Best Tent Camping near Black River, NY
State forests and public lands surrounding Black River, New York offer several tent camping options ranging from primitive sites to established campgrounds. Winona State Forest provides free primitive tent campsites with basic amenities, marked by small black and yellow placards that can be difficult to spot. Francis Lake features walk-in tent sites with water access, while Della Terra offers rural tent camping with solar power approximately 15 miles from Whetstone Gulf State Park. For water-based tent camping experiences, Cedar Island and Mary Island State Park Campgrounds provide boat-access tent sites within the Thousand Islands region.
Tent campers should prepare for minimal facilities at most primitive sites. Winona State Forest campsites typically include only rock fire rings and are located just feet from access roads. According to recent visitors, firewood may be available but is often wet, so bringing your own dry wood is advisable. Most backcountry tent camping areas lack drinking water, requiring campers to pack in their own supplies. Hall Island State Forest offers primitive tent sites near Salmon River Reservoir with fire rings but no running water or facilities. The camping season generally runs from May through September for established campgrounds, while primitive tent sites in state forests may be accessible year-round, weather permitting.
In early spring, tent campers at Hall Island State Forest report that despite cold and wet conditions, the primitive sites remain usable with enough space for multiple tents and a kitchen setup. One camper noted that while the sites are close to roads, "you can't hear the cars at night." Francis Lake tent sites accommodate two to three tents with two fire circles and an outhouse, offering what visitors describe as "totally gorgeous, perfectly clean, and quiet" surroundings. Walk-in tent sites at Francis Lake provide direct water access via footbridges crossing a small stream. Winona State Forest campsites, though small, are described by visitors as "quiet and peaceful" even during rainy conditions, making them suitable for tent campers seeking solitude.
