Top 5 Best Camping Spots Close to Binghamton

I mentioned in a previous post, how hot camping is, not only in the Greater Binghamton area but across New York State and the Unites States.  "One third of U.S. adults say they have gone on a camping vacation in the past five years." That's huge.  And with the Outdoor and Camping Show coming to the Binghamton University Events Center March 18th, I thought it would be fun to list some of my favorite camping sites close to Binghamton.

Here are some of my favorite spots to get away for a while, all driving distance from Binghamton.

#1 - State Park -- My old standby is Chenango Valley State Park because it's close to home and work and is absolutely beautiful.  If you haven't been to "State Park" in a while, you will be pleasantly surprised at some of the new construction, with more improvements on the horizon.  Rent a cabin here and you will feel like you are 100 miles away!

#2 -  Watkins Glen State Park -  Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, with a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound. Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. Rim trails overlook the gorge. Campers and daytime visitors can enjoy the Olympic-size pool, modern playground, scheduled summer tours through the gorge, tent and trailer campsites, picnic facilities, and excellent fishing in nearby Seneca Lake or in Catherine Creek, which is renowned for its annual spring run of rainbow trout.

#3 -  Saranac Lake Islands -  The Lower Saranac Lake Islands provide miles and miles of boater recreation and direct access to four other lakes.  Coupled with the ability to camp on selected island sites, being able to fish for your dinner after hours of waterskiing might make you want to stay here forever.

#4 -  Buttermilk Falls-  I went to college near Ithaca so I love this region for all of it's natural beauty.  Buttermilk Falls is named from the foaming falls of Buttermilk Creek, campers will enjoy swimming, hiking, full picnic areas and breathtaking scenery.  Park activities, including tours through Buttermilk gorge, are offered weekly from July 4th through Labor Day.

#5 -  Robert H. Treman State Park -  has winding trails that follow a gorge past 12 waterfalls, including the 115-foot Lucifer Falls. Treman has nine miles of hiking trails, nice camping facilities and great swimming.

So what are your favorite camping spots?  We are so lucky to have endless choices within a couple hours of the triple cities.

See all the latest in outdoor and camping with the 10th Annual Outdoor and Camping Show, March 18-20 at Binghamton University Events Center.  Admission tickets are $5-$8 Advance discount tickets are available HERE.

[Source: TripleBlaze.com]