Tent camping options in the Finger Lakes region near Burdett, New York feature diverse settings from lakeside locations to forested retreats. The area sits within the glacially-carved landscape at elevations ranging from 400-1,200 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F with precipitation averaging 3-4 inches monthly during peak camping season.
What to do
Paddle the Susquehanna: Riverside Acres Campground provides direct river access where "eagles fish here. You can too. Good beginning or end for a canoe trip," according to Bruce H. The 200-meter-wide river offers excellent paddling opportunities with tent sites positioned right along the riverbank.
Hike forest trails: The Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground connects directly to the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country scenic trail. Janet R. notes that "hiking the trail west on a day trip will bring you to the beautiful Tinker Falls, which may not be flowing during dry seasons but is still a gorge worth exploring."
Fish at Spruce Pond: The pond attracts numerous anglers, with one campsite featuring an accessible fishing platform. Neil L. observed that "lots of fisherman frequent the pond" and mentioned the site provides "great trees for hammock camping."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The Spruce Pond Camping Area features "fire grills and nicely developed tent sites, one nestled in the woods and three with their own pond access," according to Janet R., who appreciates that some sites are more secluded than others.
Quiet evenings: Campers at Gardner Hill Campground enjoy peaceful nights with minimal disturbance. Avery R. describes the experience as "folksy and nice" with "no frills but very comfy and nice views."
Wildlife viewing: Rose S. mentions that "animals at the pond are very active" at Spruce Pond, providing natural entertainment but also noting that these creatures "made a lot of noise in the night" - something tent campers should consider when selecting their site.
What you should know
Accessibility variations: At Holiday Hill Campground, Terry F. advises that "we had to maneuver a lot to back our 25' trailer into a tight spot, but sites are clean and spacious side to side." Some tent camping areas require more setup creativity than others.
Site selection strategy: The quality of tent sites varies significantly within single campgrounds. At Spruce Pond, Neil L. recommends "the first few campsites are the best; the further down you go the worse the sites get for tent setup. Smaller tents would be best here."
Water supply planning: Most primitive tent camping areas near Burdett lack water sources. Janet R. notes for Morgan Hill Forest that "you DO need to come prepared to use the bushes by your campsite and leave no trace, plus bring your own water" since water access points may require substantial hiking distances.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Empire Haven Nudist Park provides a social camping environment where Joseph S. reports "the community enables campers the freedom to socialize and share meals whenever you want to reach beyond the family who came with you."
Kids noise considerations: When tent camping with children at Holiday Hill Campground, Terry F. advises planning site selection carefully: "There is a lot to do for kids & teens, but that makes it loud with kids running through your site. So if that bothers you, plan ahead to get a site away from the main area."
Outdoor education: The Finger Lakes region offers natural learning opportunities. Riverside Acres provides educational opportunities where the campground owner "has a wealth of knowledge of the area" according to Bruce H., making it ideal for families interested in local ecology and history.
Tips from RVers
Site availability planning: At Holiday Hill Campground, Terry F. observed "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." Advance booking is strongly recommended, with Terry noting "online booking was seamless."
Phone connectivity: Cell service can be important for RVers needing to stay connected. Terry F. reports "Verizon reception is consistent at 3 bars" at Holiday Hill Campground, making it suitable for those requiring reliable communication while tent camping near Burdett.
Limited amenities: Upper Lisle Park receives lower ratings due to minimal facilities. Paully B. states "other than a nice place to launch the kayak in the upper river and into Dorchester lake. There is nothing here," making it suitable only for self-sufficient RVers with onboard facilities.
