Public Beach at Gilbert Lake State Park

By Molly G. @ The Bumbles Blog

When we were looking for a cheap way to see Cooperstown recently we looked into campsites. It was baseball’s Hall of Fame induction weekend so the hotel rates in and around the area were high priced with limited availability. Returning to our camping roots seemed like a good way to go. In general, state parks tend to provide cleaner, safer, more comfortable campgrounds with better amenities. And Gilbert Lake State Park in nearby Laurens did not disappoint. Spending less than $30 a night didn’t hurt either.

The park has options ranging from cabins to campsites (some even with electrical outlets) and welcome RV’s or old fashioned tents alike. We pitched our tent on our designated site and found it to be even and clean with a sturdy picnic table and fire pit with cooking grill. Some sites backed up to the edge of the woods while others were located in open grass. We were located close to our neighbors but had enough privacy for evening dinner and fireside chatter.

Our camping area had restrooms, showers and even laundry facilities a short walk away. The bathrooms were cleaned daily, had hot water from the push button showers, handicap facilities and were well lit and well stocked with plenty of toilet paper. The park staff were always visible and available and patrolled frequently enough to make you feel safe but not so often as to be intrusive.

We did not get to see the inside of the handful of cabins in the park but from the outside they appeared as clean and comfortable as the rest of the park’s facilities. They offered more privacy and would be an excellent option for a larger group or family wanting to experience the excitement of nature without roughing it.

Hilltop Campsite at Gilbert Lake State Park

The campground seemed fairly full but it never felt too crowded. Kids would ride their bikes all through the roads and find adventures on trails through the woods, often playing pick up games of horseshoes, whiffle ball, soccer or tag as the sun set until they were called back for dinner. There are ball fields, hiking trails, a Frisbee golf course, volleyball and basketball courts, fishing areas, boat rentals and a beach for swimming – all of which are open to the public for day use. In the winter they allow for snowmobiling, cross country skiing and even bow hunting during deer season.

As we were occupied with Cooperstown during our stay we did not see the beach during operating hours but from what our neighbors said it did not seem to be too crowded. There are plenty of picnic tables in the shade, as well as a covered pavilion which can be reserved, a playground for smaller children and a nature center. There is also a large and convenient shower, locker and concessions building and the beach is staffed with lifeguards. The park also had organized events catering to young campers such as sing-alongs to provide the opportunity to gather with other like minded folks.

If you are looking for a cheap weekend get-away 45 minutes from Cooperstown, or to spend a family vacation outdoors with lots of options to keep yourselves entertained, Gilbert Lake State Park is a smart choice.

Gilbert Lake State Park
18 CCC Road
Laurens, NY 13796
(800) 456-2267 = Reservations
http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=19

All photos credited to Molly G. @The Bumbles Blog