Best Tent Camping near Apalachin, NY

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Apalachin, look no further. Find the best tent camping sites near Apalachin. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Apalachin, New York's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Apalachin, NY (20)

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Recent Tent Reviews in Apalachin

355 Reviews of 20 Apalachin Campgrounds


  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Taughannock Falls State Park Campground
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Taughannock Falls State Park Campground

    Great little campground

    Pulled back and punted bc of Storm Debbie. Lucked out with a find in the Finger Lakes. Nice campground. Has everything you need. Small sites but fine for our hybrid. Ours was shady. Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you’ll need extra long cords. Just beautiful area. Hiked here. Drove to Watkins Glen-hiked-absolutely breathtaking. That campground is much larger. Went to Buttermilk Falls too.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping

    Amazing campground

    Very well maintained. Some sites are close and some a spread out. About half of them are in the sun and half get shade all day. I switched sites after a day to get some solar charging. Clean bathrooms with flush toilets. Sign in near bathrooms on arrival. Dogs must be on a leash but I found a spot down the hill to the south where there are no campsites to let them play fetch for a bit.

  • Jacob D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Foster Pond Camping Area
    Sep. 13, 2024

    Foster Pond Camping Area

    Relaxed Free Dispersed Camping

    Right at the intersection of Potomac Road and Chicken Coop road in the Finger Lakes National Forest. If heading North on Potomac Road, turn left at the intersection and you’ll find a parking lot. Into the woods around the Lake you’ll find free dispersed camping.

    My mom and I stayed just in the parking lot and had no issues and weren’t bothered. NO AMENITIES

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Long Pond Campground

    Quiet and secluded

    Camped here for a one night stay. Campground was easy to locate and the road was in good shape.

    We stayed in the space across from the port-a-pottie. The other camping spaces we close enough to see their campfire at night but far enough away that it's still quiet.

    Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel.

    Site has no water, no garbage service and no phone signal.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Long Pond Campground

    Nice Rustic Campground

    We came into the camping area on a Sunday and found site 7 available. While this is next to the road, it is also within 40 yards of the only potta potty in the park.

    About 100 yards away was the public fishing dock and another camp site. There were two young men fishing there at about 7 PM.

    There is no water or garbage services at this site. Most camping spots are ideal for tents or very small campers or trailers.

    The camp sites I saw all seemed to be large and level spots all located beneath the tree canopy. Sites seemed disbursed enough to provide a modest level of privacy.

    Would rate 5 stars if it had water and a garbage dumpster.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Aug. 16, 2024

    Long Pond Campground

    Great for Dispersed Camping!

    I was initially worried about the other people camping here because I was almost immediately visited by them but the poor kids just needed to charge their phone so I obliged. Aside from that this was a short drive in and I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock. People have driven in to fish and kayak so I don’t feel isolated and afraid, and I am just a few steps away from sitting on the dock and admiring the scenery.

    There is a port-a-potty near the entrance but otherwise a “leave no trace” situation which is fine considering the ample forest coverage in case there is someone who drives in.

    Each spot seems to have plenty of shade and access to downed firewood, and it looks like there are fire pits at each site. Lots of good tinder left over from previous guests which has been helpful.

    Beautiful views, quiet, no insect issues so far, and if I had a rod and reel I wouldn’t need to worry for food at all. T-Mobile service has been exceptional as well. I am planning on staying here for a week or more and I see no reason to find another location as there is no fee or permit needed and you can stay up to 14 days I believe.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Salt Springs State Park Campground
    Jun. 29, 2024

    Salt Springs State Park Campground

    Unique park with unique natural features

    This park is technically a “state park” because the land for it was donated to the state for public use. However, once the state became the official stewards, there werent funds in the state budget to maintain it as a park. A lical group, the Friends of Salt Springs, stepped up and offered to maintain the park with funds raised by their group. The result is a small but unique property open to the public for day use (picnicking and hiking and fishing) along with 2 small rustic campgrounds. One campground has a large open mowed grassy meadow with level sites for car camping or small campers, no hookups are available but each site has a fire ring and picnic table. On the other side of the parks trout stream are seven secluded primitive hike-in tent sites along with three basic camper cabins. The Friends of Salt Springs makes a good effort to maintain these two rustic campgrounds, however it seems there isnt a ranger on site at night so a camper said the meadow campground can get a little noisy some nights. The hike in sites are relatively quiet and secluded though, and are positioned nicely along the stream, one site actually adjacent to a good swimming hole.

    The camper cabins are basic with bunks, bring all your own gear. They are fairly new and have electricity but no water or heat.

    On the grounds in the day use area are picnic spits, a pavilion, and an activity barn. When I was there, the barn was featuring a local quilt show.

    The special aspect of this park are the hiking trails through old growth hemlock forest, said to be the largest hemlocks in Pennsylvania. The trout stream also cascades through some some waterfalls, and there are gorges with unique geology.

    There is a village nearby with limited supplies, you may want to stock up on groceries before heading out to this somewhat remote park. There is, however, a local brewery, plus an odd coffee shop featuring both donuts and ammo, an unusual combination…..

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Jun. 24, 2024

    Long Pond Campground

    Long Pond

    Some of the other state forests in the area are really nice, so I had high hopes for Long Pond but was disappointed. Long Pond is located in a state forest west of Smithfield Flats and Greene NY, and many locals come to Long Pond for fishing. The pond is quite large compared to other area pinds, and three are three accesses for fishing: a regular boat launch with parking lot and dock, a carry-in kayak access near campsite 6, and a handicapped accessible fishing puer near campsite 1. All seem to be very popular, and the lake is very scrnic and very productive for fisherman. The camping situation is a little strange though. Campsite 1 is adjacent to the handicapped fishing pier, and is supposedly an accessible campsite. Though an all terrain wheelchair could navigate from car to campsite, a regular one could not due to gravel. In addition, there is no outhouse by the site, only one quite a ways down the lake. Also, the parking area at this campsite seems to be a major party spot as beer cans were thrown all over and even in the water. It was sad to see this. The other campsites nearby are not located in a distinct campground, but are strung out along the shoreline clise to the highways, each with its own driveway right off the highway, which creates a lake of privacy as passersby can quite easily pop right in off the highway. This doesnt seem real secure, and some if the campsites closest to the road had evidence of driveby garbage dumpers who popped in and dumped household garbage right in a couple of the campsites. In addition, the relatively new outhouse installed near the middle of the camping area has been vandalized and damaged already. Its a shame to see this, as otherwise the campsites are large and shaded and well spaced from each other and close to the pond. But I wouldnt want to camp here given the garbage and security and vandalism issues. Also, other than fishing there isnt much too do as there arent designated hiking trails here, though you could drive a few miles away to access some truck trails that are in another part of the state forest. Get a map of the forest from the website ahead of time though, as the info kiosk has been damaged and all info and signs and maps are missing!

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed

    Finger Lakes Trailhead off Grover Brown Rd

    The coordinates lead you to a small parking area at the end of Grover Brown Rd, which is accessed by going north from Rt 23. The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintanence road. But if you follow the road north to the end, you will come to a dead end and a parking circle that gives you the option of hiking north past a gate into the state forest on a hunting trail, or west onto the Finger Lakes Trail where dispersed camping is allowed within the state forest. However, the whole road in is a tough ride, it is posted extensively en route that you are passing private property with no trespassing allowed until you see the DEC sign announcing the border of the state forest. The parking area is overgrown, the neighbors aling the road en route seem frustrated with hikers coming into the forest via this route, and the Trailhead here for the Finger Lakes Trail is blocked by downed trees that seem to have been there for a while. While you might try to hike the trail for day use, I wonder if this may not be a great place to leave your car during a foray into the woods for dispersed camping. Although the Pharsalia Forest is beautiful throughout, and dispersed camping is allowed throughout, there are better places to access it. There are also designated primitive campsites in several locations in other areas of this state forest which are worthy of your camping adventures! You

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chenango County Cook Park
    Jun. 20, 2024

    Chenango County Cook Park

    Hike in to the lean-to!

    This is a small county park and campground located east of Greene NY. It gets a lot if day use for fishing, hiking and picnicking. There is also a wooded campground, mostly RV’s and some tents. The sites are a bit crowded in, though the trees provide shade. For folks planning a group campout or family reunion, this would be a good option. For a solo camper who wants a bit if solitude, there is a better and super-nice option—the hike-in lean-to! Its a short hike in, and it is lively, well built shelter and nice fire pit. The small lake that is central to the park has nicely mowed shoreline paths around it, and the hiking trails in the woods are not brushy, but you still should be on the lookout for ticks. Price is reasonable compared to other area campgrounds, and you could access several other state forests and parks in the area for hiking etc note: though you can fish and paddle here, there is no swimming allowed!

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Taughannock Falls State Park Campground
    Jun. 20, 2024

    Taughannock Falls State Park Campground

    Below average SP campground

    As for RV camping, this place is outdated. Sites are on top of one another, but some have good shade. Ours, site 6 didn't. Really can't walk to beach area or store. Cheap enough at $25. T-storms knocked out power overnight.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lackawanna State Park Campground
    Jun. 19, 2024

    Lackawanna State Park Campground

    Something for everyone!

    This is an amazing state park that has something for everyone. There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network if hiking and horse riding trails. There are several campgrounds, with tremendous variety for every camping style. There are standard car camping tent sites, RV sites, and yurts and camper cabins. For those who like more rustic options, there are hike-in sites that are beautiful and not far from the parking area. The campsites are nestled in a deep shady mature forest, and peaceful and quiet due to the wooded aspect and spacing of sites (at least for me, in September in a hike-in site not far from the regular campground). It is nice to have such a fine camping and outdoor recreation opportunity within an easy drive of the city of Clarks Summit, so probably a great weekend getaway for local folks, but a wonderful stopover for anyone on a road trip through northern PA as it is not far off Interstate 81. I was there only one day, but would like to be back to explore the trails!

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground

    Morgan Hill OT/NCST trailhead campground

    This is a small state forest campground in the Morgan Hill forest from which you can directly access the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country scenic trail. Although the campsites here are primitive and free, they are official developed campsites and not really “dispersed” campsites. There are several basic tent spots, which are just cleared grassy areas adjacent to the trailhead parking circle; BUT in addition, there are two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits. These are very nice roomy wooded campsites, and the  developed sites are supposedly ADA accessible —but while I agree that the picnic tables and cement pad around the fireplace can certainly accomodate wheelchairs, and the tenting area is roomy, note that there are NO OTHER ADA amenities at these sites, eg no water source and NO toilet or outhouse right at the campground. While you can drive right up to your campsite location, which is accessible, you would actually have to hike quite a long ways west on the OnondagaTrail to access a pit toilet, or to have stream access for obtaining water to boil, so you DO need to come prepared to use the bushes by your campsite and leave no trace, plus bring your own water. (See attached map where I circled the campground area in orange) That being said, this location is peaceful and quiet with mature trees and plenty of distance between neighboring campers, and would be an ideal setting for a group campout. Hiking the trail west on a day trip will bring you to the beautiful Tinker Falls, which may not be flowing during dry seasons but is still a gorge worth exploring! You can best access this campground from the south side of the forest; the entrance is from state route 13 on Morgan Hill Rd south,  adjacent to a very nice farm stand that is a good stop  for supplies, and there is a DEC forest sign to mark the turn off from Rt 13.  After that, you are on your own and should bring a map to navigate as the hiking trails are marked with signs where they cross the roads, but the road to turn off from Morgan Hill Rd to the campground is not marked. You can set your driving directions on Google Maps beforehad, to this endpoint: https://www.google.com/maps/dir//42.767846,-75.997552/@42.7799792,-76.08097,12z?entry=ttu

    You might also want to download the free Avenza map of the forest which will allow you to navigate real time even if you don't have cell service, that link is here: https://store.avenza.com/products/morgan-hill-state-forest-nysdec-map?queryID=eb824498ff4125babc1c06655b111da4&objectID=42626406056092

     general info for this state forest is here: 

    https://dec.ny.gov/places/morgan-hill-state-forest

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods

    Bear Wallow Pond

    This is a primitive undeveloped campsite, there is a clearing for tenting but no potable water or amenities of any kind. The site is adjacent to a small parking area and fishing access on a really beautiful pond, which is unnamed on the map but is an impoundment of Bear Wallow Creek so it can be considered Bear Wallow Pond. I have been there in both summer, when the shoreline wildflowers are riotous, and in fall when the changing leaves are breathtaking. If you camp here, you can kayak or fish on the pond, go mountain biking on the network of state forest roads that are all part of the Pharsalia Woods Game Refuge, or access the Finger Lakes Trail or Canasawacta Creek Trail (see website for this listing for map of the refuge and more info at https://cnyhiking.com/FLT-PharsaliaWMA.htm)

    You can get to the site from state highway 23 via the Benedict Hill Rd, or from the hamlet of Beaver Meadow going south and west of Cole Hill via Mud Lane. A peaceful pretty wooded spot not far from either Norwich or South Otselic for an easy overnight or weekend. I give it 4 stars not for amenities but for being an idyllic example of a dispersed primitive site

  • Jeff H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chenango Valley State Park Campground
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Chenango Valley State Park Campground

    This Place has it All!

    Great all-around campground. Level sites with plenty of trees. Clean bath houses. Tons of biking and hike trails. A “beach” swim area that is like a resort. A golf course. A great option for families.

    A really beautiful area to visit. A very cool brewery is just 4 miles away.

  • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping
    Jun. 7, 2024

    Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping

    Dog Friendly Retreat near Watkins Glen

    We stayed at Sugar Hill for about 10 days, arriving right after Memorial Day weekend. The campground offers a variety of great options for various rig sizes, accommodating different needs comfortably. Its location is convenient, just a 15-minute drive from Watkins Glen, making it an ideal base for exploring the area.

    During our stay, the campsite never even got near half full, providing a peaceful and uncrowded experience. For those seeking more privacy, there are numerous secluded spots along the side roads throughout the park.

    However, it's worth noting that WiFi and phone service are pretty limited, typically ranging between 1-2 bars. Despite this minor inconvenience, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would recommend Sugar Hill for its tranquility and proximity to local attractions.

  • louis P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cozy Creek Family Campground
    Apr. 9, 2024

    Cozy Creek Family Campground

    Rustic creek family campground

    This is a fantastic campground! The tent sites are right on the creek. The grounds, the little store/coffee shop and the facilities were pristine. The owner and all the employees were as friendly as they were accommodating. I can't say enough good things. I'll definitely be back.

  • Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Loyalsock State Forest
    Mar. 19, 2024

    Loyalsock State Forest

    The campsites aren't too bad but I choose a bad night to stay.

    The sites are just pull offs along the road. the road isn't heavily traveled so it's not too bad. The problem was the night that I stayed there it had been raining non stop for several day and the whole campsite. was several inches of mud. there wasn't any grassy areas to park near. All in all not a bad place in dry conditions. it was reported to be free with a permit but the permit was about $15

  • Nicole S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Watkins Glen / Corning KOA
    Mar. 13, 2024

    Watkins Glen / Corning KOA

    Mixed Feelings

    This was our families first SoLo trip with our camper. It had alot of things to do indoor/ outdoor pool, pirate ship, slide, big pillow, waterside, golf and rock wall. The campground and showers were clean. There were some things that didn't work like the army truck ride, zipline, and playground. The biggest downfall was being near the dump station and something going on with this makeshift site next to us where around our area smelled of sewer fumes all the time we went out for dinner one night because my 3 yr old was gaging. However the area was absolutely gorgeous we hiked so many waterfalls, went and rented a boat for the day to check out the lake, and drive to the next lake to check out the park.

  • Sunny B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Harpy Hollow
    Jan. 12, 2024

    Harpy Hollow

    Nice place

    A great place to visit, I really like this place. I often lie here admiring the scenery and playing suika game. I like everything that is peaceful and slow

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Taughannock Falls State Park Campground
    Sep. 30, 2023

    Taughannock Falls State Park Campground

    Met the basic needs, but have seen better

    The park itself is located in a great region, close to many other top attractions of the Finger Lakes region. There are few nice hiking trails right from the park, which our whole family enjoyed. 

    We camped as a small group in two sites across from each other. Where we were, the sites were close to the road, and the road noise was distracting. The sites were also very close to each other and rather shallow, thereby limiting privacy. Upper sites, closer to the falls looked a lot nicer, deeper, and quieter, but we had no choice since it was booked with short notice. Not much to say about park facilities. Basic restroom and shower facilities, but the ability to do dishes in the designated sink in the bathroom was a plus. Bathroom facilities were old and not well maintained. We barely saw any real cleaning either. So, that was a bummer.

    All in all, if you are eager to get out and camp, and have no better choice, I would say you will be OK. Otherwise, there are nicer options around.

  • Jennifer R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Highland Campgrounds
    Sep. 20, 2023

    Highland Campgrounds

    Great all around campground

    Been here twice so far! Whether it's nature and back roads, or wanting to have a dip in the pool and lay in the sun, this campground is the best of both worlds. Great prices and deals. Office is clean and a combined country store with fresh produce in the outdoor fridge and bug spray and essentials in the office area. Rec room and bathrooms are older, but vintage. Playground is also older but also gives off the vintage look with some of the older, older swings and sit spin. Would definitely recommend and will definitely be back!!

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Watkins Glen / Corning KOA
    Sep. 18, 2023

    Watkins Glen / Corning KOA

    Better than usual KOA

    Very convenient to Watkins Glenn State Park and the Speedway. Restrooms are modern clean and adequate. WiFi was good on a fall weekend with park pretty full. Some sites are concrete, ours was gravel and not particularly level. Good cable TV.

  • Jennifer K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Belden Hill Campgrounds
    Sep. 13, 2023

    Belden Hill Campgrounds

    Quiet with incredible view

    Really nice clean and quiet campground. Incredible views. Staff and residents so helpful and friendly. Clean bathrooms and laundry rooms. Was just off season during our trip so sadly we didn't get to try the ice cream...always next time! Full hook ups and wifi but wifi wasn't working too well. Good enough for web surfing on phone but no streaming on TV. Great at&t service. Fantastic animal preserve zoo nearby which is a must visit. Pretty golf course with full bar and food right across the street. Overall one of our favorite stops on our New England trip.



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Apalachin, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Apalachin, NY is Belden Hill Campgrounds with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

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    TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Apalachin, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.