Tent campsites near Ellisburg, New York range from primitive dispersed sites to tent-only campgrounds with basic amenities, including free options for campers who prefer a no-frills setup. Winona State Forest offers free primitive tent camping with minimal facilities, marked by small black and yellow placards that can be difficult to locate. Hall Island State Forest provides walk-in tent sites near the Salmon River Reservoir, while Winona Forest CCC Camp features tent-only sites with toilets and picnic tables in a more established setting.
Most primitive tent camping areas near Ellisburg require self-sufficiency as amenities are scarce. Winona State Forest sites typically include only basic fire rings made of rocks with no drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities. Sites are often just feet from forest roads, situated on uneven natural terrain with limited site preparation. Hall Island State Forest offers primitive sites approximately half a mile from parking areas, providing more seclusion for tent campers. The majority of tent camping areas permit fires, though campers should verify current restrictions and bring their own firewood, as wet conditions can make local gathering challenging.
Tent campers seeking solitude will find the primitive camping areas particularly appealing during weekdays. A recent review noted that Winona State Forest provides "a good free quiet place to camp" despite occasional difficulty finding designated sites. The Hall Island State Forest sites offer views of water and enough space to set up multiple tents and a kitchen area. Winter and early spring visitors should prepare for challenging weather conditions, as one visitor described camping during "cold snowing and raining" periods. Areas near the Salmon River Reservoir attract anglers who use these spots as a functional base camp for water activities. The tent-specific sites generally provide more authentic forest immersion than the region's RV-oriented campgrounds.
"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."
"If salmon fishing they offer filleting them and smoking they keep the eggs of you want a fire ring all you need do is ask. The staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the area."
"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."
"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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $88 / night
"We're so excited to have Julian's property on our platform. This property is rural and beautiful."
from $25 / night
"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 next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $21 / night
"Access to water and swimming. Nice playgrounds. We kayaked in the lake it was a lot of fun."
ScoutFor tent when I was there it was $25 a night due to military discount. For a bundle of wood it was $7. If salmon fishing they offer filleting them and smoking they keep the eggs of you want a fire ring all you need do is ask. The staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the area. A couple mile away you have a bryne and dairy a tackle shop and a tackle shop next to to campground as well
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.
TravelerClean, safe RV park off a small lake. Functioning electric and water hookups as well as sewage. Very kind and helpful owners and friendly campers.
GuideOverall best camp in the area. Cabins A++,Bathrooms A+, swimming,activities,views,location,nearby town. All the best.
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
Primitive camping areas near Ellisburg, New York offer opportunities for solitude within 15-25 miles of town. State forest lands provide the majority of tent campsites, with most situated within proximity to water bodies or trail systems. Winter camping attracts outdoor enthusiasts for activities like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, while summer months draw anglers and hikers.
Salmon River fishing access: The tent campsites near the Salmon River Reservoir at Hall Island State Forest provide bases for fishing expeditions. "It's a short drive into town and to the local convenience store, which 'conveniently' enough, offers shower facilities and bathrooms for a fee," notes camper Rachel P.
Winter sports participation: During winter months, Winona Forest CCC Camp serves as a hub for snow recreation. "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. after camping there.
Water recreation: Tent campsites near lakes support various activities. "We kayaked in the lake it was a lot of fun," says Sara H. about her stay at Cross Lake Park Campgrounds, which features "access to water and swimming" plus playgrounds for children.
Boat-access exclusivity: Campers appreciate sites accessible only by watercraft. "You can only get to it by boat. How awesome!?" writes Matt L. about Mary Island State Park Campground, adding that "every site is far away from the next and each has its own unique and beautiful view of the water and surrounding islands."
Proximity to fishing grounds: Tent campers value locations near fishing hotspots. "Friendly hosts and great place on the river," notes Vito M. about Stoneys Pineville Campground, while another visitor commented, "We have been out three is consecutively for salmon fishing and I have had a great time what a great place to stay."
Self-contained camping: The rustic nature appeals to self-sufficient campers. "If you camp here, you need to be self sufficient as there is no running water or electricity," explains Quade S. about Winona Forest CCC Camp, mentioning that "there is a dollar general about 15 minutes away if you need some supplies."
Site identification challenges: Finding designated camping areas can be difficult. One camper at Winona State Forest reported that "the primitive campsite was a little difficult to find there's a tiny black and yellow placard that shows you where you can camp."
Limited site development: Most tent sites feature minimal improvements. "Pulled in on a Thursday afternoon and found a single camp site. The campsite was just feet off of Bargy Road. The only amenity was a fire ring made of rocks," writes Kevin C. about his experience at Winona State Forest.
Weather considerations: Weather conditions can change quickly, especially in transition seasons. One camper visited Hall Island State Forest "early in April it was cold snowing and raining. It didn't take away from the campsite at all though."
Playgrounds and swimming access: Sites with recreational amenities provide better options for families with children. Cross Lake Park Campgrounds offers "nice playgrounds" alongside swimming areas, making it suitable for family outings.
Distance from parking: Consider walking distance from vehicles when camping with children. At Hall Island State Forest, sites are "half a mile" from parking areas, which may present challenges for families with young children or substantial gear requirements.
Rural property options: For families seeking private camping experiences, Della Terra offers reservable tent sites on private property. "This property is rural and beautiful. There is solar power to provide you with your electrical needs," notes a reviewer.
Small RV accessibility: Some primitive areas can accommodate compact RVs despite not being designated for RV use. "I took my small RV here on its maiden voyage," reports Quade S. about Winona Forest CCC Camp, though he cautions that campers need to be completely self-sufficient.
Seasonal considerations: RVers should note seasonal closures. Mary Island State Park Campground operates only from "May 27 to September 4," limiting accessibility for shoulder season camping trips.
Hookup availability: Most primitive tent sites near Ellisburg lack RV hookups. For those requiring utilities, established campgrounds like Stoneys Pineville Campground provide electric hookups, sanitary dump, showers, and toilets, which tent campers described as "a great place to stay."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ellisburg, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ellisburg, NY is Winona State Forest with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.
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