RV Rental Bowman Lake State Park, NY

Discover the best RV rental in Bowman Lake State Park, NY!

How to rent a RV on Outdoorsy


  • 1

    Search by location

    Tell us where you want to pick up or have your RV delivered

  • 2

    Filter search results

    Sort by vehicle type, date, price, and amenities

  • 3

    Message the owner

    Learn more about your favorite RV and the best local destinations

  • 4

    Request a booking

    Send a request directly to the host and start preparing for your adventure

Bowman Lake State Park spreads out across 967-acres and is nestled among the scenic hills of Chenango County, New York. Known as a “camper's paradise," the remote state park is located west of Oxford in the town of McDonough. The park is open year-round and is easy to navigate in a motorhome rental thanks to its easy access and wide, well-paved roads.

The land that became Bowman Lake State Park was originally part of the region's reforestation lands, which the state acquired in 1929. Around 200 campsites were established around Bowman Lake in the early 1960s, and in 1966 the property officially opened as a state park. Book an RV in Chenango County and enjoy a relaxing retreat at Bowman Lake State Park’s picturesque day-use area, lakeside beach, and shady campsites.

Discover Bowman Lake State Park


Getting Outdoors

Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or just looking to enjoy the quiet serenity of nature, you can find just about any seasonal experience you seek at Bowman Lake. Wind your way through evergreen and hardwood forests and park your RV rental at Bowman Lake State Park’s tranquil lakefront. Here you’ll find a sandy beach for swimmers and sunbathers with several picnic areas nearby. The park also features a boat launch and boat rentals including kayaks and rowboats (no motorized boats are allowed here) available only when lifeguards are on duty.

Pack your fishing poles and binoculars in your travel trailer because this state park is a great place to cast a line and enjoy various wildlife watching. Bowman lake is 35 acres in size and is regularly stocked with trout. The park also has two additional ponds with opportunities for fishing and ice fishing. Birdwatchers will be able to spot as many as 103 species of birds around the park. You’re also allowed to hunt small game and deer in specific areas.

When you rent a camper near Bowman Lake State Park and want to do some hiking and biking, you'll find 13 miles of beautiful trails to traverse here, including the Finger Lakes Trail, which passes straight through the park. The park ranges in elevation, making it a prime hot spot for winter sports. There are designated trails for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, and Bowman Lake scenery is just as outstanding during the winter as it is during the warm season.

Camping at Bowman Lake State Park

Camping with an RV at Bowman Lake State Park offers a secluded getaway in one of central New York’s largest campgrounds. It features approximately 200 campsites for tents and trailers as well as several rustic cabins. Although none of of the campsites are on or near the water most of them are wooded and spacious. Larger sites can accommodate up to a 40' camper. There are no electric or on-site water hookups at this campground, but other amenities include flush toilets and hot shower facilities as well as potable water, comfort, recycling, and dump stations.

The camping season typically lasts from May through October. There’s a minimum of one night required for reservations, which can be made one day ahead of arrival and up to nine months in advance by calling or booking online. The facility has made a limited number of sites available for seasonal camping which is rare for any state campground. Seasonal sites do not include electricity, water, or sewer services.

You are allowed a maximum of two pets in campsites, and you may bring your furry friends to day-use areas as long as they are leashed and supervised. Just keep in mind pets will not be permitted in the bathrooms or beach area. Should you need any picnic or camping supplies or even souvenirs during your Bowman Lake State Park camping trip you’ll find a concession stand and a fully stocked camp store right on the premises. The camp store is fully stocked with ice, groceries, fishing and grill equipment, toys, and more.

Exploring the Area

The family-oriented park offers all kinds of fun and games including a playground for the kids, a basketball court, plus interpretive and recreation programs. Before you continue your RV rental vacation in Chenango County swing by Bowman Lake State Park’s nature center, which offers a self-guiding nature trail brochure to inspire a leisurely stroll around the lake.

Bowman Lake State Park is conveniently close to the town of Mcdonough and nearby Oxford, a small village located beside the Chenango River midway between the cities of Binghamton and Utica. This region is full of history so you'll have many opportunities to take walking tours around historic old homes, churches, and well-kept parks. Local communities offer everything from antique shopping to golf courses to a variety of art galleries, museums, and restaurants.

This state park is also in close proximity to many of central New York’s other state parks, so there is plenty for outdoor enthusiasts to do in the surrounding countryside, as well as loads of other unexpected gems you’ll discover after you fill up your tank and continue your road trip adventure.

Popular RV Types & Amenities

Be the first to get doses of destination inspiration, and discount codes.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our privacy policy

Popular nearby hiking trails and campgrounds


  • Hiking TrailLocation
  • Bowman Lake Park Loop, NYBowman Lake State Park, NY
  • Berry Hill Fire Tower/Finger Lakes Trail System, NYBowman Lake State Park, NY
  • Otselic River (Cincinnatus to Whitney Point), NYMarathon, NY
  • Upperville Falls, NYSmyrna, NY
  • Rogers Environmental Education Center Trails, NYSmyrna, NY
  • Bucks Brook State Forest - loop, NYDeRuyter, NY
  • Rexford Falls , NYSmyrna, NY
  • Chenango River: Earlville to Norwich, NYSmyrna, NY
  • Hunt's Pond State Park Campground Trail, NYNew Berlin, NY
  • Randall Hill Loop Trail, NYDeRuyter, NY

Frequently Asked Questions


Discover the best of what’s around


  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    +349 vehicles

  • Rocky Mountain National Park

    Rocky Mountain National Park

    +873 vehicles

  • Joshua Tree National Park

    Joshua Tree National Park

    +1334 vehicles

  • Olympic National Park

    Olympic National Park

    +1009 vehicles

  • Zion National Park

    Zion National Park

    +103 vehicles