Best Tent Camping near Essex, NY

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Essex and then fall asleep in your tent? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Essex with tent camping. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your New York tent camping excursion.

Best Tent Sites Near Essex, NY (45)

    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Philo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Philo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Philo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Philo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Philo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Philo State Park Campground

    1. Mount Philo State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    44 Photos
    90 Saves
    Charlotte, Vermont
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $23 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Poke-O-Moonshine
    Camper-submitted photo from Poke-O-Moonshine
    Camper-submitted photo from Poke-O-Moonshine
    Camper-submitted photo from Poke-O-Moonshine
    Camper-submitted photo from Branbury State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Branbury State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Branbury State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Branbury State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Branbury State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Branbury State Park Campground

    3. Branbury State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    33 Photos
    136 Saves
    Salisbury, Vermont

    The park is divided by Route 53. 19 tent/RV sites and 7 lean-to sites are on one side of the highway in a heavily wooded area, and 17 tent/RV sites are located along the perimeter of a grassy open area near the beach. There are restrooms with flush toilets, hot and cold running water and coin-operated hot showers. There is also a concession stand selling snacks, drinks and beach toys.

    Nearby hiking trails to scenic vistas, waterfalls, caves, mountain lakes and streams provide outstanding hiking opportunites. Mountain biking trails are also nearby. There is fishing and boating on Lake Dunmore (canoe, kayak, rowboat, and pedal boat rentals are available at the park).

    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake

    4. Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake

    9 Reviews
    43 Photos
    200 Saves
    Lake Placid, New York

    The Adirondack Mountain Club’s Wilderness Campground offers a variety of primitive camping opportunities. The seasonal washhouse is available during the spring, summer, and fall; this facility has men and women’s washrooms with showers, toilets, and sinks. During the winter months guests are able to use the facilities in the High Peaks Information Center. All food must be stored inside a vehicle to avoid attracting wildlife. Campsites There are 32 campsites located in the Wilderness Campground. Each campsite has a fire pit and picnic table. A limited number of sites are large enough to accommodate a pop-up camper or small trailer. A maximum of 6 people and a maximum of 3 tents are allowed per site. These sites are open year-round. Lean-tos The Wilderness Campground has 16 lean-tos, several are located adjacent to Heart Lake. Lean-tos are a traditional three-sided Adirondack shelter, they offer protection from weather but have the feel of sleeping out in the open. Each lean-to has a fire pit and picnic table. The lean-tos are open year-round. Canvas Cabins There are six canvas cabins in the Wilderness Campground, each sleeps six people in three bunk beds. The canvas cabins have mattresses but no pillows or linens are provided. Each canvas cabin has a fire pit and picnic table. They are open from the weekend prior to Memorial Day through Columbus Day.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins

    $25 - $55 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Adirondack Acres Trail and Camps
    Camper-submitted photo from Adirondack Acres Trail and Camps
    Camper-submitted photo from Adirondack Acres Trail and Camps
    Camper-submitted photo from Adirondack Acres Trail and Camps
    Camper-submitted photo from Adirondack Acres Trail and Camps
    Camper-submitted photo from Adirondack Acres Trail and Camps

    5. Adirondack Acres Trail and Camps

    2 Reviews
    27 Photos
    11 Saves
    Keeseville, New York

    We are located on a scenic route headed towards Lake Placid, NY. We offer it as a tent site only, as a walk in, unless you have 4x4 and height. You will end up at our private beach area. Swimming and fishing at your own risk!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Market
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Burton Island State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Burton Island State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Burton Island State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Burton Island State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Burton Island State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Burton Island State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Underhill State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Underhill State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Underhill State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Underhill State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Underhill State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Underhill State Park Campground

    8. Underhill State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    25 Photos
    59 Saves
    Underhill Center, Vermont

    Underhill is within Vermont's 39,837-acre Mt. Mansfield State Forest. On the headwaters of the Brown's River, at about 2,000 feet elevation, the park lies on the west slope of 4,300 feet Mt. Mansfield, the state's highest peak. Just over the summit ridge is the Stowe ski area, one of North America's original ski resorts.

    The elevation and corresponding exposure to harsh climatic conditions have resulted in some relatively unusual vegetation types along the mountain's summit ridge. The low, stunted-plants found in the alpine tundra near the summit, very rare in New England, are more typical of types found on broad expanses of Arctic tundra a thousand miles farther north. These plants are fragile (if you hike to the summit, please stay on marked trails).

    The park is probably best known for its hiking. There are four trails to the summit ridge of Mt. Mansfield from Underhill State Park. Walking up the gated road from the park headquarters, the trails begin branching off shortly above the group camp area. The Sunset Ridge Trail, 3 miles to the summit, is the most popular. Vermont’s Long Trail traverses the summit ridge and, with several trails from the other side of the mountain, many loops are possible. Hiking information and trail maps are available at the park headquarters.

    Facilities / Amenities The CCC-built pavilion has a fireplace and picnic tables The CCC-built pavilion has a fireplace and picnic tables The upper camp area, about 3/4 of a mile above the ranger station, has 7 lean-to sites and 2 tent sites, pit toilets, and is reserved for organized group-use. In the lower camp area, around the contact station, are 11 tent sites and 6 lean-to sites. There is cold water and flush toilets in the restrooms, but there are no showers.

    Access to all campsites requires a short walk. Campsites are not accessible by vehicle.

    The park also has a CCC-built sheltered tentsite tentsite that can be rented for up to a maximum of 8 people. The site comes with a picnic table and the shelter fireplace is to be used in lieu of a fire ring. Additionally, there are 2 standing grills adjacent to the shelter. The sheltered tentsite is $51 per night plus the $8 reservation fee.

    Off-season access: The park gate remains open after park closes until the first snowfall. Once it snows, the gate is closed until there is sufficient snowfall to ski into the park, then it is reopened until spring melt.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • No image available

      9. South Meadow Campground

      1 Review
      15 Saves
      Witherbee, New York

      South Meadow is the free parking and camping alternative to ADK Loj. There are a number of primitive campsites along the road. And one of the trails at this trailhead provides access to New York's high point, Mt. Marcy. Other trail will take you to John's Brook Lodge and the Great Range and to Mt. Van Hovenberg

      • Tents
      Camper-submitted photo from Valcour Island
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    Showing results 1-10 of 45 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in Essex

    676 Reviews of 45 Essex Campgrounds


    • Kim L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Moosalamoo Campground
      Nov. 4, 2024

      Moosalamoo Campground

      Somewhat primitive, remote but peaceful

      Access to campground is on a gravel road but my van did okay. It is small and primitive and there is a camp host who is very nice. Within walking distance from the campground are accesses to hiking / biking trails. Sites are spacious and shady.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Lions Campground
      Oct. 17, 2024

      Lazy Lions Campground

      Nice Quiet CG

      This is a nice, quiet, and secluded CG for an overnight stay. We didn't have time to check out the area. Gravel roads and relatively level gravel sites. The FHUs were in good order. Slightly low water pressure. It was perfect for our needs. We would stay here again.

    • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday
      Oct. 14, 2024

      Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday

      Lake Placid/Whiteface Mtn KOA

      My husband and I really enjoyed our stay here 5 years ago due to the hiking along the river that was available. Sometime between then and now, the KOA moved down the road a couple miles, so when we arrived, we were really disappointed--now we just paid for overpriced "camping". Despite that, the staff was very friendly and the showers were warm.

    • Murf V.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Route 100 Dispersed Camping
      Oct. 6, 2024

      Route 100 Dispersed Camping

      This is not for camping

      This is a picnic area that people insist on camping there and because of this kind of stuff is why we keep loosing free camping sites

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Country Village Campgrounds
      Sep. 27, 2024

      Country Village Campgrounds

      Nice place, $35/nite

      I needed a place to stop, been traveling for 6 hours. Nice enough for me. Everything was wet from last night's rain. Everyone was pleasant.

    • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road
      Sep. 24, 2024

      Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

      This is a wonderful place to camp

      There are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience.  The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic.  Some of the sites are drive in, some are walk in, but all are primitive. 

      There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area.  Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.

      This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact, and that impact can be positive or negative. Choose Positive!

      This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF

    • Christa W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Onion River Campground
      Sep. 21, 2024

      Onion River Campground

      DO NOT STAY HERE IF YOU HAVE KIDS

      I just found out that Onion River Camground just willingly hosted a MAP(minor attracted person aka pedofile) meeting at their campground. I am so disgusted the owners of Onion River Campground that hosted this meeting allowed my family with two young girls to BOOK a campsite the SAME WEEKEND as this meeting with no warning of what was going on!!!! By the grace of God, we cancelled two weeks ago(for other reasons) and rerouted to another state. I’m sitting here reading this imagining my beautiful kids walking around a campground innocently with nasty individuals looking at them in a sexual way without my wife or I ever knowing what was going on right under our noses. It’s digusting and appalling that the campground owners support these pedofiles and would let ANY family book a stay there without making us aware. I HAD NO IDEA THIS WAS SOMETHING I NEEDED TO LOOKOUT FOR BUT I THINK OTHERS SHOULD BE AWARE OF THIS. I don’t agree with supporting MAPs at all but if you are then make it an adult only campground for heavens sake.

    • Carol L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Bridgeview Harbour Marina
      Sep. 20, 2024

      Bridgeview Harbour Marina

      cool

      I like the atmosphere at Bridgeview Harbour Marina! The serene views and vibrant community make it a perfect spot to unwind. Speaking of unwinding, if you ever find yourself overwhelmed with writing assignments or projects, I highly recommend trying out domypaper.com writing service. They provide excellent support and can help you tackle any writing task with ease. Whether it’s for school, work, or personal projects, their team of experts ensures top-notch quality and timely delivery. So, after enjoying a day at the marina, consider getting some writing help to keep your stress levels down. Cheers to good times at the marina!

    • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11
      Sep. 19, 2024

      Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11

      Beautiful view but no toilet

      Came in on a Wednesday afternoon in late September and found several available camp sites.

      There are no amenities at this campground. It is an open field on the left side of the road with two or three sites on the right side of the road that are walk in sites.

      The scenic beauty of this place is amazing. There was some color in the forest but most of it was still green. There are wide open views of 3 mountain ranges. There are many flowering plants, wild apple trees on the right side of the road. Lots of birds, butterflies, and bees (they were not agressive).

      The campground was very quiet at night except for an occasional owl hoot.

      We were fortunate to have perfect weather for our stay. This would be an awesome place to see the fall colors.

    • Monica S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Wilmington Notch
      Sep. 8, 2024

      Wilmington Notch

      Amazing Campsite!

      I didn’t expect too much from a campground but this site was super clean, spacious and very quiet. Even though some of the sites are close to each other, it feels like your a mile apart with the sounds. The bathrooms are impressively clean and even have extra toilet paper if need be. Will definitely stay here again in the future!

    • Devon E.
      Camper-submitted photo from Sno-Bird
      Sep. 6, 2024

      Sno-Bird

      The location is outstanding, but the sites are very muddy.

      Snowbird is very wet and some sites are rooty. There is no lean-to. There are roughly seven campsites within ~20' of each other. Three sites could accommodate a 4 person tent and the other four would need a 1 or 2 person tent. You could potentially squeeze in another 2 person ternt sight somewhere. There is a privy. There is a small stream for filtering water ~50' down trail from the campsite that will likely be running all year. Snowbird is the only campsite that is above 4000' in the park. The location is awesome for tackling the great range, but how muddy the sites are is a major con. Just be aware that some if not all sites could have several inches of water at anytime of the year.

    • Drew H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Scaroon Manor Campground
      Aug. 27, 2024

      Scaroon Manor Campground

      Excellent views on the lake

      We stayed in the rustic campground right down the road from the main campground. We parked in a lot and walked about 5 minutes to the campgrounds on the lake. They were beautiful and well kept, even had a small pile of fire wood for us.

      The site had a relatively nice outhouse, a picnic table, a fire pit and a grate for grilling. It was right on the lake. There were a ton of other people in the main campground but only one other camper in the rustic area. $25 a night to camp.

      There was some noise from the highway but not too bad. Coyotes were howling all night and definitely heard some around our campground.

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine Campsites
      Aug. 26, 2024

      Lone Pine Campsites

      OK for two nights

      We stayed for two nights to visit Burlington and lake Champlain.

      It was not our favorite campground. The site are open, so no privacy and the sites are fairly small.

      Toilets and showers are ok but nothing fancy. A bit worn.

    • DeAnna V.
      Camper-submitted photo from Rogers Rock Campground
      Aug. 22, 2024

      Rogers Rock Campground

      Worst Campground We Have Ever Been To

      Absolute worst campground we have ever been to(and we do a TON of camping in state parks both in NY and out of state and private campgrounds as well). When we arrived our site was covered in trash and the picnic table was in the site next to ours with old propane tanks sitting on them. Beer bottle caps and cigarette ends were EVERYWHERE on our site, crushed cans and bottles scattered around, tons of garbage throughout the site(plastic spoons, cardboard pieces, plastic wrappers, a huge metal pipe, etc.) We spent the first half hour there cleaning up all the trash on our site and we didn't even get it all. All of the sites next to us had just as much trash in them as well and were never cleaned up the duration of our stay either. When walking around we noticed tons of other sites with garbage left in them too. I don't think any of the sites are checked after checkout and if they are they are definitely not cleaned up at all after check out. We stayed on the'other side of the road' and the bathrooms were absolutely disgusting and falling apart. They were never cleaned at all during our stay(although we seen workers sitting in the golf cart goofing around and talking several times instead of actually cleaning the bathrooms). The only thing the workers did was add toilet paper(and not even enough because there were several times we went and there was no toilet paper). We were there 5 nights and the trash can wasn't emptied once and none of the garbage or toilet paper on the floor was ever picked up. There was also poop smeared across the wall and door in the one stall and poop all over one of the other toilets that was like that our whole stay as well. Mirror was literally tapped together with black tape, there was only one faucet handle and locks on the stall were broken. We had to go across the street into the other side of the campground to shower and the showers were absolutely disgusting. Black mold covered the shower curtains, was all in the lights and on the lower and higher sections of walls and it smelled like mildew. It was gross and cannot possibly be safe. This is definitely a party campground and no quiet hours are enforced. People were up partying, drinking and blasting music literally all night. It's such a shame because the location of this campground is amazing and it has the potential to be a great campground but we will never go back. We have never been to any campground this dirty, unkempt and with workers who literally just don't care or do their jobs. Such a disappointment. Wish I had seen all the other bad reviews before going.

    • Mitchell C.
      Camper-submitted photo from Scaroon Manor Campground
      Aug. 12, 2024

      Scaroon Manor Campground

      Peaceful park

      We booked this spot sight unseen as there were no pictures available. Tucked back in the woods and quiet. The front section was much wider open and more state parkish. Excellent showering facilities and a cook wash up station that was well maintained.

    • eva M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Mallets Bay Campground
      Aug. 11, 2024

      Mallets Bay Campground

      Do not go here if you don’t need to

      We were with RV. Mostly permanent places, showers and toilets are full with mould and not clean as is said on the website. Rates are not transparant. The pool was nice for the kids.

    • HThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Route 100 Dispersed Camping
      Aug. 5, 2024

      Route 100 Dispersed Camping

      This is not a campground.

      This site was lovely, but signs say No Camping. There were a few spots with fire rings and picnic tables and would be a great place to camp though! Not sure how strict that is. There was someone camping for a least a week given their tent was there the whole week I was in the area. So I guess it's not that strict. Signs indicate this offshoot road where these sites are is also FR-25, then FR-25 picks up again as a spur off of VT 100 a little farther south down 100 where there were permitted (but full) camping sites.

    • HThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping
      Aug. 5, 2024

      Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping

      Pretty, scattered sites along small stream

      All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately, but i didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily) , so I didn't get to camp there. There was a NFS sign along FR-25 posted asking people to clean up after themselves (litter and human waste) as there'd been complaints to the extent that they were considering closing the sites if people didn't do better. There were some fire ring sites along Vermont 100 where FR-25 intersects it, but those are marked as No Camping (though one tent had been there at least a week). That area along 100 is supposed to be a day-use picnic area. 

      The sites looked lovely though. Some people were really entrenched with string lights etc.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Rogers Rock - DEC
      Aug. 4, 2024

      Rogers Rock - DEC

      It’s a party camp ground

      Do you enjoy staying up until sunrise, underage drinking, staff that don’t give AF, and rules that don’t matter? Then this is the state park for you! I wanted to give the park a try even with all the bad reviews, because the location is awesome. Now I realize the views are not worth it if you’re sleep deprived. I thought since it was a not a holiday weekend it wouldn’t be that bad, I was wrong. If you still plan on coming, I’d avoid the first week in August. Some garbage family from New Jersey rents out a bunch of sites and gives their teenagers their own site, because they hate them too. All in all, it was not a good time. There are plenty of other parks around if you want to actually enjoy camping. This one isn’t it. 10/10 would not recommend 👎



    Guide to Essex

    Explore the beauty of tent camping near Essex, New York, where nature meets adventure in stunning landscapes. With a variety of campgrounds offering unique amenities and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your outdoor getaway.

    Tent campers should check out local attractions

    • Poke-O-Moonshine offers easy access to hiking trails and breathtaking views, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding mountains.
    • Valcour Island is a hidden gem on Lake Champlain, perfect for fishing and hiking, with beautiful waterfront access.
    • Bushnelle Falls Campsite is located near stunning waterfalls, providing a picturesque backdrop for your camping experience.

    Tent campers appreciate these amenities

    • South Meadow Campground features free camping with easy access to trails, making it ideal for those looking to explore the great outdoors without breaking the bank.
    • Indian Brook Reservoir allows pets and offers a peaceful setting with tent platforms nestled in the woods, perfect for nature lovers.
    • Lillian Brook Campground provides a flowing brook nearby, making it a refreshing spot for water activities and relaxation.

    Tent camping activities to enjoy

    • Camel's Hump State Park offers scenic hiking trails leading to stunning vistas, ideal for adventurous campers looking to explore the heights of Vermont.
    • Adirondack Acres Trail and Camps provides a private camping experience with opportunities for hiking and enjoying the tranquility of nature.
    • Davey Falls ADK features a secluded creekside location, perfect for exploring hiking trails and enjoying the sounds of nature.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Essex, NY?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Essex, NY is Mount Philo State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 45 tent camping locations near Essex, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.