Bowman Lake State Park
745 Bliven Sherman Road
Oxford, NY 13830
- General Information: (607) 334-2718
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 one pavilion. Price range from $50 to $75 and can accommodate 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 (May 24th) - Labor Day (September 1st): Sunday - Thursday, 9 am to 7 pm; Friday and Saturday 9 am - 9 pmCamping 2025:Open 5/16/2025 - 8/31/2025 - Shelter Reservation: May 22 - September 1. 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
- $17-19/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
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.
Attention Hunters: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (i.e., "bird flu") has recently been detected in New York State in a variety of waterfowl species. Although the NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) has stated that avian influenza rarely spreads to humans, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) is encouraging hunters to take extra precautions while processing harvested waterfowl. For more information on best practices for hunters to minimize risk of exposure, please read NYSDEC Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza - What Hunters Need to Know (leaves State Parks website).
For general information on Avian Influenza, please see: Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine - Avian Influenza Fact Sheet (leaves State Parks website).
For additional updates on Avian Influenza, including current updates, see NYSDEC - Animal Diseases (leaves State Parks website) and NYSDOH - Questions and Answers about Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) (leaves State Parks website).
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