Best Tent Camping near Big Flats, NY

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Big Flats and then fall asleep in your tent? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Big Flats. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Big Flats, NY (11)

    Camper-submitted photo from Gardner Hill Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gardner Hill Campground

    1. Gardner Hill Campground

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    5 Saves
    Elmira, New York
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Market
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Lawrence Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lawrence Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lawrence Recreation Area

    2. Lawrence Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    9 Saves
    Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania

    Overview

    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.

    Recreation

    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.

    Facilities

    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.

    Natural Features

    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.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table

    $40 - $100 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Back-Achers Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Back-Achers Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Back-Achers Campsites

    3. Back-Achers Campsites

    4 Reviews
    3 Photos
    50 Saves
    Dresden, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Colton Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Colton Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Colton Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Colton Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Colton Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Colton Point State Park Campground
    • No image available

      5. Riverside Acres Campground

      2 Reviews
      18 Saves
      Towanda, Pennsylvania
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents

      $22 - $35 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from South Shore Recreation Area

      6. South Shore Recreation Area

      Be the first to review!
      1 Photo
      1 Save
      Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania

      Overview

      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.

      Recreation

      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.

      Facilities

      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.

      Natural Features

      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.

      • Pets
      • Electric Hookups
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Picnic Table

      $40 - $100 / night

      • No image available

        7. Lambs Creek Recreation Area

        Be the first to review!
        Mansfield, Pennsylvania

        Overview

        Lambs Creek Recreation Area is located at the southern end of Tioga Lake, just north of the borough of Mansfield, PA. The recreation area is easily accessible from US Route 15 and offers a great location for picnicking, hiking and biking.

        Recreation

        A 3.2-mile paved rail trail travels south from the recreation area into Mansfield. It is open for hiking, biking and roller blading. A boat ramp within the facility provides access to the 498-acre Tioga Lake, which is popular for water skiing, fishing and paddling.

        Facilities

        Lambs Creek offers one group shelter. It is fully accessible and comfortably accommodates up to 100 people in a lovely wooded setting.

        Natural Features

        Lambs Creek 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.

        • Pets
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Picnic Table

        $75 / night

        Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Hill Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Hill Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Hill Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Hill Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Hill Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Hill Campground
        • No image available

          9. Empire Haven Nudist Park

          1 Review
          7 Saves
          Moravia, New York
          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Electric Hookups
          • Phone Service
          • Reservable
          • Tents
          Camper-submitted photo from Camp Earth Connection
          Camper-submitted photo from Camp Earth Connection
          Camper-submitted photo from Camp Earth Connection
          Camper-submitted photo from Camp Earth Connection
          Camper-submitted photo from Camp Earth Connection
          Camper-submitted photo from Camp Earth Connection

          10. Camp Earth Connection

          Be the first to review!
          72 Photos
          2 Saves
          Harford, New York

          Camp Earth Connection (CEC), a small woodland campground, located on a beautiful parcel of land with 62 acres of forests and fields surrounded by the Hammond Hill State Forest. The camp is adjacent to the Hammond Hill State Forest, with 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and cross country skiing. CEC is so more than just a campground. CEC offer’s a place that people can experience real connections with nature and each other. Some find the that connection during walks in the woods, or sitting by our wildlife pond. While others find it with family, friends or new friends from the CEC community via campfire chats, trail walks, camp workshops or an outdoor ping pong game. CEC is also place where some find emotional and physical healing in this relaxing atmosphere.

          Camp Earth Connection includes 18 camp/cabin sites, plus adjacent to the camp, in Eshay's Forest, there are 3 additional cabins/cottages with full amenities. These include: The Tiny House Retreat Cabin, Forest Moon Cottage and the Mountain Queen Cabin. Each site is unique and offers different levels of privacy and solitude. Guests can choose to have some peaceful alone time or be more engaged in our small community during our community campfires, campfire pancake breakfasts or workshops. When you book a cabin or campsite at CEC, you have the opportunity to camp at your comfort level (or challenge yourself with less amenities) and experience nature in the raw.

          Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Camp Earth Connection offers a variety of activities and workshops such as:

          • Saturday morning Campfire Pancake Breakfast.
          • Saturday evening Community Campfire.
          • Thursday evening, Earth Movie night, (movies about the Earth and Sustainable living) followed by a campfire discussion.
          • A variety of workshops are offered periodically led by Eshay and CEC staff and interns including: Making Fire in Nature; Eshay's Tree Walk (meet some of Eshay's favorite trees); Animal Tracks and Signs - trail walk, and more.
          • All workshops and activities are free but donations are welcomed.

          Camp Earth Connection offers individuals and families a chance to connect with each other and nature in a peaceful beautiful setting. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited to ensure this peaceful atmosphere and to allow folks to find serenity through our natural environment.

          At CEC we are environmentally conscientious and do our best to preserve the natural surroundings and natural resources. We incorporate composting and recycling into our daily routine. We understand the importance of reducing the amount of resources we use, and re-using and re-generating whenever possible.

          Camp Earth Connection values: Diversity, Acceptance and Community and welcomes diverse families and friends including the BIPOC and LGBTQ community. Camp Earth Connection welcomes and values people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. We do our best to make sure our guests feel safe, cared for and respected. We of course expect the same in return.

          I hope you check out Camp Earth Connection, I don't believe you will be disappointed!

          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Reservable
          • Tents
          • Group
          • Cabins

          $35 - $85 / night

        Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

        Recent Tent Reviews in Big Flats

        411 Reviews of 11 Big Flats Campgrounds


        • C
          Camper-submitted photo from DB Adventures
          Nov. 14, 2024

          DB Adventures

          A great spot to camp

          So myself, my Girlfriend and our dog went up to hike the Grand Canyon and decided to spend the night. We were met with extremely friendly personnel. The site was easy to get to. And the bathrooms and showers were extremely clean. Honestly it was a huge plus picking this place to stay the night.

        • 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.

        • Rui T.
          Camper-submitted photo from Sned Acres Campground
          Sep. 18, 2024

          Sned Acres Campground

          Great getaway time

          5/5 Stars!

          I recently stayed at Sned Acres Campground, and it was an incredible experience! The campground is beautifully maintained with stunning views of Cayuga Lake. The staff was friendly, welcoming, and went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed. The facilities were spotless, and the campsites were spacious and well-kept. Whether you’re RVing or tent camping, there’s plenty of space and privacy.

          The location is perfect for exploring the Finger Lakes region, with wineries, hiking, and local attractions just a short drive away. The peaceful atmosphere and serene surroundings made for a relaxing getaway. I can’t recommend Sned Acres enough – we’ll definitely be back!

        • v
          Camper-submitted photo from Kanakadea Park
          Sep. 15, 2024

          Kanakadea Park

          Noisy

          Big open campground with lots of sites both electric and non electric. Many rigs in non electric sites running generators 24 hours. Very noisy. Would not recommend

        • 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

        • Emily F.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Stony Brook State Park Campground
          Aug. 2, 2024

          Stony Brook State Park Campground

          Review about sites 321 to 325

          I stayed here and it was very peaceful, but it was also pretty empty. Some of the sides are very close together, but if you look around, you can get one that has a little bit more privacy. Clean bathrooms, clean showers. Hikes from the site. Swimming as well!!

        • Greg W.
          Camper-submitted photo from Stony Fork Creek Campground
          Aug. 2, 2024

          Stony Fork Creek Campground

          Great experience

          We arrived on Saturday and departed the following Friday. The campground was exceptionally maintained, bathrooms and showers virtually spotless and the pool was clearly and consistently maintained at all times. Plenty of space to spread out and walk. All of the roads were paved and sites were very large.

        • 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.

        • MJ B.
          Camper-submitted photo from Stony Fork Creek Campground
          Jun. 19, 2024

          Stony Fork Creek Campground

          Good Camping Option to the Grand Canyon of PA

          Stayed at this campsite, taking our pop-up camper on its maiden voyage to the Grand Canyon of PA. Was able to choose a location that worked best for us. The area we selected was not busy. Campsite appeared to have a lot of seasonal campers. My husband does not like staying in crowded campgrounds with people surrounding you and up all night screaming and singing. We go camping to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Not to listen to people pretending to relive their college days....lol. Area is open, not offering a lot of privacy, but we had shade and woods behind us, and the ground was grassy and level. The pool was nice and the rec center had a lot of activities for kids. The pond offered fishing and pedal boat rentals. We chose this campsite due to its proximity to the Leonard Harrison State Park. We had no issues here and would recommend.

        • David M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Sned Acres Campground
          Jun. 7, 2024

          Sned Acres Campground

          Beautiful Wide Open grounds with a lot of flat nice grass

          We stayed here for Memorial Day Weekend and really enjoyed Sned Acres. The Grounds are well taken care of (although some areas around the playgrounds and pool could have been weed whacked better) there is a lot of grass and wide open areas for playing games, walking your dogs and you can let your dogs drag their leashes so they have free roam and feel like they are running free. The large pond is nice, there were a lot of campers fishing. The general store is well stocked and the family running the campground and store are very friendly. There is a nice pool for the kids. The only thing that would make Sned better is a little more spacing between the sites, they are close (we were in F130) to where if you open your window shades in your camper your neighbors are 5-10 feet away from you. Would definitely stay again if in the area.

        • 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.

        • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Twin Streams Campground
          Jun. 4, 2024

          Twin Streams Campground

          Family Retreat by the Stream

          Spent Memorial Day weekend at this campground and found it bustling with activity yet still retaining a serene charm. Despite the crowd, we snagged a spot by the stream, which added an extra layer of tranquility to our stay. As the holiday wound down, so did the crowd, leaving behind a peaceful ambiance. Its proximity to the PA Grand Canyon made it an ideal base for exploration. While the WiFi was a bit spotty, offering only two bars in certain areas, it encouraged us to disconnect and fully immerse ourselves in nature, especially during the mesmerizing stargazing nights. Although there were plenty of annual RV residents, the atmosphere remained quaint and inviting. Overall, a delightful spot for a camping getaway.

        • 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

        • P
          Camper-submitted photo from Finger Lakes Campground
          Dec. 29, 2023

          Finger Lakes Campground

          Scenic, pleasant campground

          Good size sites, mostly back-in, some gravel and some grass. New owner making daily improvements. Great manager doing her best to accommodate every camper. Very limited to non existent cell service, Reason for 4 stars.

        • P
          Camper-submitted photo from Camp Elmbois
          Dec. 29, 2023

          Camp Elmbois

          Mostly Seasonal

          Owners on site, very friendly, and accommodating. Water and 30a, dump station. Some larger sites to accommodate up to 40’ rigs. Reasonable width sites.

        • Carl G.
          Camper-submitted photo from Keuka Lake State Park Campground
          Oct. 2, 2023

          Keuka Lake State Park Campground

          Another beautiful State Park

          Keuka Lake is small, boat launch, small beach playground at beach and camp ground. Hiking, biking. Not far from Penn Yan, nice city, winery's are all over. TV reception there is none, cell phone not great either. Lake is clean and clear, great for fishing, boating, and swimming. Park is clean and well maintained.

        • 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.

        • 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.

        • Eliza F.
          Camper-submitted photo from Sunflower Acres
          Sep. 8, 2023

          Sunflower Acres

          Peacful and has been renovated top to bottom

          We stay every year usually a few times a year and always come back. This year the changes that have been happening are unreal. The new owners have renovated everything top to bottom. The biggest one being the brand new pool and deck

        • Lara Star M.
          Camper-submitted photo from Harpy Hollow
          Sep. 5, 2023

          Harpy Hollow

          Quiet, Easy to Get To, and Amenities (hot water and showers!)

          This campground was so great to stay at! The hosts were lovely and very sweet, and created a wonderful place to stay off-grid. Our tent site was spacious and secluded nestled in a ton of trees. I was able to hang my hammock up and set up my 6 person tent no problem! We rarely heard anyone, and felt like we had the place to ourselves. Their outhouse has a camper toilet- it was super nice, not at all what I was expecting! They installed a gorgeous shower facility, which was so well appointed. They even had hotel shampoo/conditioner/soap sets in baggies for you! I went out and bought a towel just to shower (I usually never shower when camping). They have chickens which were so cute to look at, and a couple of sweet dogs. The place is very dark at night- a treat when there's a lot of light pollution. The only thing is, know that you will be woken up by a rooster! We have a 5 year old that wakes up at the same time, so it was no big deal for us! I can't say enough good things about these hosts and their spot- it was relaxing, low key, and we felt incredibly safe, and welcome.



        Frequently Asked Questions

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

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Big Flats, NY is Gardner Hill Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

        • What is the best site to find tent camping near Big Flats, NY?

          TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Big Flats, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.