Forest Lake Campground

Are you a New Yorker seeking the perfect blend of serene natural beauty and a friendly community atmosphere for your next camping adventure? Look no further than Forest Lake Campground in Windsor, NY. Nestled within 350 acres of picturesque land, this beautifully kept campground offers a tranquil escape with spacious sites, a charming 22-acre lake, and a welcoming environment that makes every visitor feel right at home. It’s an ideal destination for families, couples, and individuals looking to unwind, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories in the heart of New York’s Southern Tier.

Forest Lake Campground has a rich history, built by the Sutton family in the mid-1960s with a mission to create a family-friendly atmosphere. This dedication is still evident today, as highlighted by numerous positive reviews praising the "really nice owners" and the "fun" seasonal campers. Whether you prefer to "keep to yourself and relax the day away or join the fun," this campground provides the flexibility to enjoy your outdoor experience exactly as you envision it. It's truly a "hidden gem" that many New Yorkers discover and return to year after year.

A great campground offers more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it provides an experience. Forest Lake Campground excels in this regard by offering a peaceful, well-maintained environment where community thrives, and the natural surroundings invite exploration and relaxation. It's a testament to the charm of New York's outdoors, providing a perfect setting for both short-term getaways and long-term seasonal stays.

Forest Lake Campground is conveniently located at 574 Ostrander Rd, Windsor, NY 13865, USA. This prime location places it in Broome County, part of New York's scenic Southern Tier region. For locals across New York State, its accessibility is a significant advantage.

The campground is just a short drive from Binghamton, making it easily reachable for residents of the greater Binghamton area and surrounding towns. While customer reviews mention "easy off/on I-90," it's important to clarify that I-90 (the New York State Thruway) is further north. However, the campground benefits from its proximity to major regional routes like I-81 and NY-17 (which becomes I-86), providing excellent connectivity from various parts of New York, including Syracuse, Albany, and even the northern reaches of the metropolitan area. The drive through the Southern Tier to Windsor is often picturesque, setting the tone for a relaxing retreat.

Windsor itself is a charming town that offers local amenities for campers, including gas stations, grocery stores, and small businesses. The surrounding area is rich in natural beauty, with opportunities for hiking, exploring local parks, and enjoying the peaceful rural landscapes. The short distance to Binghamton also means campers have access to a wider range of services, dining options, and cultural attractions, should they wish to explore beyond the campground. This blend of rural tranquility and convenient access to urban centers makes Forest Lake Campground an ideal choice for New Yorkers seeking a balanced outdoor getaway.

Forest Lake Campground prides itself on providing a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all campers, whether they are visiting for a night or for the entire season.

• Spacious Campsites: The campground offers a variety of generously sized sites, including Full Hook-Up sites (with 30/50 AMP electric, water, and sewer connections), water and electric sites, electric-only sites, and tent sites. Each site typically includes a fire ring and a picnic table. Some sites are "on the gorgeous waterfront," offering beautiful views.
• 22-Acre Private Lake: A major highlight is the 22-acre private lake, suitable for canoes, rowboats, and kayaks. It's also well-stocked for fishing, offering "exceptional fishing" opportunities.
• Boat Rentals: For those who don't bring their own, canoe, paddleboat, and rowboat rentals are available, providing easy access to enjoy the lake.
• Newly Renovated Bathrooms & Free Showers: The campground offers clean and "newly renovated bathrooms" and free showers, ensuring a comfortable experience for all campers.
• Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry and dryer machines are available, providing convenience for longer stays.
• Free, High-Speed, Fiber Optic Wi-Fi: Staying connected is easy with free, high-speed, fiber optic Wi-Fi available across the campground, a significant amenity for modern campers. Good cell phone reception is also available.
• Camp Store: While not explicitly detailed in reviews, a "beautifully kept campground" often includes a well-maintained camp store for essential supplies and treats.
• Firewood Delivery: Firewood can be delivered directly to your site, making it easy to enjoy campfires without the hassle of gathering wood.
• Large Playground: A dedicated "Large Playground" ensures that younger campers have plenty of space to play and burn off energy.
• Dog Park: A designated dog park is available, making the campground pet-friendly and providing a safe space for furry companions to exercise.
• Pavilion Rental: A pavilion is available for rent, ideal for group gatherings, family reunions, or special events.
• Security Gate: A security gate adds an extra layer of safety and peace of mind for campers.

Forest Lake Campground truly shines with several distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its "hidden gem" status:

• Exceptional Owners and Staff: A recurring theme in customer reviews is the "really nice owners" (Pete and Dreama) and the "super helpful and friendly" staff. This personalized and attentive service creates a warm, welcoming, and memorable experience for visitors.
• Beautifully Kept & Well-Maintained: Campers consistently praise the campground for being "beautifully kept," "clean," and "very well maintained." This dedication to upkeep ensures a pleasant and aesthetically pleasing environment for all.
• Spacious Campsites with Privacy: Unlike some campgrounds where sites feel cramped, Forest Lake offers "great spaces between camps" and "large campsites," providing ample privacy for campers to relax and enjoy their surroundings. Some even offer "amazing views" and "gorgeous waterfront" access.
• Vibrant Community Atmosphere: For those who enjoy social interaction, the campground fosters a "fun" environment, particularly among the "seasonal campers." Visitors can choose to "keep to yourself and relax" or "join the fun," with activities almost every weekend, including "potlucks, painting classes, wine tastings, fishing derbies, and corn hole tournaments."
• Excellent Fishing and Boating Lake: The 22-acre private lake is not only scenic but also well-stocked, providing "exceptional fishing" opportunities. The availability of boat rentals (canoes, paddleboats, rowboats) makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the water. Reviews also mention "love watching the ducks and geese with their babies," adding to the serene lakeside charm.
• High-Speed Connectivity: The provision of "free, high speed, fiber optic wifi" and "great cell phone service" is a significant modern convenience, allowing campers to stay connected if needed, whether for work or leisure, without sacrificing the outdoor experience.
• Family and Pet Friendly: With a "Large Playground" for kids and a dedicated "Dog Park" (plus pets allowed on sites), the campground is clearly designed to accommodate the entire family, including furry members, ensuring "fun for the whole family."

Forest Lake Campground offers a clear and competitive pricing structure designed to accommodate various stay lengths, from nightly visits to seasonal commitments. While specific short-term "promotions" beyond these rates aren't widely advertised, their published rates provide good value, and direct inquiry is always recommended for any unique deals.

Current rates for 2025 are as follows:

• Daily Site Rental: $55 per night. This includes full hookups (water, electric, sewer).
• Weekly Site Rental: $330 per week. This offers a discount compared to daily rates and also includes full hookups.
• Seasonal Site Rental: $1,350 plus metered electric usage for the season (May 1 to October 15). This is an incredibly attractive option for those looking for a long-term, established camping spot without the need to set up and tear down constantly. Many reviews highlight the thriving community of seasonal campers.

All rates are based on a family of 2 adults and their 2 dependent children. Additional charges may apply for extra occupants, air conditioners, and heaters (for weekly and seasonal rentals). Visitors to registered campers typically pay a fee ($5 per person for day visitors, $10 for overnight visitors).

It is important to note that credit card payments may incur an additional 4% fee, with cash or checks preferred. For the most up-to-date information on rates, availability, and to inquire about any potential unadvertised specials or group rates, it is always best to contact Forest Lake Campground directly using the contact information provided below.

For reservations, inquiries about site availability (especially seasonal sites), or to learn more about the amenities and activities at Forest Lake Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 574 Ostrander Rd, Windsor, NY 13865, USA

Phone: (607) 655-1444

Mobile Phone: +1 607-655-1444

Email: forestlake607@gmail.com

Website: http://www.forestlakewindsorny.com/ (or forestlakecampground.com)

It is highly recommended to call or email ahead, especially for weekend stays or during peak season, as this "hidden gem" is becoming increasingly popular. The friendly owners and staff, often mentioned in reviews, will be happy to assist you in planning your visit.

For residents of New York, Forest Lake Campground in Windsor stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for a wide range of camping preferences. Its appeal to locals is multifaceted, combining convenience, comfort, and a genuine sense of community.

Firstly, its accessible location in the Southern Tier, just a short drive from Binghamton and well-connected to major state routes, means that a tranquil escape is always within reach. New Yorkers don't need to travel far to experience the beauty of the state's rolling hills and serene landscapes, making it ideal for both spontaneous weekend trips and planned longer vacations.

Secondly, the campground’s dedication to providing a "beautifully kept," "clean," and "very well maintained" environment, coupled with the "really nice owners" and "super helpful and friendly" staff, ensures a consistently positive experience. This level of care and customer service fosters a welcoming atmosphere where both transient and seasonal campers feel valued and comfortable. The strong sense of community, particularly among seasonal campers, offers a unique opportunity for New Yorkers to build lasting friendships and enjoy a consistent "home away from home" throughout the warmer months.

Finally, the array of amenities and activities, centered around a picturesque 22-acre private lake, provides endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. From "exceptional fishing" and boating to planned social activities, a large playground for children, and a dog park, Forest Lake Campground caters to the entire family, including pets. The provision of modern conveniences like high-speed fiber optic Wi-Fi also means campers can enjoy the outdoors without feeling completely disconnected.

In essence, Forest Lake Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a vibrant, welcoming community nestled in the natural beauty of New York. For any local seeking a peaceful retreat, an active family vacation, or a long-term seasonal home in the outdoors, Forest Lake Campground in Windsor is an excellent and highly recommended choice.

Forest Lake Campground

574 Ostrander Rd, Windsor, NY 13865, USA