Primitive camping options complement the established campgrounds near Burlington Flats, New York. Located in Otsego County at approximately 1,300 feet elevation, this area experiences warm summers and cold winters with moderate rainfall. Road access varies seasonally, with some forest routes closing during winter months or becoming difficult to navigate during spring thaw conditions.
What to do
Baseball-themed activities: Within 15 minutes of Hartwick Highlands Campground, visitors can explore Cooperstown attractions. "Security gate to enter and exit, pool, store, arcade, wide open where the RV's are," notes a camper about this facility that serves as a base for baseball enthusiasts.
Hiking trail exploration: The state forests offer multiple hiking options on maintained paths. At Charles E. Baker State Forest, visitors find "miles of trails" with "water access at a lovely nearby pond," according to reviews. Free primitive camping spots make this location suitable for hikers wanting multi-day adventures.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain stocked ponds or lake access. Lake Chalet Campground sits "on a nice little pond" and provides fishing opportunities without requiring a boat. According to one camper, the owners "cut up our firewood for us and was very attentive to anything around the campground."
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Many campgrounds receive praise for cleanliness. At Beaver Valley Campground, campers appreciate that "campsites were raked and ready for us when we arrived" and note the "clean, modern bathrooms" that enhance comfort during stays.
Recreation amenities: Baseball fields appear at multiple campgrounds, reflecting the region's connection to the sport. "Beaver Valley has 2 swimming pools, really nice playground for the younger kids, 2 baseball fields," one visitor noted about the recreation facilities available at this family-oriented campground.
Peaceful settings: Several campgrounds offer quiet, secluded environments. One camper at Hunts Pond State Forest described it as "quiet and serene" with free sites that require calling ahead for permits. The "beautiful lake in a secluded but easily accessible location" provides tranquility despite proximity to Highway 8.
What you should know
Varied campsite layouts: Site configurations differ significantly between campgrounds. At Cooperstown KOA, "sites are decently sized, fairly level, and have good views of the surrounding hills" but some larger rigs face access challenges. One camper noted: "Our site was a pull-thru but there was no way we could drive our 45' motorhome forward out of the site because of a large tree and narrow roads."
Connectivity considerations: Cell reception and WiFi vary widely. Cooperstown KOA stands out with "modern and surprising speeds (60Mbps)" for internet and "decent" AT&T coverage, but other campgrounds have limited or no service.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate from mid-May through mid-October, with peak demand during baseball tournament season. Primitive camping in state forests may be accessible year-round but with limited maintenance during off-season months.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation planning: Family-friendly campgrounds typically offer multiple activity options. At Glimmerglass State Park Campground, families appreciate that "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."
Site selection strategy: Families should consider proximity to facilities. "Sites are a great size for accommodating two tents and have many people gather at meals," noted one camper about Gilbert Lake, highlighting the importance of adequate space when camping with children.
Entertainment options: Activities both on-site and nearby keep children engaged. At Glimmerglass, "With Cooperstown 15-20 minutes away no lack of things to do for adults and kids. Great restaurants also. No reason to ever get bored."
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Water pressure fluctuations affect some campgrounds. At Cooperstown KOA, campers noted that "water pressure seemed to drop on occasion and one night was low for quite a while due to the pool being filled."
Transportation planning: Downtown Cooperstown has vehicle restrictions. "You can't park any vehicle over 20' in Cooperstown, but you can park for free (even a motorhome) in the Yellow Lot and take the Trolley into town for $2.50," advises one RVer staying at Cooperstown KOA.
Site access challenges: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. Lake Chalet Campground has sites "by the road" with "noise from the road which is busier than you might think," requiring careful site selection for comfort with larger RVs.
