Looking for an adventure where you can explore Alfred and then fall asleep in your tent? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Alfred, New York's most popular destinations.
If you're passing through town on your travels or a local looking for a private get away, this is the perfect place to kick back, relax and enjoy some peace and quiet. You can sit by the fire, look across to see fireflies in the field or tilt your head back to have an amazing star-gazing experience. A one of a kind property to make memories with friends, family, or for a special romantic get away. Access to 93 acres with trails to walk or mountain bike on, fields to wander through and wildlife to observe.
$35 - $89 / night
Lawrence Recreation Area is a day-use facility on the south side of Cowanesque Lake. It is conveniently located on State Route 49 approximately 4 miles west of Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania. The area offers a great location for picnicking and shoreline fishing.
Cowanesque Lake offers many outdoor activities including boating and fishing. A variety of native fish inhabits the area's streams and lakes. The North and South Tailrace areas provide access for fishing below the dam. The fields and forests around the lake are popular destinations for hunters looking for large and small game species that inhabit the eastern hardwood forests. Many miles of hiking trails surround the lake, including the Mid State Trail, which links the trails at Cowanesque and nearby Hammond Lake into a long path that extends all the way through Pennsylvania from Maryland to New York.
The Cayuga Shelter is reservable for group picnicking. It is fully accessible and comfortably accommodates groups of up to 100 people in a lovely lakeside setting.
Cowanesque Lake is situated in the Endless Mountains region of Pennsylvania, along the Allegheny Plateau in the Appalachian Mountains. The surrounding land paints a scenic picture of rolling terrain and open fields.
$40 - $100 / night
$65 - $90 / night
South Shore Recreation Area is located on the south side of the Cowanesque Lake along State Route 49, just five miles west of Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania. The area is easily accessible from Route 15 and offers a great location for boating, picnicking and fishing.
Cowanesque Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities including boating and fishing. A variety of native fish inhabits the area's streams and lakes. The North and South Tailrace areas provide access for fishing below the dam. The fields and forests around the lake are popular destinations for hunters looking for large and small game species that inhabit the eastern hardwood forests. Many miles of hiking trails circle the lake, including the Mid State Trail, which travels through the recreation area. It links the trails at Cowanesque and nearby Hammond Lake into a long path that extends all the way through Pennsylvania from Maryland to New York.
The recreation area offers three group shelters. The Iroquois and Oneida Shelters have electric and water hookups; the Mohawk Shelter has water hookups only. All three sites are fully accessible and comfortably accommodate groups of up to 100 people in a lovely lakeside setting.
Cowanesque Lake is situated in the Endless Mountains region of Pennsylvania, along the Allegheny Plateau in the Appalachian Mountains. The surrounding land paints a scenic picture of rolling terrain and open fields.
$40 - $100 / night
Ranger
Not technically in the Finger Lakes but still one of the most beautiful parts of Western New York State. Splurge and eat at the Glen Iris Inn! Great for cycling and hiking but no swimming. I love taking visitors here in all seasons but in autumn it is exceptional. I’ve stayed in a few tent sites and all are wooded and pretty private with your standard basic amenities. This is a popular park so make reservations.
Scout
I have stayed in the tent sites three times now and I really enjoy this campground. Nice clean sites with picnic tables that are in good shape. It is just a short walk to the beautiful lake front. Bathrooms are a little far from the tent sites with only one shower. This can be tough since there are a lot of seasonal sites for campers and RVs across from the tent sites using the same facilities. Very nice little beach for swimming and the perfect spot for going to the wineries. Sites are not very private but I have encountered very nice neighbors every time so it hasn't been an issue.
Scout
My family and I had a wonderful stay tent camping here. The grounds are huge and very well maintained, including the grass being mowed. There are large, beautiful trees to tent camp in the shade. There’s lots of amenities like volleyball, basketball, playground, swings, all in a safe area away from roads. There’s entrance spots to kayak/ play in the river. Other than a few mosquito bites, we left with a peaceful, wonderful time and memories. Including seeing an eagle fly over the river!
TravelerWhat a beautiful park. Go river rafting! Only drag is the mixed rv and tent sites.
Guide
Tent sites along a confluence of creeks; ankle deep clear water. Amazing miles of upstream hiking, water holes, rope swings, etc.
Perfect for little kids and adults.
Short drive from Letchwood State Park
Traveler
We have camped here at least 1x a year for the last 5 years and we love it. They have made some improvements thought the years. As a family who tent camps this place has big grassy areas which is always appreciated. It's very close to Letchworth and a short drive to stony Brooke state park.
ScoutTent sites are nice, either 30 or 50 amp at each sight depending on what you pick. We went 4 days after they opened and raccoons we're a small issue even at a clean campsite. Saw a skunk at our campsite each night as well.
ScoutThe tent sites were great and spaced apart. The owners were very friendly and there was a nice pond. Showers could need updated but it was about what I was expecting. I love little campgrounds like this so it was even better than I was hoping.
Scout
Beautiful waterfalls, intermediate hiking.
Tent sites are fairly large so you have plenty of room. Bathrooms are centrally located in each loop, nice playground for kids. Dog friendly too.
only downfall, no one took the State bid to open the camp store so you need to leave the park for wood/ice.
Traveler
Great campground for kids, events, and hiking. Plenty of room on each site for whatever you need. Multiple playgrounds which are clean & well maintained. Only downside is that the RV sites don’t have much shade but the tent sites do. Also make sure to bring plenty of leveling blocks as some sites are far from level.
Legend
Ashley here with The Dyrt. Let's give a warm welcome to your hosts Sheryl & Matt! This is the perfect place to car or tent camp. Enjoy a private fire-pit and dive into Lake Seneca! Only a 4 min drive from Watkins Glenn. This place has it all. Lots of sites to choose from, some even have hammocks! Dog friendly. Check them out and leave them some love!
TravelerGreat secluded tent camping (recomend numbers 7 and 8), cabins are new and ample beds and space. Camper camping is close to everything, but less privacy. Numerous pavilions that are wonderful for parties or weddings. Stunning overlook that is breathtaking (also great for weddings). Hiking, bike trails, fishing pond, playground, open fields for sports, much more!!! Great for photo shoots, weekend stress getaways etc. I live close by and visit a few times a month.
ScoutThe state park is breathtaking. The campground is horrendous. The restrooms were disgusting. The site barely fit our one tent (8man Coleman) even though it was advertised as a two tent site. The camp fire ring had no solid base- it just sat on the grass and fires would not stay lit. The quiet hours were not enforced. Yelling and loud music kept us up until ridiculous hours. I would not rate this as family friendly.
Scout
I loved everything. The sites are neat. We tent camped with no electric. $23 per night. Fishing allowed in the pond. Bathrooms with showers were spotless. Grass maintained. One small complaint is checkin and out times not enforced. Checkin states 3 pm but we saw many checking in as early as 8 or 9 AM. We could have gained a whole day! Next time!
Lots of very wet, muddy sites where even mulch would have been helpful.
Guide
We booked a tent site, and there was only one small patch of grass where we could set up our tent. But the people next to us were in a big group and already had their tents set up very close to our grass, and we didn't feel comfortable camping that close to people. My brother had an RV site, so we went down to his and set up our tent there and it was much nicer. The fire pits are very nice, and the hiking trails in the park are great.
LegendMy husband and I spent his birthday weekend camping in our truck tent here. Around Halloween all the RVs decorate and the kids dress up for trick or treating. The owners of the park are very friendly and accommodating. The sites are level and spacious among the trees. The tent sites have options along the water as well. Unfortunately it stormed the night we were there and the river flooded over the road, so it was tough getting the truck out to leave the next day, but we made it after a couple hours!
GuideLetchworth has a few options: cabin, barebones cabin, and a few tent sites. I’ve stayed several times. We’ve hiked, white water rafted, gone to the pool, playgrounds, etc. The park is huge and absolutely gorgeous. You can easily spend a week here and have plenty to do in the park as well as the local towns. You can tour the dam as well. The views along the road through the park are incredible. Go to Letchworth. You will love it.
Scout
ntmnet. Overall, this is a nice place to go camping. We camp in a tent and our site was wonderful (PT1). We were pretty much alone. The facility was nice and kept up. The bathrooms were clean and well stocked. My only complaint would be that the pet rules are not enforced. I would see five dogs from my site and only one was on a leash all the time. My dog. One dog was free to roam wherever it wanted. Owners would walk with him and let him go. He came to our site several times. We did our best to keep our dog quiet but it was difficult. The dog ended up taking "a dump" on our site. The owners had not intention of cleaning it up till I talked to them when they walked by. They sent a child who didn't clean it toroughly so I had to. Called the office but no answer. Never saw an employee making rounds checking things out. Not going back.
RangerWe loved sugar creek glen! The owners were super friendly and helpful! There is a beautiful waterfall and creek in the middle of the campground. We were able to hike and climb up to more falls and swimming holes when the creek level came down one day. Other days we couldn’t due to high creek levels. There was outer edges of a tropical storm when we went so lots of rain!
The bathrooms are clean - quarter showers were nice and hot!
If you are on a tent site you have to drive through the creek which can close at times due to high water levels- one day we were there it was closed.
The store has a lot of items for sale
There is a beautiful playground and Gaga ball pit
Traveler
We went during their Christmas in July weekend. They had a good list of activities from cookie decorating to visits with Santa. The store is small, but fairly priced. A salt water pool had just been added and was going to open soon. One of the coolest things was rafting on the creek! There was also mini golf and multiple playgrounds. A lot of the sites were right on the creek. The scenery was beautiful. The tent site we had, had access to the creek which was neat. The bathrooms are outdated, but clean. Some of the showers cost a quarter and some don't, which was peculiar. Overall, one of the better campgrounds we stayed at this year. I would definitely recommend this for families which kids of any age.
Scout
We stayed here at the beginning of August and brought 3 children ages 10, 9, and 5. We did not realize this campground’s sites were so close together. And most of the sites were gravel lots. If you’re coming to enjoy boating or the like, it is probably about perfect. As long as you don’t mind the dust and dirt from all of the gravel and the mediocre bath houses. Their swimming pools were very nice on the other hand. They had a 1-1.5 foot kiddie pool and a large graduating pool with the water being about 80 degrees is guess. They also have a jacuzzi. There are water and electric hook ups which is nice even when tent camping. It isn’t exactly what we expected, but there are lots of trails through the woods and of course you have the Allegheny there. The campground isn’t exactly beautiful but we’ve decided to give it a chance. We will try a cabin next time and see if the nicer lots make the whole experience that much better.
Guide
Close to wine country you will find this gem of a family campground. Dog and kid friendly with activities such as wagon rides, arts and crafts, movie night and various themed weekend events. The hosts were super friendly and welcoming during our entire stay. An easy back in site with full hookups (B10) backed against a row of trees and a field that provided much entertainment of squirrels and birds. There is a camp store with very reasonable prices and accepts credit cards. Wood ($4) and ice ($2) are also for sale. There are two small cabins to rent along with a couple of family tent sites. The bathrooms/showers were clean near the camp store. Amenities include a pool, mini golf ($1/person), two playgrounds, horseshoes, a recreation center with games and movies, basketball and shuffle board. There are many seasonal campers at this campground, but all seemed friendly and welcoming as well. It truly seemed like one big happy family there.
ScoutSprague Brook is a smaller, clean, well maintained ground. There are a lot of tent sites, a few sites have electricity but most do not. There is a play area for kids every time you turn around and a nice little pond for fishing. For what it is, it's a very nice spot if you're looking for a less wild camping experience. You definitely won't be getting lost in the woods around here! But for many families with small kids, it would be a wonderful place that isn't too far off the beaten track, but still offers trails, fishing, and sometimes there are activities for the campers. If you, like me, tend to prefer camping to NOT include seeing other humans, this is not the place for us! The trails are easily followed, bathrooms and showers are about average for places like this (not spotless, a bit buggy, but they do the tricks they were made for!).
Guide
If you are looking for a deep woods experience... this is it! We only stayed one night. The scenery was absolute beautiful but we were given the last open tent spot available. Because of this, we were not as prepared as we would have liked. We were in a primitive spot and we usually don’t do that. This site was beautiful. You crossed a small foot bridge to get to it. There was very little grass because it was deeply wooded. The cabins next to us were very loud so that was distracting. The cabins looked very nice though.
The shower house was clean and nice but did cost money, which I think is not appropriate. The creek that ran by our tent site had a beautiful sound but we were also distracted by the out house. We were not near the bathhouse so there was a port-a-potty there. It was clean but still a port-a-potty. The sites are very secluded though and if you want some peace get one of the sites in the woods and have some time to yourself!
Scout
It is family friendly and part of the NY State Campgrounds so if you have an annual pass you will save money. The sites are well maintained. Bathrooms & showers are clean. A dumping station right near the entry/exit.There is a large park area with beach for swimming, fishing, plenty of room for launching your kayak, dock and launch for your boat or using one of their grills & picnic areas. All around the campsites there are water spikots too so if you're tent camping then you are not walking far for fresh water. There is a nice pavillion as well with water fountains for drinking in case you went for a swim & didn't bring a drink with you. There are paths for hiking as well. A real shining star of the Finger Lakes region. There are many attractions nearby as well if you like to sight see. An enormous amount of wineries along the west and east side of the lake as well as the bluff. Be sure to stop in to one of the micro breweries in the area as well. Lakeside Restaurant on the west side of Keuka is our favorite. Fresh quality chef designed meals and desserts.
GuideLyman Run holds a special place for me. It’s nestled within the gold level dark sky area. This means on a clear night and with a waning or new moon, one could see the arm of the Milky Way with millions of stars- more than most people see in a lifetime. The camp sites are a bit rough- there are two loops, with one loop catering to the mostly RV crowds and the remaining one for tents. There are a few really good and shaded tent sites in the RV loop. The location of the park is near Cherry Springs SP, which gets all the attention for the night sky viewing. We were able to use Lyman Run as a way station as we visited Kinzua, the PA Grand Canyon, and other sites in the PA Woods area. There’s even a chance to watch elk nearby. Each site has a fire ring, with wood available nearby. Amenities include a beach at a nearby lake, warm showers, and good hiking trails. There is a general store nearby, but the nearest town is almost 45+ minutes away. But hey, there’s a Fox’s Pizza there, so ... win? Since Cherry Springs (at the time of this writing) does not take reservations, we opted for the sure thing. Tent pads are well taken care of and the bathrooms are clean. This park is worth the time and view- you will not be disappointed.
Legend
This is a gem of a campground, located on a private homestead adjacent to the Hanging Bog Unique Area, a special state forest preserve maintained by the DEC. Because you are off the beaten path, it feels like you are in the wilderness, although you are in driving distance of a hamlet where you can get supplies. I was there in October, at the peak of fall colors, so the camping and hiking trails and on the forest road to the bog was exquisite. The host has created a wonderful haven here, with tent sites, a few places where camper vans can park, and a glamping cabin option. Each site has a nice fire pit supplied with firewood, and you can drive up right to your site or get there by a short walk. The campground has a central cabin with a sitting room where you can hang out in the evening or if it is raining; a great retreat spit for writing or reading or journaling! There is potable water and a privy, and also a shelter where you can wash up dishes etc after campfire cooking. This is an amazing place for a retreat; I only stayed one night with my dog, but would live to come back for a week to fully enjoy camping here!
Tent camping near Alfred, New York, offers a variety of well-reviewed spots that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful escape. With amenities ranging from electric hookups to pet-friendly policies, these campgrounds provide a great base for your adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Alfred, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Alfred, NY is Riverside Park Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Alfred, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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