Tent campsites in the Camden, New York region include several primitive options within nearby state forests. Hall Island State Forest offers tent camping along the Salmon River Reservoir with basic fire rings but no facilities, while Winona State Forest provides quiet backcountry tent camping with designated sites marked by small black and yellow placards. Morgan Hill State Forest's Spruce Pond Camping Area features ten established primitive tent sites with fire grills and pond access, including one that is handicapped accessible.
Most primitive tent campgrounds in the area require campers to be self-sufficient. Sites typically consist of cleared areas with fire rings but lack amenities like running water, electricity, or trash service. At Spruce Pond, campers will find a newly constructed outhouse with accessible doorways, but most other locations have no toilet facilities. A review of North Lake Reservoir Campground notes that "32 sites all around the lake, some are walk-in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean." Permits are required for camping in many of these areas, particularly in DEC Wildlife Management Areas, where applications should be submitted at least one week in advance.
The tent camping experience in these forests offers genuine seclusion and natural surroundings. Areas like Winona State Forest provide access to miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. "The primitive campsite was a little difficult to find," one camper reported about Winona State Forest, "but overall a good free quiet place to camp." At Morgan Hill State Forest, tent campers can enjoy fishing in Spruce Pond or hiking to the Labrador Hollow overlook for panoramic views. Wildlife is abundant throughout these areas, with campers at Spruce Pond noting active pond creatures that create a natural nighttime soundscape. Most sites accommodate small to medium tents, though some locations offer better options for hammock camping where suitable trees are available.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Campsite 5 was very overgrown, but site 6 had a nice flat area of pine needles with a path to the road once you see it. However, I couldn't locate the fire ring for site 6."
"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. "
from $79 - $149 / night
"32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean."
"We got there after dark and it was beautiful to wake up to the view of the lake. Car camped, but there was enough room for a tent."
"Access to water and swimming. Nice playgrounds. We kayaked in the lake it was a lot of fun."
RangerStopped here on my way from Maine to Ohio. I booked via Harvest Hosts and chose to boondock since they had a market (pay for food instead of a booking fee) and I was pleasantly surprised with the overall location. The entire farm is in great condition, the roads are marked well, there are several trails, plenty of wildlife, and just a generally pleasant experience. Loaded up on some goods at the market.
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!
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.
ScoutAlways have a good time, staff is always friendly. Ive been coming here since i was a kid my grandparents always had a seasonal here.
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.
Tent camping in Camden, New York centers around primitive sites in the surrounding state forests. Located in Oneida County near the western edge of the Adirondack foothills, this area sits at elevations ranging from 500-1,500 feet with numerous water features. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F with higher humidity levels than the nearby Adirondack Mountains.
Fishing opportunities: The Salmon River Reservoir at Hall Island State Forest attracts many anglers seeking a peaceful experience. "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," notes Thomas E.
Trail exploration: Winona State Forest offers an extensive network of trails for hiking and mountain biking in summer months. "Pulled in on a Thursday afternoon and found a single camp site. While there I talked to a state forest maintenance guy. He said there were currently two camping sites and that more might be added," reports Kevin C. about his experience at Winona State Forest.
Paddling access: Many primitive sites offer direct pond or lake access. At Spruce Pond Camping Area, several sites have their own pond access points. Janet R. describes the area as having "three with their own pond access, and one is actually handicapped accessible with its own accessible fishing landing and an easy access to the parking lot."
Lakefront sites: At North Lake Reservoir Campground, campers appreciate the waterfront locations. "Very remote and secluded. We got there after dark and it was beautiful to wake up to the view of the lake. Car camped, but there was enough room for a tent," reports Ashlee C.
Winter recreation hubs: Some camping areas serve as bases for winter sports. "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," writes Quade S. about Winona Forest CCC Camp.
Accessibility features: Some sites accommodate visitors with mobility needs. At Spruce Pond, Janet R. notes there is "a brand new outhouse with wide accessible doorway" and a site that is "actually handicapped accessible with its own accessible fishing landing."
Self-sufficiency required: Most primitive sites lack basic amenities. "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," advises Quade S.
Site identification challenges: Finding designated camping spots can be difficult in some areas. Thomas E. shares about 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."
Local services: Some nearby towns offer basic services for campers. Rachel P. mentions that near 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."
Site selection considerations: Choose sites based on tent size compatibility. Neil L. advises about Spruce Pond: "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."
Wildlife noise levels: Be prepared for natural sounds, especially near water. Rose S. reports about her stay at Spruce Pond: "This was a nice spot, but the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night."
Easy access options: For families with young children, seek out drive-in sites. J B. notes about North Lake Reservoir Campground: "32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Make sure to take a left at the start of the lake, the right is all private road and you will have to turn around."
Small RV suitability: Large rigs cannot access most primitive sites, but smaller camper vans can navigate some areas. Quade S. shares: "I took my small RV here on its maiden voyage. I found this spot on Google maps just pouring over imagery. I took off after work on Friday evening and pulled in after dark."
Fishing-focused stays: RV campers seeking fishing opportunities have dedicated options. About Stoneys Pineville Campground, Eric F. states: "We have been out three is consecutively for salmon fishing and I have had a great time what a great place to stay."
Seasonal considerations: RV camping near Camden requires awareness of weather variations. Kevin C. notes about tent camping near Camden: "It rained while we were here but overall the campsite was quiet and peaceful," a consideration equally important for RV campers planning stays in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Camden, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Camden, NY is Hall Island State Forest with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Camden, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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