Robert H. Treman State Park, New York
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Not far from Ithaca, New York, there’s a plot of land that’s just more than 1,000 acres. It was originally purchased in 1915 by Robert H. Treman, who spent time planting more than 1,000 trees across it. It was donated to the state in the 1920s and has since become a popular spot for visitors.
Despite its proximity to a few urban centers, Robert H. Treman State Park is considered wildly beautiful—lots of rugged rock formations and a dozen waterfalls. There’s swimming, history, woodlands, and a massive gorge. It’s popular with both adult visitors and families alike, so you can see why it fits perfectly into your RV vacation road trip.
The waterfalls are a big draw for Robert H. Treman State Park. There is a total of 12 in the park, which are accessible by winding, and sometimes, steep and strenuous trails. Lower Falls and Enfield Falls are two of the most popular.
The largest waterfall in the area is called Lucifer Falls. You access it by traversing a large, impressive gorge. It’s a 115-foot drop that collects in a large pool at the base. The other waterfalls make for fun photo opportunities.
The gorge, known by its more common name of Enfield Glen, is considered the centerpiece of the park. It’s a rock gorge that was carved out by a stream over thousands of years. Now, there’s a tight trail that follows along the rock and offers views of wooded glen for miles.
When you’re walking the gorge, bring a camera, as you’ll most definitely want to capture its magnitude. This is also an area where you’ll find many of the waterfalls in the park. Note that swimming isn’t permitted anywhere in the park that isn’t the designated area.
People come from all around to swim in one of the most beautiful, natural swimming holes in the area. It sits at the base of Lower Falls. It’s a fun little spot that combines plenty of natural beauty, as well as a lot of fun for family and the kids.
One of the big draws of this swimming hole inside Robert H. Treman State Park is that it’s lifeguarded, which isn’t always common for state parks. It’s also worth noting that swimming is prohibited in other areas of the park and may even be dangerous. Swimming in the designated area, on the other hand, makes for a fun-filled day inside a beautiful park.
Hiking is a popular pastime at the park. There is a total of six trails that take you through a variety of different landmarks. There’s a 4.5-mile route that runs down into the gorge and takes you past several waterfalls.
There is a total of seven trails in the park. Two of them are quite easy and accessible. The other five tend to lean more on the moderate to strenuous side. While they’re great in the summer, it’s also worth noting that in the winter and early spring many of these trails become completely inaccessible.
It’s not a particularly well-known fishing spot, but the primary creek in Enfield Glen is a lovely locale that many local anglers love. Brown and rainbow trout can be found in the park’s waters, especially in the areas above waterfalls. The area upstream from the swimming hole is noted in particular as being a great spot.
There aren’t any areas that are specifically designated for fishing (like a pier), but shoreline fishing is fair game throughout the park; that includes Enfield Creek and all of its tributaries. Most trout caught in the mid-summer range from 10-12 inches, but it’s not unheard of to hook into a very nice 20-inch brownie.
The campground at Robert H. Treman State Park has 11 total spots with full hookups but others with basic electricity and water. There’s also a dumpsite on location. In total, there are 63 spots where you can park your RV, but amenities differ depending on your location. Being inside the park gives you an opportunity to wake up and start exploring without the hassle of getting to the park itself. It’s not a bad idea to reserve your spot ahead of time to make sure you can use your rental RV precisely how you aim to.
Spruce Row Campground and RV Park offers you a full vacation right inside the park. Its proximity to other state parks is just more of a bonus. With full RV hookups, you can also expect other amenities like a pool, fishing pond, and playground. There’s also Wi-Fi, internet, and mini golf on site. There’s no way the kids get bored with so many fun things to do. And if the adults start to get bored, Spruce Row is located in New York’s wine country, so you’ll find something to keep yourself busy as well.
In nearby Watkins Glen is Clute Park and Campground. It’s tucked into a wooded area, yet still offers the modern amenities like full utility hookups. There are swimming and picnic areas, tennis courts, fire rings at every site, a kayak launch with rentals available, and even a skate park. On the off chance it rains, there are both Wi-Fi and cable TV hookups available as well.
It’s easy to enjoy a nice, relaxing vacation at Pine Creek Campground. Full utility hookups let you take full use of your rental RV. But that’s hardly all. There’s a sparkling, in-ground pool, catch-and-release fishing pond, trout stream that runs through the property, and an indoor arcade. Sports courts are also available across the area as well as restrooms and shower facilities and a laundry area. And best of all: country roads for walking or jogging, or just enjoying the peace and quiet.
When you’re looking for a way to get away from it all, MorningStar RV Park is what you want. You’ll still have your full utility hookups, but you’ll be tucked away in the New York woods, away from any hustle and bustle. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the park, and on the opposite spectrum, wooded trails with lots of wildlife surrounding you. You can also fish in a trout stream on the property. You’re also very near the quaint Watkins Glen, so when you want to do a little antique shopping or sightseeing, it’s there for the taking.
There aren’t any restaurants or dining options inside the park, but that’s ok, because you’re in an RV with a rolling kitchen. Plan some meals ahead of time, and take advantage of the stove, oven, and microwave at your disposal. It’s always a good idea to stock up the pantry and refrigerator of your RV before you take off anyway. This way, after a long day’s hike, you can have something ready and waiting for you when you get back to camp.
There are numerous restaurants surrounding the park, and there’s no way anyone in your camper will go hungry. Just up the road in Ithaca, you’ll find a number of restaurants—ranging from ethnic foods like Mexican and Chinese to upscale tapas bars and fresh fish. Looking for something more upscale? You’ll find fine dining as well. Thirsty? You’re in luck: there are good breweries in the area as well, plus you’re in New York wine country.
Ithaca is small but hip, and you’ll find the kind of food you’re hungry for there. Enjoy a good meal after a long hike or come to browse the city’s offerings. It sits right on Cayuga Lake and has plenty to see in itself. All of the surrounding nature is just an added bonus.