Sunrise Camping Area

For New Yorkers seeking a revitalizing escape into the great outdoors without venturing too far from home, the Sunrise Camping Area presents a premier choice. This designated camping loop is nestled within the beautiful Chenango Valley State Park, a beloved Broome County retreat near Fenton, NY. Far removed from the hustle of the city, this campground provides the quintessential Upstate New York camping experience, surrounded by mature forests, wetlands, and the park’s two pristine glacial lakes—Lily Lake and Chenango Lake.

The name "Sunrise Camping Area" aptly captures the tranquil start to your day here, where the gentle light breaks over the serene landscape. It offers a balance of rustic charm and essential amenities, appealing to everyone from seasoned RVers to families trying tent camping for the first time. The region itself is rich with natural beauty and historical significance, offering much more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a destination for boating, fishing, hiking, and reconnecting with nature.

For residents of the New York region, choosing a State Park like this means relying on the high standards of maintenance and safety that the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation provides. The campground is well-regarded for its spacious, well-maintained sites, clean facilities, and its peaceful environment. It’s a reliable, accessible option for a family vacation, a quiet weekend retreat, or a base camp for exploring the wider Southern Tier region of New York.

Location and Accessibility

The Sunrise Camping Area is located within Chenango Valley State Park. The address associated with this beautiful outdoor locale is Fenton, NY 13746, USA. This places the campground conveniently in the Southern Tier of New York, a short distance northeast of the city of Binghamton.

• Driving Ease: The park is easily accessed via New York State Route 369, making it a simple drive from I-88 and I-81 for travelers coming from the Albany, Syracuse, or Northeastern Pennsylvania areas.
• Proximity to Binghamton: Its closeness to Binghamton (approximately 15 minutes) means campers have easy access to major grocery stores, pharmacies, and emergency services, offering a comforting convenience while still being deep in nature.
• On-site Environment: The campground is situated in a naturally rich setting within the 1,137-acre State Park, featuring wooded areas near the lakes and river. The Sunrise loop itself is often noted for being one of the newer camping sections in the park.
• Seasonal Access: As with many Upstate New York campgrounds, access is typically seasonal, generally running from mid-May through mid-October, though the main park entrance remains open year-round for other recreational activities.

Services Offered

The Sunrise Camping Area, as a segment of Chenango Valley State Park's full camping offering (which totals 184 sites across two campgrounds), provides excellent services to ensure a comfortable stay for a variety of campers, from tent-pitchers to RV owners.

• Campsite Types: It offers both electric and non-electric campsites. The sites are well-sized, featuring a picnic table and a fire ring/grill at each location for cooking and relaxation.
• Bathroom Facilities: The Sunrise loop is specifically known for offering flush toilets and well-maintained shower buildings, which is a significant upgrade from more primitive campgrounds.
• RV Support: Select sites are available with electric hookups and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to a maximum length (check specific site details when booking, as this may vary).
• Sanitary Services: A convenient sanitary dump station is available within the State Park for RV and trailer use.
• Essential Provisions: Firewood is generally available for purchase at or near the park office to comply with local regulations protecting against invasive species.
• Pet Policy: Pets are generally allowed at campsites, provided campers adhere to specific New York State Parks rules, including a maximum limit of two pets per site, always kept on a leash, and never left unattended.

Features / Highlights

Choosing the Sunrise Camping Area means gaining access to all the fantastic recreational features of Chenango Valley State Park, making it a destination rich in activities for all ages.

• Two Glacial Lakes: Campers have immediate access to Lily Lake and Chenango Lake, offering opportunities for non-motorized boating, kayaking, and canoeing. Rentals are available at the boathouse during the season.
• Exceptional Fishing: The well-stocked lakes are popular for fishing, providing a chance to catch bullhead, trout, perch, and bass. Ice fishing is also a favorite activity during the winter season.
• Swimming Beach: A seasonal swimming beach is available on Chenango Lake, complete with a swimming area, a nearby playground, and restrooms—the perfect spot to cool off on a hot summer day.
• Scenic Hiking Trails: The park boasts numerous short hiking trails, including the River Road Tow Path and loops around the lakes, suitable for all skill levels and ideal for bird-watching and nature photography.
• Chenango Valley Golf Course: A standout feature is the 18-hole Chenango Valley State Park Golf Course, open seasonally, providing a recreational option for golfers who want to hit the links during their camping trip.
• Winter Sports: For the adventurous, the park transforms in the winter, offering ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing (with rentals available), and cross-country skiing, extending the utility of the area beyond the traditional camping season.

Contact Information

The Sunrise Camping Area is a specific loop within the larger Chenango Valley State Park. All reservations and most detailed information are handled through the official New York State Parks reservation system.

Campground Name: Sunrise Camping Area (within Chenango Valley State Park)

Address: Located off NY Route 369, Fenton, NY 13746, USA

Park Office Phone: (607) 648-5251 (For general park information)

Reservation System Phone: 1-800-456-CAMP (1-800-456-2267) (Reservations are typically managed by ReserveAmerica for NY State Parks)

What is Worth Choosing

The Sunrise Camping Area at Chenango Valley State Park is an outstanding choice for New York residents for several compelling reasons. It offers a rare and valuable combination of convenience, high-quality amenities, and a wealth of accessible outdoor activities.

• Superior Facilities: For campers who prioritize comfort, the clean shower buildings and flush toilets in the Sunrise loop are a significant draw, ensuring a pleasant stay.
• Recreational Diversity: Whether you are an avid golfer, a devoted angler, a family with young swimmers, or a dedicated hiker, the sheer variety of activities available—from the lake to the fairways—means no one in your party will lack entertainment.
• Perfect Proximity: The location near Binghamton offers the ideal blend of deep-woods serenity and urban accessibility, providing peace and quiet at your site while being only minutes away from necessary supplies or a night out.
• Peaceful State Park Setting: Choosing a New York State Park ensures a protected, well-managed, and beautiful natural environment, guaranteeing a quality camping experience year after year.

For a reliable, feature-rich, and beautiful camping destination in the Southern Tier of Upstate New York, the Sunrise Camping Area provides a memorable and refreshing escape.

Sunrise Camping Area

Fenton, NY 13746, USA