Bowman Lake State Park
745 Bliven Sherman Road
Oxford, NY 13830
- Phone: (607) 334-2718
Bowman Lake State Park is a 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 for swimmers and sunbathers 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.
In winter, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers enjoy outstanding scenery on 13 miles of designated trails.
Bowman Lake now offers new "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. Two (2) night minimum stay required for reservations. Reservations and out-of-state resident fees also apply.
Seasonal Camping Now Available: A limited number of campsites have been made available at the facility for seasonal camping. Patrons who are interested will need contact the park directly to make their reservations. Seasonal campsites do not include electricity, water or sewer services. No additional discounts, including the Access Pass, will be accepted for seasonal camping.
Current Water Quality - Beach Results.
Household pets only; caged or on a leash not more than 6 feet. Not allowed in bathing areas. For campers, if your site allows pets, there is a two-pet maximum.
Hours of Operation
- Open year round, dawn to dusk.
- Park Office Hours:
Friday/Saturday 9 am to 9 pm; Sunday/Monday & Thursday 9 am to 7 pm and Tuesday & Wednesday 11 am to 7 pm, but please call ahead. - 2017 Camping Season: 5/13/17- 10/9/17
2017 Swimming Season:
5/27/17 - 6/18/17, weekends/holidays only, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
6/19/17- 9/4/17, daily, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.*
*For the week of Monday, August 28 to Wednesday, August 30 the beach is open 11am to 4pm. Thursday, August 31 the beach will close at 2:30pm. Friday, September 1 the beach is closed. Regular hours for Saturday, Sunday, Monday of the holiday weekend.- Boat Rental: 5/27/17 - 6/18/17, weekends and holidays, 11 am to 6 pm.6/19/17 - 9/4/17, daily, 11 am to 6 pm
*Please note that direct access to a lake is available for launching personal non-motorized boats. Trailers are not permitted. - Deer and small game hunting allowed in specific areas
- Shelter Reservation: Mid-May - Columbus Day. Call park to reserve.
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 Empire Pass -- whether a card for $80 or a vehicle-affixed decal for $65 -- is 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. Apply online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.
- Beach/Swimming
- Included in vehicle entry fee
- Boat Rental
- Rowboats: $7/hour
Kayaks and Canoes: $10/hour - Campsites
- $15-19/night
*Additional $5/night for out-of-state patrons, $9 ReserveAmerica fee, $2.75 walk in fee.
Rustic Cabins:
$58 per night (6 person), $45.50 per night (4 person)
*Additional $7/night for out-of-state patrons, $9 ReserveAmerica fee, $2.75 walk in in fee.
- Shelters
- Nature Center Shelter:
Weekdays: $40
Weekend: $75
Capacity 49
Shelter:
Weekdays: $40
Weekends: $75
Capacity 74
Shelter (w/VUF bundles):
Weekdays: $60
Weekends: $135 - Vehicle Entrance Fee
- Cars: $5
Non-Commercial Bus Fee: $35
Commercial Bus Fee: $75
Seasonal Bus Permit: $75
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.
Monday, January 1, 2018 11:00 AM
Bowman Lake State Park
Please join us on New Year's Day for a FIRST DAY HIKE on the Kopac Trail. This 2.5 mile loop trail is located on relatively level ground in the forested public lands of Bowman Lake State Park and McDonough State Forest. This event is hosted by the NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Staff from these agencies and other outdoor enthusiasts will be available to lead the hike, explore the woods, and discuss points of interest. The Kopac Trail traverses through mature timberlands with towering white pines, across wetlands with active beaver sites, along streams, lakes and ponds including Kopac Pond, past cultural sites such as century-old stone walls, and across other recreational trails such as the Finger Lakes Trail.
Please meet at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 1 in the pavilion parking area below the nature center of Bowman Lake State Park. The wood stove in the nature center will be going. Maps are displayed on the reverse side of this flyer. Please dress appropriately for the weather. The event is open to people of all abilities. Options are available for shorter hikes. For further information, please contact Andrew Goeller (NYS DEC) at 607-674-4036 x 603 andrew.goeller@dec.ny.gov or Thomas Brownell (NYS PRHP) at 607-334-2718 thomas.brownell@parks.ny.gov.
Amenities, Activities & Information
- Amenities
- Boat Launches
- Boat Rentals
- Camper Assistance Program
- Camper Recreation (Accessible)
- Campsites
- Dumping Stations
- Food
- Nature Trails
- Pavilions
- Picnic Tables (Accessible)
- Playgrounds
- Showers (Accessible)
- Swimming Beach
- Tent/Trailer Sites (Accessible)
- Activities
- Biking
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Recreation Programs (Accessible)
- Snowmobiling
- X-Country Skiing