Bowman Lake State Park, State park in Oxford, New York.
Bowman Lake State Park is a nature preserve in Oxford, New York, centered around a lake surrounded by forests and meadows with walking paths throughout. The 297-acre property includes trails that wind through the natural landscape of central New York.
The park was founded in the early 1900s when New York began opening natural areas to the public for preservation. This founding period was part of a broader movement to protect natural lands across the region.
Local families have maintained camping traditions at Bowman Lake for generations, participating in seasonal outdoor activities throughout the year.
The park welcomes visitors throughout the year and serves different interests, from hikers to anglers. Camping is available, along with opportunities for swimming and boating on the lake, plus winter sports like cross-country skiing.
The lake's position within a forested valley creates a special microclimate that supports plant species rarely found elsewhere in the state. This natural condition makes the area botanically interesting for observant visitors.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.