The countryside surrounding Johnson City, New York offers several options for tent camping in state forests and primitive sites. Long Pond Campground provides dispersed tent camping with direct pond access and established fire pits at each site. Pharsalia Woods Lean-To and Ludlow Creek Lean-To offer primitive hike-in tent sites along the Finger Lakes Trail system, while Beals Pond State Forest allows free dispersed camping with minimal amenities. Several other primitive tent locations can be found within a 30-45 minute drive of Johnson City.
Tent sites at these locations typically feature cleared areas on natural forest surfaces with varying degrees of shade. Most primitive tent campgrounds have established fire rings but lack running water, requiring campers to pack in their own supplies or filter from nearby water sources. Portable toilets are available at some locations like Long Pond, but many backcountry tent sites have no facilities whatsoever. A visitor to Long Pond noted that "each spot seems to have plenty of shade and access to downed firewood, and it looks like there are fire pits at each site." Dispersed camping in state forests typically follows a 14-day stay limit, and some areas require permits that must be arranged in advance.
Walk-in tent locations throughout the region offer more seclusion than developed campgrounds. The Finger Lakes Trail system provides numerous backcountry tent camping opportunities with lean-to shelters at strategic points along the trail. These tent-only sites often feature picnic tables, fire rings, and occasionally springs or creeks nearby for water collection. Pharsalia Woods offers "a beautifully maintained primitive group campsite with large Adirondack style lean-to, several picnic tables and fire rings, and firewood provided." Many backcountry tent sites are maintained by local volunteer hiking clubs, ensuring they remain in good condition despite their remote settings. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with several tent campgrounds situated near ponds that attract various species.
"Fantastic animal preserve zoo nearby which is a must visit. Pretty golf course with full bar and food right across the street. Overall one of our favorite stops on our New England trip."
from $53 - $65 / night
"Aside from that this was a short drive in and I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock."
"All the roads are gravel, so it might get a little muddy after a big rain but I had no issue with a low clearance car driving around to explore the sites available."
"Would definitely recommend if you appreciate privacy, nature, and a peaceful place with the freedom to relax and do your own thing."
Available next weekend
from $35 / night
from $35 - $75 / night
"Campsites next to a beautiful stream, the best fire pits, quiet and peaceful, just enough shade to stay cool, magical setting, firewood easily accessible, close to state parks and lots of wide, open undeveloped"
"We're excited to have this property on our platform. This listing has peaceful tent sites located against the creek."
Available next weekend
from $45 / night
"This is a beautiful primitive hike-in campsite alongside the Ludlow Creek section of the Finger Lakes Trail in Chenango County, New York."
from $20 - $35 / night
GuideStayed October 14 without reservations because website showed lots of availability. Office was closed (M-F 8-4) so submitted honor system envelope with cash and stayed at Site 041 on Carpenter loop. Shower building was a short walk and was spacious enough. Water temp didn’t quite reach hot but was warm enough.
Electric kept on tripping breaker.
TravelerSpent a peaceful night car camping in site 151. Beautiful trees, nice shower houses, quiet neighbors. Just a beautiful and very affordable - $32 - stay. We’ll be back whenever we pass this way.
TravelerStopped for one night while traveling upstate and usually dispersed camping but it was getting late so we stopped in.
ScoutThis clothing-optional campground has a highly toxic, intrusive, and vindictive environment. During my stay, the seasonal permanent residents('perms') subjected me to intense harassment, inappropriate sexual advances, and severe social retaliation/rumor-spreading when those advances were rejected. The situation escalated to the point where an employee had to intervene for my safety. Furthermore, despite management allowing my photo to be taken in costume at a party, I was intentionally blocked from the community group where the photos were posted, leaving me unable to monitor how my image was being used. Avoid this place if you value your privacy, personal boundaries, and safety.
GuideThis was a great camping trip! We had site 29, nice spot with the North Rim trail right behind our site. Trails are beautiful. Restroom and shower close. You do need to be careful, lots of oaks trees and falling acorns! Easily dings you car hood, watch where you park. Close to down town for a visit to the awesome farmers market in Ithaca.
GuideNice small campground with only 9 sites. FF self pay station allows QR Code to recreation.gov to reserve online. Once you choose a site, just pay online and keep your cash tipping at the close by wineries!😉 The park is a bit neglected compared to the many other National Forrest we stay in. The potholes in the driving loop and gravel need repair. The Fire pits and pit toilets need attention. Overall, it has been quiet and convenient to the region around. We stayed 4 days so even the negatives were not a deterrent.
TravelerThis site was awesome. Still semi private and there were bathrooms which weren’t bad at all! Only draw back is you’re kind of close to other campers meaning you can hear them too. If you’re in for a more social dispersed experience this is it! I just prefer to have no one around for miles!
TravelerIn short it was perfect! This is a small family pet friendly campground. There is a pond that you can kayak and c&r fishing, just no swimming, there is snapping turtles! There is some handmade items in the office to purchase, also some camping needs, fire starters and firewood (6 dollars a bundle). There is a bath house, though we didn't use it so I can't tell you anything about it. There is also a trail but we didn't get to check it out. The owners can be seen here and there all over the property keeping it looking beautiful! It is clear just by watching them how much care they put into making this a great time to all that come there. On the weekends they offer meals that can be brought right to your site. We were there from Saturday till Wednesday morning and it was very peaceful. This is definitely be a place we will come back to. The only downfall to the place is that it has placed a high bar for other campgrounds to compare!
GuideReally liked it. Love the layout, with camp sites having mowed paths to the restrooms and showers in the middle of each loop. Nicest showers and rest rooms we have seen so far. Each site has brush between them so you can not see your neighbors. Pretty, quiet, relaxing. The groomed hiking trails are the best and Arctic Lake is beautiful. Staff were so nice, and loved doing the scavenger hunt!
Primitive tent campsites near Johnson City, New York are generally situated within state forests at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 feet, providing cooler summer temperatures than in the valley. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with July and August being the busiest months. Most dispersed sites in the region have 50-150 foot spacing between designated camping areas.
Fishing at Long Pond: Access multiple fishing spots at Long Pond Campground where the pond supports various fish species. "The pond is quite large compared to other area ponds, and there are three accesses for fishing: a regular boat launch with parking lot and dock, a carry-in kayak access near campsite 6, and a handicapped accessible fishing pier near campsite 1," notes reviewer Janet R.
Kayaking from Upper Lisle Park: Launch watercraft into the upper river and Dorchester Lake. "Really nothing here. Other than a nice place to launch the kayak in the upper river and into Dorchester lake," states Paully B., suggesting it's primarily useful as a boat launch rather than for extended stays.
Visit nearby paintball park: When camping at Oh! Pear Orchards, take a short drive to EMR Event Paintball Park for action-packed recreation. "Within a half-hour of the campsites are the Merli-Sarnoski Park and the Lackawanna and Salt Springs State Parks--which offer hiking, fishing and other outdoor activities. Endless Brewing and EMR Event(Paintball) Park are also located nearby," reports Ashley F.
Stream access: Campers appreciate sites positioned along waterways. At Oh! Pear Orchards, Heather T. found "Campsites next to a beautiful stream, the best fire pits, quiet and peaceful, just enough shade to stay cool, magical setting, firewood easily accessible, close to state parks and lots of wide, open undeveloped space."
Reliable fire pits: Many primitive sites maintain established fire rings. At Long Pond Campground, Katelyn H. observed "Each spot seems to have plenty of shade and access to downed firewood, and it looks like there are fire pits at each site. Lots of good tinder left over from previous guests which has been helpful."
Secluded camping: The spacing between sites creates privacy without total isolation. Kevin C. noted about Long Pond: "The other camping spaces were close enough to see their campfire at night but far enough away that it's still quiet. Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer."
Seasonal road access: Winter brings limited accessibility to some areas. At Beals Pond State Forest, Joshua M. cautions: "This state forest is beautiful but not easily accessible in the winter. After a certain point, the road is not maintained in the winter and I was unable to get cell reception with Verizon."
Varying amenities by location: Facilities differ significantly between sites. At Long Pond, Kevin C. stated: "There is no water or garbage services at this site. Would rate 5 stars if it had water and a garbage dumpster."
Walk-in requirements: Some sites require carrying gear from parking areas. Heather T. explains about Oh! Pear Orchards: "It is a short walk in to the sites, but there is a cart provided which made it pretty easy. The hosts also offer valet service to your site, though we did not need that with the cart."
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Johnson City, NY is Belden Hill Campgrounds with a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews.
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