23 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites near Barneveld, New York range from free primitive sites in state forests to developed tent campgrounds with lakefront access. North Lake Reservoir Campground features 32 tent sites positioned around a pristine lake, with some walk-in sites directly on the waterfront. Seventh Lake Primitive Camping provides dispersed tent camping opportunities with limited amenities but natural surroundings. Both locations are highly rated by visitors seeking a more rustic camping experience.
Most primitive tent areas have fire rings but minimal other amenities. North Lake Reservoir sites include pit toilets across from the first campsite, while many other primitive tent locations require campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Access varies significantly between locations, with some sites requiring hiking, boating, or driving on forest roads. Charles E. Baker State Forest offers free primitive tent camping with picnic tables but no toilets, making it suitable for self-sufficient backcountry campers. Many dispersed tent sites in state forests follow a first-come, first-served policy with no reservation system.
The tent camping in the region provides significant natural seclusion. Areas around Seventh Lake offer sandy shores within walking distance of campsites. A review mentioned, "There is a large sand bar within a very short walk which was a great place to hang out." Francis Lake's primitive tent sites provide excellent opportunities for swimming and kayaking with water access points near the camping area. Hall Island State Forest features tent sites near the Salmon River Reservoir, providing fishing opportunities though with minimal facilities. Cedar River Entrance Camping includes picnic tables and fire rings in a wooded setting near the water, with several outhouses nearby. During off-peak times, many backcountry tent sites remain uncrowded, allowing for peaceful overnight stays in natural settings.
"32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean."
"We got there after dark and it was beautiful to wake up to the view of the lake. Car camped, but there was enough room for a tent."
"The Canal Corporation provides designated spots for tent and van camping along the canal. Stays are limited to a maximum of 48 hours."
"sites: boat only access. bring water. pack in/ pack out. lean to at sites. secluded. amenities: pit toilets. other attractions: hiking. theme park near (off island). I would go back again."
"It was a few days before 4th of July so it was a very busy time to be in 4th lake making the lake very choppy. A lot of our stuff got wet due to big waves from boats crashing into our kayaks."
from $18 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Only found one designated campsite, which was available, but there’s a lot of good space for dispersed camping right nearby. Access at the end of a long, but well maintained, dirt road."
"Beautiful forest with miles of trails. I found this spot passing through on my bike and had no problem pitching a tent in a secluded spot in the woods."
"I checked out primitive site on my own early in April it was cold snowing and raining. It didn’t take away from the campsite at all though."
"We happened upon it on our way to the seventh lake campground and ended up staying for two nights. We accessed the sites by water on a canoe trip."
"Great for swimming, kayaking, and a gorgeous place to wake up next to the water. There are two access points to the water, the more hidden point is where you hike in for camping."
"Beaver Camp (or, officially Adirondack Mennonite Camping Assoc.), is a classic summer youth sleep-away camp on Beaver Lake."
RangerStopped here on my way from Maine to Ohio. I booked via Harvest Hosts and chose to boondock since they had a market (pay for food instead of a booking fee) and I was pleasantly surprised with the overall location. The entire farm is in great condition, the roads are marked well, there are several trails, plenty of wildlife, and just a generally pleasant experience. Loaded up on some goods at the market.
ScoutSpaces were easy in/out. Mature trees between sites. Pool, office, pickleball, k9kamp, bathrooms were all nice.
LegendHad an overnight stay here and it was really peaceful. The reservoir had been drained but it was still lovely to look out across the property. You definitely can’t beat $30 for an electric site! Restrooms were a bit dated but clean. Staff was very friendly. Our site was spacious and next to a short walking trail through the trees.
ScoutAlways have a good time, staff is always friendly. Ive been coming here since i was a kid my grandparents always had a seasonal here.
GuideGot a super site almost level with the water. Went for a swim. Oddly, the lake has no plant life, but a sand bottom. Lots of ducks. Many people enjoying the shallow warm water on kayaks and such. Most sites level. The bathrooms did not offer hot water, or any way to dry your hands .They were clean, and enough to go around. The showers on the other hand were quite distant. A 5 minute walk . But clean, and plentiful. I guess better that than dirty and close by? No hiking trails is a letdown, but here its all about the lake.
RangerLarge sites, shade, beautiful beach,
ScoutThe campsite itself was extremely buggy and it was a bit further into the road then I thought to get to the second campsite. But once we got there it was open and well marked
GuideHad a great time. The sites are very spacious. Bathrooms and showers fine. Very pretty. Learned this is a BIG lake, for motor boats, not really for kayaks.
GuideThe bathrooms were nice and clean and the pool looked nice. Mostly seasonal campers and Cooperstown tourists. Very crowded and packed into spots tight. The golf carts are out of control…flying by, loud music and flashing lights until midnight. Even the amount of traffic coming in and out of the campground went on until midnight with head lights shining in camper windows. I will take being woken to loons on the lake any day, this was loud and crowded.
Tent campsites near Barneveld, New York range from established campgrounds to remote dispersed sites throughout the western Adirondacks. The region sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation with typical summer temperatures between 50-80°F. Winter camping opportunities exist but require proper cold-weather gear as temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through March.
Kayaking and canoeing: Alger Island Adirondack Preserve offers excellent paddling opportunities with boat-only access to campsites. "To get to the campground, you must paddle. The state park allows only car top boats. We kayaked all of our gear out to the island," notes Sarah B. The effort rewards campers with secluded sites on a scenic island.
Swimming: Natural swimming spots abound at many primitive sites. A camper at Francis Lake reports, "This spot is totally gorgeous, perfectly clean, and quiet... Great for swimming, kayaking, and a gorgeous place to wake up next to the water." Water access points range from sandy beaches to rocky shorelines.
Hiking: Numerous trail systems connect camping areas with deeper wilderness. Matt A. shares about Charles E. Baker State Forest: "Beautiful forest with miles of trails. I found this spot passing through on my bike and had no problem pitching a tent in a secluded spot in the woods."
Waterfront sites: Many tent campers praise the proximity to lakes and reservoirs. At North Lake Reservoir Campground, Ashlee C. reports, "Very remote and secluded. We got there after dark and it was beautiful to wake up to the view of the lake. Car camped, but there was enough room for a tent."
Peaceful seclusion: Low visitor numbers, especially midweek, provide solitude at many tent camping locations. Thomas E. notes about Hall Island State Forest: "I checked out primitive site on my own early in April... There were fire ring set up, a view of the water and for an able body person just a short walk up the path."
No-fee options: Many sites in state forests and primitive areas offer free camping. "Camped here on a Thursday night in late September. Only found one designated campsite, which was available, but there's a lot of good space for dispersed camping right nearby," reports Cameron about Charles E. Baker State Forest.
Limited facilities: Most primitive tent sites have minimal amenities. At Cedar River Entrance Camping, Matthew D. describes, "Picnic table, fire ring and several outhouses nearby. Beautiful surroundings. There is a small landing to launch kayaks or canoes."
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have confusing access roads. J B. advises about North Lake Reservoir Campground: "Make sure to take a left at the start of the lake, the right is all private road and you will have to turn around."
Reservation systems: Many primitive sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. For E16 Canal Lock, Mona M. explains, "Upon arrival, campers must scan the QR code at the entrance and complete a brief survey. Stays are limited to a maximum of 48 hours."
Sand beaches: Look for campsites near sandy shores for child-friendly water access. MARY B. describes Seventh Lake Primitive Camping: "There is a large sand bar within a very short walk which was a great place to hang out. Seventh lake is pretty quiet but there were a few boats there both days we visited."
Organized programs: Adirondack Mennonite Camping Associates offers structured activities. Elizabeth B. explains, "Weekend and week long programming for youth and families, or site rental of cabins and platform tents is available, as well as day use access to the beach and high ropes course."
Bathroom considerations: Plan for limited facilities at primitive sites. The Charles E. Baker State Forest review notes, "Only giving 4 stars because the best free sites have water pumps and vault toilets," indicating the lack of facilities at this location.
Limited RV access: Most tent campsites near Barneveld accommodate small RVs only. At E16 Canal Lock, Mona M. cautions, "RVs and travel trailers are not permitted."
Road conditions: Forest roads leading to primitive sites can be challenging for larger vehicles. When camping at Cedar River, Matthew notes, "Town is about 20-30 minutes away," indicating the remote location and potential distance from services.
Alternative options: For RVers seeking more amenities, established campgrounds provide better facilities. Rachel P. mentions about Hall Island State Forest, "It's a short drive into town and to the local convenience store, which 'conveniently' enough, offers shower facilities and bathrooms for a fee."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Barneveld, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Barneveld, NY is North Lake Reservoir Campground with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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