Hill Top Camping Area

For New Yorkers eager to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Upstate, particularly in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, camping offers an ideal escape. Hill Top Camping Area, nestled within Gilbert Lake State Park in Laurens, NY, provides a fantastic opportunity to do just that. This state park campground is a popular choice for families and nature enthusiasts, boasting a blend of serene natural landscapes and engaging recreational activities. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and factual overview of Hill Top Camping Area, detailing its location, services, features, and why it's a suitable choice for locals looking to explore their own backyard.

Gilbert Lake State Park, where Hill Top Camping Area is situated, is renowned for its picturesque lake, three ponds, and over 12 miles of interconnecting trails. It's a place where outdoor adventures are abundant, from paddling and fishing to hiking and biking. While one review noted a desire for more privacy between campsites, and a specific bathroom lacking showers, the overall consensus points to a "clean" environment and "friendly staff." Furthermore, the park hosts unique events like a "family Olympics event that's really low-key, not cut-throat competitive, and lots of fun," highlighting a strong focus on community and enjoyable experiences. Understanding these nuances is key for prospective campers in New York. We'll delve into the specifics that make Hill Top Camping Area a noteworthy destination for your next outdoor adventure in the Empire State.

Hill Top Camping Area is located within Gilbert Lake State Park, with a GPS address of 870 County Route 12, Laurens, NY 13796, USA. This places the campground in the tranquil, hilly woodlands of the Catskill foothills, north of Oneonta. For New York residents, this location offers a perfect balance of serene natural surroundings and convenient access to nearby towns and attractions.

The park's setting provides a true sense of escape, allowing campers to disconnect and enjoy the outdoors. Despite its peaceful ambiance, Gilbert Lake State Park is well-situated for accessibility. It's a manageable drive from many parts of central and eastern New York. The proximity to Oneonta, a vibrant college town, means campers have easy access to additional amenities, including diverse dining options, shopping, and cultural experiences, should they wish to venture beyond the park. Furthermore, the area is rich with other attractions, including the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, Farmers Museum, Howe Caverns, and Hanford Mills Museum, all within a reasonable driving distance. The interconnecting trails within the park also offer extensive opportunities for exploration right from your campsite. Whether you're coming from Albany, Binghamton, or even further afield, the journey to Gilbert Lake State Park promises a rewarding destination in the heart of Upstate New York's beautiful landscape.

Hill Top Camping Area, as part of Gilbert Lake State Park, offers a comprehensive range of services and facilities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for all visitors. These services cater to various camping styles, from tent camping to RVs and cabins.

• Campsites: The Hill Top campground specifically offers sites for tents and RVs up to 50 feet maximum length. Both electric and non-electric sites are available. Each campsite typically includes a picnic table and fire pit. The park has a total of 135 campsites.
• Cabin Rentals: For those seeking more comfort, the park features 33 cabins (11 units for 4 people, 22 units for 6 people). These cabins offer amenities such as kitchens, living rooms, screened porches, beds, refrigerators, and stoves, providing a comfortable "glamping" experience. Cabins require a 7 or 14-night minimum stay during the peak season.
• Restrooms and Showers: Clean restrooms with flush toilets are available throughout the campground. Hot showers are provided in specific washroom buildings, although one review noted that not all bathroom facilities had showers, so it's advisable to check the map for shower access.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is centrally located within the campground.
• Dump Station: An accessible dump station is available for RVs, ensuring convenient waste disposal.
• Boat Rentals: Single kayaks, double kayaks, and paddleboards are available for rent, allowing guests to explore Gilbert Lake. Personal non-motorized boats are also permitted.
• Concessions: A concession stand is available at the beach, offering convenience for snacks and refreshments.
• Firewood: Firewood is available for purchase at the park office, with fires allowed only in designated fire pits.
• Nature Center: The park hosts the New York State Civilian Conservation Corps Museum and offers a nature center, providing educational opportunities.
• Shelter Rentals: Three pavilions (Briggs Shelter & Kitchen, Large Shelter, Beach Shelter) are available for rent, ideal for group gatherings or events.
• Swimming Beach: The park boasts a nice beach on Gilbert Lake with lifeguards on duty during the swimming season (typically late May to early September), providing a safe and enjoyable swimming area.

Hill Top Camping Area within Gilbert Lake State Park offers a variety of features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for New York campers.

• Picturesque Lake and Ponds: The park's main draw is Gilbert Lake and its three ponds, set in a beautiful wooded, hilly terrain. The lake is "beautiful and really clear," perfect for swimming, paddling, and fishing.
• Extensive Trail System: With "more than 12 miles of interconnecting trails," the park is a hiker's paradise. These trails are also suitable for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing in the winter, making it a year-round recreational hub.
• Family-Friendly Activities: The campground fosters a welcoming environment for families, offering amenities like playgrounds, a disc golf course, and a softball field. The "family Olympics event" is a notable highlight, promoting low-key, fun competition.
• Diverse Camping Options: From traditional tent sites to RV sites with electric hookups (30 and 50 amp) and comfortable cabins, the park caters to a wide range of preferences and needs, ensuring a suitable stay for every type of camper.
• Clean Facilities and Friendly Staff: Reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of the facilities and the "very friendly" staff, contributing to a pleasant and well-maintained environment.
• Educational Opportunities: The New York State Civilian Conservation Corps Museum and nature center provide an educational component to a camping trip, allowing visitors to learn about the park's history and natural environment.
• Outdoor Recreation Abundance: Beyond camping, the park offers a myriad of activities including biking, boating (non-motorized), fishing, horseshoes, and volleyball, ensuring there's always something to do.

It's important for prospective campers to note a few points based on reviews:

• Limited Campsite Privacy: One review mentioned that there was "no real privacy between one site and the next," as sites were "all on the same plane," which might be a consideration for those seeking a more secluded camping experience.
• Limited Cell Service: There is "very poor cell service at the park," which can be a highlight for those looking to truly disconnect, but a drawback for others. Some areas, like "sites 'on top of the hill'," might have better signal.

As a New York State Park campground, Hill Top Camping Area typically operates under a standard fee structure for its campsites and cabins. While specific seasonal "promotions" in the commercial sense are not usually offered, the park provides excellent value through its affordable rates and extensive amenities.

Key aspects that serve as "offers" for New York locals include:

• Affordable Camping Rates: Campsite fees range from $15-$28 per night, with an additional $5/night for out-of-state patrons, making it a budget-friendly option for New York residents.
• Affordable Cabin Rentals: Cabins are available at competitive weekly rates ($490-$624/week), providing a cost-effective alternative for longer stays.
• Family Passes/Programs: New York State Parks may offer various passes (e.g., Empire Pass) that can reduce vehicle entrance fees to the park, providing savings for frequent visitors.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, availability, and any potential state-sponsored programs that might offer value, New York locals should visit the New York State Parks website for Gilbert Lake State Park or use the ReserveAmerica booking platform directly. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season.

For New York residents planning a trip to Hill Top Camping Area within Gilbert Lake State Park, or for any inquiries regarding the park's amenities and camping options, here's how to get in touch:

• Address: 870 County Route 12, Laurens, NY 13796, USA (This is the park's main GPS address)
• General Information Phone: (607) 432-2114 (Park Office hours are typically 8 am-9 pm daily until Columbus Day)

For reservations and availability for campsites and cabins, it is recommended to use:

• ReserveAmerica.com
• Reservation Call Center: 1-800-456-2267

The official New York State Parks website for Gilbert Lake State Park (parks.ny.gov/parks/gilbertlake/details.aspx) is an excellent resource for detailed information, maps, rules, and updates on swimming season or other park operations.

Hill Top Camping Area within Gilbert Lake State Park offers a highly suitable and enriching outdoor experience for New York locals. Its prime location in the scenic Catskill foothills provides a tranquil escape while maintaining accessibility to both natural wonders and nearby cultural attractions like Cooperstown. The park's diverse camping options, ranging from tent and RV sites to comfortable cabins, cater to a broad spectrum of preferences, ensuring that every type of camper can find their ideal spot.

What truly makes this destination shine for New Yorkers is the abundance of recreational activities available right at their fingertips. The clear waters of Gilbert Lake invite swimming, fishing, and boating, while over 12 miles of well-maintained trails beckon hikers, bikers, and winter sports enthusiasts. The family-friendly atmosphere, highlighted by events like the low-key "family Olympics," fosters a sense of community and provides engaging entertainment for all ages. While some campsites may offer less privacy than desired and cell service can be spotty – a feature that can be a highlight for those truly wishing to disconnect – the overall cleanliness, friendly staff, and wealth of amenities make it a truly rewarding destination. For New Yorkers seeking an affordable, activity-packed, and beautifully situated camping adventure that connects them with their state's natural heritage, Hill Top Camping Area at Gilbert Lake State Park is an excellent choice for creating lasting memories.

Hill Top Camping Area

Laurens, NY 13796, USA