Hours
Monday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PMTuesday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Forest Lake Campground Introduce
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Central New York, Forest Lake Campground serves as a tranquil escape for those looking to trade the noise of city life for the rustle of leaves and the gentle ripple of lake water. Spanning over 350 acres of pristine landscape, this family-owned destination has been a staple of the Truxton community since the late 1960s. For over 50 years, it has provided a sanctuary where families can gather to create lasting memories, offering an atmosphere that many visitors describe as reminiscent of the Adirondacks but with the accessibility of the Mohawk Valley and Finger Lakes regions.
The campground is centered around a stunning eight-acre private lake, which acts as the heartbeat of the property. Surrounded by high-altitude terrain and lush forests, the park offers a unique microclimate that stays cool and refreshing even during the peak of a New York summer. Whether you are a weekend warrior looking for a quick retreat or a seasonal camper seeking a semi-permanent home for the warmer months, Forest Lake Campground prides itself on a laid-back, secure, and welcoming environment that prioritizes the comfort of its guests.
Location and accessibility are major advantages for visitors coming from across the New York region. Situated at 5816 Hickey Road in Truxton, NY, the campground is conveniently positioned between Syracuse, Cortland, and Binghamton. This makes it an ideal home base for exploring the diverse attractions of Central New York. Despite its secluded feel, the park is easily reached via well-maintained local roads, ensuring that even those driving large "big rig" RVs can navigate their way to their site with confidence.
The management has also taken care to ensure the facilities are inclusive. The park features wheelchair-accessible entrances and designated parking areas, making it possible for all guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the grounds. On-site parking is plentiful, and the layout of the campground is designed to provide spacious sites that offer a level of privacy often missing from state-run facilities. Its proximity to local landmarks like Labrador Mountain and the Highland Forest County Park adds another layer of appeal for those who enjoy regional exploration.
The services offered at Forest Lake Campground are tailored to provide a hassle-free camping experience, balancing modern necessities with the charm of traditional outdoor living. The park is well-equipped to handle various camping styles, from primitive tent setups to luxury RVs requiring full utility support. One of the standout aspects of their service is the commitment to constant improvement, with ongoing renovations ensuring that buildings and utilities meet modern standards.
- Spacious RV sites with dedicated water and electrical hookups (including 20, 30, and 50-amp options).
- Select sites offering sewage connections for long-term and seasonal residents.
- Clean and well-maintained public restrooms equipped with hot showers.
- A convenient dump station available for RV travelers.
- On-site laundry facilities to accommodate longer stays.
- Security gate and professional on-site management to ensure a safe and secure environment.
- High-speed fiber-optic Wi-Fi available in public areas and select sites for those who need to stay connected.
- Firewood delivery service, bringing seasoned wood directly to your fire ring for evening campfires.
The features and highlights of the park are centered on outdoor recreation and family-friendly fun. With 350 acres of woods and a private lake at your disposal, the opportunities for "forest bathing" and active play are nearly endless. The park is especially popular with families due to its safe layout and dedicated spaces for children to play and explore safely.
- An 8-acre private lake perfect for swimming, fishing for bass, and quiet paddling.
- Rowboat, canoe, and paddleboat rentals available on-site for lake exploration.
- A large children's playground featuring swings, slides, and safe play structures.
- An indoor game room and recreation center for rainy day entertainment.
- A large community pavilion and rally field, perfect for group gatherings, reunions, and organized events like Bingo.
- Miles of hiking and walking trails that wind through the forest, including kid-friendly routes.
- Pet-friendly policies that include a dedicated dog park area for four-legged campers.
- Spacious picnic areas at every site, complete with fire rings and sturdy picnic tables.
If you are planning your next camping trip or are interested in becoming a seasonal resident, the best way to get started is to contact the owners directly. They are known for their friendly demeanor and can provide the most current information on site availability and seasonal rates. The camping season typically runs from May 1 through October 15, so early booking is recommended for holiday weekends.
Address: 5816 Hickey Rd, Truxton, NY 13158, USA
Primary Phone: (607) 842-6401
Alternate/Mobile: +1 607-842-6401
When weighing your options for a Central New York getaway, Forest Lake Campground is worth choosing because of its unique blend of community and nature. Unlike larger, corporate-owned parks, this family-run establishment offers a personal touch that makes guests feel like part of the family. The sites are notably larger than those found at state parks, allowing you to enjoy your slice of the forest without feeling crowded by your neighbors. The high-altitude setting provides a cooler environment during humid New York summers, making it a "camper's delight" for those who struggle with the heat.
Furthermore, the value proposition is hard to beat. Reasonable camping fees combined with a wealth of included activities—like hiking and lake access—make it an affordable choice for families on a budget. For those who enjoy the "seasonal life," the safety, security, and friendliness of the community are frequently cited as the reasons they return year after year. Whether you are there to watch the stars at night, catch a bass in the morning, or simply enjoy a quiet picnic with your children, Forest Lake Campground delivers an authentic New York camping experience that is both revitalizing and memorable.
Ultimately, choosing Forest Lake is about choosing a legacy of outdoor enjoyment. From the well-maintained trails to the sparkling private lake, every acre of this 350-acre tract is designed to help you disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the people who matter most. If you are looking for a quiet retreat that offers both adventure and relaxation, this Truxton gem is exactly what you have been searching for.
Location
Customer Reviews
We first went to Forest Lake campground for weekend trips. We found that we love the area, love the owners, and like the laid-back atmosphere. We have since become seasonal campers. The campground is safe and secure, it is pet friendly, the sites are large, the owners are awesome, the prices are reasonable, and the other campers are very friendly. We're very happy having a seasonal site here.
I visited friends way up top in the back and stayed there two years ago it was nice and quiet and they have very spacious sites compared to state run camp grounds. The lake is huge and I as a boy would have loved to fish that lake. The owners husband and wife team are very friendly. The guy that left a one-star review seems to have 5 reviews and he gave one stars to all but one. I give this place five stars for quiet retreat, forest bathing, swimming, and fishing. A campers delight.
Wonderful campground tucked between the hills of Truxton. There were many permanent residents there and the staff were wonderful and friendly. I wish our site had sewer hookups, but we were able to drive our motorhome over to the dump station easily.
This was our family's first camping trip and this was the perfect place and set up for us. Jean was the most amazing, friendly, helpful and kind person you'd want to encounter. My family absolutely adored her and she went above and beyond for us and our comfortability. Our site was awesome and we had the best time. Very family friendly and very reasonable as well. Our kids loved it so much they asked if we could move there and while that's not in the plans we will absolutely be planning a future trip back to Forest Lake Campground.
Place is complete trash. Worst roads ever around campground and if you don't stop everytime to let the owners know you're there they race after you and decide to scream and yell at you (literally scream and yell). These are suppose to be church going people but treat people like dirt. Hate to see how they treat their wives in their household behind closed doors. If I could give it a negative stars I would after listening to the owner scream and yell at women coming to visit their family.Update: Now charging $5 PER PERSON NOT PER CAR just to visit for the day. I may only have left 5 reviews in my life but at least it's the truth and not some owner trying to inflate their GOOGLE review score 😅. Best part is they don't deny screaming at customers.
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