State forests surrounding Kirkwood, New York provide several tent camping options, including both established and dispersed sites. Long Pond Campground offers primitive tent sites in a forested setting, with spots located around a fishing pond. Beals Pond State Forest provides free dispersed camping opportunities for tent campers willing to hike in from designated trailheads. The Pharsalia Woods State Forest area, while slightly farther away, contains additional backcountry tent camping options.
Most tent sites in the area are rustic with minimal amenities. Long Pond Campground provides fire rings at each site with access to a portable toilet near the entrance, but no potable water or garbage service. Tent campers need to pack in all water and pack out all waste. Sites are typically set on level, shaded forest ground with enough space for multiple tents. Access roads to many of these campgrounds may become difficult in wet conditions or winter months, with several reviews noting that "the state forest is beautiful but not easily accessible in the winter."
Tent campers frequently enjoy fishing opportunities directly from their campsites, particularly at Long Pond where many sites offer direct water access. The heavily forested surroundings provide ample shade and moderate privacy between sites, though the spacing varies. In warmer months, tent sites remain cool under the dense tree canopy, though this can limit solar charging options. Most sites accommodate standard tent setups with room for hammocks between trees. A camper described Long Pond as having "large and level spots all located beneath the tree canopy" with sites "disbursed enough to provide a modest level of privacy." For backpackers seeking more seclusion, the Finger Lakes Trail passes through the region with several lean-to shelters and primitive tent sites along the route.
"Fantastic animal preserve zoo nearby which is a must visit. Pretty golf course with full bar and food right across the street. Overall one of our favorite stops on our New England trip."
from $53 - $65 / night
"Campsites next to a beautiful stream, the best fire pits, quiet and peaceful, just enough shade to stay cool, magical setting, firewood easily accessible, close to state parks and lots of wide, open undeveloped"
"We're excited to have this property on our platform. This listing has peaceful tent sites located against the creek."
Available next weekend
from $45 / night
from $35 - $75 / night
"Aside from that this was a short drive in and I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock."
"All the roads are gravel, so it might get a little muddy after a big rain but I had no issue with a low clearance car driving around to explore the sites available."
from $20 - $35 / night
"Would definitely recommend if you appreciate privacy, nature, and a peaceful place with the freedom to relax and do your own thing."
Available next weekend
from $35 / night
"This is a beautiful primitive hike-in campsite alongside the Ludlow Creek section of the Finger Lakes Trail in Chenango County, New York."
GuideStayed October 14 without reservations because website showed lots of availability. Office was closed (M-F 8-4) so submitted honor system envelope with cash and stayed at Site 041 on Carpenter loop. Shower building was a short walk and was spacious enough. Water temp didn’t quite reach hot but was warm enough.
Electric kept on tripping breaker.
ScoutThis clothing-optional campground has a highly toxic, intrusive, and vindictive environment. During my stay, the seasonal permanent residents('perms') subjected me to intense harassment, inappropriate sexual advances, and severe social retaliation/rumor-spreading when those advances were rejected. The situation escalated to the point where an employee had to intervene for my safety. Furthermore, despite management allowing my photo to be taken in costume at a party, I was intentionally blocked from the community group where the photos were posted, leaving me unable to monitor how my image was being used. Avoid this place if you value your privacy, personal boundaries, and safety.
TravelerIn short it was perfect! This is a small family pet friendly campground. There is a pond that you can kayak and c&r fishing, just no swimming, there is snapping turtles! There is some handmade items in the office to purchase, also some camping needs, fire starters and firewood (6 dollars a bundle). There is a bath house, though we didn't use it so I can't tell you anything about it. There is also a trail but we didn't get to check it out. The owners can be seen here and there all over the property keeping it looking beautiful! It is clear just by watching them how much care they put into making this a great time to all that come there. On the weekends they offer meals that can be brought right to your site. We were there from Saturday till Wednesday morning and it was very peaceful. This is definitely be a place we will come back to. The only downfall to the place is that it has placed a high bar for other campgrounds to compare!
GuideReally liked it. Love the layout, with camp sites having mowed paths to the restrooms and showers in the middle of each loop. Nicest showers and rest rooms we have seen so far. Each site has brush between them so you can not see your neighbors. Pretty, quiet, relaxing. The groomed hiking trails are the best and Arctic Lake is beautiful. Staff were so nice, and loved doing the scavenger hunt!
ScoutTerrible service/wifi in spot 1. Numerous open campsites yet we were pushed right next to dump station. And im talking half this campground is empty.
ScoutLove this campground along with the owners. They have taken good care of the property and do a wonderful job with making sure you are enjoying your time.
TravelerThe state park is beautiful. The site was very nice. The park itself is very big with many activities available such as boat rentals and a swimming pool. There's also an amphitheatre which hosts specials. During our stay the only activity we made it to was the pool. The main reason we didn't do more was the distance. We have a motorhome so we didn't have additional vehicles to get to and from places. We walked to the park which according to my Fitbit was 1.5 miles away. That doesn't seem too bad until you realize it's mostly hills in both directions! We are a fairly active young family who has no problem with a bit of a walk but after that experience we decided to just spend the remainder of our trip hanging out at our site. It's a good thing we only stayed 2 nights because our 10 year old might've lost his mind with boredom if we stayed longer. Overall, the site we had was great and I'd recommend it. My husband and I may come back for a couples date weekend.
TravelerThis was the sweetest campground around!! They deliver fire wood right to your site along with anything else you need. Free delivery of amazing pizza on Friday nights(delivered by a 1969 pink beetle!!). There is a giant river, a dog park and the camp ground is close to town, but far enough away so that you still feel like your camping! Amazing bathroom/shower facilities and a clean swimming pool:)
ScoutNow that All Star Baseball purchased this Oneonta campground this year, don't expect to stay here if you are not a baseball family. I went there in person yesterday for two nights at their"primitive" tent sites. After Hanna checked her computer, my dates were all cleared...great, then let me pay the $70... but no... she had to check with management first. I thought that was strange since that never happened to me before when getting any campsites elsewhere. I was told I'd be called later that day but nobody called me. I went back the next day only to be told all sites for the summer were rented out. Clearly that was not true based on her computer check the day before. BOTTOMLINE: if you are not a baseball family spending $1000's here, don't expect to even get the time of day. Therefore, they do not deserve anyone's business.
Tent campsites near Kirkwood, New York can be found throughout the surrounding state forests and private properties. The region features wooded camping areas at elevations between 800-1,500 feet, creating moderate temperature variations between day and night. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F while spring and fall camping may require additional layers for overnight temperatures that can drop below 45°F.
Fishing opportunities: Long Pond Campground provides direct fishing access with multiple points for anglers. According to Kevin C., "About 100 yards away was the public fishing dock and another camp site. There were two young men fishing there at about 7 PM." The pond is productive for fishermen with boat launch, carry-in kayak access, and a handicapped accessible fishing pier.
Visit nearby wildlife attractions: Belden Hill Campgrounds serves as a convenient base for regional exploration. Jennifer K. notes, "Great at&t service. Fantastic animal preserve zoo nearby which is a must visit. Pretty golf course with full bar and food right across the street."
Backpacking: Explore the Finger Lakes Trail system which features primitive camping options. The Ludlow Creek Lean-To provides "a beautiful primitive hike-in campsite alongside the Ludlow Creek section of the Finger Lakes Trail in Chenango County," according to Janet R., who describes it as "located in a beautiful, unspoiled and seldom visited region of state forest."
Privacy between sites: Many tent campers appreciate the spacing between sites at Long Pond. Kevin C. mentions, "The camp sites I saw all seemed to be large and level spots all located beneath the tree canopy. Sites seemed disbursed enough to provide a modest level of privacy."
Stream-side camping: Oh! Pear Orchards offers unique camping experiences along flowing water. Heather T. reports, "Campsites next to a beautiful stream, the best fire pits, quiet and peaceful, just enough shade to stay cool, magical setting, firewood easily accessible."
Extended stays: For campers seeking longer wilderness immersion, certain areas permit extended camping periods. At Long Pond Campground, Katelyn H. shares her experience: "I am planning on staying here for a week or more and I see no reason to find another location as there is no fee or permit needed and you can stay up to 14 days I believe."
Limited or no facilities: Most dispersed camping areas require complete self-sufficiency. Kevin C. notes about Long Pond Campground, "Site has no water, no garbage service and no phone signal" and "Would rate 5 stars if it had water and a garbage dumpster."
Seasonal access challenges: Winter camping presents access limitations in many locations. Joshua M. reports about Beals Pond State Forest, "This state forest is beautiful but not easily accessible in the winter. After a certain point, the road is not maintained in the winter and I was unable to get cell reception with Verizon."
Carry-in requirements: Some sites require hiking gear in from parking areas. At Oh! Pear Orchards, Heather T. describes, "It is a short walk in to the sites, but there is a cart provided which made it pretty easy. The hosts also offer valet service to your site, though we did not need that with the cart."
Consider established campgrounds: Families may prefer sites with more amenities. Belden Hill Campgrounds offers family-friendly facilities with Tim W. noting, "Pull thru full hookup, level, spacious. Room for pop up canopy and games. Great views of the mts."
Security considerations: Be aware of site location relative to roads and public access. Janet R. cautions about some locations: "The other campsites nearby are not located in a distinct campground, but are strung out along the shoreline close to the highways, each with its own driveway right off the highway, which creates a lack of privacy as passersby can quite easily pop right in off the highway."
Scout for level tent sites: Finding flat ground is essential for comfortable family camping. At Ludlow Creek Lean-To Campsite, Janet R. describes "a large relatively new Adirondack-style lean-to in great condition, perched on a heavily wooded overlook above Ludlow Creek," providing a solid shelter option for families.
Limited hookup options: Most dispersed camping areas cannot accommodate larger RVs. For those needing hookups, Belden Hill Campgrounds offers suitable facilities. John P. recommends, "Very quiet, good showers, very clean. I recommend and I will return."
Solar limitations: Dense tree coverage affects solar charging capabilities. Kevin C. reports from Long Pond Campground, "The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel," suggesting campers should plan alternative power sources.
Road conditions: Access roads may present challenges for larger vehicles. Tim W. shared his experience at Belden Hill Campgrounds: "Unfortunately we were there after a lot of rain from the hurricane, site was wet but useable, not their fault. Would visit again. Stayed in 38ft motorhome."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kirkwood, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kirkwood, NY is Belden Hill Campgrounds with a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews.
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