Best Camping in and near Bowman Lake State Park

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Top-rated campgrounds near Bowman Lake State Park

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Steady Slope Fields and Forest

4 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.

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Glamping Yurt in Woods of Franklin

1 site · Lodging8 acres · Walton, NY

Glamping Yurt in the woods of the Western Catskills. This gorgeous 24' Yurt includes electricity, excellent Wifi, two comfortable Queen beds (one mattress on a bed frame and one floor mattress), a refrigerator, and a pristine compost toilet. There is no running water but we provide a Berkey full of filtered water and one gallon of water for washing up in the bathroom. Sit on our gorgeous rocking chairs on the deck and grill, and stargaze from bed through the dome in the ceiling. Please also note that there are extra charges for more than 2 guests ($15/ person/ night), pets ($25/ stay), propane for heat (if needed- $25/ tank) propane for gas grill ($10) and wood bundle for outdoor fire ($15). You can add these to your booking under 'Extras' Please read through all details below to help prepare you for your stay : ) Wifi We have excellent high-speed fiberoptic Wifi. Network: Master Password: ofpuppets Note: If you are standing directly in front of the Wifi disc on the deck you may temporarily block the signal. Sound In the Yurt you should expect to hear all the sounds of nature that you hear when sleeping in a tent. While the Yurt is insulated and stays warm, sound-wise it is like a tent rather than like a house, so expect to hear the sounds of the woods and the weather during your stay. Windows The screen windows close two different ways: to keep the Yurt insulated there is a velcroed thick plastic cover that is clear. To keep out light/ for added privacy you can roll down a solid canvas flap and zip them shut. Please note that both of these things need to happen from outside the Yurt, so you may want to set them how you want them before you turn in for the night. Please reset windows to how you found them when you leave. Bathroom Our compost toilet is lined with a compostable trash bag. Please scoop sawdust from the Periwinkle Milk Crate into the toilet after each use of the toilet. You should scoop enough sawdust to completely and generously cover everything in the toilet. When you end your trip and leave the Yurt, and/or when the toilet is 2/3 full, please tie shut the compostable bag and dump the bag into our compost. Every time you use the outdoor compost, please cover what you have disposed of with either leaves or the hay provided in the center bin. (If you are only staying for 1-2 nights and would prefer not to do this, that is totally fine! Just let us know you didn’t get a chance to bring it out.) There is a pitcher with water and wash bin for brushing teeth/ washing hands in the bathroom. You can empty the wash bin outside when finished using it. We also provide all-purpose soap. Heat The Yurt is well insulated and runs on a propane heater. Please note that propane is not included in your stay and each tank is $25; you can find them under add-ons. Each propane tank will comfortably heat the yurt a night as cold as 30-degree night up to 24hrs. Decide how many tanks you'd like depending how long you are staying or how cold you expect it to be. The Yurt will comfortable heat freezing nights as well, it just will use propane more quickly. Water We provide a full Berkey full of filtered, clean water from our well with each visit. We also provide a pitcher of water in the bathroom for brushing teeth and washing hands and face. If you are staying longer than two nights, or if you expect for any reason to use more water than provided, we ask that you bring the additional water with you, keeping in mind it is a short (4-minute) hike from parking to the Yurt. In some cases with enough notice we may be able to provide additional water for your stay for an additional charge. Kitchenette We provide a Berkey full of filtered water, an electric kettle, a mini fridge and freezer, a microwave for use during your stay. We provide a gas Cuisinart Grill for use on the deck. If you plan to use the grill, please do a $10 mini-propane add-on so we can make sure there is fresh propane provided. We also provide cups, wine glasses, a French Press for coffee making, and compostable plates and bowls. Please do not put the plastic plates and mugs in the microwave. Please throw any compostable food into the compost bin or compost bag provided in the kitchenette and empty it into our large outdoor compost bin at the end of each day. Every time you use the outdoor compost, please cover what you have disposed of with either leaves or the hay provided in the center bin. Please never leave any food in the Yurt for more than one day that isn’t sealed in an airtight container. Please do not put meat or dairy products in the compost. If you bring meat or dairy products into the Yurt, we ask that you take any meat or diary trash out with you and dispose of it elsewhere. We have provided trash bags for this purpose. Please keep any meat and dairy products and trash in airtight sealed containers in the Yurt until you are able to dispose of them. Trash —-Please dispose of regular trash and recycling in our regular trash cans across from where you park. Walton automatically sorts recycling from trash so both can go in the same bins (we separate our recycling in a different bag just so the trash doesn’t contaminate it, but put it in the same bin as the trash.) —-Compost (fruit + veggie scraps, tea + coffee grounds, toilet bag) gets taken to outdoor compost bin on path to parking and covered with hay or leaves —-Meat + dairy stays sealed in an airtight container when in the Yurt and taken with you when you leave Rules 1) Please remove shoes as soon as you enter the Yurt 2) Please scoop sawdust anytime you use the toilet, and please take the toilet sawdust out to the compost bin once it is 2/3 of the way full or when you leave, whichever comes first. (If you are only staying 1-2 nights and prefer not to do this, that is fine, just please let us know you didn’t get a chance to bring out the toilet compost and our cleaner will take care of it.) 3) Please turn off all electricity, including all lights and heaters every time you leave the Yurt, especially when you end your trip. 4) Please never leave any food in the Yurt for more than one day that isn’t sealed in an airtight container. Please put any compostable food in the kitchen compost and take that compost out to the outdoor compost every couple days, covering the compost with leaves or hay once it is disposed of. Please take meat or diary trash with you when you leave. 5) Please do not put the plastic plates and mugs in the microwave. 6) Please wipe down the grill when finished use, make sure to turn off the gas when done, and please do not bring the grill inside the Yurt.

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Tilden Hill Farm

16 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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Ithaca Artsy Bunkhouse

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Ithaca, NY

Stay in our cozy, heated and well insulated, artsy cabin. We're located on a quiet woodsy dead end street with tons of bird life and acres of nature to enjoy. Walking trails are right out the back gate! There is also frog pond and campfire pits to enjoy. Marshmallows and roasting sticks provided. The bunkhouse is less than 2 miles to the center of Ithaca where there is plenty to do! including taking advantage of the new bike share program and waterfront trails. Definitely come hungry, Ithaca has more restaurants per capita than NYC and LA.!! Were also just 12 min across town to Cornell University and Ithaca College and 5-20 minutes from numerous amazing waterfalls. The available half bathroom is in the main house, just seconds from the cabin and is open to use 24 hrs. The heated bunkhouse has 2 twin mattresses in the loft, and several blankets and pillows, but you need to BRING YOUR OWN SHEETS and pillow CASES as you wish. Firewood is $5 per fire, starters materials included, marshmallows are in the end table drawer! There are roasting sticks near the cabin door and out by the far fire pit. You can select the campfire wood option here or pay in cash in the cabin. Feel free to bring your own fire wood and pay nothing to enjoy a campfire. if you need any help starting a fire, we can help. We have a sweet fluffy orange cat who roams the property. His name is kitty kitty :) He's fearful of dogs, and is wary of visitors since they might be harboring one! If you have a pup with you, please keep them leashed at least around the main house and cabin. We are also have a very sweet dog, Beya-- (pronounced Bay-yuh). She is the nicest person you'd hope to meet and although she may bark a little the first time you come in to use the bathroom she's just letting us know you have arrived- and will be very happy to have you greet her. She doesn't jump up, growl, or have any negative behavior with people --other than getting underfoot in the kitchen!. There isn't a shower included in the stay unless you are here for multiple days and have spoken with us about it...but you can definitely wash up with hot water and soap, in the half bath --hand towel provided. The cabin has air conditioning for summer use so no worries about being too warm to sleep well. (and of course there is electric heat in the winter) The location is Beautiful in all seasons! Cross country skiing is possible in the winter but bring your own gear. ** We have also have for sale our just published 100 Things To Do In Ithaca before You Die-- book, let us know if you want one and we can have one ready for you upon your arrival. 18$ ---see the photo and blurb in photo section of our listing If there's something else you need for your stay, just ask! We are pretty flexible and can probably help out.

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Round Top Retreat

1 site · Lodging101 acres · Richford, NY

Close to Ithaca, NY, Cayuga Lake, and Cornell University. Once a snowshoe lodge, then a Boy Scout camp, this rustic cabin retreat property is surrounded by the Robinson Hollow State Forest. The 100 year old cabin sits only a few hundred yards from the Sierra Club section of the Finger Lakes Trail. The area is a peaceful spot for hiking, camping and snowshoeing or cross country skiing (October 1 bow season deer hunting begins, and mid-November to December is NYS gun deer season-which may not be as serene as you'd like). Perfect get-away for humans and their four-legged friends, it's a dog's dream vacation spot. Enjoy a week or weekend, or your vacation in a place where the "noise" is the melodious sounds of nature. It is remote enough to completely break from urban life, yet close enough to Ithaca, NY to enjoy its beauty and attractions. Amenities: outhouse, hand water pump, two-seater outhouse, propane grill, some pots and pans, grill utensils, wood stoves, private, gated entrance, pond, trails. Sleeping loft, no bed (you provide mattress/sleeping bag, etc.). There may be candles, toilet paper, bug spray (if left by previous guests). We are an LGBTQ-woman owned property, and welcome all campers regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, political views, religion, or culture of origin. Learn more about this land: A wonderful rustic, private, off-grid get-away, perfect for couples, families, and pups who enjoy camping (log cabin with wood furniture available, you may pitch your tent anywhere on the property - leave no trace). You may see some wildlife throughout the property (including a milk snake that lives in the cabin wall, but is harmless). It is a quiet, rural, farming area. Once at the cabin there are only two to three houses within a half mile (through the woods), so you will have a private space all your own. Winter camping is special - cozy wood heated cabin, hundreds of acres for snow shoeing, cross country skiing, or snowmobiling. Plan ahead, we do not plow the driveway in winter; plan to shovel an off-road parking space, and transport your gear up to the cabin (1100'). Wood is provided. Onsite: water pump, 2-seat outhouse, wood stove, campfire ring, wood, & propane grill. Exclusive access for nature hikes, streams, forest, pond, swimming, bird watching, star gazing, etc. A wheelchair that can navigate grass and some ruts can enter the cabin, but not the outhouse, and the sleeping loft is up stairs (there is room for a cot or mattress on the first floor); the porch is accessible through the cabin. When you book, you are confirming your understanding of the following: there is no electricity, running water, or std. bed/mattresses. You bring own air mattress, bedding, and gear you will need. All-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. We welcome special events, family reunions, or weddings, if your plans do not require utilities (you may bring a generator or other battery operated items, as needed). Note for winter guests: We do not plow the driveway in winter, you need to be ready to shovel an off-road parking spot, and transport gear to cabin (e.g. by sled, snowshoes) Here's a brief list of the basics to bring: Light source: Lantern propane or battery. Air mattress or cot and whatever bedding you need. Paper products (cups, plates, utensils, toilet paper, etc.) Matches/fire starter (there is wood on-site, and a propane grill for cooking that has a self-starter). Bug spray. Cooler and ice. Lawn chairs. There are a few tables, several chairs and benches. There are 2 picnic tables (one outside and one inside). The benches can be moved outside if you'd like, just move them back inside before you leave. The propane grill should only be used outside. There is a hand axe in the cabin to shave kindling, and the wood is already split to be the length for the wood stove, as needed. Gas: 5 miles away. If you plan to grocery shop when you get to the area, the closest store is at East Hill Plaza in Ithaca, about 9 miles past where the cabin is (I can give you all that info if you like). There is lots to explore/see/do in the Ithaca area if you decide to come down off the hill one of the days. I'll have some brochures and things in the cabin, and can answer questions (aka where is the best ice cream, dinner, etc.).

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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Dark Sky Retreat

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Thompson, PA

Welcome to your dream get away! This enchanting property is nestled on 10 acres of land surrounded by lush greenery and offers a serene and secluded environment where you can enjoy nature at its best without any disturbances. In addition, this property is within a dark sky zone with minimal light pollution allowing for amazing star gazing. The property has tent sites, rv sites and a luxury cottage located in a peaceful area, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The property is located just minutes away from the Elk Mt Ski Center and offers public fishing on several area lakes. The property is also situated near Game lands and Rails to Trails Quad riding trails. The cabin features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom and can comfortably accommodate up to 4 guests. The cabin is equipped with a newly installed oversized septic and a new drilled well. The property has plenty of parking space and is ideal for a vacation getaway where you can leave the world behind. We even have a Level 2 EV Charging Station onsite. Don’t miss out on this magical setting! Book your stay today!

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Brook Hollow Homestead

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents115 acres · East Meredith, NY

Enjoy rustic camping on our 115 acres of upstate NY forest. We are just a short drive to Cooperstown, the Baseball Hall of Fame and the summer baseball camps as well as the other museums that it has to offer. Howe Caverns in Cobleskill is also about 30 minutes away as well. The property consists of a mixture of upland hardwoods (mainly Oak, Maple and Cherry) with scattered stands of Red Pine, White Spruce, Hemlock and two open fields/pastures. There are also the occasional conifers scattered about just to keep things interesting. The majority of the property is gently sloping from the South up towards the North. The is also a nice ridge on the NE corner of the property to aid in topographic diversity. One of the fields is a seven acre hay field and the other is a five acre food plot planted in clover, chicory and other grasses. This field has also been recently planted with Apples, Pear, American Plum, Red Osier Dogwood, Persimmon, Red Mulberry, Chinese Chestnut, and Hazelnuts. These are all young at this time but will start to provide diversity and wildlife interest in the coming years. Wildlife abounds here at the homestead. Whitetail Deer and Eastern Wild Turkey are very common to see. We also have a variety of small animals as well such as Red and Grey Squirrels, Raccoons, Porcupine, Opossum, Fisher etc. For the birders, we have Barred and Great Horned Owls and Red Tailed Hawks. It is also not uncommon to see Bald Eagles soaring over the fields looking for their next meal. All of the property is easily accessible via our extensive trail system. There is also another 187 acres that borders our land that also has trails that would allow hiking. We have detailed maps so that getting lost would be the least of your worries. Attractions Near Us: Hanford Mills Museum - 3 Minutes SUNY Oneonta, Hartwick College, & SUNY Delhi - 20 Minutes Cooperstown (Baseball Hall of Fame & Museums) - 40 Minutes SUNY Cobleskill - 44 Minutes Howe Caverns - 50 Minutes

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Camp Earth Connection

21 sites · Lodging, Tents62 acres · Freeville, NY

Camp Earth Connection is located in the town of Dryden, NY just 12 miles from Ithaca, NY. Camp Earth Connection offers a relaxing stay with a variety of camping options including Log Cabins, Rustic Cabins, AdirondackLean-To's and Tent-Sites. Each site has privacy, picnic tables and grills or fire pits. Camp Earth Connection is an alcohol and drug free facility, offering guests the opportunity to connect with nature and each other in a serene and beautiful natural setting. The Hammond Hill trail system, which offers hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing connects to the 950 mileFinger Lakes Trail system. Wildlife is abundant in the area. It is common to hear the Coyotes and Owls throughout the day. In addition,Mink, Fishers, Bald Eagles, Turkey Buzzards, Porcupines, Raccoons, Skunks, Wild Turkeys, Ravens, Grouse, Red and Grey Fox and an occasional Black Bear are some of the inhabitants of the local forest. Guests can choose to have some peaceful alone time or be more engaged in our small community during our community campfires, campfire pancake breakfasts or workshops. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Camp Earth Connection offers a variety of activities and workshops such as: -Saturday Morning Campfire Pancake Breakfast between Memorial Day and Labor Day -Saturday Evening Community Campfire (when scheduled with guests) Camp Earth Connection values Diversity, Acceptance and Community. It is more than just a campground, it is an experience that can be life-changing. Guests enjoy making meaningful connections with hosts, guests, family & friends. In addition they experience the beauty and healing that is provided by this sacred natural environment. Camp Earth Connection is open to everyone and provides an accepting and safe space for folks who can't always count on that, including the LGBTQ community, People of Color and other culturally diverse individuals, families and groups.

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Cabin in the woods

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Moravia, NY

The cabin is located in a remote area of Bear Swamp State Forest. It is about 5 miles from the nearest paved road but has seasonal roads that take you to the cabin. There are many close attractions like Skaneateles Lake and Carpenters Falls. The Cabin doesn’t have electricity or water but we do have a generator available. We do not have a shower or bathroom but we have an outhouse. We do ask people to bring their own gas if you want to run the generator and woods to make a fire. I highly recommend 4x4 vehicles but I been there in a civic and a mini van.

Happy Pastures Campground

7 sites · Lodging, Tents3 acres · Tully, NY

Nestled in the Finger Lakes, Happy Pastures Campground is a place where families can come and stay for a day, a week, a month or even a season. The campground is located between Skaneateles and Otisco Lakes in the town of Spafford. Our mission is to provide a fun, family-oriented getaway, providing opportunities for families to reconnect with nature and agriculture. With an on-site barn and a mixture of animals in pastures, families will have the opportunity to care for and feed the animals at designated chore times. Scheduled guided hayrides to Fesko Dairy’s family operated dairy farm a mile down the road will provide opportunities to engage with the farmer and staff about modern day agricultural practices. During the camping season, programs will be provided at the campground lodge and barn. Programs will cover a variety of topics designed to incorporate agriculture and nature. Such topics can include gardening, fishing, animal husbandry, outdoor cooking, bird watching, using nature and animals to reduce stress, and many others. Our goal at Happy Pastures Campground is to have campers leave with a better understanding of agriculture and nature while gaining a greater appreciation for where their food comes from and the ecosystem it grows in.

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Meadow Basecamp

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Freeville, NY

As you enter the campsite, you'll be greeted by the neatly mowed plot, offering ample space for setting up tents, camping chairs, and a private fire pit. The well-maintained area ensures a comfortable and clean environment for campers to relax and enjoy their time in nature. The land is vast and super private. Each site has surrounding trees for privacy and a beautiful view of 40 Acres of land to explore. We offer an exclusive site that offers an off-grid experience while also being close to a bunch of activities such as hiking, swimming, boating, mountain biking, and more! We do NOT offer showers at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience. Here are some activities you can enjoy near us! All within a 20-mile radius from Basecamp! Wine Tasting: Explore the Finger Lakes region's renowned wineries, such as the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail or the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, and indulge in wine tastings and vineyard tours. Golfing: Tee off at one of the local golf courses, such as the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course at Cornell University or the Trumansburg Golf Course. Museums and Galleries: Visit the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University or explore downtown Ithaca, which has various art galleries and museums showcasing local and contemporary artwork. Farmers Markets: Experience the vibrant local food scene by visiting farmers markets, such as the Ithaca Farmers Market, where you can find fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local crafts. Outdoor Adventures: Engage in outdoor activities like camping, bird-watching, or nature walks at places like the Finger Lakes National Forest or the Cayuga Nature Center. Performing Arts: Enjoy live performances, concerts, or theatrical productions at venues like the State Theatre of Ithaca or the Hangar Theatre. Shopping and Dining: Explore the unique shops, boutiques, and restaurants in downtown Ithaca, offering a diverse range of cuisines and locally-made products. Hiking: - Robert H. Treman State Park: Approximately 11 miles - Buttermilk Falls State Park: Approximately 10 miles - Cayuga Lake State Park: Approximately 10 miles - Taughannock Falls State Park: Approximately 15 miles Fishing: - Fall Creek: Approximately 9 miles - Cayuga Lake: Approximately 10 miles Horseback Riding: - Cayuga Riding Center: Approximately 10 miles - Highland Horse Farm: Approximately 8 miles - Cornell University Equestrian Center: Approximately 7 miles Mountain Biking: - Greek Peak Mountain Resort: Approximately 15 miles - Shindagin Hollow State Forest: Approximately 20 miles - Hammond Hill State Forest: Approximately 16 miles Please note that trail conditions and accessibility may vary, so it's recommended to check with local authorities or mountain biking clubs for the latest information before heading out. Additionally, always practice trail etiquette and respect any rules or regulations in place. Also keep in mind that availability, prices, and specific activities may vary, so it's advisable to contact each location directly for more information, including reservations and any age or experience restrictions.

The best camping near Bowman Lake State Park guide

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Although far and few between, New York still has some hidden gems. And with its winding roads and dense forests, Bowman Lake State Park is considered one of them. The parks namesake, Bowman Lake, is 35 acres and is the center of pretty much all activity. And that’s a lot! You’ll find beach swimming, remarkable fishing (trout are regularly stocked), and several hikes, the most popular being a loop around the ol’ lake. Campgrounds are roomy, secluded, and shady--so if you aren’t feeling up for much, hanging out in a hammock by the fire is perfectly acceptable. With more than 650 wooded and wild acres, Bowman Lake State Park is well worth a visit.