Glimmerglass State Park
00 review1527 CO HWY 31, COOPERSTOWN, New York, 13326, United States
Glimmerglass State Park
$7.00 - $7.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Park entry fee is $7 per vehicle, payable by cash or card. Additional camping fees are not specified in authoritative sources.
About this campground
Perched on the pristine shores of Otsego Lake, Glimmerglass State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its mirror-like waters and rolling wooded hills. Your camping adventure comes complete with all the essentials—grills sizzling with evening meals, picnic tables hosting family gatherings, and crackling fire rings where stories unfold under starlit skies. Modern bathroom facilities with hot showers ensure comfort after days spent exploring. Beyond the natural splendor, history whispers through the grounds at the majestic Hyde Hall Mansion and across the weathered planks of America's oldest covered bridge.
Glimmerglass State Park supports a variety of camping styles, including tent and RV camping. Group camping is also available with pavilions for large gatherings.
Historical SignificanceStep into the pages of American literature at Glimmerglass, where the waters of Otsego Lake inspired James Fenimore Cooper's beloved Leatherstocking Tales. The stately Hyde Hall Mansion stands as a testament to 19th-century grandeur, while the nation's oldest covered bridge spans time itself, its weathered timbers carrying the footsteps of countless generations across its historic planks.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Glimmerglass in dramatically different hues. Summer transforms the park into a sun-drenched paradise where swimmers dive into crystal-clear waters and hikers traverse verdant trails beneath leafy canopies. When winter's embrace arrives, the landscape becomes a snow-globe wonderland where ice skates carve patterns across frozen surfaces, snowmobiles zip through powder-white trails, and snowshoe tracks crisscross the quiet woods.
ElevationElevation data not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryNature's artistry unfolds across Glimmerglass's gently rolling hills, where dense woodland patches give way to sun-dappled meadows bursting with wildflowers. Delicate ferns unfurl in shaded groves while soft mosses carpet the forest floor, creating a tapestry of greens punctuated by colorful shrubs. Wildlife thrives in this diverse ecosystem, from deer grazing at dawn to songbirds serenading from the canopy. At the heart of it all lies Otsego Lake, its glassy surface reflecting clouds by day and stars by night.
Geological RegionGlimmerglass State Park graces the undulating landscape surrounding Otsego Lake, where gentle hills clothed in mixed forests create a terrain both accessible and enchanting. This ecologically rich region nurtures an impressive variety of plant life—from delicate wildflowers dancing in meadow breezes to ancient ferns sheltered beneath towering trees. Mosses and shrubs fill every niche, while the area's varied topography provides habitat for an abundance of wildlife species, making every hike a potential discovery.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park is highly accessible, with handicap-accessible bathrooms and ramps. Official sources confirm that the beach, pavilions, picnic areas, and showers are generally accessible to disabled visitors.
Sites SizeSpacious sites, according to user reviews, with ample room for tents and campers.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews mention that the campsites are well-spaced and offer a sense of privacy, despite the campground's size.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommendations for selecting campsites (e.g., privacy or proximity to amenities) are absent in the authoritative sources.
Best CampsitesSpecific site numbers or locations are not provided.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out time not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 continuous nights per stay, with a mandatory 48-hour break before re-registering.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limit of 6 persons per site.
Groups
Pavilions and group sites can accommodate large parties.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSite layout details, including loops or sections, are not disclosed.
Open and Closed SeasonCamping is available from May to September.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Reserve America. Pre-registration is recommended to save time.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is permitted for 1-night stays if booked within 3 days of arrival.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations outside of the 9-month window cannot be adjusted until 18 days after reservation. Rules for cancellation penalties are not explicitly mentioned.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
The park offers a variety of seasonal and year-round activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, and cultural activities. Winter activities include ice fishing, ice skating, tubing, and cross-country skiing.
Hiking
Hiking options include the Woodland and Beaver Pond trails, which showcase diverse wildflowers and mosses. Trails are described as well-maintained and suitable for both walking and biking.Fishing
Fishing is allowed, though one reviewer noted that shore fishing was limited to shallow areas, impacting the experience.Swimming
Swimming is available at a roped-off beach area with lifeguard services. However, swimming availability is seasonal and may be impacted by staffing and water quality issues.Biking
Several trails are wide enough for biking. Some user reviews specifically mentioned biking as a highlight of their visit.Boating
Boating activities are available, though some reviewers noted a lack of boat rentals at times due to staff shortages.Wildlife viewing
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, with visitors frequently noting sightings along hiking trails.Beach activities
Beach activities include swimming, sunbathing, and sand volleyball. The beach area is described as clean and well-maintained.Cultural and Educational Programs
The park features Hyde Hall Mansion and the oldest covered bridge in the United States, which offer self-guided tours and cultural insight.Winter Activities
Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, ice skating, and winter hiking.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are available, but the availability of equipment rentals may vary.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings. Firewood is available for purchase within the park.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 8 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife interactions, including sightings of bears (as noted in user reviews). Toxic algae bloom in Otsego Lake was reported in mid-September of one year.
Active alertsSwimming may be restricted due to lifeguard shortages or water quality issues without advance notice.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 78%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are not explicitly mentioned; null.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season generally aligns with summer months (May to September).
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the sources, but user reviews highlight the park's cleanliness and staff's attentiveness in maintaining the grounds.
Proximity to water featuresThe park is situated on Otsego Lake, offering a picturesque lakeside setting and recreational water activities.
Common complaintsSome reviews highlight crowding during peak times and noisy groups. Others mention occasional maintenance issues in the park.
HostHosts are described as friendly and accommodating in user reviews, but no specific host details or contact information is included.
Campground Map
1527 CO HWY 31, COOPERSTOWN, New York, 13326, United States
Driving directionsFrom Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse: Thruway (I-90) East to Exit 30 (Herkimer). Rte 28 South to Richfield Springs; Rte 20 East to East Springfield; County Rte 31 South to park entrance.From New York, Albany: Thruway (I-90) West to Exit 25A to I-88. One exit on I-88 to Duanesburg-Cooperstown exit. Rte 20 West to East Springfield; County Rte 31 South to park entrance.
The park is accessible via paved roads and is reachable from major highways such as Thruway (I-90) and I-88. Seasonal closures are not mentioned, and it appears easily navigable.Nearby places
Cooperstown (8 miles), Richfield Springs (distance not explicitly stated), East Springfield (distance not explicitly stated)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel sources are not explicitly mentioned
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Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Glimmerglass State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews for Glimmerglass State Park are overwhelmingly positive, with highlights including its cleanliness, spacious campsites, modern facilities, and family-friendly environment. Some challenges, such as occasional overcrowding, were noted.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Many reviews praised the park's cleanliness, the privacy of campsites, and the modern restroom facilities. Visitors were also appreciative of the helpful and attentive staff.
Common Concerns
Some users experienced overcrowding during peak seasons, limited shore fishing opportunities, and occasional lapses in the availability of certain amenities like boat rentals.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend visiting during weekdays for a quieter experience and bringing your own equipment for activities like kayaking due to inconsistent rental availability.
Seasonal Insights
Reviews highlight that summer weekends can be crowded, while weekdays offer a quieter experience. Winter activities are well-appreciated but require preparation for cold weather.
Camper Quotes
'The bathroom facilities are always clean, and the beach is enjoyable to relax and swim.' (Lauren Alexander) 'The staff here is also very helpful. Hope to make it back here some day.' (John Yarnell)...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Some users noted that the best sites are well-spaced and private, while others found certain areas crowded during peak times.
Accessibility Features
The park's accessibility features were praised, with ramps and private bathrooms making it easier for visitors with disabilities.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, but owners must adhere to leash rules and provide proof of rabies inoculation. Campsites allow for up to two pets per site, and several users mentioned having a positive experience...
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Last updated August 10, 2025