Tent camping in the Belfast, New York region offers access to the western Allegheny foothills at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,300 feet. The area features mixed hardwood forests with seasonal streams that can be especially active during spring runoff. Most local campgrounds remain open from May through mid-October, with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly in early fall.
What to do
Hiking connected trail systems: Holiday Hill Campground provides direct access to Reynolds Gully and Johnson Hill trails. Peter notes, "Lots of trails, and Hemlock and Canadice Lake so close by. Mostly known for Reynolds GUlly, and Johnson Hill trails! Tons to do in the area but town isn't too far."
Mountain biking opportunities: The trails near Firefly Acres offer terrain suitable for two-wheeled exploration. As Jake C. mentions, "Firefly Acres is a great spot to setup camp with tons of activities nearby including trails for hiking & mountain biking."
Dark sky stargazing: The rural setting allows for night sky observation at several campgrounds. Fernando V. from Patterson State Park Campground explains, "You can still observe the stars, but difficult for telescopes since trees cover Polaris in most of the sites."
What campers like
Manual water pumps: At Patterson State Park Campground, Fernando V. appreciates the "really nice water well with a manual pump," noting the restroom "is the typical hole with no flush, but is very clean."
Tranquil settings: Several campgrounds offer quieter environments away from busier camping areas. Paula L. notes about Patterson, "at any given time you may have the whole park to yourself. If you are camping with children this can be a plus!"
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms are frequently mentioned in reviews. At Dream Lake Campground, Nick O. highlights the "clean facilities. Lots to do for kids and adults. Weekend activities."
Proximity to hiking: Most tent sites provide easy access to nearby trail systems. The Susquehannock State Trail connects with Patterson State Park, with Paula L. mentioning, "the STS trail system runs right through it."
What you should know
Limited privacy between sites: Many campgrounds feature open layouts with minimal screening. Emily S. describes Patterson State Park as having "around 8 small, open campsites around a small gravel loop" with "limited privacy, no feelings of really being in the woods."
Road noise: Sites near access roads may experience vehicle traffic sounds. Fernando V. mentions Patterson is "just next to the road, so its noisy at night when cars pass."
Weather preparedness: The higher elevation means temperature fluctuations can be significant, with overnight lows dropping below 50°F even in summer months.
Water availability varies: While some campgrounds provide pumps or taps, others like Firefly Acres lack drinking water access, requiring campers to bring their own supply.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playable space: Smaller campgrounds can provide contained areas for children to explore. Paula L. notes about Patterson State Park, "They will have plenty of room to play, and it is a poke-stop."
Weekend activities: Bova Cottages at Allegany State Park offers structured weekend programming. Emily S. says, "It's really an amazing place for a family trip since there are cabins! Our family of 6 fit comfortably in one cabin when we were all small."
Food storage precautions: Bear activity requires proper food management. Kate W. warns about Allegany, "Do not leave food out. The bears are very ambitious."
Cabin options for mixed weather: Several campgrounds offer cabin alternatives when tent camping weather turns challenging. Harry H. notes Bova Cottages "feel rustic but are new (2014?) and modern. Had everything we needed for a weekend with extended family, almost like a hotel in what they supply."
Tips from RVers
Site maneuverability: RV campers should prepare for tight turning radiuses at some campgrounds. Terry F. at Holiday Hill Campground shares, "We had to maneuver a lot to back our 25' trailer into a tight spot, but sites are clean and spacious side to side."
Seasonal site considerations: Many campgrounds allocate prime spots to seasonal campers. Terry F. notes, "There seemed to be a lot of regulars and seasonal sites here, which meant that short term full hook up sites were harder to get."
Cell service availability: Connectivity varies by campground and carrier. Terry F. reports, "Verizon reception is consistent at 3 bars" at Holiday Hill Campground.
