Best Tent Camping near Bainbridge, NY

Awesome place for camping and swimming. Beautiful views and great staff. Each tent site has its own fire pit with a grate for cooking.

We went up for a weekend trip. Tent camping. Site was sufficiently private and tucked away, but water/bathrooms/showers were close enough. Very clean facilities! Really enjoyed the kayaking and beach area. The trails were not all that great and provided only minor enjoyment.

Ashley here from The Dyrt! It's been great working with this non-profit organization. They offer 4 private tent sites and 50 acres of scenic hiking trails. Campsites are spaced out, feel private, and offer all of the amenities (grill, chairs, picnic table). Restroom and hot water close by. Check them out and leave them some love!

Camping at Chenango Valley State Park is always a great time. The park is very family friendly. It has numerous hiking and biking trails, two lakes (Lily and Kettle) and a 18-hole golf course for guests to enjoy. The grounds and bathrooms are very well maintained and the sites are level for those RV or tent camping. We enjoy the sites because they’re spacious and woodsy. They make you feel secluded, but are also a short drive from a brewery and the city of binghamton.

Both the Glimmerglass State Park and the Glimmerglass Festival Opera House list their location as Cooperstown, but in actuality the Park is 8 miles outside of Cooperstown on the northeast side of Otsego Lake, with the Opera House nearby on the northwest corner of the lake nearby. If you are going to visit one, you should also visit the other! In fact the park is an ideal spot to stay if you are wanting to take in any of the Glimmerglass music or theater productions which have quite a professional lineup in the summer season. If staying at the park you will also enjoy the amazing beach and waterfront on Otsego Lake, and great kayaking on the lake as well as the stream flowing into it. You can also hike, ot take a day trip into Cooperstown, especially for museums and all things baseball.

The camping opportunities give you three options: the main campground by the park office, which is wooded and shady and has electric hookups as needed, and is close to the beach, but you will have a lot of neighbors. If you want a quiet tenting experience, choose the Beaver Pond primitive tenting campground! This offers a small number of large, well spaced and private tent only sites set back in the woods by a beautiful pond and by the Beaver Hiking trail. Very peaceful with more solitude than the main campground, but a longer walk to the beach. The third and newest option, the Travis Field campsites, reminds me of an overflow parking area at an outdoor festival, unfortunately just a bunch of basic tent campsites plunked in an open grassy field located in between the beach and the Beaver Pond sites. I am guessing the park has greater demand for campsites than the original campground offers, so they put these spots up in an open field, and maybe folks would rather have these sites than nothing if they want a week at the lake, but they would not be a first choice unless perhaps you have a group that wants to gather together and take a block of these sites. I didnt check out the cabins, but there are some, which might be especially good if you want to come in the winter as the park is open year round

I have camped CVSP several times in all sorts of capabilities, tent camping, pop-up and hard sided campers. Whether you are looking for a campsite in a forest setting or one with a large open field you can find it. There's is a perfect lake for kayaking for beginner or seasoned, as well as great hiking and mountain biking trails. Keep your eye peeled for the resident bald eagle and think about brining your clubs for a round of golf. The bathhouses are maybe the only negative to our whole experience but with the upgrade coming right now to the swimming area which oncludes better water circulation and a splashpad we will alwaus enjoy our trip here.

Tent camping in the beautiful winding camp ground many shady trees brings you back to nature. We brought our bikes and explored the many hiking and riding trails on the premises. We loved the swimming beach soaking up the sun and cool refreshing water. As fisherman we loved that the rangers told us that the lake was regularly stocked with trout and other game fish. For the boaters there is an ample ramp to launch as well as boat rentals on the marina. Conveniences are provided with many bathrooms and shower facilities throughout the camp ground. For those not to into tenting there are cabins available to keep you safe. We camped in July, but were told that the park is opened for winter activities such as xcountry skiing and snow mobiling. A fun trip for the whole family

Had a great summer camping weekend at Little Pond.

Pros:

- Near wonderful, little-used hiking trails - challenging ones, too!

- Close to Catskill town options to explore, e.g. Livingston Manor

- picnic table and room to park at your site

- there is a dump station and recycling center.

- Clean bathrooms and shower facilities

- Nice tent sites with well-maintained fire pits (have rack for grilling over coals, very large fire pits, sturdy)

- payphone near entrance/park ranger's office

- firewood for sale at ranger's office

-wildlife: hummingbirds on the path around Little Pond, frogs, deer, birds

- foraging: plaintain, raspberries near camp, blueberries and huckleberries on hike

- views on hike

- ruins on hike

Cons

- no cell service, however, if you hike to a mountain top can have fun joking with those you call about that's what it took to be able to get a signal and be in touch with them :-)

- weekend around the lake is more like a park with day-trippers, as opposed to serene wilderness/lakeside camping. 

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There was a high school group (on Satuday?) there that made it feel more like a family/public place than a wilderness getaway. The hiking, however, more than made up for it. The trail we took to get to the top and, at last, have cell phone service and AWESOME views more than made up for that.

The Park Rangers were helpful and unobtrusive. They drove their carts around periodically but not like they were hovering in any one spot or making trouble for anyone. 

We like visiting the nearby towns and breweries. It was a wondrful weekend. They have some tent sites right on the lake for hike-ins. If you drive, you have to carry all your stuff for awhile before you get to yourcamp site. However, these are right on the lake in supreme spots, even with "old school" outhouses a stone's throw away.

I recommend Little Pond for a weekend. If you stay longer, be sure to check  out the surrounding area. We stayed at campsite 2, which was ok, but not on the lake. Go for a site on the lake, even if you have to carry your stuff to set up, it was breathtaking in the morning to see the mist rising off the lake.

From the park: 

Campground Phone:(845) 439-5480 Regional Office Phone:(607) 652-2032 Make Your Camping Reservation: ReserveAmerica

Little Pond is a quiet picturesque campground located in the Catskill Forest Preserve which offers a leisurely hiking trail around a 13-acre pond, and the opportunity to venture along trails leading to the ruins of an old farm or enjoy breathtaking views atop the Touchmenot Mountains.

The campgrounds, beach, boat rental, and Junior Naturalist Program offers fun for all ages; and for the primitive camper, we offer remote sites on the back side of the pond. Little Pond is located minutes from Beaverkill, a world renowned fly fishing stream. Amenities = 67 tent and trailer sites; 8"remote" tent sites; picnic area with tables, grills, or fireplaces; pavilion rental; playground; volleyball; horseshoes; soccer; basketball; ice sales; firewood sales; flush toilets; hot showers; trailer dump station; recycling center; sand beach; boat launch; rowboat, paddle boat, kayak and canoe rentals.

The campground offers accessible campsites with a mile long trail around the pond. A newly constructed ADA fishing platform is at the end of the trail near the day use area. There is also a new ADA path to the beach. Full listing of DEC's Accessible Recreation Destinations. Campsite Restoration Project This campground has sites that have been selected for restoration. While undergoing restoration the chosen sites will be closed. For the list of sites and more information on the project visit the Campsite Restoration Project page. People using the accessible trail at Little Pond Featured Activities boating Boating No motor boats allowed. Rowboats and canoes allowed. Rowboat, paddle boat, kayak and canoe rentals available. fishing Fishing A variety of pan fish.

The Beaverkill, renowned fly fishing stream, is with minutes from the campground. The Pepacton Reservoir is also close by. A special permit is needed to fish in this reservoir and can be obtained from the city of New York Board of Water Supply. Record sized brown trout and smallmouth bass have been caught in the reservoir. Fishing licenses are no longer being sold at any of our campground facilities, but can be conveniently purchased on-line or by phone.

Hiking Trailheads for both the campground trail and Little Pond trail are located within the campground. These trails connect the campground to the 33 miles of foot trails located on the 27,000+ acre Delaware Wild Forest, which boarders the campground to the north. swimming

Wildlife to Watch: White-tailed deer Wild turkeys Bald eagles Bears Coyotes Foxes

Historic Interest: The campground was constructed between 1965 and 1968. It opened for camping in 1968 with 67 sites; the picnic area and the beach in 1968. The 8 remote sites were added at a later date. The shower house was constructed in 1984. In celebration of the 100th year anniversary of the Forest Preserve in July 1985, a time capsule was buried in the campground. This capsule, containing the names of the persons camping in the campground at that time, was entombed in the base of a stone monument located in front of the facility supervisor's office. The capsule is scheduled to be opened on the 200th anniversary of the Forest Preserve.

While looking for a campsite that would play host to our daughter's first camping trip, we stumbled upon this place and managed to snag a reservation last minute. We are tent campers...can't speak to the accommodations for RV/5th-Wheelers or the rentable cabins. 

The Good:

- The farm, playground, beach, and shallow river make it a great, easy entry point for new and younger campers.

- Restrooms were very clean every time we needed them, and they were easy to access from the tent sites.

- It appeared there were additional activities we could have partaken in - kayaks, paddle boards, canoes available for rent onsite - though with how shallow the river was, I would have been pretty nervous to take a tumble out of a kayak or paddle board. Maybe the river is higher at different times of the year and these activities are less dangerous? We saw some people tubing on the river as well, though I think you have to go offsite for those rentals.

- GREAT fishing river, though the riverfront the camp sits on isn't the best in terms of depth or activity. A short drive down the road in either direction will put you in much better locations for angling.

- The downtown area is adorable, well-stocked in terms of stores/restaurants, and only 3 minutes down the road. Plus there is a brewery AND a distillery:) 

The Bad:

- The"tent sites" (that's what they call them, but they look just like all of the other RV sites with a giant cement pad and utility hookups) are VERY close together, and there is nothing separating them. If you're looking for quiet seclusion, don't even remotely consider this spot as an option.

- As I mentioned before, the tent sites are not actually built for tents. The ground is worn over and very rocky. If you visit, bring incredibly thick sleeping pads or air mattresses if you want to sleep semi-comfortably.

- The cleanliness of the bathrooms doesn't carry over to the campsites. Ours was littered with garbage, broken glass and fish hooks. SO DANGEROUS! Definitely don't walk around barefoot.

- While they boast about the convenience of the General Store, when we visited (and keep in mind, this is still in the time of COVID) it looked like a bomb had gone off inside. It had virtually nothing of value to offer, and it was closed more often than not. The day we arrived it was closed by 3:30, and the day we left (at noon) it still hadn't opened. The grocery store in town is very close, affordable, MUCH better run, and is open until 10 pm. Give them your business instead.

- While snagging a campsite next to the river is nice in terms of ambiance, it also means that you get to act as the gatekeeper for every other camper trying to get to the beach area. We had strangers strolling straight through the middle of our site throughout the day to get to the beach...not very safe, especially when you have children, and incredibly annoying.

- There isn't any kind of smoking policy (I know, nitpicking here since we're outside, but with the sites so close together, it would have been nice), so we got hit with waves of cigarette smoke from the campers that were 5 sites down from us every time the wind shifted. YUCK!

- While you can't see it, you can hear the traffic on the main highway very clearly. Every time a semi used its air brakes on the long hill, it echoed through the camp. Also, be sure to ask about the status of the construction before you visit...we were lucky enough to get to hear the constant thumping of steel poles being driven into the ground across the river from about 9 am to 7 pm every day.

We booked this as our first real camping trip with our new trailer, can’t recommend that for everyone lol, but we had a lovely time.

We had a back in site with a fire pit, picnic table, and no hook ups. It was gravel and not super level, but we made it work. There was a potable water spigot a few sites over and a bathroom with showers a short walk away.

This is a great spot for tent camping, so if that’s your vibe this place is perfect. We had a lot of tree cover so we didn’t even need our air conditioning on during an 85 degree day. There are a lot of mosquitoes, but with some bug spray and a couple thermacell mosquito repellents, we were comfortable the whole time. I loved cooking over the fire, the pit had a cinder block wall around it to set a grate on and block the wind. We had a lot of privacy because the campgrounds next to us were empty, but even if there were people nearby there was about 20-30 ft between our site and the next.

The lake is small but calm and great for kayaking. There is a little “beach” there for swimming, but know that it’s a soft lake bottom further out.

We really liked it here and booked another visit in August.

Beaver Valley Campground is family owned and operated, originally a baseball camp, it still has that baseball draw for those families whose youngsters are playing at the Field of Dreams and close enough to serve as your campground as you travel to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame, Herkimer Diamond Mines, area micro brewery's and even a ride to the Finger Lakes. Beaver Valley has camper and tent sites, and even cabins that fit 2- 20 plus people. There is a large baseball field that could be rented and used. The bathrooms are impeccable, the grounds are groomed, well kept and clean and there are 2 pools, one for the little children and a larger one older people. There is a large pond for fishing and paddling around in. We camped with a 34 foot trailer and because we booked late, we were unable to get a site with sewer. When we needed to have out tank cleaned out, we went to the office and within minutes, we had a visitor at our site to take care of things. This was our second visit to this camp ground and it is at the top of our list of the best kept and run campgrounds that we have stayed at.

This campsite is a hike in stop on the Finger Lakes Trail, but can also be accessed by a short walk-in from Elmer Jackson Rd, or by paddling in from the parking area in the west side of the pond. The pond is deep and clear and stocked with brook trout, and the campsite on the east side of the pond is in an idyllic setting with good camping, fishing (canoe or kayak only), and day hikes on the Finger Lakes Trail. You can also walk or drive along various state forest riads to several other pinds in the Wildlife Management area for good birdwatching. From the south end if the pond is a cascade into a gorge which is the beginnings if Canasawacta Creek, which eventually flows to Norwich and the Chenango River.

This is a primitive canpsite, no shelter or latrine but there are several fire rings and good tent sites as well as a gentle water access right on the shore. This would be a nice family friendly weekend destination, as well a a great stop fir through hikers. Previous campers have left the site in great shape.

Camping in this DEC Wildlife Management Area campsite is limited, and requires a permit. Visit the regional DEC office at 1285 Fisher Ave., Cortland NY or call 607-753-3095, or email at Info.R7@dec.ny.gov ; allow one week for permit to be processed.

More info about the WMA can be found here: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/63889.html or http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/70693.html

An interactive map for hiking in the area can be found here: https://fltconference.org/trails/P/TrailConditionMaps/Interactive/Seg_Cat.html?Vifw#"

For more info and local area map, see page 15 and map E04 in the Finger Lakes Trail East passport guide:

http://www.fltconference.org/trail/files/3814/0154/4940/Passport_East_View.pdf

I been to Oneida campground many weekends with groups of friends as well as by myself as a day visitor. It is a great place to unwind and enjoy yourself…as yourself. This place makes everyone feel welcome including gay, straight, bi-sexual, transsexual or however to choose to be and despite what you might think, the atmosphere makes the clothing optional part comfortable whether you choose to be natural or clothed. 

Oneida is CAMP-ground, not the Ritz but offers rustic camping options as well as lodge (resort) accommodations. There are several group options to stay in either tent sites or cabin/lodge sites that are equipped with their own kitchen and shower facilities. Private remote sites are also available if you prefer to be off on your own in nature. 

Everyone is invited to participate in the theme weekends and they are a lot of fun. The parties are amazing…and they’re free! There’s something for everyone to check out during the season and the best part is not having to worry about going home cause your already there. 

The staff is low key and blend in while working behind the scenes to make your stay a safe and great time. When we first got their we had trouble finding our spot and they came out and gave us an escort to our site. Then we locked our keys the the car and they were right there to get us back in. Now it was dark and they even offered to help us set our tent up. Of course we forgot to bring some of the cooking items and they hooked us up with charcoal, lighters and lighter fluid at the camp store and they even brought us some of their own cooing utensils to borrow. 

Despite our rough start, we had an amazing time, made many friends and felt very comfortable and welcome and I can’t wait for this season to start to go back again!

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…..

This review is for the Morgan Hill primitve campsites at Spruce Pond. Although dispersed primitive camping is allowed elsewhere throughout the state forest, this is a group of ten established and well maintained primitive campsites right on Spruce Pond with fishing available and an amazing network of hiking and cross country ski trails along with mountain biking along the forest roads. There are fire grills and nicely developed tents sites, one nestled in the woods and three with their own pond access, and one is actually handicapped accessible with its own accessible fishing landing and an easy access to the parking lot. There is a brand new outhouse with wide accessible doorway as well. The setting is scenic and peaceful, and you can easily paddle or fish on the pond. You can also easily hike from here to the Labrador Hollow overlook where area hang-gliders launch, you might see some in action or at least get an amazing view of the Labrador Valley!

Note: a detailed map of the campground is here: https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/docs/regions_pdf/sprucepond.pdf

You may camp at this campground for free, but you do need a permit and should review the campground map to select your preferred site

This is a great primitive campsite located close to Jackson Pond with access from a small parking area and trailhead of the Finger Lakes Trail, or via canoe or non-motorized boats from a nearby boat launch to the north. Quiet, peaceful wooded location perfect for individual or group tenting, such as scout groups, fishermen, backpackers and hikers. No potable water, garbage disposal or latrines, so be prepared . Site would be better if it had a shelter like some of the other FLT campsites in the area. But it is still a nice tenting site with easy access. Great for hiking, fishing, wildlife watching, easy access from either Norwich or South Otselic.

Camping in this DEC Wildlife Management Area is limited, and requires a permit. Visit the regional DEC office at 1285 Fisher Ave., Cortland NY or call 607-753-3095, or email at Info.R7@dec.ny.gov ; allow one week for permit to be processed.

More info about the WMA can be found here: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/63889.html or http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/70693.html

An interactive map for hiking in the area can be found here: https://fltconference.org/trails/P/TrailConditionMaps/Interactive/Seg_Cat.html?Vifw#"

For more info and local area map, see page 15 and map E04 in the Finger Lakes Trail East passport guide:

http://www.fltconference.org/trail/files/3814/0154/4940/Passport_East_View.pdf