Campgrounds and RV parks near Johnson City, NY

Water and trail activities dominate the area. Chenango Valley State Park's two kettle lakes, Lily and Chenango, were created when the last Ice Age glacier retreated and left behind huge chunks of buried ice, which melted to form the lakes and bog. Summer visitors enjoy the beach, biking, boating, fishing, golf, hiking, and picnicking, while winter visitors ice skate, sled, and cross-country ski. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort, a swimming lake, kayaks, pedal boats, and a sandy beach anchor the on-site attractions, plus mini-golf, a jumping pillow, and character events built for kids. Lighthouse Landing Campground caters to paddlers along the river. Off-site, families visit Ross Park Zoo, the Binghamton carousels, and the rail trails and river greenways that run through Broome County.

The primary camping window runs late spring through mid-fall. Camping at Chenango Valley State Park is available from mid May to mid-October, though some campsites and cabins close in September. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort and other private parks generally follow a similar spring-to-fall pattern, with Belden Hill Campgrounds typically operating from April through October. Summer is peak season. July and August bring the warmest weather and the highest demand for weekend sites, family cabins, and lakeside RV pads. Weekends around Independence Day and Labor Day fill first, and holiday weekends often sell out at both state park and private campgrounds well in advance. Shoulder seasons offer trade-offs. May and September provide cooler nights, thinner crowds, and easier reservations, though some water attractions may be closed. The boating season runs April 15th to October 15th, with no vessels permitted on the lake before or after these dates. Fall foliage in the Southern Tier typically peaks in early to mid October. Winter camping is limited across the region, though the park itself is open for day use year-round.

Chenango Valley State Park offers 52 electric-only sites, 130 tent sites, and 24 cabins, with a beach, boat rentals, food concessions, a nature trail, picnic tables, pavilions, a playground, and showers. The park is bear and raccoon country, so food, garbage, and coolers should not be left unattended. Private parks generally offer fuller RV service, with 30/50-amp electric, full water and sewer hookups, and pull-through sites suited to larger rigs. Amenities such as showers, restrooms, and WiFi are common at Lighthouse Landing and other private options. Expect wooded terrain, moderate humidity in summer, and occasional thunderstorms. Cell service is generally reliable across Broome County. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6ft and under control at all times, and current proof of rabies inoculation is required at check-in (metal tags will not be accepted).