Tent camping options in the rural areas surrounding Copenhagen, New York include primitive sites in Winona State Forest and established campgrounds at Hall Island State Forest. Most tent campgrounds in this region of northern New York are minimally developed, offering basic amenities with an emphasis on natural surroundings rather than services. Francis Lake provides additional tent camping opportunities with lakeside sites accessible by short hiking trails.
Primitive tent sites in Winona State Forest feature simple fire rings made of rocks with no running water or facilities. Access to most tent campgrounds requires driving on rural roads, then walking short distances to reach campsites. Many areas have small black and yellow placards marking designated camping zones. Hall Island State Forest offers tent sites adjacent to Salmon River Reservoir with pack-in, pack-out policies and no facilities. A camper noted that the Hall Island site includes "fire rings set up, a view of the water, and for an able-bodied person, just a short walk up the path."
Tent campers at these primitive sites enjoy quieter experiences away from more developed campgrounds. The Winona State Forest tent sites serve as gateways to hiking trails and seasonal recreation, with winter activities including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when tent camping isn't feasible. Francis Lake offers swimming access directly from tent sites, with one visitor describing it as "totally gorgeous, perfectly clean, and quiet. Room for two or three tents, two fire circles and has an outhouse. Great for swimming, kayaking, and a gorgeous place to wake up next to the water." Most primitive tent campgrounds remain relatively uncrowded even during peak summer months, though reservations are advised for established campgrounds with amenities.
"We're so excited to have Julian's property on our platform. This property is rural and beautiful."
from $25 / night
"The only amenity was a fire ring made of rocks. The campsite appears to be the trailhead for a man-made trail. It rained while we were here but overall the campsite was quiet and peaceful."
"The primitive campsite was a little difficult to find there’s a tiny black and yellow placard that shows you where you can camp. There were some firewood set out except it was wet."
"This is a hub for several snow mobile, cross country ski, and snow shoe trails. Several folks visited on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the last bit of the snow."
"Great for swimming, kayaking, and a gorgeous place to wake up next to the water. There are two access points to the water, the more hidden point is where you hike in for camping."
"Beaver Camp (or, officially Adirondack Mennonite Camping Assoc.), is a classic summer youth sleep-away camp on Beaver Lake."
"I checked out primitive site on my own early in April it was cold snowing and raining. It didn’t take away from the campsite at all though."
"Every site is far away from the next and each has its own unique and beautiful view of the water and surrounding islands."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $21 / night
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $14 / night
"sites: boat only access. bring water. pack in/ pack out. lean to at sites. secluded. amenities: pit toilets. other attractions: hiking. theme park near (off island). I would go back again."
"It was a few days before 4th of July so it was a very busy time to be in 4th lake making the lake very choppy. A lot of our stuff got wet due to big waves from boats crashing into our kayaks."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $18 - $40 / night
GuideThe MWR shop was excellent to work with!
The sites, under 15, are pull through and full hookups. They are spaced fast enough apart that privacy is a plus consideration!
Check in at front gate was courteous and quick!
ScoutTraveled from northeastern PA with 5 other families. All with kids under 13. Location was great. Everyone super friendly. Very convenient being near the grocery store. Tiki bar was fun for adults! Very clean! We rented a boat and went to Clayton for the day. Will definitely go back again.
ScoutI would never return to this campground. We rented a golf cart, and while going downhill, the rear wheel came completely off because the lug nuts were not secured. My 1-year-old and 6-year-old were on the cart, and we were extremely fortunate that no one was injured. When I expressed how serious and upsetting this was and how close my children were to being injured the owner’s response was,“But were they?” When I explained that my children were thankfully not injured but were shaken up by the incident, he sarcastically questioned whether my 1-year-old could be traumatized. They did provide us with another golf cart afterward, but I consider that the bare minimum after being given an unsafe rental. After the apparent lack of proper inspection of the cart and the ill-mannered response to such a serious safety issue, I would never recommend this campground.
LegendHad an overnight stay here and it was really peaceful. The reservoir had been drained but it was still lovely to look out across the property. You definitely can’t beat $30 for an electric site! Restrooms were a bit dated but clean. Staff was very friendly. Our site was spacious and next to a short walking trail through the trees.
ScoutR/v area seems pretty full and seems to have lots of full time campers possibly.
ScoutThe campsite itself was extremely buggy and it was a bit further into the road then I thought to get to the second campsite. But once we got there it was open and well marked
TravelerBeautiful and well kept campground. Stayed right on the river and was beautiful. Full hookups was nice. Nice campground if you have kids. Only downside is you are very close to the site next to you.
ScoutVery nice campground, pool is awesome when it’s hot and, the water’s edge of the campground is beautiful, expect noise. Not a quiet place. From fellow campers to boats and sirens. No tru till station just a water line when you enter. Also check sites out was extremely up hill. Camper barely cleared.
TravelerWe thought the campground was beautiful, tight to your neighbors on majority of sites, and lack of trash cans for pet waste especially since the campground is so big. It has ball field, 2 playgrounds, rec room, camp store, lake Ontario to swim, trails for multi use, and pavillions. Down fall for us was small site , lack of trash cans to toss pet waste, not being told about fill station because there is no water faucets like most state parks along campground. We were there for first time so not familiar with park. Office did not offer us a map to get to our site or clue us in on filling our tank prior to parking camper. Main gate personnel not on same information. bathrooms could be cleaned more often. bathhouse building is all gender with bathrooms on one side of building and showers on other. Bathroom and showers are private space rooms. Beach is very rocky with little sand area. Life guards only guard one side of beach making everyone crowded to one side
Tent campers near Copenhagen, New York can access several primitive sites with minimal amenities throughout northern Lewis County. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation systems. The region experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall, making most tent camping viable only from late May through early October when temperatures range from 50-80°F during peak season.
Fishing access points: Stoneys Pineville Campground provides direct access to salmon fishing. "We have been out three is consecutively for salmon fishing and I have had a great time what a great place to stay," notes Eric F.
Winter recreation trails: Winona Forest CCC Camp serves as a base for cold-weather activities. "This is a hub for several snow mobile, cross country ski, and snow shoe trails. Several folks visited on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the last bit of the snow," reports Quade S.
Kayaking opportunities: Paddle from shoreline access points to reach Alger Island Adirondack Preserve. "The state park allows only car top boats. We kayaked all of our gear out to the island," explains Sarah B., though she cautions about holiday traffic: "It was a few days before 4th of July so it was a very busy time to be in 4th lake making the lake very choppy."
Island camping experiences: Accessing Cedar Island State Park Campground requires boat transportation. "You need a boat to get here, making it one of our favorite places to camp in NY. There are quite a few sites here, all pretty private, but still make reservations," recommends Justin S.
Privacy between campsites: The best tent camping near Copenhagen, New York often features well-spaced sites. Thomas E. describes Winona State Forest: "The primitive campsite was a little difficult to find there's a tiny black and yellow placard that shows you where you can camp. Overall a good free quiet place to camp."
Lakefront wake-up views: Morning scenery ranks high for campers at several locations. Harry H. highlights Cedar Island State Park's position "within the 1000 Islands" and recommends visitors "be sure to take in the sunrise/set while there."
Fire ring availability: Most primitive sites include basic stone fire rings. Kevin C. notes about Winona State Forest: "The only amenity was a fire ring made of rocks. The campsite appears to be the trailhead for a man-made trail."
Access challenges: Mary Island State Park Campground requires planning for transportation. "You can only get to it by boat. How awesome!? Every site is far away from the next and each has its own unique and beautiful view of the water and surrounding islands," explains Matt L.
Pack-in requirements: Tent sites near Copenhagen follow leave-no-trace principles. Benjamin C. explains that Alger Island offers "boat only access. bring water. pack in/ pack out. lean to at sites. secluded."
Youth camp options: Adirondack Mennonite Camping Associates Inc provides structured camping experiences. "Beaver Camp is a classic summer youth sleep-away camp on Beaver Lake. Sleeping in cabins with bunk beds, swimming, canoes, and a high ropes course, gathering around the campfire to end the day," describes Elizabeth B.
Swimming access: Water activities enhance tent camping near Copenhagen for families with children. Elizabeth B. recommends exploring Francis Lake: "This spot is great for swimming, kayaking, and a gorgeous place to wake up next to the water. There are two access points to the water, the more hidden point is where you hike in for camping."
Weekend programming: Structured activities supplement tent camping options. Elizabeth B. notes Beaver Camp offers "Weekend and week long programming for youth and families, or site rental of cabins and platform tents is available, as well as day use access to the beach and high ropes course."
Shower facilities: RVers camping near Copenhagen should note limited shower access. Rachel P. explains about Hall Island State Forest: "It's a short drive into town and to the local convenience store, which 'conveniently' enough, offers shower facilities and bathrooms for a fee. However, I don't recall being terribly impressed."
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping areas near Copenhagen lack RV amenities. Thomas E. notes about primitive sites at Hall Island State Forest: "Where you drive in and park your car can also be used as a campsite but that's right off the road. Speaking of you can't hear the cars at night but you're not too far from the road maybe half a mile."
Self-sufficient camping: RVers should prepare for boondocking conditions. Quade S. advises about Winona Forest CCC Camp: "If you camp here, you need to be self sufficient as there is no running water or electricity. There is a dollar general about 15 minutes away if you need some supplies."
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