Sunrise Camping Area

For New Yorkers seeking a refreshing escape into nature, a memorable family adventure, or simply a peaceful spot to unwind under the stars, Sunrise Camping Area presents an exceptional opportunity. Located within the expansive and picturesque Chenango Valley State Park in Fenton, NY, this campground embodies the best of what New York's natural landscapes have to offer, combining serene surroundings with a wide array of recreational activities.

Sunrise Camping Area is renowned among campers for its well-kept grounds and diverse site options, accommodating everything from traditional tents to modern RVs. Visitors frequently commend its clean and updated facilities, including "well-maintained bathhouses" and a generally inviting atmosphere. Whether your ideal getaway involves exploring scenic hiking trails, enjoying a round of golf, or relaxing by the water's edge on one of the park's beautiful lakes, Sunrise Camping Area provides an excellent base for your Upstate New York adventure. It’s a superb choice for New Yorkers looking for a convenient yet deeply immersive outdoor experience, promising a blend of fun, relaxation, and reconnection with nature right in their own backyard.

Sunrise Camping Area is an integral part of Chenango Valley State Park, which is primarily located at 153 State Park Road, Chenango Forks, NY 13746, USA. While the provided address is "Fenton, NY 13746," Fenton is the town in which the park is situated, and the main entrance and park office are closer to Chenango Forks. For optimal navigation, especially when using GPS, it's advisable to use the specific State Park Road address.

The park's location in Broome County makes it highly accessible for a significant portion of the New York population. It's conveniently situated just a few miles north of Binghamton, approximately a 20-minute drive, making it a quick and easy escape for urban residents in that area. From other major New York cities like Syracuse, the drive is typically around an hour, and from Albany, it's about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions. This accessibility allows for seamless weekend getaways or longer vacations, minimizing travel time and maximizing enjoyment. The campground's setting within Chenango Valley State Park, adjacent to the Chenango River, provides a stunning natural backdrop that immediately immerses visitors in a tranquil, outdoor environment.

As a key camping area within a New York State Park, Sunrise Camping Area provides a comprehensive suite of services and amenities designed to cater to a variety of camping styles and ensure a comfortable stay. The park is committed to offering essential conveniences alongside enriching recreational opportunities.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The Sunrise Campground loop offers sites for both tents and RVs up to 30 feet in maximum vehicle length. Campers can choose between non-electric sites for a more rustic experience or electric campsites (with 20, 30, or 50 amp service available) for added comfort. Sites typically come with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill top, perfect for outdoor cooking and gathering.

• Modern Restroom and Shower Facilities: The campground features clean and "well-maintained bathhouses" with hot showers, conveniently located within the camping loops. Reviewers often highlight the new, clean, and private showers with warm water as a significant positive, ensuring a comfortable experience for all campers.

• Potable Water Access: Water spigots are available on the camping loops, and additional potable water is accessible at the dump station, ensuring campers have convenient access to fresh water.

• Sanitary Dump Station: An on-site sanitary dump station is available for RVs and trailers, providing an efficient solution for waste disposal.

• Firewood Sales: To comply with New York State Park regulations aimed at preventing the spread of invasive species, campers are generally not permitted to bring their own firewood. Firewood is available for purchase at the Molinaro Visitor Center/Headquarters parking lot via a 24/7 credit card-only vending machine, ensuring campers can enjoy campfires responsibly.

• Concession Stand & Boat Rentals: During the peak season, a concession stand is typically open, offering snacks and refreshments. For water activities, rowboats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent, providing easy access to Chenango Lake and Lily Lake.

• Recycling Program: Chenango Valley State Park actively participates in the Blue Bag Recycling Program, encouraging campers to recycle plastic, metal, and glass bottles and cans, with proceeds supporting various park programs.

Sunrise Camping Area, as a cherished component of Chenango Valley State Park, boasts a wealth of features and highlights that promise a diverse and engaging outdoor experience for campers of all ages and interests. It's often described as a "great all-around campground" by visitors.

• Two Glacial Kettle Lakes: The park's most prominent features are its two stunning, glacier-formed kettle lakes: Chenango Lake and Lily Lake. These provide exceptional opportunities for:

  • Swimming: A designated swimming beach with lifeguard services (during the season) on Chenango Lake offers a safe and enjoyable place to cool off.

  • Boating: Non-motorized, car-top boats are permitted, allowing for peaceful paddling on the tranquil waters.

  • Fishing: The lakes are regularly stocked with a variety of fish, including trout, bass, perch, and bullhead, making it a popular spot for anglers.

• 18-Hole Golf Course: A significant draw for golf enthusiasts is the challenging 18-hole Chenango Valley State Park Golf Course, conveniently located within the park boundaries. This unique feature allows campers to combine their love for the outdoors with a round of golf.

• Extensive Trail System: The park offers a comprehensive network of multi-use trails suitable for hiking, biking, and mountain biking. These trails meander through diverse woodlands and open areas, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including a variety of bird species and a growing population of bald eagles along the nearby Chenango River.

• Family-Friendly Amenities: Beyond the natural attractions, the park ensures family fun with a playground located near the beach area, various picnic areas with pavilions, and general recreation programs. During winter, a hillside near Chipmunk Loop 4 offers sledding opportunities (weather permitting).

• Spacious and Shaded Campsites: Many campsites within the Sunrise loops are nestled among "plenty of trees" with "a good amount of space between camps," offering campers a sense of privacy and natural shade, enhancing the relaxing outdoor experience.

• Accessibility: As a New York State Park, efforts are made to provide accessible facilities, including accessible campsites, showers, and pavilions, ensuring that individuals with varying mobility needs can fully enjoy the park's offerings.

• Winter Activities: While primarily a warm-weather destination, the park remains open for day use year-round and offers winter activities such as ice skating (on shallow lake areas), sledding, and cross-country skiing, with snowshoes available for free use by reservation.

As part of the New York State Parks system, Sunrise Camping Area (within Chenango Valley State Park) operates with standardized, transparent pricing. While traditional "promotions" are less common than in private campgrounds, there are inherent value propositions and potential discounts that make it an attractive option for New York residents.

• Affordable Camping Rates: Campsite fees are generally set at a competitive rate, often more budget-friendly than many privately-owned campgrounds in the region, providing excellent value for the amenities and natural environment offered.

• New York State Resident Pricing: Typically, New York State residents benefit from slightly lower nightly camping fees compared to non-residents, offering a direct saving for local campers.

• Empire Pass Benefits: While not a direct discount on camping fees, purchasing a New York State Parks Empire Pass for vehicle entry can provide significant savings for frequent visitors to state parks, indirectly benefiting campers who plan to explore other state parks during their trip.

• Senior and Junior Golf Rates: For those who enjoy golf, the on-site 18-hole golf course offers reduced rates for New York State residents aged 62 and older (senior rates) and those 17 and under (junior rates) on weekdays and after 1 PM on weekends, adding value to the recreational offerings.

• ReserveAmerica System: New York State Park reservations are managed through ReserveAmerica, which occasionally features its own regional or seasonal promotions. It's always a good idea to check the ReserveAmerica website or contact their call center for any last-minute deals or special offers.

For the most current pricing, availability, and specific information on any seasonal offers, it's always recommended to check the official New York State Parks website or contact the park office directly when planning your reservation.

To plan your memorable camping trip to Sunrise Camping Area within Chenango Valley State Park, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 153 State Park Road, Chenango Forks, NY 13746, USA (This is the primary park address to use for navigation and correspondence.)

Park Office Phone: (607) 648-5251

Reservations (via ReserveAmerica): 1-800-456-2267

Making reservations in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak camping season (typically mid-May through mid-October), as Chenango Valley State Park is a very popular destination. For detailed information on specific site availability, park rules, and current conditions, direct contact with the park office or checking the New York State Parks website is advised.

For New Yorkers, Sunrise Camping Area within Chenango Valley State Park stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination for a local outdoor getaway. Its strategic location in Fenton (near Chenango Forks) makes it easily accessible from major population centers across the state, ensuring that a rejuvenating escape into nature is always within a reasonable driving distance. This convenience is a significant advantage for busy individuals and families looking to maximize their leisure time and minimize travel stress.

The campground offers a remarkable diversity of activities that cater to a wide array of interests. Whether you're a family seeking a fun-filled vacation with swimming and playgrounds, an avid outdoors enthusiast yearning for extensive hiking and biking trails, a fishing aficionado in search of tranquil waters, or a golf lover looking to combine camping with a round on an excellent course, Sunrise Camping Area provides something for everyone. The presence of two beautiful glacial lakes for boating and fishing, coupled with the popular 18-hole golf course, truly distinguishes it from many other camping options in the region.

Furthermore, the park's commitment to maintaining clean, modern facilities, including its highly-rated bathhouses, ensures a comfortable and hassle-free camping experience. For locals, it's a place where cherished family traditions can be forged, outdoor skills can be developed, and a deep appreciation for New York's stunning natural beauty can be nurtured. Sunrise Camping Area is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a beloved local treasure that invites New Yorkers to reconnect with the environment and create lasting memories, all conveniently located right in their own state.

Sunrise Camping Area

Fenton, NY 13746, USA