Best Tent Camping near Altmar, NY

Tent camping options around Altmar, New York include several primitive forest locations and established campgrounds in natural settings. Winona State Forest offers primitive tent sites with basic fire rings just feet from Bargy Road, while Hall Island State Forest provides tent sites near the Salmon River Reservoir. The area features multiple tent-friendly options within state forests where campers can experience the region's natural landscape.

Most primitive tent campgrounds near Altmar require self-sufficiency as amenities are minimal. Hall Island State Forest campsites have fire rings but no running water or bathroom facilities. Spruce Pond Camping Area in Morgan Hill State Forest provides ten established primitive campsites with fire grills and well-developed tent sites, some with pond access, plus a new outhouse with accessible doorway. A visitor noted, "There were fire ring set up a view of the water and for enable body person just a short walk up the path." Most tent areas are first-come, first-served, and many require campers to bring their own drinking water and pack out all trash.

The tent camping experience in the Altmar region varies by location. Winona State Forest provides quiet surroundings with easy trail access, though one reviewer mentioned finding sites was challenging: "The primitive campsite was a little difficult to find there's a tiny black and yellow placard that shows you where you can camp." At Spruce Pond, the sites closest to the parking area are considered best for tent setup, while sites farther along become less suitable for larger tents. Some campers note that hammock camping works well at certain locations where tent pad space is limited. Tent sites at Hall Island State Forest accommodate multiple tents with some offering views of the water. Wildlife activity adds to the experience, with frogs and other pond wildlife creating a natural soundscape at night.

Best Tent Sites Near Altmar, New York (15)

    1. Stoneys Pineville Campground

    2 Reviews
    Altmar, NY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 298-2325

    2. Hall Island State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Altmar, NY
    9 miles
    Website

    "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."

    3. Winona State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Lorraine, NY
    14 miles

    "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."

    4. Winona Forest CCC Camp

    1 Review
    Lorraine, NY
    14 miles
    Website

    "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."

    5. Brenda's Motel & Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Richland, NY
    3 miles
    +1 (315) 298-2268

    6. Cross Lake Park Campgrounds

    1 Review
    Cato, NY
    35 miles
    +1 (315) 626-4048

    "Access to water and swimming. Nice playgrounds. We kayaked in the lake it was a lot of fun."

    7. Robert G Wehle State Park — Robert Wehle State Park

    Be the first to review!
    Henderson Harbor, NY
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 938-5302

    $88 - $300 / night

    8. Della Terra

    1 Review
    Croghan, NY
    40 miles

    $25 / night

    "We're so excited to have Julian's property on our platform. This property is rural and beautiful."

    9. Nature Lover's Paradise

    3 Reviews
    Fabius, NY
    49 miles
    +1 (561) 503-9444

    $79 - $149 / night

    "Nature Lover's Paradise is new to the Dyrt and they have an awesome spot to share with access to a vast network of trails in upstate New York. "

    "The tent site and the 70 acres of hiking trails sound like the perfect getaway for anyone looking to reconnect with nature."

    10. Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest

    3 Reviews
    Apulia Station, NY
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 753-3095

    "Toilet isn’t set up yet but will once the season opens.

    The first few campsites are the best the further down you go the worse the sites get for tent set up. Smaller tents would be best do here."

    "Although dispersed primitive camping is allowed elsewhere throughout the state forest, this is a group of ten established and well maintained primitive campsites right on Spruce Pond with fishing available"

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Tent Camping Reviews near Altmar, NY

238 Reviews of 15 Altmar Campgrounds


  • K
    Jun. 29, 2021

    Sterling Creek Campground

    Nice tent spot, quiet, nice owner

    We stayed on a Monday night and it was very quiet. A lot of empty spaces. And a lot of seasonal campers were gone for the week. The owner was super nice and it was close enough to the State Park to run over to the beach. Nice large, flat spot with full shade. Maybe I'm still on Midwest pricing, but I get annoyed when I have to pay for a shower when I've played $25 for a non-electric and no water tent site. The bathrooms were clean.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Stoney Pond State Forest Camping Area

    Primitive camping at Stoney Pond

    This is a primitive state forest campground on the south shore of Stoney Pond. There are 15 drive-in campsites widely spaced and set into the woods, and two developed walk-in sites on the west shore. Site number 1 is quite flat and open and could accomodate a trailer or camper van but isnt very scenic. The other sites are great for tenting but the drive-ins are variable. There are several new clean outhouses with doors meant to be wide enough for wheelchairs, but the gravel roads of the campground are not very wheelchair friendly. There is one site set aside for picnicking and day use only, on a very pretty spit on the south shore. There is a small boat launch meant for canoes and kayaks and small non mototized fishing boats, alongside a gravel peninsula for shore fishing. The pond is pretty with mature shade trees, and the campground also has a trailhead to access a large network of hiking trails. If you want to backpack in, dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest

  • Elizabeth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2020

    Soft Maple Campground

    Small and completely gorgeous! Beach, wooded sites, great for everyone.

    Soft Maple is a truly gorgeous small campground. Only about a dozen sites or so, first come first serve. Level sites for RVs or tent or hammock camping. Each site has a nice space with fire ring and picnic table. The beach is lovely and clean. There’s boat access for canoes and kayaks as this is part of the Beaver River route. 

    The entire campground is accessible, with gravel pack paths, and level sites.  

    Charlie is the caretaker here and everyone says he is the nicest person you’ll meet.  You can’t beat site number 11 for the perfect mix of treelined and water view!

    There is space for RVs and a dump station but the sites do not have power or hookups. 

    If you come in to the campground from “number 4 road” (aka state rt. 26) it’s exactly five miles from the Left turn on to Soft Maple rd. If you have time, stop halfway- the 2.5 mile mark will bring you to the entrance for Eagle falls, a short hike with a fantastic reveal.

  • Thomas E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 4, 2025

    Hall Island State Forest

    Quiet View

    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. There were fire ring set up a view of the water and for enable body person just a short walk up the path. 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. I like this place enough space to set up a few tents of kitchen whatever else you really wanted.

  • Mary S.
    Oct. 27, 2018

    Burnham Point State Park Campground

    Good overnight stop; bring a boat if you stay longer

    This is a good stopping point, but there isn't much to do unless you bring a boat. Or you could use it as a base for exploring other areas in the Thousand Islands. It's only about 10 miles from Clayton.

    We stayed here on a bicycle trip from Rochester to the Thousand Islands at the end of a 63 mile day. Don't let anyone tell you it's not a hilly trip coming up along Lake Ontario to the Thousand Islands! There will be hills! The good news is there are NY state parks along the way.

    Burnham Point is a small (less than 50 sites) campground on the St. Lawrence River. It was a good stopping point after seeing the lighthouse in Cape Vincent on our way. There are sites by the river that are tent only but we pitched our tent up above. The tent sites were rather difficult to get to with our bikes. There wasn't much shade where we settled, but the sun was not intense as we arrived in the early evening and left the next morning. Unfortunately, I have no site photos and only have a photo of the sunset...but it's a beautiful view.

    Restrooms/showers were clean, and there was electricity at the site. Unfortunately, the bugs were bad but that's just a summertime hazard in the Northeast.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 18, 2017

    Green Lakes State Park Campground

    Green Lakes is a model state park

    This is a great example of what a state park should be. It not only preserves a place of unique biological diversity and geologic interest, it is also well set up and well maintained to maximize low impact outdoor recreation and environmental education. A new state of the art regional environmental education center is being built now that will open in spring, as well as new handicapped access kayaking docks that complement Accessible trails and campsites throughout the park. This is a great destination for families, handicapped campers, and natural history enthusiasts. There are several campgrounds, one is large and open and meant for large RVs, others are drive-in forested tent sites or trailer sites with hookups, and several walkin sites. There is also a colony of rustic camper cabins. The campgrounds have brand new restroom facilities and playgrounds, and the main lake has a new beach house. The lake is a fascinating meromictic lake with clear calcium-rich waters that are not only pristine and beautiful to look at, but also great for swimming and snorkeling as the waters are crystal clear and very deep. There are hiking trails, paved bike trails, a nature preserve for bird watching at Round Lake, a golf course, and great kayaking or canoeing. It is also located right next door to the Erie Canal State Park for those who want to hike or bike the historic Erie Canal. Though you might expect a park like this to be in a remote location, it is actually just a short distance east of the suburbs of the Syracuse metro area, so it is an easy park to get to, plus staying there also provides easy access to stores for supplies, or access to local cultural activities or restaurants for those who want that. One of my favorite state parks in New York!

  • r
    Aug. 12, 2018

    Shady Pines Camp at CBG Farm - CLOSED

    Rustic and beautiful

    After meeting up with the owner we went down to the parking area. A dirt trail and park on the side in the grass. You have to walk in about 2 minutes on a trail. The owner has a golf cart with a small wagon and transported our stuff to the campsite and back when we left…he was really nice and very helpful.the trail opened to open grassy areas with surrounding trees where we pitched our tent…a small table and fire ring w grate provided. Also firewood.you get water back up at the barn but the owner was nice and brought us a 5 gal. Jug. Pond stocked with fish…catch and release. We caught some nice bass and bullhead…kids had a blast. Past the pond is the cabin with sitting spots and an open cement fire stove and oven also a fire pit. Theres an outhouse behind the cabin w a seat over a bucket w chemicals…papertowels tp hand sanitizer and disenfectant wipes nicely provided. We did have cellphone signals. Overall a really nice spot to relax and commune w nature.

  • Tate T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Delta Lake State Park Campground

    Nice but BUSY

    This was our first time here, and we were looking forward to a relaxing visit. The sites were very large and well spaced out, with a beautiful fire ring. The bathrooms were clean. This campground got a 3/5 mainly because quiet hours are not enforced. Unfortunately, people were up blaring radios until approximately 3 am, being roudy. At approximately 2 am, someone decided it would be a good idea to do burnouts with their diesel truck, and went around the camp loop twice, doing just that. Vehicles were driving by the campsites all night long. This is naturally not entirely the campgrounds fault, but it was unfortunate to be misled by the campground rules. On a positive note, the campground is dog friendly, in certain areas, with proof of rabies vaccination, of course. Overall, I would say that this campground is geared more toward the RV and trailer crowd.

  • George P.
    Jun. 3, 2021

    Delta Lake State Park Campground

    Delta Lake State Park

    A very nice, tidy campground located on a peninsula jutting into Delta Lake in Central NY. Our site was level and large enough for our 22ft Airstream, a 4-person tent, pop-up canopy, and 2 vehicles. A picnic table and fire ring were on the site. Our site had 30A electrical service. The surface of the site was dirt with some small stones…no grass. Trees surrounded the site on 3 sides, providing some privacy and a place to hang a hammock. We were able to carry our paddle boards to the lake, walking less than 200ft through some woods.


Guide to Altmar

Tent camping near Altmar, New York, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of amenities and activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several well-reviewed options to consider.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Stoneys Pineville Campground, you'll find electric hookups and sanitary dump facilities, making your stay comfortable and convenient.
  • Brennans Bay Campground and Marina features a market and picnic tables, perfect for enjoying meals outdoors with family and friends.
  • Winona Forest CCC Camp offers a rustic experience with picnic tables and pet-friendly policies, ideal for those who want to bring their furry companions along.

Tent campers should check out local activities

  • Fishing enthusiasts will love Brennans Bay Campground and Marina, located near Sandy Pond and Lake Ontario, known for its excellent bass and trout fishing.
  • For those who enjoy winter sports, Winona Forest CCC Camp serves as a hub for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, making it a great spot for winter camping.
  • Cross Lake Park Campgrounds offers access to swimming and kayaking, providing a fun way to cool off during the warmer months.

Unique features of the campgrounds

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Altmar, NY is Stoneys Pineville Campground with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Altmar, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.