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Best Tent Camping near Cleverdale, NY

662 Reviews

Lake George's islands near Cleverdale, New York offer unique tent camping experiences with several established campgrounds accessible primarily by boat. The Lake George Islands system includes Long Island Group, Glen Island Group, and Narrow Island Group, all operating from May through early September with tent-only options. Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, located about 20 miles west of Cleverdale, provides primitive tent camping with drive-in access. Bakersfield East Campground offers additional tent sites in the region, though with minimal amenities compared to the island locations.

Most tent sites in the Cleverdale area require advance planning, especially for the popular island locations. Island campsites typically include a fire ring, picnic table, and basic pit toilets, but campers must bring all supplies including drinking water. Tent pads vary from wooden platforms on the islands to natural ground at dispersed sites. Weather conditions can change rapidly on Lake George, with wind being a particular concern for island campers. Bear-resistant food storage is recommended throughout the region, with raccoons specifically noted as problematic on Long Island.

According to reviews, island tent camping provides a distinctive experience requiring thorough preparation. One camper at Narrow Island noted, "You must take everything you need including extra ice. Once there, settle in and relax, you aren't going anywhere." At Cod Pond, a visitor reported that sites "felt private despite the road" with "access to the river down a semi-steep bank." Sites at Long Island Group received mixed reviews for tent placement, with one camper mentioning that "there were no leveled spaces whatsoever except for one platform per site." For backcountry tent camping enthusiasts, these locations offer water access, hiking opportunities, and a chance to experience the Adirondack region's natural beauty with varying levels of solitude.

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Best Tent Sites Near Cleverdale, New York (33)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Cleverdale, NY

39 Photos of 33 Cleverdale Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Cleverdale, NY

662 Reviews of 33 Cleverdale Campgrounds

  • Matthew D.
    Oct. 10, 2018

    Cedar River Entrance Camping

    Cedar River Campground

    Stayed at site number 5, I think. It was by the water in the woods just a little bit. Picnic table, fire ring and several outhouses nearby. Beautiful surroundings. There is a small landing to launch kayaks or canoes. A dam with some additional sites on the other side. Town is about 20-30 minutes away. Several trails nearby. Would recommend.  

    Also would recommend traveling further in if you are looking for more sites.

  • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2022

    Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter on the AT in Vermont — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Basic AT shelter with lots of tent camping and swimming hole nearby

    Note: This is a hike in back country shelter with unreliable water and a pit bathroom.

    I tented here on a section hike of the AT. The shelter was a fairly basic 8ish person shelter, but this stop stood out because of a brand new privvy, large tenting areas, and a swimming hole and consistent water just a bit further down the trail (when heading northbound).

    For camping, there were a few large tent areas where multiple tents could fit and which looked quite level.

    The privvy looked brand new and was more spacious than most on the trail.

    There was no water on the shelter, but there was plenty of water at Stony Brook / Mink Brook a bit further northbound. I only explored a bit offtrail down the brook but found a decent swimming hole (could just barely submerge myself) to clean off a bit.

    There was also a bear box here, which I hadn't seen at other shelters along the AT in Vermont (heading southbound).

    Although the shelter was fairly basic, I would keep this on my list as a go-to place to stop if I was planning to hike in the area.

  • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2022

    Gifford Woods State Park Campground

    Quiet and well maintained campground

    I tent camped here before doing a section hike of the Appalachian Trail and it was one of the best campgrounds I’ve stayed at before.

    The sites have some privacy and woods in between, though the tent sites vs. shelters and cabins were mostly closer to the access road. All sites were super clean and had a picnic table and fire ring. Most sites had a built in cooking fire structure (vs. a fire ring) they looked great for camp cooking, though my site (T01) seemed to be the only without it.

    The facilities were well-maintained, there were water spigots everywhere, and though I didn’t get a chance to enjoy, there were lots of activities right there (volleyball lawn, the AT running right through the campground, mountain bike trails).

    I didn’t stay in them, but the cabins and lean-tos looked great for group or family options.

    Kent Pond was also just across the road for water activities, and I saw at least one fly fisher out.

    Killington was also right nearby for restaurants and other needs.

    I will definitely be coming back to explore more!

  • Maribeth W.
    Aug. 30, 2016

    Lake Harris Campground

    Wet but beautiful!

    We got rained out!! Our site did have good drainage and ample tree cover so that helped. Easy access to buy firewood on the road into the campground.

  • Lauren S.
    Jul. 27, 2020

    Moosalamoo Campground

    Hidden Gem

    Tucked down a gravel road in the Green Mountain National Forest is this hidden treasure. Large sites, friendly campground host, the moosalamoo trailhead right next to campground. The trail connects to many others. You will pass several trailheads on your way up to the campground. Many of the sites are reservable, others are first come first serve. You will find a pay station as you enter the campsite. The camp host is at site 1. Surprisingly clean vault toilets. No showers. There are dumpsters on the way out for trash and recycling. I saw bear storage lockers but I did not use them as I had my bear keg with me. Behind the parking spur at the site there is gravel with picnic table and fire pit. Beyond that in the trees was a spot for the tent. I didn’t experience many bugs, no mosquitoes, what I saw the most of were caterpillars. But If you needed bug spray or forgot anything back in town a few miles Ripton grocery has you covered.

  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 3, 2022

    Greendale Campground

    Greendale campground, Weston Vt.

    Greendale Campground is a small remote campground located along Greendale Brook in Weston, VT.

    There are 11 campsites available in a wooded setting. Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and a parking spur. Most sites can accommodate small campers as well as tents. There is also a vault toilet.

    The campground offers easy access to the Greendale Loop, a 4.0 mile hike through a mixed forest of northern hardwood and conifer trees with long stretches bordering scenic streams. This loop includes approximately 2 miles of walking along town maintained roads open to vehicular traffic.

    This site is not maintained for winter use. Deep snow often covers amenities at this site December – mid April. The nearest plowed parking area to the campground in the winter is approximately one mile away and access is via skis or snowshoes. My wife and I car camped in July and there were very few campers. Many sites are beside Greendale Brook. The water is clean, refreshing and soothing. Especially soothing while sitting by the campfire.

  • Tara S.
    Oct. 11, 2017

    Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    Best Fall Camping Ever!

    We just returned from two nights at Grout Pond. We were lucky to have 70 degree days and 50 degree nights in October. We were the only campers along the waterfront, but there were a few car campers in the sites near the road. We have camped at Grout Pond a few times in the summer, and while it’s always beautiful, it’s just too busy in July and August. Early October is just about perfect - no bugs, no people, and fantastic views all around.

    The campground is maintained by the National Forest Service, and for many years the sites were free. In 2018, the cost will be significantly higher than free - $16 per night with a limit of 14 consecutive days. There are about 18 sites in total. 7 near the road for car camping or RVs, 5 that are hike-in (the farthest is about a mile from the parking lot), and 6 waterfront sites that you can either hike or paddle to. We really love site #2 for the awesome views and proximity to the toilet, but #11 is bigger and probably the most private of all the sites.

    If you’re paddling in, you can unload all your stuff in the day-use area, and then park your car in the lot. It’s an easy 5-minute paddle to most of the sites. There are lots of well-marked trails. The only water is in the day-use area, so I recommend bringing a filter so you can drink right from the lake. All tents must be set up on tenting platforms, so you’ll need a smallish tent. Sites 10 and 11 have two platforms.  

    After camping here in July and October, I would never camp here in the summer again - come in the fall - you won’t be disappointed!

  • Jessica C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Chittenden Brook Campground

    Great site

    This was a great site that feels secluded but isn’t. There’s quite a bit of space between each site so you can’t really see your neighbors which is excellent. The vault toilets were surprisingly clean besides the expected smell/flies. No running water or electricity. No cell service a few miles leading up the site, so download your maps in advance. There’s a 2.5 mile dirt road with a steady incline into the camp, which my subie had no issue with, but not sure how well an RV would fair.

    Didn’t see any bear, but take bear food precautions regardless. Each site has a fire pit, tent platform, and picnic table. The sites were well cared for. There were two dumpsters, one for recycling and one for trash, at the end of the loop. They are bear proof and almost me proof! The constant sound of running water from the brook was truly relaxing. I didn’t have issues with bugs (beginning of August) but I also didn’t stay in the camp during the majority of the day.

    All in all, a great campsite and I’ll definitely be back.

  • Miccal M.
    Mar. 1, 2024

    Downed Bridge Camp

    Odd Job Primitive Camping

    Great location for a small group to camp at.  Can't wait to go back.  The main area is a walk in and is worth it.  The road into here was easy to drive.  The only thing you will find at this primitive site is a fire ring.

Guide to Cleverdale

Lake George island camping near Cleverdale offers boat-accessible sites surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains. Most island campgrounds operate seasonally from mid-May through early September, with varying site conditions from wooden platforms to natural terrain. Summer water temperatures in Lake George typically reach 70-77°F, making swimming comfortable during peak camping months.

What to do

Water activities: The Lake George islands provide excellent fishing opportunities with species including lake trout, salmon, and bass. Visitors at Glen Island Group report "great fishing, lots of fun to be had on the water and quiet peaceful evening by the campfire," according to Justin B.

Hiking nearby: Multiple trails surround Lake George, ranging from gentle lakeside paths to challenging mountain ascents. Campers can access trailheads via boat or by driving to mainland access points.

Fireworks viewing: Holiday weekends feature fireworks displays over Lake George. As one camper at Narrow Island Group noted, "Book 9 months in advance and good luck. Last minute cancellations are a common occurrence though."

What campers like

Island privacy: Many campers appreciate the seclusion of island sites. Sam B. from Narrow Island Group stated, "I love this place so much I almost feel like I shouldn't say it's amazing... but. That's not what we do here! So- it's amazing!"

Waterfront campsites: Nearly all island sites feature direct lake access. One visitor at Long Island Group shared, "We had a great spot on Long Island! Beautiful view, chill atmosphere, easy boat parking on the slip. Will come back!"

Wilderness experience with access: The island sites balance remoteness with accessibility. Richard T. commented about Long Island Group, "So much to do at LG. Great island camping with amazing views."

What you should know

Boat requirements: A motorized boat is strongly recommended for island camping. Justin B. from Glen Island Group advised, "Definitely need a decent sized boat with a gas outboard to get there, but wow. What an experience."

Weather considerations: Wind patterns affect comfort at island sites. One camper recommended, "Check the weather before your stay - you may be able to swap for a site on the opposite side of the island if you get an idea of where the winds will be coming from."

Wildlife awareness: Raccoons frequently visit campsites. Taylor A. from Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off warned, "The bugs were terrible," while describing their camping experience at this mainland alternative.

Tips for camping with families

Supply planning: Island camping requires careful preparation for families. Rebecca E. emphasized, "TAKE EVERYTHING you need including extra ice. Once there, settle in and relax, you aren't going anywhere."

Noise levels: Boat traffic varies throughout the week. One camper noted, "Warning: lots of boat motor noise especially on summer weekends which sadly dilutes the otherwise 'cut off' feeling."

Family-friendly mainland option: For easier access with children, consider Stony Creek Family Campground. Elizabeth P. shared, "It's a nice family ran campground. We love it here and plan to come back!"

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Most island sites accommodate tents only. For RVs, mainland campgrounds provide better facilities.

Dispersed alternatives: For self-contained RVs seeking more primitive experiences, explore forest roads west of Cleverdale. The dirt access roads can be challenging, as Josie W. from Cod Pond Pull-Off noted, "Site was big enough to pull our mid-size SUV down and unfold rooftop-tent, but we did have to back out in the morning; not enough room to turn around."

Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds near Cleverdale have limited operating seasons, typically closing by early October. Advance reservations are essential during summer months for the best tent camping near Cleverdale, New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cleverdale, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cleverdale, NY is Long Island Group — Lake George Islands with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Cleverdale, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Cleverdale, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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