The best camping near Glimmerglass State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Glimmerglass adventure.

75% (2 reviews)
75% (2 reviews)

Named after a literary legend, this is an idyllic setting for outdoor explorers.  

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Community favorites near Glimmerglass State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Glimmerglass State Park

94%
(93)

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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$120
 / night
99%
(774)

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"
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$45
 / night
95%
(20)

Kimberly H.’s Land

3 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Cobleskill, NY
Country farm and camping grounds.
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$25
 / night
100%
(1)

Locust Grove Waterfall

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Oak Hill, NY
Fall asleep to the sounds of the waterfall on the Catskill creek! Escape the chaos - find peace and solace among the Catskill mountains. Located directly on the Catskill creek in the hamlet of Oak Hill, you'll be sleeping to the sounds of the waterfall just steps from the site. At the foot of the waterfall is your own personal swimming hole. Take advantage of the multiple hammock relaxation stations throughout the property and swimming in the creek. If you're up for a walk, the infamous Yellow Deli is just a mile down the road. We're just a few minutes away from Windham Mountain and various trails if you're the hiking type. Check out our "Must See" book in the tent for suggestions on places to enjoy during your stay. This campsite features a queen size bed for two. Site guidelines Bring loads of extra blankets and warm clothing. Boots are a must. Although the driveway is kept clear, car should ideally be AWD or 4WD depending on weather conditions. Consult your campkeeper. Let your campkeeper know when you are arriving so we can light up entry for you. Cleanup all common spaces when you leave. But, make yourself at home. Video Footage of the site - Instagram - @locustgroveny ***We have added a second full size glamping tent, the same size as the main tent with a queen size bed. This is only available to you when you book this site with a capacity of more than 2 people, it will never be rented to anyone else when you are there.
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$100
 / night
44%
(9)

Streams and near-by Activities

4 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Gilboa, NY
The site was once home to the Old Gilboa Post Office and has amazing ecological features including fossilsLearn more about this land:This is a 2 acre site that offers a wonderful terrain with 2 streams one being seasonal and the other spring fed, wooded hills and 4 seperate clearings to set up a campsite. The Driveways are large enough to fit a 36ft Travel Trailer or even a small watercraft with Trailer. There are plenty of activities in the area from hiking, fishing, wildlife watching, fossil hunting, sight seeing and more. 
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$15
 / night
100%
(10)

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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$40
 / night
Booked 2 times

Strawberry Hill Camps

3 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Hartwick, NY
Beautiful location on a hill with beautiful views of sunrise and wildlife. 3 Campsites to choose from or rent them all for a group event. Scenic, Simplistic & Serene - each boast it's own unique features. Each site is well equipped with 5 inch memory foam bed under a heavy duty canvas tent on a raised platform. Picnic table, fire-pit, loo, trash can and much more available.
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$85
 / night
100%
(94)

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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$50
 / night
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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$65
 / night

Red Creek Hideaway In Cooperstown

1 site · Tent11 acres · Cooperstown, NY
Nestled in a serene valley along Red Creek in Cooperstown, NY, a mere 2.5 miles from the Baseball Hall of Fame and Lake Otsego, our accommodation offers a truly unique experience. Picture a private cabin in the woods – only, in this case, it's a safari-style tent, providing an intimate connection with nature. Our Red Creek Hideaway is not just a place to stay; it's a haven where comfort, convenience, and the great outdoors seamlessly come together. Enjoy the luxury of private access to beautiful Red Creek, creating the perfect backdrop for relaxation, exploration, swimming, or fishing. The safari-style tent is so well-appointed and stocked with amenities that you may find it tempting to extend your stay throughout the summer. All the necessary equipment and glamping amenities are thoughtfully provided, ensuring a hassle-free and memorable experience. For a detailed list of amenities and to discover more about the unique offerings of our Red Creek Hideaway, visit www.redcreekhideaway. Immerse yourself in a getaway that combines the charm of a private cabin in the woods with the comforts of modern glamping. Your escape to nature begins here.
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$169
 / night
100%
(2)

Karen S.’s Land

2 sites · RVs, Tents89 acres · Cherry Valley, NY
Located near Cooperstown and the famous opera. Walk to waterfalls, Cycling, boating, horseback riding.
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$30
 / night
100%
(53)

Hogan's Landing

3 sites · RVs, Tents101 acres · Esperance, NY
Property was an Airport called Red Wing back in the 60's and 70's. Purchased and made many improvements. Pond, hiking trails, grass and paved runway. A must see property. We now have new facilities for special events, such as WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARIES, REUNIONS, MEETINGS & BIRTHDAYS. For both sites there are numerous trails in forest for camping, hiking . Fire wood is available for purchase at the camp site. You can set up your camp site almost anywhere you choose. Crystal clear pond has fountains, swing, dock, canoes, paddle boat & fire pit. Two (2) runways for those that want to fly in. (NY05) Fantastic Views !!!!! Site seeing flights thru the valley available. At both sites we ask when leaving, they must remain as you arrived and what was carried in must be carried out. At present there are no dumpsters available. Final note : If you prefer to use the whole property exclusively, please contact us for an addition rates and we will block the other site.
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$130
 / night

The best camping near Glimmerglass State Park guide

Overview

About

Immortalized as “Glimmerglass Lake” in James Fenimore Cooper’s classic “Leatherstocking Tales” novels, the storybook scenery of this state park should come as little surprise. Follow the wooded trails down to the shores of Otsego Lake, where you can picnic on the sandy beach, cool off with a swim, or rent a kayak to paddle out across the lake. Away from the water, peek inside the historic Hyde Hall, admire the Hyde Hall Covered Bridge (the oldest in the country), then head to Shadow Brook to check into Glimmerglass State Campground

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve one of 50 campsites at Glimmerglass State Campground via the Reserve America website. A 2-night minimum stay applies.
  2. Online reservations open nine months in advance and can be made up until 3pm on the day of arrival. 
  3. Campsites can book up fast for summer and holiday weekends, so book at least three months in advance. Just six sites have electric hookups, and these spots tend to book up first.

When to go

Camping season at Glimmerglass runs from May through September, a great time for swimming and watersports. Seasonal activities take place year-round, with hiking and biking tracks transforming into snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails come winter, and boating and fishing giving way to ice skating and ice fishing. An added bonus for off-season visitors—no admission fee after Labor Day.

Know before you go

  • Glimmerglass State Park is set along the northeastern shore of Otsego Lake, about a 10-minute drive north of Cooperstown.
  • Day-use parking fees apply at all New York state parks, as well as campsite booking fees. Vehicle fees at Glimmerglass are waived in low season.
  • Park facilities include restrooms, picnic areas, a concession stand, a playground, and a basketball court. Accessible campsites, parking, and restrooms are available, and The Meadow hiking trail is also accessible. 

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