Best Tent Camping near Campbell, NY
Tent campsites near Campbell, New York provide access to the scenic Finger Lakes region and surrounding state forests. Gardner Hill Campground in Lowman, approximately 20 miles west of Campbell, offers tent camping with amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, showers, and toilets. Colton Point State Park Campground, located in Pennsylvania's Pine Creek Gorge about an hour southwest, features walk-in tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings.
Road access to tent campgrounds varies significantly by location, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles on unpaved forest roads. Most established tent sites include fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities differ widely between locations. Gardner Hill Campground operates year-round with market access, while Colton Point's tent sites are seasonal, operating from April to October. Firewood is available at select locations like Colton Point, though campers should check current fire restrictions before arrival. Many sites require tent campers to bring their own drinking water or treat water from natural sources.
The walk-in tent locations at Colton Point State Park offer greater seclusion than drive-up sites. A review mentioned, "I love the walk-in sites. They take a small hike so don't over pack!" These tent-only areas provide more privacy and connection to natural surroundings. Areas farther from highways offer deeper quiet, especially midweek when fewer visitors are present. Morning wildlife viewing opportunities are common from tent sites, particularly those near water sources. Tent campers frequently use these campgrounds as bases for day hiking on connecting trail systems, including Turkey Trail at Colton Point, which follows a small stream with waterfalls down into the canyon. Most tent campgrounds in the region maintain some distance between sites, allowing for a more immersive outdoor experience.






