Best Camping in and near Gilbert Lake State Park

100% (3 reviews)

Spend a lazy day on the lake (or a busy day on the trails) in this woodsy upstate park.

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Community favorites near Gilbert Lake State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Gilbert Lake State Park

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Hilltop Campground

57 sites · RVs, Tents In Gilbert Lake State Park

Deer Run Campground

78 sites · RVs, Tents In Gilbert Lake State Park

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Gilbert Lake Cabin Colony

33 sites In Gilbert Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Gilbert Lake State Park

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Sacred Waterfall & Quiet Camping

60 sites · Lodging25 acres · NY

NOTE: THIS IS A QUIET CAMPING AREA for reconnecting with nature. Not suitable for parties or loud groups. Kahonrakén:ra, The White Spout Waterfall, is a world unto itself. For generations, the majestic waterfall has been revered for its spectacular beauty and powerful energies. It is considered a sacred site that has been central to local land rematriation work with the Kanienkeha:ka, also known as the Mohawks, the original inhabitants of Skóhare, the Schoharie Valley. Surrounded by 25 acres of both private wooded land and wide-open fields of wildflowers and fireflies, the Waterfall Cabin and Campsite are easily accessible, just off a country back road. From the campsites, it's about a 10 minute hike down the gorge to the waterfall. We do not allow partying the campsites. There is a profound healing process happening at the waterfall. At the request of the Kaneinekehaka caretakers we ask that you to respect the sacredness of this land. Thank you! There are two campsites on the property, not far from each other in the forest. One campsite is in a grass circle clearing and the other has a rustic cabin and three small flat terraces for extra tents. They are both accessed by separate footpaths through the forest, below an old red barn, surrounded by ash and walnut trees, singing birds, deer, wildflowers, and wild medicines. The campsites are not within view of each other. Each campsite has a private path down to the waterfall, where you can spend the day swimming, exploring the clay beds and looking for fossils in the 280 million year old gorge. Make a campfire at your fire pit and fall asleep under the stars listening to a 150' waterfall and the river below. Coursing between two outcroppings in a deep ravine, Kahonrakén:ra Waterfall crashes down over mossy rock shelves into a hidden pool, which then empties again into the river, running into emerald swimming holes and through dramatic clay beds. The effect is transporting. Truly, it is one of those extraordinarily beautiful spots on earth that makes you feel like you are in another world. The waterfall is amazing but the hike is steep, so please wear appropriate footwear. All hiking is at your own risk. Although your path to the waterfall is private and the waterfall is on private property, there may be other guests or locals that access the waterfall further down the road. There is no glass or alcohol allowed at the falls. Please be aware that you may hear your camping neighbors in the woods. For this reason, we ask that you don’t play amplified music and to keep noise down after 10pm so that your camping and local neighbors can chillax and enjoy the evening sounds of frogs, crickets, owls, and night songs of the countryside that makes Schoharie so special. In the big red barn at the entrance to the campsites there is a community room with a charging station, cold water sink, mini fridge, coffee maker, grills, and a port-a-potty for your use. There are also 5 gallon solar shower bags that you can use at your campsite. You are responsible for filling them and putting them in the sun to heat the water. :) This is a leave no trace campsite. Please take all your trash with you when you leave. And please bring your own biodegradable soap for dishes and toilet paper for the port-a-potty! Firewood is available onsite for $1 per log. Instructions for payment are in the community room next to the red silo at the barn. The wood is stacked at next to the red shed just uphill from the barn. You can also buy your own fire wood en route. We recommend that you buy kindling. The Schoharie Valley is said to be the most fertile valley east of the Mississippi. It is still wild, unspoiled country and there are many local farms with fresh produce and organic meat within 5 miles of the house. There are several farm stands and a general store a few miles away, Scrumpy Ewe Cidery, Panther Creek Arts, and the Sap Bush Country Store and Café just up the hill in West Fulton. Mustang Valley, a wild mustang sanctuary and rescue center, is just down the road. Nearby hikes include Looking Glass Pond and Vroman's Nose, among many others.

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Tilden Hill Farm

14 sites · RVs, Tents155 acres · Vernon, NY

Relax at Tilden Hill Farm its a 155 acre farm raising Black Angus Cattle it has been in the Brewer family for seven generations. Founded in 1798 by Josiah Brewer, the farm has served as a grist mill, chicken farm, cheese factory. We offer several types of site selection for your comfort. Choose from our private tent camping to relaxing RV sites. Our tent sites are quiet and scenic, just a quick walk down to the pond. Some of our sites you can park next to, but a few you will have to walk ~100 yards with your belongings. Tent sites have a porta-john and homemade outdoor shower for your enjoyment! Our RV sites have full hookups: water, electric and also a dump station.Once settled in, take a meandering walk through our 4 miles of walking trails or find your way down to our pond. Water activities are plentiful: fishing for bass, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, we accommodate it all!We look forward to seeing you at Tilden Hill Farm where you can "Experience a Family Tradition"

Booked 1 time

Lakers Lodge

1 site · Lodging5 acres · New Berlin, NY

I built Laker Lodge when I was sent home from college because of Covid. It has been a great project that I've worked on with my brothers! It is completely off-grid so perfect for a weekend getaway to enjoy nature. Laker Lodge is on a 5-acre plot, has a small pond, and is surrounded by a river. There is access to my family farm 100+ acres where you can enjoy swimming, Kayaking, fishing, walking through trails, playing with the family chickens, and strolling through the grape vines, apple orchard, and Christmas trees farm. There is also a fire pit right next to the cabin to enjoy s'mores! A minute's drive away is a catch-and-release pond with plenty of bass, carp, crappie, and catfish! We hope you enjoy Laker Lodge as much as we have!

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The Swim Pond at Olin Springs

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Mount Vision, NY

The property was historically used for milk cows grazing and the farmer would put the milk jugs in the main emergent spring to keep cold. Federal wetlands in the back are protected from adding to or changing, but can be explored in your wellies! There was nothing on the land when purchased in 2018. We wanted to create our own lake front property for our retirement. The man made pond is blue clay, spring fed and holds water year round. Is was stocked with large mouth bass and channel catfish in 2020. Please, only keep fish over 12 inches. Learn more about this land: Camp in the meadows or down by the pond. Also a small stream and wetlands to explore. All campers can pick where they want to set up camp.

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100% Eclipse view & Horses! Unique!

9 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · Laurens, NY

Come see the ECLIPSE (100% viewing!) interact with the Horses! New Babies! Come park on our hillside for the day! $25 a vehicle!!! Room for plenty! Join our PARTY!!! NEWS!!! We have babies! You can get some supervised play time with our newest babies! Six babies, the horses are there to greet you when you camp and when you get up in the morning. Walk our trails, see wildlife! I acquired my farm ahead of the "end of the world" millennial crisis,; I want to share it with nature lovers who appreciate & love animals like I do! We will have foals this year to interact with supervision! We have a turtle sanctuary, & have taken in many homeless critters &; animals 4 legged, some 2 legged. We also have occasional other worldly visitors, completely benevolent, and a lot of wildlife that call our little mountaintop oasis home. Come! See for yourself! We have lots of nearby activities the whole family can enjoy! Ball parks, specialty breweries, 4 star restaurants, lakes Learn more about this land: Enjoy the wildlife & the domestic life! You can have input about what part you want to camp in, but there is a turtle safety zone; and we know where the quick sand is, and would rather you didn't sink out of sight! We have a hill top view or the serenity of a water fall site (as long as there isn't a drought) or the sweet smell of hemlock & pine! Shade & trees. Feel like you're in the Wild West with herds of horses, cows, goats ; wildlife visiting your campsite! We have a canoe w a small pond & bullhead fishing, wagon rides, pony rides, and eventually trails for horse back riding. Eventually we will install cabins with lean-tos to bring your own horse with you! If you have a dog? Ask if it is welcome, not all dogs are, due to safety issues with the livestock and birds. We can provide a barbeque pit, for cooking. Depending on the time of year there is fresh produce as well! Why go thousands of miles to walk with the (almost!) mustangs !!! You can have the experience right here in NY!

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Coyote Hollow Park

3 sites · Lodging46 acres · Mount Vision, NY

Welcome to Coyote Hollow Park, located within 20 minutes from Cooperstown NY, but close to all the things Oneonta City has to offer, such as Field of Dreams, Baseball Hall of Fame, and the NY State Parks have to offer. Coyote Hollow Park has everything you need for a relaxing weekend to a week away from it all. Just like camping out except you are camping in! We offer cooking utensils, Bathhouses, and fruit trees and bushes. Bring food, Kick back, relax and watch the stars. Coyote Hollow Park is accepting 2023 reservations, please contact us on google maps. Follow Us on Facebook for updates and discounts. Disclaimer I acknowledge that I understand that during my participation in any activities at Coyote Hollow Park, I may be exposed to a variety of hazards and risks, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent. These inherent risks and hazards may result in loss, damage, injury, sickness or death. With full knowledge of these dangers, I hereby agree for myself, all of my family and heirs, to RELEASE Coyote Hollow Park and any of its employees, members, agents from liability, claims, demands or any causes of action, and NOT TO USE OR OTHERWISE MAKE ANY CLAIM against Coyote Hollow Park or any of its member groups, representatives or agents whatsoever which may arise during my participation in any activities of Coyote Hollow Park. To the extent allowed by law, I intend this RELEASE OF LIABILITY to be effective whether or not any loss, damage, injury or death results from the negligence of Coyote Hollow Park or any of its agents, representatives. I understand that negligence means a failure to do an act which a reasonable, careful person would do, or the doing of an act which a reasonable, careful person would not do, under the same or similar circumstances, to protect himself, herself or others from injury or death. I assume the risk and full responsibility for any personal injuries, including injuries resulting in death, which might occur, even if caused by the negligence or lack of care of Coyote Hollow Park, representatives or agents. I agree to be solely responsible for my own safety and to take every precaution to provide for my own safety and well-being while participating in any activities at Coyote Hollow Park which including but not limited to hiking/exploring of property, soaking/hot tubs, waterway, fishing, swimming, garden, free breakfast, solar equipment, TV's, camping equipment use of any rented items (including but not limited to Mr. heater, camp-stove, movie projector) or items sold at/from camp store/Coyote Hollow Park. I have read this document in its entirety and I freely and voluntarily assume all risks of such injuries and hazards and notwithstanding such risks, I agree to participate when booking. https://www.facebook.com/Coyote-Hollow-Park-111903361551895/

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Glamping Tent Overlooking Waterfall

3 sites · Lodging12 acres · Downsville, NY

Learn more about this land: Stay in our cozy 8’x10 ‘ wall tent on a 14’x16’ deck built next to a waterfall. The site includes include a private outdoor shower and a well serviced outhouse per site. Relax in front of the fire pit and grill that overlooks the falls. You will have plenty of privacy, surrounded by woods, access to lush forest, and modern amenities such as: WiFiprovided by Starlink, queen bed, propane tent heater to keep you warm in the cooler months, Brooklinen sheets. The property allows lots of beauty, peace, and serenity. Feel free to roam the 12 acres of woods, fields, waterfalls, and brooks. There are 3 historic waterfalls on the property. Within our small town, you can find all your essential needs met at the stores close by, as well as some great restaurants. Area surrounding the site as well as the areas not surrounding the main house, are accessible with caution. Access to the brook is at your own risk. Brook subject to flooding. Please note location of water rescue equipment at the site. Don’t forget the ice for the Yeti cooler!

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Kelly Corners Country Retreat

3 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Laurens, NY

NEW! Located on top of a small hill, our sites overlook the beautiful Susquehanna Valley. The 75-acre property is situated on a small farm that dates back to the 1800s. During your stay, enjoy an 18-hole homemade disc golf course on the property (discs available upon request) and 5G Verizon cell service. A gravel road and designated camping pads have recently been added and a privy is available on site. Close to the historic village of Cooperstown, home of the Baseball Hall of Fame (25 minutes), Cooperstown All-Star Village (11 minutes) and Cooperstown Dreams Park (20 minutes); just 6 miles north of Oneonta, home to Hartwick College and SUNY Oneonta. Kelly Corners Country Retreat is a quiet, convenient location with beautiful views. A rare gem in the Northeast! 10x10 deck platforms and other amenities coming soon!

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Shacktown Farms

5 sites · RVs, Tents95 acres · New Berlin, NY

Watch the glorious colors of a morning sunrise from the east… Witness the sky light up as the sun sets over the fields in the west. Gaze at a million stars glitter in the sky. Relax on a hammock, sit around the campfire, or explore 60 acres of woods….Experience the magic of SHACKTOWN FARMSAmid the rolling hills and picturesque farmland of Central New York…. 30 miles from the closest major highway….Far from any city lights and pollution… Park your RV or pitch a tent on our 94 acre property. we look forward to hosting you

Knarich Family Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Morris, NY

12 Beautiful Hillside, wooded acres in the Butternut Valley of Otsego County NY. We offer a beautiful primitive campsite with close proximity to many state parks, Cooperstown Dream Park, local markets, ice, propane, and even a local butcher! Come join our 420 Friendly Camp/Retreat! Spend the weekend or the entire Summer!

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Triple S Tenting

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Bloomville, NY

A great spot to come and camp high up on a hill. Pitch a tent and enjoy the solitude of camping in the middle of a hay field, under a huge oak tree. In the middle of farm country. From time to time you may smell a little cow smell or hear/see a tractor drive past. However, there is nothing greater than the smell of fresh cut hay in the summer breeze. Deer graze in the fields surrounding the house.

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Steady Slope Fields and Forest

3 sites · Lodging, Tents58 acres · Delhi, NY

This land was once all pasture for grazing animals. We moved to Delaware County in November 2018 to start our family and pursue dreams of working on the land. The initial idea was to find a place we could live, garden, and raise a few animals while hosting guests and sharing the land with visitors. When we found this place on Williams Road, we loved the mix of rural and proximity to a thriving country town. We now have two kids and enjoy living in Delhi so much we hardly leave the town limits! There are wonderful restaurants, a great year-round farmers market, grocery stores, and many other services and amenities you can find listed towards the end of this guide. Our Catskill Mountain home is situated on a historic early 19th century farm site. Parts of the house might be more than 190 years old! With several additions and upgrades we think the house has lots of charm and enjoy the many modern touches. The property is overgrown pastures and a few steeper slopes with medium growth trees. After the industrial period saw this region nearly deforested, the land was granted to settlers who cleared fields and planted grass. Our immediate vicinity was knows for it’s cattle (Bovina), mostly for diary, and sheep. The agriculture in Delaware County has been on a decline since the advent of rail shipping opened New York City markets to farms in less challenging geographies. Construction of the NYC fresh water system (DEP Watershed) may have contributed to this decline, but about 60-70 years ago the majority of pastures, especially less productive parcels were abandoned to the “weed trees”. These first succession trees grew quickly in the sunny meadows and covered the hills; trees such as Ash, Hawthorn, and Norway Spruce. Fences and barns were left to return to the earth. On our property the stone walls that boarder the fields are the most stark reminder of the intensive agriculture practiced here.

The best camping near Gilbert Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

Cabins and campsites in wooded hilly terrain make this state park a cozy getaway. Its terrain in the foothills of the Catskills provides excellent exploration opportunities. Interconnecting trails for hikers run around the lake and three ponds for picturesque backdrops.

The quietest trails are around Ice Pond, Spring Pond and Twin Fawns in the north end. This area of the park is a real treat all year round. In the winter, its relatively gentle inclines and descents make it great for cross-county skiing. Come by in the fall for tremendous autumnal sights as the foliage begins to turn!

Most of the park's camping areas are close to Gilbert Lake in the south. If you're the sports type, this section offers plenty of ways to test your skills. Volleyball nets and a disc golf course sit just to the southeast of the lake.

Like casting lines in search of that elusive big catch? Gilbert Lake is well-regarded for its bass and trout fishing.