiet and serene free sites with primitive camping, though a permit is needed." Seasonal campers should note that summer weekends can be busy at campgrounds near Cooperstown due to baseball tourism, while spring and fall offer quieter camping experiences with fewer crowds throughout the region.

Best Camping Sites Near West Edmeston, New York (141)

    1. Glimmerglass State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Springfield Center, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 547-8662

    $14 - $26 / night

    "Only downside is there is not a hiking/walking path down to the lake from the campground. Very nice bathrooms w shower and wash station. Electricity and water available at or near each campsite."

    "Close to Cooperstown and within driving distance from Oneonta. Quiet and spacious campsites"

    2. Gilbert Lake State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Laurens, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 432-2114

    $17 - $156 / night

    "Two entrances, one to the kitchen and the other to the porch. Outside was a fire ring. An easy hike to a nearby lake was very pretty."

    "Great place to stay, Close to Cooperstown. Nice lake for the kids to go swimming and fishing. If you like to hike they have some great trails. Nice size sites, the only down fall is they fill up fast."

    3. Charles E. Baker State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Hubbardsville, NY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 674-4017

    "Only found one designated campsite, which was available, but there’s a lot of good space for dispersed camping right nearby. Access at the end of a long, but well maintained, dirt road."

    "Beautiful forest with miles of trails. I found this spot passing through on my bike and had no problem pitching a tent in a secluded spot in the woods."

    4. Lake Chalet Motel and Campground

    3 Reviews
    Waterville, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 822-6074

    "The first time that myself and friends spent the weekend at Lake Chalet Ron cut up our firewood for us and was very attentive to anything around the campground."

    5. Hunts Pond State Forest

    2 Reviews
    New Berlin, NY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 674-4017

    "The campground is still being minimally maintained as a group of 8 drive-in campsites on the north side, and 4 other scattered sites on the east and of the pond."

    6. Cooperstown Beaver Valley Campground

    4 Reviews
    Hartwick, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 293-7324

    "playing at the Field of Dreams and close enough to serve as your campground as you travel to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame, Herkimer Diamond Mines, area micro brewery's and even a ride to the Finger Lakes"

    7. Cooperstown Family Campground

    3 Reviews
    Hartwick, NY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 293-7766

    "There were goats by the office, and ducks in the small lake by our site. In the evening a big flock of geese flew in, and were very noisy until they settled down."

    8. Hartwick Highlands Campground

    3 Reviews
    Hartwick, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 547-1996

    "We drove around to the three closest RV parks to Dreams Park and would definitely stay here with the team and / or on your own."

    9. Cooperstown KOA

    6 Reviews
    Springfield Center, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 858-0236

    "This park is located approximately 12.5 miles from downtown Cooperstown and is set in the quiet rural countryside of New York. The mature trees make for beautiful scenery in the fall."

    "What a great quiet location to visit.  The staff is great and friendly.  A little off the beaten path but I think this is what makes this place perfect."

    10. Butternut Hill RV Campground

    2 Reviews
    Bouckville, NY
    16 miles
    Website

    "There is also a famous Inn and restaurant, the Landmark Inn, which anchors the town, adjacent to a trailhead for a hiking trail along the historic Chenango Canal, an offshoot of the Erie Canal. "

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Recent Reviews near West Edmeston, NY

365 Reviews of 141 West Edmeston Campgrounds


  • Abby H.
    Apr. 19, 2026

    Herkimer 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.

  • Emily M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 28, 2026

    Long Pond Campground

    Great dispersed camp sites

    All the roads are gravel, so it might get a little muddy after a big rain but I had no issue with a low clearance car driving around to explore the sites available. About half the sites are spread out in a large patch of spruce trees, I stayed at one of these. You can hear and sometimes see cars on the main road from your site but overall the spruce trees give you a lot more privacy. Had a neighbor blasting their speaker and didn't even hear it until I was walking by on that stretch of road. You might catch a glimpse of someone's fire at night, but it mostly felt like I had the place to myself. The other half are clustered much closer together among some deciduous trees but all the sites are pretty spacious, with a picnic table, fire pit, and easy access to the water. You might get a visit from day-use visitors looking for water access, especially if you pick a site closer to the water access paths, so if you're looking for more seclusion you may want to look elsewhere, but I didn't mind and the people who did stop near my site were respectful and didn't seem to want to disturb me once they saw the site near the water access was occupied. A free permit is needed for camping during the on-season. I stayed off-season and most of the sites were unoccupied, but I could see this being a popular spot during the warmer months. Port-a-potties are also not available off-season – be prepared to find a good cat hole spot or bring a wag bag if you're not self-contained. Seeing some litter around my site was a bit of a bummer (don't be that guy!), but overall the sites looked pretty clean and well-maintained. I did notice some broken glass at my site, so if you have pets (or shoe-averse children) be mindful of their paw pads (and feet). There's plenty of downed wood for making a fire, and I passed a couple homes selling firewood on the side of the road on the way. Service was spotty (AT&T) but if you wandered around enough you could get a couple bars to send a text, or if you really needed to, drive up the road a couple of minutes. I would easily stay here again, but if I came during the main season I'd probably want to plan a mid-week trip and get my permit and claim my site as soon as possible.

  • E
    Mar. 27, 2026

    Tilden Hill Farm

    Beautiful campground

    Beautiful and well- maintained. Very roomy sites. Owner is friendly and responds quickly to calls.

  • Dale H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 23, 2026

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    Not plowed in winter

    Great spot, great location. FYI to anyone who comes in the winter, it's not plowed, so you may need to adjust your plans accordingly.

  • Pete V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    Nice quiet overnight stay

    This was a quiet overnight stay, just as the other reviewers say, a gravel parking lot that is easy to find a level spot in. This is on the river with a nice view. Lots of trains rolling through across the river but the noise wasn't an issue for me. There was a police officer that drove through the lot and drove around my campervan and continued on his way so I know that it is okay to overnight there.

  • D C.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Live The Outdoors LLC

    Peaceful & Private Getaway🏞️

    Really enjoyed staying here. It’s super private and peaceful, and we loved that it’s not a crowded campground. The land is open and easy to access, and you can tell the owners are constantly upgrading and improving things. We were even able to fish here, which was a bonus. Would definitely recommend if you appreciate privacy, nature, and a peaceful place with the freedom to relax and do your own thing.

  • Chelsea B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Green Lakes State Park Campground

    Good camp sites

    The sites are good, level, and the campsite is pretty but as clean as the bathrooms are, the showers still suck. I’ll never understand why parks use the misting shower heads. Maybe TMI, but sorry ladies, you’ll never get the soap out of your bits. It’s best to use the ADA bathrooms because those shower heads are normal and have wands. I can’t say much about the amenities since we camped in the off season (really bummed not to rent a boat), but the trails around the lake are great! Beautiful water and various difficulties on the trails make it pretty fun to explore. Overall a good stay but took a star away for the showers and the landscapers. They spent at least 5-6 hours the Monday we were here mowing around our campsite, coming within inches of our power and Starlink cords. Really annoyed by that and when we called the park office, they said they’d take care of it but we still endured 4 more hours of multiple mowers going over the same areas multiple times. Honestly think they were messing with us at that point…

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Hide-A-Way Campsites

    Quaint and truly hid away

    Well maintained clean campground. Friendly attendants guided us to site and directed in spot. Gravel unlevel pad full hookups.

  • T&J  F.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    West Canada Creek Campground

    Nice place, a little pricey

    Pros: clean campground, camp store, ice cream/pizza shack, shuttle to tubing, sites are pretty flat, pool is large and clean, quiet hours are enforced. Cons: $5 per dog "surprise" when we arrived. Even though we camped there 2 nights for 3 years in a row, $15 per person for the tubing shuttle seems steep; a discount or free would be nice for campers, as drop off points are just down the road. Sites are narrow.


Guide to West Edmeston

West Edmeston, New York camping options range from primitive forest sites to full-service family campgrounds, with elevations between 1,100 and 1,400 feet throughout the region. The area's humid continental climate brings warm summers with average highs around 80°F and cold winters that typically limit camping season from May through October. Most local campgrounds close after Columbus Day weekend due to freezing temperatures.

What to do

Hiking at Gilbert Lake State Park: Trails for all ability levels wind through the 1,584-acre park, with options ranging from easy lake loops to more challenging forest paths. "There's miles of hiking trails including one around the lake. Multiple really nice pavilions, disc golf course and a nice beach with lifeguards for swimming," notes Rob L. about Gilbert Lake State Park.

Water activities at Glimmerglass: Swimming, fishing and boating are popular summer activities at this 593-acre state park on Otsego Lake. "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," mentions Patti M. about Glimmerglass State Park.

Baseball attractions near Cooperstown: Multiple campgrounds provide convenient bases for visiting the National Baseball Hall of Fame and other baseball attractions. "With Cooperstown 15-20 minutes away no lack of things to do for adults and kids. Great restaurants also," says a visitor to Glimmerglass State Park.

What campers like

Quiet forest camping: State forests offer secluded sites for those seeking peaceful nature experiences. "Beautiful forest with miles of trails. I found this spot passing through on my bike and had no problem pitching a tent in a secluded spot in the woods," shares Matt A. about Charles E. Baker State Forest.

Cabin accommodations: Several campgrounds offer cabin rentals for those who prefer more comfort. "Spacious cabin was clean and comfortable. 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," reports W L. about Gilbert Lake State Park.

Recreational amenities: Campgrounds near West Edmeston offer various on-site activities beyond hiking and swimming. "We almost had the place to ourselves. The park is very well maintained. The lake is gorgeous," says Jill B. who visited Gilbert Lake State Park in fall.

What you should know

Campsite availability: Reservations are recommended, particularly at popular campgrounds near Cooperstown during baseball season. "The sites are a great size for accommodating two tents and have many people gather at meals. The beach, trail to historic house, boating, fishing, and Cooperstown nearby keep everyone in the group entertained," explains Leah B. about Glimmerglass State Park.

Primitive camping considerations: Dispersed camping sites typically lack facilities like toilets or water sources. "Camped here on a Thursday night in late September. Only found one designated campsite, which was available, but there's a lot of good space for dispersed camping right nearby. Access at the end of a long, but well maintained, dirt road," notes a Cameron who camped at Charles E. Baker State Forest.

Seasonal conditions: Fall camping offers unique advantages with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. "Quiet campground near Cooperstown. Lots of little shops and entertainment. Clean. Friendly staff," mentions Carol C. who visited Glimmerglass in late September.

Tips for camping with families

Lakeside amenities: Campgrounds with beaches and swimming areas provide natural entertainment for children. "Great for families, the parking lots is huge, there's easy hiking on the grounds, and it's close to cooperstown- visit the baseball hall of fame!" suggests Brian H. about Glimmerglass State Park.

Playground and recreational facilities: Some campgrounds offer additional activities specifically designed for children. "There is a big lake that is very built up for swimmers and has a playground, water sport rentals and more. There are also volleyball courts and horseshoes. Great place to bring the family!" recommends Sierra K. about Gilbert Lake State Park.

Cabin options for comfort: Families with young children might appreciate cabin accommodations for easier overnight stays. "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," explains Eric L. about Cooperstown Beaver Valley Campground.

Tips from RVers

Site size considerations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on RV length or difficult access to hookups. "They're finally adding a bunch of electric sites and have discontinued every other site in the deer run area. This makes the sites very large. There's 30 and 50 amp hookups," explains Secc P. about Gilbert Lake State Park.

Utility hookups: Water and electric availability varies significantly between campgrounds, with some sites having limited options. "You can fill your water tank at the dump station as there are no water hookups. There is plenty of places to get water to wash dishes or whatever you need," advises a regular visitor to Gilbert Lake State Park.

Cell service and connectivity: Mobile service can be inconsistent throughout the region, with better coverage at certain campgrounds. "The WiFi and mobile data were atrocious, which sucked when we were trying to plan out our travels," notes Jason about Cooperstown Family Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near West Edmeston, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, West Edmeston, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 141 campgrounds and RV parks near West Edmeston, NY and 17 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near West Edmeston, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near West Edmeston, NY is Glimmerglass State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 21 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near West Edmeston, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near West Edmeston, NY.