Best Tent Camping near Forestport, NY

Forestport, New York offers primitive tent camping options within the western Adirondacks region, with North Lake Reservoir Campground providing waterfront dispersed camping sites. Seventh Lake Primitive Camping, located northeast of Forestport, offers free tent-only sites accessible by hiking, walking, or paddling. Several campgrounds in the area feature designated tent sites with basic amenities like fire rings and pit toilets, though facilities vary significantly by location.

Tent campers should prepare for self-sufficient camping experiences as many sites have limited amenities. North Lake Reservoir Campground provides 32 sites around the lake, some being walk-in sites directly on the shoreline. Campgrounds like Hall Island State Forest offer primitive tent sites with fire rings but no drinking water or shower facilities. Most tent areas require campers to pack out all trash and bring their own water, as only a few locations provide potable water sources. During peak seasons like July 4th weekend, accessible waterfront sites fill quickly, especially at popular areas like Alger Island which requires boat access.

The Adirondack region tent sites provide excellent opportunities for paddling, swimming, and nature observation. Many campsites, particularly at North Lake Reservoir, feature direct water access with sandy areas suitable for launching canoes or kayaks. Tent campers frequently use sites as bases for fishing or exploring nearby trails. The terrain ranges from flat, open areas to more secluded forest settings with varied ground conditions. Cedar River Entrance Camping offers tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings in a wooded setting near water. According to one visitor, "Very remote and secluded. We got there after dark and it was beautiful to wake up to the view of the lake." Weather conditions can change rapidly, so tent campers should prepare for temperature fluctuations even in summer months.

Best Tent Sites Near Forestport, New York (16)

    1. North Lake Reservoir Campground

    2 Reviews
    Otter Lake, NY
    14 miles

    "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."

    3. Alger Island Adirondack Preserve

    2 Reviews
    Eagle Bay, NY
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 369-3224

    $18 - $40 / night

    "sites: boat only access. bring water. pack in/ pack out. lean to at sites. secluded. amenities: pit toilets. other attractions: hiking. theme park near (off island). I would go back again."

    "It was a few days before 4th of July so it was a very busy time to be in 4th lake making the lake very choppy. A lot of our stuff got wet due to big waves from boats crashing into our kayaks."

    4. Francis Lake

    1 Review
    Croghan, NY
    29 miles
    Website

    "Great for swimming, kayaking, and a gorgeous place to wake up next to the water. There are two access points to the water, the more hidden point is where you hike in for camping."

    5. Adirondack Mennonite Camping Associates Inc

    1 Review
    Croghan, NY
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 376-2640

    "Beaver Camp (or, officially Adirondack Mennonite Camping Assoc.), is a classic summer youth sleep-away camp on Beaver Lake."

    6. Hall Island State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Altmar, NY
    31 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."

    7. Seventh Lake Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    Inlet, NY
    32 miles

    "We happened upon it on our way to the seventh lake campground and ended up staying for two nights. We accessed the sites by water on a canoe trip."

    8. Della Terra

    1 Review
    Croghan, NY
    36 miles

    $25 / night

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

    9. Cedar River Entrance Camping

    3 Reviews
    Speculator, NY
    42 miles

    "Stayed at site number 5, I think. It was by the water in the woods just a little bit. Picnic table, fire ring and several outhouses nearby. Beautiful surroundings. "

    "There are many outhouses, a picnic table, and a fire ring close by. beautiful surroundings of geometry dash lite."

    10. Tioga Point Campground

    2 Reviews
    Raquette Lake, NY
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 354-4101

    $18 / night

    "Needless to say that it is tough to get the travel trailer across the lake if you go make sure you charcoal up a stick and write your name in the lean to watch out for the neighborly bears"

    "This definitely saves some space in your boat. Pets are allowed!"

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Tent Camping Reviews near Forestport, NY

423 Reviews of 16 Forestport Campgrounds


  • Rachel P.
    Sep. 8, 2018

    North Lake Resevoir

    North Lake Reservoir

    Not that they would do this place any justice, but I sincerely wish I had pictures. Unfortunately my last visit here was before smart phones were so commonplace. North Lake Reservoir is one of the Adirondack Park’s best kept secrets. Extremely primitive, you must get off Rte 28, heading toward the old Buffalo Head restaurant and passed there, keep going another 30-40 minutes along a dirt/gravel road until you reach N Lake Rd.

    The DEC-run facility offers about 25 primitive sites along North Lake. There is a campers log where you can sign in at the entrance and the sites are dispersed along a long dirt road. A few are drive-in, while many you must park and walk-in. These sites are primitive-no tables, no facilities or running water. Best of all, no generators or electrical hookups for those of us in it to truly be in nature.

    I don’t recall the site number, but we had about a 1/2-3/4 mile hike along a narrow path to the site. It was completely worth it- the site was large and right on the water, completely surrounded by trees and shade. The only sounds came from the occasional boat across the lake and loon calls in the morning.

    Coming here has absolutely been one of my favorite experiences. If you’re adventurous and up for the challenge and seclusion, I highly recommend checking out North Lake Reservoir!

  • John E.
    Jun. 19, 2018

    Brown Tract Pond Campground

    I fell in love with this place

    As I sat having by my coffee, watching steam rise from the pond, I listened to the distant calls of Loons.

    I’d describe this campground as a hidden gem, but it’s not for everyone. To get here you leave the paved road and take a gravel road a little ways. On our way we spotted a group of Turkeys wandering about. This campground is for the adventurous. No electric or water hook ups (for RVs) and no shower facilities, but there are restrooms.

    Staff was friendly and helpful. Helped me pick out a site and made sure I was good once I set up. Bring or rent a Canoe and you can travel out to an island in the middle of the pond from which families jump from a large rock into the lake.

    As the sun sets and the stars come out, you’ll look up and suddenly realize just how small you are as you stare at the heavens and see the Milky Way.

    Nothing but peace and quiet. When it’s quiet hours, the only thing you here is nature and the occasional crackle of someone’s fire.

    Would I go here again? Brown Tract is one of those places that after you go once, you find yourself going again and again. Our tripped was booked as soon as we could.

  • Matthew D.
    Oct. 10, 2018

    Cedar River Entrance Camping

    Cedar River Campground

    Stayed at site number 5, I think. It was by the water in the woods just a little bit. Picnic table, fire ring and several outhouses nearby. Beautiful surroundings. There is a small landing to launch kayaks or canoes. A dam with some additional sites on the other side. Town is about 20-30 minutes away. Several trails nearby. Would recommend.  

    Also would recommend traveling further in if you are looking for more sites.

  • 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.

  • Rachel P.
    Oct. 26, 2018

    Nicks Lake Campground

    Nicks Lake Campground

    Though just moments away from the heart of Old Forge, Nicks Lake provides a nice balance between the hustle and bustle of Main Street and the tranquility of the Adirondacks.

    The grounds are a wonderful option for families, not only hosting a number of amenities (i.e. campers beach, hiking trails), but providing opportunities to observe the local wildlife. You can catch sight of deer or a bear at any moment. (Just keep in mind to maintain a safe distance and respect their space!)

    The sites were fairly sized and shaded- my family and I reserved sites 38 and 36 for our brief visit. We enjoyed our stay and are likely to return!

  • Geoff W.
    Aug. 16, 2017

    Stillwater Reservoir

    Another great trip

    This was my 3rd trip to Stillwater in 3 yrs and it gets better each time!

    Our first trip was an overnight to test some backpacking gear, it was September and the weather was perfect! We hiked into our site, not easy because almost everything is meant to be accessed by boat so we were guessing our course! Cooler weather meant no bugs to contend with

    Next year we took a canoe to our site, it was July, warm weather, warm water and the bugs were not terrible, we were at Site 1, secluded in a cove, not a lot of traffic but there is a hiking trailhead near the site so there is potential for visitors.

    Our latest trip was to site 10, an island site with a large sandy beachfront, we borrowed a motor boat to get there this year and brought plenty of gear for 4 days. Weather was great again, some rain each day but we had time to get setup and get shelters to keep dry.

    Camping if free here but it is first come first serve but with 40+ sites you can almost always get something. There is a small store at the boat launch to get provisions if you need, public restrooms and wifi. Very limited cell service.

    You should bring water or something to filter it from the reservoir. I believe all the site have privy boxes on them.

    There are opportunities for fishing, a few local attractions, a nice restaurant at the launch.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2023

    Ace of Diamonds Mine & Campground

    Nice enough spot when traveling through

    I called and booked ahead of time knowing I'd arrive late and leave early, which was absolutely no problem, so I'm very thankful for that. I paid over the phone, was given clear instructions on where to park, and was told to enjoy my stay. This location is great if you're in a van or RV and need a quick place to stay for the night in this area of NY in mid- / late-October (because it seems NY closes its state parks quite early) or if you're here for the rock-hunting. From what I could see late at night (which honestly wasn't much) I wouldn't recommend for tent-camping as the sites were quite close to each other and not much soft ground for sleeping.

  • Kaylee C.
    Oct. 6, 2021

    Moose River Plains

    Amazing in the Fall!

    Stayed at site 51. It's elevated, clear, has a newer outhouse with toilet seat. The old outhouse was left to the side and we used it to store our firewood (to keep dry). We hammered a nail on the inside of the outhouse to hang the shower bladder. It got cold at night, around 30-40. It was fine though in just warm clothes, sleeping bags and an extra blanket. There a path to the river straight across the lane from the site, for water or swimming. We always use the limekiln entrance which is a bit rocky. I have a Chevy spark though and as long as we go super slow, it's passable. The other entrance (which is super long) does have a smoother pass though. While on this trip, we hiked the lost ponds trail, just down a ways from our site. It's worth the time and effort, full of amazing views! Of you have a lightweight or inflatable kayak, take it because the pond is quite large and there's lots to explore. Just a note if you've never been, be sure to stop at an entrance to sign in - the rangers aren't always around but you're so far in that if anything were to ever happen, you'd want them to have your information. This is a pretty remote area to camp and explore.


Guide to Forestport

Primitive tent camping near Forestport, New York centers around several accessible waterways within the western Adirondack region. The area sits at approximately 1,200-1,500 feet elevation with mixed hardwood and conifer forests dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms possible during July and August.

What to do

Water activities: At Francis Lake, visitors can enjoy pristine paddling conditions. "This spot is totally gorgeous, perfectly clean, and quiet. Great for swimming, kayaking, and a gorgeous place to wake up next to the water," notes Elizabeth B. The lake features two access points, with the more hidden one located where hikers enter for camping.

Hiking trails: Cedar River Entrance Camping provides access to several nearby trails. According to Matthew D., "Town is about 20-30 minutes away. Several trails nearby. Would recommend. Also would recommend traveling further in if you are looking for more sites."

Fishing opportunities: The Salmon River Reservoir in Hall Island State Forest offers productive fishing grounds. One camper mentions, "The draw for my friends and I at the time was a jump off the nearby Redfield bridge and swim in the Salmon River. Was also popular for fishing enthusiasts."

What campers like

Secluded waterfront sites: Campers appreciate the quiet privacy at North Lake Reservoir Campground. "32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean," reports J B., who advises, "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."

Island camping: Tioga Point Campground offers a unique boat-access experience. "You can only reach this campground by boat. The campground is very secluded and there are lean-to style campsites. You don't have to bring a tent unless you want to," explains Carrie J., adding that "it's a great place to bring your dog for a long range game of frisbee or a good day of swimming."

Sand bar access: Seventh Lake Primitive Camping provides natural beach areas. "We happened upon it on our way to the seventh lake campground and ended up staying for two nights. We accessed the sites by water on a canoe trip. There is a large sand bar within a very short walk which was a great place to hang out," shares Mary B.

What you should know

Access limitations: Many campsites require specific transportation methods. At Alger Island Adirondack Preserve, "To get to the campground, you must paddle. The state park allows only car top boats," explains Sarah B., who warns about busy holiday conditions: "We kayaked all of our gear out to the island. It was a few days before 4th of July so it was a very busy time to be in 4th lake making the lake very choppy."

Limited facilities: The best tent camping near Forestport, New York typically means minimal amenities. At Hall Island State Forest, one camper explains, "This site is one of a handful of primitive sites abutting the Salmon River Reservoir. All sites are first come, first serve, and free of charge. There's not much to them, no facilities or running water."

Navigation challenges: Finding specific sites can be tricky. For Seventh Lake Primitive Camping, one visitor advises, "If you are looking for the site from the water, look for a HUGE rock and there will be a sign that reads camp here, there are two more campsites, one with a lean-to within a short walk as well."

Tips for camping with families

Consider established facilities: Adirondack Mennonite Camping Associates offers structured options for families. "Beaver Camp is a classic summer youth sleep-away camp on Beaver Lake. Sleeping in cabins with bunk beds, swimming, canoes, and a high ropes course, gathering around the campfire to end the day- Beaver Camp has it all," shares Elizabeth B., noting that "weekend and week long programming for youth and families, or site rental of cabins and platform tents is available."

Water safety precautions: When camping near Forestport's many lakes, prepare for water conditions. One camper at Alger Island warns about boat traffic: "The lake was FILLED with boats. When we arrived to our camp site, there were 5 pontoon boats anchored and a jet ski pulled right up onto our site."

Wildlife awareness: Local wildlife might visit campsites. At Tioga Point, one experienced camper advises to "watch out for the neighborly bears" while enjoying the otherwise pleasant camping experience.

Tips from RVers

Road access limitations: Most tent sites near Forestport have restricted vehicle access. At Hall Island State Forest, Thomas E. notes, "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."

Limited hookups: Tent-focused camping dominates the best camping near Forestport. One RVer at Tioga Point mentions, "We have graduated to a travel trailer and have gotten a little old to be sleeping in tents. Needless to say that it is tough to get the travel trailer across the lake."

Seasonal considerations: Primitive camping conditions vary significantly by season. Thomas E. 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. There were fire ring set up a view of the water and for enable body person just a short walk up the path."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Forestport, NY is North Lake Reservoir Campground with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Forestport, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.