Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Bowman Lake State Park

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Address
745 Bliven Sherman Road
Oxford, NY 13830
Latitude 42.516407
Longitude -75.677612

Know Before You Go...

More Info

Pet Policy

A maximum of two pets are allowed in campsites and day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).

Bowman Lake State Park is a 966.94 acre remote sylvan retreat known as "a camper's paradise." Scenic park roads wind through evergreen and hardwood forests to shady campsites. There is a sandy lakefront with several picnic areas nearby. The lake is regularly stocked with trout, and birdwatchers can spot as many as 103 species of birds. The park also has a nature center and will add a nine-hole disc golf course in 2021!

In winter, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers enjoy outstanding scenery on 13 miles of designated trails. No ice fishing is permitted.

Bowman Lake offers "Rustic" cabins. These cabins are the perfect in-between for campers who like tents and cabins. Offering protection from the elements, they offer 4 and 6 person cabins, but have no electricity or water, with the exception of Cabin 60, which has electricity.  No pets are allowed in Cabin 60, 146B and 146C. Two (2) night minimum stay required for reservations. Reservations and out-of-state resident fees also apply.

Pavilion Information

Bowman Lake has two pavilions. Prices range from $50 to $75 and can accommodate 49 or 75 people. Check availability at ReserveAmerica.com

Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in campsites and day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray grounds or beaches (this does not apply to service animals).

Hours of Operation

  • Open year round, dawn to dusk.
  • Park Office Hours:
    Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day:  Sunday - Thursday, 9 am to 7 pm; Friday and Saturday 9 am - 9 pm
    Labor Day - Memorial Day:  Winter Hours Vary - Please call the Office.

    Camping 2024:
    Open 5/16/2024 - 9/2/2024
  • Shelter Reservation: May 22 - Labor Day. Call park to reserve.
  • Deer and small game hunting allowed in specific areas

Fees & Rates

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.

  • Vehicle Entrance Fee
  • Cars: Free
    Non-Commercial Bus Fee: Free
    Commercial Bus Fee: Free
    All Events:  Free
  • Campsites
  • $15-19/night

    *Additional $5/night for out-of-state patrons, $7.25 ReserveAmerica fee, $1.25 walk in fee.

    Rustic Cabins:

    $58 per night (6 person), $45.50 per night (4 person)

    We have three cabins down by the lake now. Cabins A, B and C are 6 person at $65 per night. 

    *Additional $7/night for out-of-state patrons, $7.25 ReserveAmerica fee, $1.25 walk in in fee.

Maps

Digital Maps

New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.

Firewood source maps show a 50-mile radius from which untreated firewood may be moved to this campground. For more information see firewood restrictions.

Wed 01 Jan
First Day Hike
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Bowman Lake State Park
Please dress appropriately for the weather, relatively level ground, through mature timberland with towering white pines. Meet-up Location: Nature Center, Approximate distance of hike: 6.6 Miles, Leashed pets welcome.

Amenities Information

  • Amenities
  • Biking
  • Boat Launches
  • Camper Assistance Program
  • Campsites, Cabins & Lodging
  • Disc Golf
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Nature Center
  • Pavilions and Shelter Rentals
  • Playgrounds
  • Showers (Accessible)
  • Snowmobiling
  • Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing