Best Tent Camping near Durham, NY
Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Durham? Finding a place to camp in New York with your tent has never been easier. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Durham, New York (35)
1. Giant Ledge Primitive Camp
6 Reviews•24 Photos•285 SavesBig Indian, New York- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
2. Getaway Catskill Campground - New York
1 Review•13 Photos•32 SavesPalenville, New YorkGetaway Campgrounds offers a modern, immersive outdoor experience for today’s camper. Each campsite is built for comfort, with clean and modern amenities designed to help you soak in your surroundings.
Our campsites are about 200 square feet with approximately 10’ by 10’ of space for a tent. Each campsite is surrounded by nature and offers a secluded, covered structure complete with a picnic table, hammock, fire pit, and Adirondack chairs.
You’ll also have a kitchenette fit for cooking with a propane burner (plus propane canister), and essentials including oil, salt + pepper, dishware, cutlery, and non-perishable provisions for purchase.
Plus, private bathroom suites (hot shower, toilet, and sink) are nearby.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
$79 - $119 / night
3. Duck Pond Campsite
1 Review•8 SavesNorth Blenheim, New York- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
4. Alder lake
7 Reviews•25 Photos•309 SavesMargaretville, New YorkThere are five lean-tos as well as five primitive campsites marked with round, yellow, DEC markers. In addition, primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from the regional office.
Camping is prohibited above 3,500 feet in elevation from March 22 until December 20 each year to protect the fragile summit environment. Campfires are permitted below 3,500 feet in elevation, but only dead and down fuel may be used. In an established campsite, use the existing fire ring. Before you leave, completely extinguish the fire. Never leave a fire unattended. The use of camp stoves is encouraged.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
5. The Peekamoose Valley
6 Reviews•21 Photos•231 SavesClaryville, New YorkPeekamoose Valley: The Peekamoose Valley (County Route 42 in the Town of Denning) is a popular rustic camping area. Camping permits are now required to reserve primitive tent sites from May 15- September 15 of each year. Camping is restricted to reserved, designated campsites marked with the yellow camping symbol. Visit Reserve America (leaves DEC website) to make a reservation.
Lower Field: Camping is restricted to 12 designated sites. Permits can be obtained from Reserve America.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Toilets
6. Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
1 Review•23 Photos•25 SavesBig Indian, New YorkCamp on the Esopus Creek in the Big Indian-Oliverea Valley surrounded by seven 3500' Catskill High Peaks including Slide Mountain, the tallest in the Catskills.
Our PRIVATE camp (no other campers) is situated on 100 acres of land in the middle of the Catskill State Park. We are the closest private Dyrt site to Slide Mountain, the Catskills tallest peak at 4180 feet. A perfect base camp for some of the best hiking in the Catskills, the site is bordered by Forever Wild Forest and is minutes from the trailheads to Balsam, Giant Ledge, Panther, Big Indian, Slide Mountain and dozens more peaks within 30 minutes or so away.
You can walk to a swimming hole on a winding path through a wildflower meadow blazed with rock cairns along a half mile of private waterfront. Try your luck at catching some wild Brook Trout on the world famous Esopus Creek!
Our drive up camp has a 4-6 person prospector type tent, a 10X12 covered tent platform, several individual tent sites with private fire rings, as well as a bunkhouse and a leanto for day use. The camp table and cook pit are covered from the elements. The main tent includes a wood burning stove, folding card table and seating for 4 and bunk bed with 4" thick self-inflating Therm-a-rest MondoKing 3D XXL Queen sized insulated mats for luxurious comfort.
Open Network WiFi (no UN/PW needed) is available at the Campkeeper home a short woods walk away. Seasoned bundled 16" firewood is available by honor box cash payment on Brown rd across the camp entry road.
Rules:
'Almost' anything goes. Learn about 'pack-in pack-out/leave no trace camping' and the 'leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures' motto. Due to local laws, no music or noise louder than 60 decibels is allowed which is about as loud as conversation with 20 people in a restaurant, an office of 20 people speaking or being on the phone, background music typically heard in restaurants and public spaces, an air conditioning unit at 100 feet. Our site is to be best enjoyed for the sounds that do exist naturally, the many birds singing their song, the babbling Esopus Creek, the rustling leaves on the trees. Ask questions, I will always answer anything about camping and am thrilled to share my knowledge.
Extras:
-Arrive to a dry campfire stack mini bonfire for your evening's entertainment. Full of dry kindle and fire starter, just light it and enjoy! The stack will be made of about 20 pieces built up teepee style and will be covered from the elements. If you will be camping for more than one night, please specify how many or which night(s) you would like the fire setup for . Dry campfire stack is $25.00
-I have several tents available including a large 5 person Eureka! Copper Canyon tent for $15.00, and 4 two person backpacking tents (Eureka! Timberline, Eureka! Prism, 2 Gazelle tents, and Moss Starlet tent) for $10.00 each.
-I have 4 comfortable 2" thick Therm-a-rest Camprest foam and air mattresses for $8.00 each.
Inquire about the extras when you book the site. Extras can be paid for in cash after you arrive.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Glamping
$130 / night
7. Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground
8 Reviews•45 Photos•82 SavesAccord, New YorkThe campground is dedicated to the memory of Sam Pryor, an extraordinary conservationist whose life's work included bringing this project to fruition. More information about the campground can be found at https://americanalpineclub.org/gunks-campground
The American Alpine Club and Mohonk Preserve are cooperatively managing the campground. Campground amenities include a pavilion and cooking area, bathhouse and restroom facilities, and circulation trails. There are 24 drive-in spots (one vehicle per site) and 26 walk-in spots. All sites accommodate up to two tents (and four people) per pad. Showers are $1 for 4 minutes and are coin-operated. No RVs, no trailers, and no vehicles over 22'.
Members receive a discount on their stay, you can register for membership through the American Alpine Club at www.americanalpineclub.org/join or through the Mohonk Preserve.
Campers may access Mohonk Preserve, New York State's largest nonprofit nature preserve, via a connector trail to the Preserve's Visitor Center and historic carriage road network for world-class rock climbing and bouldering, hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and nature exploration. Memberships and day-use passes are available at the Visitor Center and all Preserve trailheads.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
8. Cherry Plain State Park Campground
6 Reviews•11 Photos•60 SavesCherry Plain, New York- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
9. Slide Mountain Wilderness Roadside Campsite
1 Review•8 Photos•74 SavesBig Indian, New York- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Toilets
- Alcohol
10. Bear Spring Mountain - DEC
7 Reviews•22 Photos•33 SavesDownsville, New YorkBear Spring Mountain is located in the western end of the Catskill Forest Preserve. The campgrounds beach, boat rental, and multi-use trail system offers fun for all ages. For the horse riding enthusiast, Spruce Grove camping and trail system is one of a kind facility in the Catskill region. This region is also known for its excellent hunting and fishing.
The facility is broken into two distinct areas, the Launt Pond Area (the main campground) and the Spruce Grove Area which is 3.5 miles from the campground office. The Spruce Grove Area is equipped with pit toilets. The hot showers, rest rooms and garbage disposal area are all located in the Launt Pond Area. Spruce Grove campers have access to all amenities, however they will be a drive from their camping area. Amenities
41 tent and trailer sites; picnic area with tables, grills, playground, horseshoe pits, volleyball and pavilion rental; rowboat, canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals; firewood sales; trailer dump station; recycling center; flush toilets and hot showers at Launt Pond Area; boat launch; sand beach; 24 horse tie stalls and horse accessible ramp; 24 miles of multi-use trails. Please note: There are no horse rentals available at this campground. Proof of current negative Coggins Certificate is required for all horses entering the campground. Out-of state horse owners will be required to produce a 30-day health certificate Patrons must carry each horse's health papers with them at all times.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Trash
$18 / night
Recent Tent Reviews near Durham, NY
528 Reviews of 35 Durham Campgrounds
Eugene T.
Traveler
Jellystone Park Lazy River
Great for beginners
The camp is set up in a “blank slate, parking lot” type style, with a big field, center for tent camping or to be used for sports or other activities. There’s a “lazy river” at one side and a small RV village on the other, and tent sites with water or dry tent camping. Restrooms are available with hot and cold running water, showers and toilets.
- PPaul A.
ScoutJellystone Park Lazy River
Great Campsite for Families and Kids
Great first tent camping experience for kids. Lots of activities, clean restrooms. One thing to keep in mind is the tent sites on the opposite side of the road from the river has no shade. Site gets pretty hot on a sunny day. Sites by the river have some shade.
Justin P.
Legend
October Mountain State Forest
Peaceful and clean campground
I tent camped here in night while exploring the fishing in Western Massachusetts.
The campsite was peaceful and quiet and mostly tucked into the hillside.
I did see the electrical station at the entrance but the sound didn’t reach where I was staying at site 33. To avoid that sound, I would suggest sites further up the road.
The sites offered medium privacy. Site 33 was built into a slope in the hill, so it required walking up a short set of stairs, but the tent site was level.
I didn’t explore the hiking trails but it seems very convenient that you could leave into the trails right from the campground.
For any fly fishing folks, this campground is very close to the Housatonic (catch and release only!)
- WWilliam R.Scout
Country Roads Campground
Great family spot
Mainly an RV ground, but they have about 10-15 great tent sites back beyond the RV area. There are water spigots near all the tent sites and they are nice and spread out. They have special events in a pavilion near the RVs including bingo
- sstephen S.Traveler
North-South Lake Campground
Beautiful well spaced drive-in sites
Very well run, well spaced, drive-in sites suitable for tent camping as well as rvs. Spotless clean showers, wash areas, toilets. Excellent hiking of all classifications.
Meike W.
Guide
Nickerson Park Campground
Cozy
Campsite was cozy trees were amazingly huge. Camp tent sites better than trailer sites. Very quiet and perfect.
Sam M.Scout
St. Johnsville Campsite and Marina
Hidden gem
This place is great! $10 for a tent site right on the canal and the staff is super friendly
- Andrew A.Scout
Glimmerglass State Park Campground
Great Camping and swimming
Awesome place for camping and swimming. Beautiful views and great staff. Each tent site has its own fire pit with a grate for cooking.
- Alicia S.Scout
Pittsfield State Forest
Family and Pet Friendly Campground
We reserved a groupsite down by a stream and pond. It had a large common area surrounded by little pockets which made great tent sites. Beautiful site! Other campsites were far enough away that we felt like we had the place to ourselves.
- YYolanda T.Guide
Blue Mountain Campground
Family friendly/ rocky tent campsite’s
Located in the Catskills. This is a family friendly there’s bathrooms/showers playground, pool, potable water and a outdoor pavilion. Located near hiking in the Catskills and 15 mins to Woodstock.
The tent site are very richly and uneven, it was very hard to pitch a tent. When it rains theres a horrible smell across the campground.
Susan M.Traveler
Mills Norrie State Park Campground
Decent state park campground
This is an older campground with several options. Only 6 sites with electric. 50 & 51 are nice & private. Lots of large tent sites, some in an open area & others fairly private. 4 tent pads with obstructed river views. Assorted cabins, mostly above the river. Restrooms small but pretty clean by state park standards.
Robert M.Traveler
Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds
Pretty Good Place
Had a great experience here, only one night at tent site. Site was a bit small, but overall place was very clean & taken care of. Booking online can be a bit confusing, I had to call for explanation. Overall I would recommend this place & would definitely go again.
Elizabeth D.Traveler
Dingman's Family Campground
One of the nicest campgrounds!
Absolutely loved this campground, sites are well spaced and the surrounding area is gorgeous! We had a tent site right on the river and couldn’t have been happier with our stay. Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table. Facilities were exceptionally clean and the camp store was stunning!
Dan N.
Ranger
Little Pond - DEC
Catskills
Wooded private sites, some right along water. Basic state park setup, modern bathrooms, tent camped, nice and strict about bear policies. Borrowed a kayak from a friendly neighbor and really enjoyed exploring the small pond. Easy trail around pond too. Good place to stay and spend a weekend taking it easy or while you do other things around this area. Ranger was especially nice & helpful.
Ashley F.Legend
Blue Wind Nature Camp
Free unlimited fire wood!.Don't forget the s'mores!
Ashley here from The Dyrt! It's been great working with this non-profit organization. They offer 4 private tent sites and 50 acres of scenic hiking trails. Campsites are spaced out, feel private, and offer all of the amenities (grill, chairs, picnic table). Restroom and hot water close by. Check them out and leave them some love!
Jason A.Guide
Bonnie Brae Cabins and Campsites
A quiet place
We never been here. This campground is quite small. But quiet. It’s located off a dead end street . There is a lame right down the street. They have cabins, tent sites and everything sites. Have a small camp store. But downtown Pittsfield very close by. They have a pool. The owners were very professional and friendly . We will return..
- RRebecca F.Scout
Cooperstown KOA
Clean, friendly, quiet
Most people that stay here are in RVs but we were tent camping and they have a nice wooded area with fire pits and a view of the rolling hills. Beautiful! This is our second Memorial Day weekend stay here and we chose it because the facilities are clean, the owners, staff and other guests are friendly and people respect the quiet hours which was really appreciated as we had a couple early mornings.
Jenny C.Guide
Sohi Campground
Quiet. Great for tents and RVs
We’ve been to So-hi a couple of times - the RV sites are great - everything you could need not too close to your neighbors, wooded, and plenty of washroom facilities. There are some nice lakes and the wooded tent camping sites are gorgeous - nestled at the back amongst little streams. The “extras” - playground and fishing, have seen better days and could do with a fix up but our 6 year old loved them anyway. Nice people good place.
- William J F.Scout
Hunter Lake Campgrounds
Great place
Only place still run like a family campground should be run. Wonderful owners. All campers were kind. Very quiet place at night. I stayed 4 days and it was great. Yes I did have to mail a check for my reservation. Most of the sites are seasonal and there are very nice tent sites as well. Bathrooms and campground were very clean also. I will be returning to this great place.
- MMary-Kate L.Scout
Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground
Great Spot!
Big and spacious state park with many camping options. Has options for trailers, tent sites, platforms for tents and even some cabins. Small store in park that sells firewood and ice and a few other things you may need. Big lake with swimming and boating as well as many hiking trails. Bathrooms on site as well as showers. Some sites are close together, but there are a few a little more secluded and set back. Fire pits are great. Can’t wait to camp here again!
Janet R.LegendGlimmerglass State Park Campground
It glimmers like glass! The lake and more
Both the Glimmerglass State Park and the Glimmerglass Festival Opera House list their location as Cooperstown, but in actuality the Park is 8 miles outside of Cooperstown on the northeast side of Otsego Lake, with the Opera House nearby on the northwest corner of the lake nearby. If you are going to visit one, you should also visit the other! In fact the park is an ideal spot to stay if you are wanting to take in any of the Glimmerglass music or theater productions which have quite a professional lineup in the summer season. If staying at the park you will also enjoy the amazing beach and waterfront on Otsego Lake, and great kayaking on the lake as well as the stream flowing into it. You can also hike, ot take a day trip into Cooperstown, especially for museums and all things baseball.
The camping opportunities give you three options: the main campground by the park office, which is wooded and shady and has electric hookups as needed, and is close to the beach, but you will have a lot of neighbors. If you want a quiet tenting experience, choose the Beaver Pond primitive tenting campground! This offers a small number of large, well spaced and private tent only sites set back in the woods by a beautiful pond and by the Beaver Hiking trail. Very peaceful with more solitude than the main campground, but a longer walk to the beach. The third and newest option, the Travis Field campsites, reminds me of an overflow parking area at an outdoor festival, unfortunately just a bunch of basic tent campsites plunked in an open grassy field located in between the beach and the Beaver Pond sites. I am guessing the park has greater demand for campsites than the original campground offers, so they put these spots up in an open field, and maybe folks would rather have these sites than nothing if they want a week at the lake, but they would not be a first choice unless perhaps you have a group that wants to gather together and take a block of these sites. I didnt check out the cabins, but there are some, which might be especially good if you want to come in the winter as the park is open year round
Reddy47Traveler
Covered Bridge Campsite
Quiet
Nice quiet campsite. The majority of the trailer/RV's here are seasonal people. Under new ownership (very nice young couple) as of August 2021 and they plan to make many upgrades to the campground. The roads are tight for larger trailers/RV's and some sites are very hard to get into. 20 & 30 amp service available with water at nearly every site. No sewers. You can dump nearby at Mongaup State Park if needed. The tent camping spots are very nice and very secluded. Very limited cell service on site. WiFi only near the campsite office.
- RRyan F.Scout
Uncle Pete's Campground - CLOSED
Prime Catskill Camping
I’ve been coming to Uncle Pete’s for the last 15 years. Very reasonably priced and a 2 minute drive from the center of town. Car camping so you can park right next to where you sleep, makes dining and sleeping comfortable very easy. Plenty of creekside tent sites that offer a large section of riverfront. Large baseball field and playgrounds for kids. Each site comes with an electric hookup, fire pit and picnic tables. Cheap firewood can be bought up front at the bathrooms. Becky and Danny are super accommodating!!
- Erin B.Traveler
Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
Would stay again
Taconic State Park has a beautiful campground. No electric hookups, but plenty of water and tent sites are available with very large platforms. Bathroom facilities are adequate. There are 2 dog friendly loops at the back. Overall, very quiet and friendly.
2 lIfeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of. Very short hike (or drive) to the beautiful Bash Bish falls
If you are traveling with a dog, be sure to bring proof of rabies— they ask.
Fees are $15 residents and $20 non residents plus processing fees.
Seth K.GuideLake Taghkanic State Park Campground
Comfortable, clean, great for stargazing
This campground was one of the best I’ve been to. They have both platform and dirt tent sites, all sites come equipped with fire pits. The bathrooms and showers are clean and the water stayed hot until the last weekend of the season (Oct 12-14, 2018) which was when we were there. The campground has a lake with boat rentals. Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low.
The town of Hudson is also close by if you’re looking to get some of the comforts of a town while you’re out and about.
Casey L.RangerCopake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
Close quarter sites in scenic campground
There are a mix of platform and regular tent sites as well as some camper sites. We stayed on a platform site, which I questioned the structural integrity of after looking underneath lol… it held up though and there were also some new platforms which looked nice. Sites are a little close together for my liking. Luckily we checked out early before the weekend started so it was peaceful for us. The bathhouse was awesome! New building and it wasn’t a communal shower area with all the stalls in one room, there were all separate rooms each with their own bathroom and shower stall. Overall I would recommend if you’re not looking for too much peace and quiet.
Amy A.GuideBonnie Brae Cabins and Campsites
Customer service was phenomenal
We arrived and had booked an RV site thinking it would be large enough for my tent which is 21 x 17‘Immediately upon seeing the site I knew it would not fit without us possibly touching one or both of the RVs in the sites next to us. The sites while clean and well-maintained all shared one bathroom and one shower which was limited to one occupant due to Covid. The man that I checked in with via text immediately offered me a tent site that was right next to the pool and the bathrooms/showers! He gave me my choice of two sites that were not already booked with full electric. All in all this campsite was very nice but the sites did not offer any privacy from your neighbors.
Guide to Durham
Discover the charm of tent camping near Durham, New York, where nature meets comfort in a variety of beautiful settings. Whether you're looking for modern amenities or a more rustic experience, there's something for everyone.
Tent campers should check out Getaway Catskill Campground
- Enjoy a unique camping experience at Getaway Catskill Campground, where each site features a private bathroom and hot shower, making it perfect for those who appreciate a touch of luxury in the great outdoors.
- This campground allows pets, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
- With amenities like drinking water, electric hookups, and picnic tables, Getaway Catskill Campground is designed for comfort and convenience.
Explore local attractions near Pine Tree Heaven
- Located near Pine Tree Heaven, you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Catskills while enjoying the freedom to have fires and bring your pets.
- This campground is a great base for hiking and exploring the nearby trails, offering a true escape into nature.
- While it lacks some amenities, the rustic charm of Pine Tree Heaven makes it an appealing choice for those looking to disconnect.
Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $50
- For a budget-friendly option, consider Giant Ledge Primitive Camp, where camping is free, allowing you to enjoy the stunning views without breaking the bank.
- If you're willing to spend a bit more, Getaway Catskill Campground offers a well-reviewed experience with prices around $50, featuring modern amenities and a beautiful setting.
- For a unique experience, Upper Esopus Creekside Camp provides a lovely spot for tent camping, with prices typically around $50, making it a great choice for those looking to explore the Catskills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Durham, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Durham, NY is Giant Ledge Primitive Camp with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Durham, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 35 tent camping locations near Durham, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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