Bowman Lake State Park
PLEASE NOTE: Due to a shortage of lifeguard staff, the swimming beach will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays through the remainder of 2018 season. Beach Hours will be reduced to 11am - 4pm only: Mon., 8/20, Thurs, 8/23, Fri., 8/24, Mon. 8/27, Thurs., 8/30, Fri., 8/31 and Mon., 9/3. Hours will be (as normal): 11am-7pm on Saturdays and Sundays
745 Bliven Sherman Road
Oxford, NY 13830
- Phone: (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 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 - Thursday 9 am to 7 pm, but please call ahead. - 2018 Camping Season: 5/11/18- 10/8/18
- Boat Rental: 5/26/18 - 9/3/18, 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. 2018 Swimming Season:
5/26/18- 6/17/18, weekends/holidays only, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
6/18/18- 9/3/18, Thursday - Monday and holidays, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.- 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 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.
- Beach/Swimming
- Included in vehicle entry fee
- Boat Rental
- Rowboats: $7/hour, $20/day and $80/week
Kayaks and Canoes: $10/hour, $35/dayDouble Kayaks: $15/hour, $45/day - 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.
Bowman Lake Self Issue Hunting Permit
Call park office (607) 334-2718 to book your campsite while hunting from October 9, 2018 to December 20, 2018
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