Camping / Outdoor Experience

We all remember our first camping experience. Your family packing into the car with everything you may need for the weekend … happily awaiting the outdoor adventure to come. Central New York is home to some the best campgrounds and parks to make any weekend or day(s) trip an unforgettable experience.

Enjoy a weekend at the Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Resort. At the grounds, guests can choose from deluxe RV and tent sites or luxurious lodges and cabins. Partake in fishing, tubing and other activities located right on the property which borders with the West Canada Creek. Guest can also check out the fully stocked convince camp store located right on the resort.

The resort also includes the Herkimer Diamond Mines, one of Central New York’s most unique geological features. Bring your own tools or rent them there, and dig into Earth’s surface to find various crystals and minerals that are 500 million years old. For a more personal experience, you will have the opportunity to embark on a guided tour to collect minerals.

In Rome, Delta Lake State Park is nestled on a scenic peninsula that extends into the Delta Reservoir. Located on a wooded and flat terrain, Delta Lake State Park makes for the perfect place to camp. You can pick from the 101 campsites that are made available for tents, trailers or RV camping sites. Beautiful hiking trails and picnic areas can be enjoyed year round. 

During the summer months, take a trip to Boukville, NY and stay at one of CNY’s newest campground, The Cider House. The grounds are located conveniently near the annual Madison Boukville Antique Fest which makes it an ideal location to camp with the family.

The boat launch is a great place to utilize for fishing in the summer. You can enjoy looking along the beach and taking a swim in the lake as well during the hot summer months.

Although not allowing camping anymore, Pixley State Falls is just a short ride from Delta Lake State Park. Pixley’s main attraction includes a 50-foot waterfall, which is surrounded by woods and winding streams.

Located eight miles outside of Cooperstown, Glimmerglass State Park resides on the beautiful Lake Otsego. With an abundance of scenic nature trails, Glimmerglass provides the perfect hike through a variety of wildflowers, ferns and mosses. The Hyde Hall Mansion, a self-guided Beaver Pond nature trail and a covered bridge are within the Park and are open to visitors.

Whether you’re there to camp for the night or just to enjoy a day outdoors, you can hike, bike, fish or have a picnic. All camping sites have a picnic table, a grill and a fire ring. Campfire wood is always available for guests to use.

Those who enjoy the outdoor scene in the winter will have the opportunity to go snowmobiling, tubing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, ice fishing and winter hiking.

Just beyond the borders of the city of Binghamton, Greenwood Park offers a quality rural experience with well-maintained campgrounds, a white sand beach and ample swimming areas. Explore one of the park’s nature trails or enjoy a delicious family lunch in the extensive picnic area. As the winter season approaches, Greenwood Park offers cross-county skiing trails, equipment rentals and even ice fishing.

Those who use the campsites will have access to restrooms, hot showers, a dumping station, overnight security and the camp store, which sells snacks, drinks and camping essentials.

Also in the Binghamton area, Kellystone Park Campgrounds offer basic campsites with electric and water for great summer rates. Engage in outdoor fun while exploring the site’s golf course, playground, outdoor pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, recreation room, volleyball courts and horseshoe area. You can also spend a little time fishing in the campground’s pond or take a stroll down one of the well-kept nature trails.

Kellystone Park hosts events that the whole family will enjoy. Community members are invited to partake in bingo nights, hayrides, golf tournaments, kids’ carnivals and more.

Located between Oneida and Herkimer County, Hinckley State Park is centered around the 2,880-acre Hinckley Reservoir. Get ready for a day full of fun lounging in the sand at the park’s beach, swimming laps in the various designated areas or biking on one of the many trails. Pack some lunch and have a picnic at one of the many picnic tables or under one of three pavilions. Charcoal grills are also available.

From the beach, kayaks, canoes and row boats can access the reservoir from the beach. Canoes, kayaks, and small row boats can access the Reservoir from the beach.

Whether you’re looking for a campsite for the weekend or just a fun day trip to take with the family, your next outdoor adventure waits in Central New York.