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Best Tent Camping near Georgetown, NY

360 Reviews

The southern Central New York region surrounding Georgetown offers tent campers several primitive sites within state-managed forests, including Long Pond Campground and the free hike-in sites along the Finger Lakes Trail. Most tent camping areas are situated on public land in Pharsalia Woods State Forest and nearby wildlife management areas, where campsites range from designated areas with basic amenities to completely undeveloped backcountry spots.

Primitive tent campsites typically feature cleared areas for pitching tents with basic fire rings, though amenities are minimal. Campers need to bring all water or prepare to filter from natural sources. Portable toilets exist at some locations like Long Pond, but many backcountry tent sites have no facilities whatsoever. Most primitive tent camping areas follow a "leave no trace" approach, requiring visitors to pack out all trash. As noted in a review on The Dyrt, "There is no water or garbage services at this site. Most camping spots are ideal for tents or very small campers or trailers." Many tent sites permit stays up to 14 days without permits, though some areas like Jackson Pond require advance permission from the Department of Environmental Conservation.

The wooded tent campsites throughout the region provide varied terrain for different camping preferences. Bear Wallow Pond offers tent camping adjacent to a small fishing access area with no amenities but beautiful surroundings. A camper wrote, "You can kayak or fish on the pond, go mountain biking on the network of state forest roads, or access the Finger Lakes Trail." The Pharsalia Woods Lean-To provides a maintained backcountry shelter with picnic tables and fire rings for hikers along the Finger Lakes Trail. Sites are generally well-spaced from each other, offering privacy and peaceful camping experiences. The region's tent camping areas remain largely undeveloped, providing a more authentic outdoor experience, though high-clearance vehicles may be required to access some of the more remote tent sites on rougher forest roads.

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Best Tent Sites Near Georgetown, New York (29)

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43 Photos of 29 Georgetown Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Georgetown, NY

360 Reviews of 29 Georgetown Campgrounds

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground

    Morgan Hill OT/NCST trailhead campground

    This is a small state forest campground in the Morgan Hill forest from which you can directly access the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country scenic trail. Although the campsites here are primitive and free, they are official developed campsites and not really “dispersed” campsites. There are several basic tent spots, which are just cleared grassy areas adjacent to the trailhead parking circle; BUT in addition, there are two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits. These are very nice roomy wooded campsites, and the  developed sites are supposedly ADA accessible —but while I agree that the picnic tables and cement pad around the fireplace can certainly accomodate wheelchairs, and the tenting area is roomy, note that there are NO OTHER ADA amenities at these sites, eg no water source and NO toilet or outhouse right at the campground. While you can drive right up to your campsite location, which is accessible, you would actually have to hike quite a long ways west on the OnondagaTrail to access a pit toilet, or to have stream access for obtaining water to boil, so you DO need to come prepared to use the bushes by your campsite and leave no trace, plus bring your own water. (See attached map where I circled the campground area in orange) That being said, this location is peaceful and quiet with mature trees and plenty of distance between neighboring campers, and would be an ideal setting for a group campout. Hiking the trail west on a day trip will bring you to the beautiful Tinker Falls, which may not be flowing during dry seasons but is still a gorge worth exploring! You can best access this campground from the south side of the forest; the entrance is from state route 13 on Morgan Hill Rd south,  adjacent to a very nice farm stand that is a good stop  for supplies, and there is a DEC forest sign to mark the turn off from Rt 13.  After that, you are on your own and should bring a map to navigate as the hiking trails are marked with signs where they cross the roads, but the road to turn off from Morgan Hill Rd to the campground is not marked. You can set your driving directions on Google Maps beforehad, to this endpoint: https://www.google.com/maps/dir//42.767846,-75.997552/@42.7799792,-76.08097,12z?entry=ttu

    You might also want to download the free Avenza map of the forest which will allow you to navigate real time even if you don't have cell service, that link is here: https://store.avenza.com/products/morgan-hill-state-forest-nysdec-map?queryID=eb824498ff4125babc1c06655b111da4&objectID=42626406056092

     general info for this state forest is here: 

    https://dec.ny.gov/places/morgan-hill-state-forest

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2024

    Salt Springs State Park Campground

    Unique park with unique natural features

    This park is technically a “state park” because the land for it was donated to the state for public use. However, once the state became the official stewards, there werent funds in the state budget to maintain it as a park. A lical group, the Friends of Salt Springs, stepped up and offered to maintain the park with funds raised by their group. The result is a small but unique property open to the public for day use (picnicking and hiking and fishing) along with 2 small rustic campgrounds. One campground has a large open mowed grassy meadow with level sites for car camping or small campers, no hookups are available but each site has a fire ring and picnic table. On the other side of the parks trout stream are seven secluded primitive hike-in tent sites along with three basic camper cabins. The Friends of Salt Springs makes a good effort to maintain these two rustic campgrounds, however it seems there isnt a ranger on site at night so a camper said the meadow campground can get a little noisy some nights. The hike in sites are relatively quiet and secluded though, and are positioned nicely along the stream, one site actually adjacent to a good swimming hole.

    The camper cabins are basic with bunks, bring all your own gear. They are fairly new and have electricity but no water or heat.

    On the grounds in the day use area are picnic spits, a pavilion, and an activity barn. When I was there, the barn was featuring a local quilt show.

    The special aspect of this park are the hiking trails through old growth hemlock forest, said to be the largest hemlocks in Pennsylvania. The trout stream also cascades through some some waterfalls, and there are gorges with unique geology.

    There is a village nearby with limited supplies, you may want to stock up on groceries before heading out to this somewhat remote park. There is, however, a local brewery, plus an odd coffee shop featuring both donuts and ammo, an unusual combination…..

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 6, 2017

    Ludlow Creek Lean-To Campsite

    Ludlow Creek Lean-to

    This is a beautiful primitive hike-in campsite alongside the Ludlow Creek section of the Finger Lakes Trail in Chenango County, New York. It is located in a beautiful, unspoiled and seldom visited region of state forest, providing a wilderness type experience fairly close to several nearby villages, and only a half hour drive from the town of Norwich and less than an hour from the city of Binghamton.. The campsite is perfect for groups or individuals willing to hike in a short distance to this secluded spot. There is a large relatively new Adirondack-style lean-to in great condition, perched on an heavily wooded overlook above Ludlow Creek. The hike in from the trailhead to the north is relatively short, and recommended for easy overnight access. The hike is longer coming in from the south. The campsite is maintained by local volunteer members of the Bull Thistle Hiking Club, http://www.bullthistlehiking.org/p/about-us.html, which is a member chapter of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference http://www.fingerlakestrail.org/ If camping here, be sure to pack in water and plan to pack out garbage and leave no trace. Detailed maps of this trail section can be found in the Finger Lakes Trail East Passport Guide, see map E07, p. 21 at http://www.fltconference.org/trail/files/3814/0154/4940/Passport_East_View.pdf, or visit the interactive trail map at https://fltconference.org/trails/P/TrailConditionMaps/Interactive/Seg_Cat.html?Vifw#"

  • Gavin T.
    Oct. 23, 2017

    Blueberry Patch Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    Simple

    The only Finger Lakes National Forest designated campground, Blueberry Patch offers a secluded experience in the heart of this sometimes overlooked beautiful geographic region in the State of New York. This campground offers a simple experience, with fire rings and picnic tables at each site and seems to accommodate just tent and small campers. Vault toilets available. On a week day in early summer, 3 of the 9 campsites we’re occupied. Can see it filling up on weekends. Enjoy!

  • Oleńka S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2023

    Bowman Lake State Park Campground

    Woodsy, pet friendly, and private

    We booked this as our first real camping trip with our new trailer, can’t recommend that for everyone lol, but we had a lovely time.

    We had a back in site with a fire pit, picnic table, and no hook ups. It was gravel and not super level, but we made it work. There was a potable water spigot a few sites over and a bathroom with showers a short walk away.

    This is a great spot for tent camping, so if that’s your vibe this place is perfect. We had a lot of tree cover so we didn’t even need our air conditioning on during an 85 degree day. There are a lot of mosquitoes, but with some bug spray and a couple thermacell mosquito repellents, we were comfortable the whole time. I loved cooking over the fire, the pit had a cinder block wall around it to set a grate on and block the wind. We had a lot of privacy because the campgrounds next to us were empty, but even if there were people nearby there was about 20-30 ft between our site and the next.

    The lake is small but calm and great for kayaking. There is a little “beach” there for swimming, but know that it’s a soft lake bottom further out.

    We really liked it here and booked another visit in August.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 2, 2017

    Pharsalia Y Pond

    Pharsalia Y Pond primitive campsite

    This campsite is a hike in stop on the Finger Lakes Trail, but can also be accessed by a short walk-in from Elmer Jackson Rd, or by paddling in from the parking area in the west side of the pond. The pond is deep and clear and stocked with brook trout, and the campsite on the east side of the pond is in an idyllic setting with good camping, fishing (canoe or kayak only), and day hikes on the Finger Lakes Trail. You can also walk or drive along various state forest riads to several other pinds in the Wildlife Management area for good birdwatching. From the south end if the pond is a cascade into a gorge which is the beginnings if Canasawacta Creek, which eventually flows to Norwich and the Chenango River.

    This is a primitive canpsite, no shelter or latrine but there are several fire rings and good tent sites as well as a gentle water access right on the shore. This would be a nice family friendly weekend destination, as well a a great stop fir through hikers. Previous campers have left the site in great shape.

    Camping in this DEC Wildlife Management Area campsite is limited, and requires a permit. Visit the regional DEC office at 1285 Fisher Ave., Cortland NY or call 607-753-3095, or email at Info.R7@dec.ny.gov ; allow one week for permit to be processed.

    More info about the WMA can be found here: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/63889.html or http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/70693.html

    An interactive map for hiking in the area can be found here: https://fltconference.org/trails/P/TrailConditionMaps/Interactive/Seg_Cat.html?Vifw#"

    For more info and local area map, see page 15 and map E04 in the Finger Lakes Trail East passport guide:

    http://www.fltconference.org/trail/files/3814/0154/4940/Passport_East_View.pdf

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2024

    Long Pond Campground

    Great for Dispersed Camping!

    I was initially worried about the other people camping here because I was almost immediately visited by them but the poor kids just needed to charge their phone so I obliged. 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. People have driven in to fish and kayak so I don’t feel isolated and afraid, and I am just a few steps away from sitting on the dock and admiring the scenery.

    There is a port-a-potty near the entrance but otherwise a “leave no trace” situation which is fine considering the ample forest coverage in case there is someone who drives in.

    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.

    Beautiful views, quiet, no insect issues so far, and if I had a rod and reel I wouldn’t need to worry for food at all. T-Mobile service has been exceptional as well. I am planning on staying here for a week or more and I see no reason to find another location as there is no fee or permit needed and you can stay up to 14 days I believe.

  • N
    Jun. 14, 2019

    Blueberry Patch Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    Great site

    What does blueberry patch campground offer? Large camp sites with a picnic table large enough for 6 adults (squeezed together), metal fire pit with grill, large tent footprint and space for 2-3 vehicles to park.

    For you fellow hammock campers reading this don’t worry! Most of the sites are compatible for hammocks, some sites you may have to be more creative to make it work.

    You can stay at this site for up to 14 days at $15pn (bring cash). There are two bathrooms on the site and bear proof dumpsters as well. There are many locals selling fire wood bundles for $5 each so no problems getting a fire going. Lastly for this part BRING WATER. There are no water sources near the site. There is a gas station about 15 minutes away on route 79 so make sure to fill up on water and snacks.

    The site is great. Lots of amenities and individual sites. They aren’t too far away from each other so you don’t feel completely isolated but far enough away to allow some privacy. There are some trails nearby and are worth a hike.

    Neil

  • Amy R.
    Jul. 16, 2019

    Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground

    RV/tent campground in a beautiful setting

    This is a gated campground that we stayed at 6/30/19-7/04/19. We are NOT an RV. We own a Napier tent that hooks to our truck so that we can sleep up in the bed. However, due to it being a holiday week, the tent sites were completely booked and they only have 4(which also have water& electric). The tent sites are located in the back of the campground behind the sports field within the trees. I unfortunately didn’t get a chance to see them but they have them pictured on their website. They let us book an RV site and it was rough setting up on a gravel RV site but we understood that we were not within a normal tent element and placed an extra tarp under the tent. The campground is located at the top of some beautiful and scenic driving through farmland in Pennsylvania and you will be 30 minutes from anything like shopping or small town amenities(we drove to Walmart after setting up to get our perishables since we drive up from Virginia). Our site had water and electric, was a drive through spot for a typical RV with a section to the side of the drive through for the fire pit and picnic table. We were located right next to the shower/bathrooms/playground and had some tree coverage and shade. A lot of the RVs in the campground are permanent sites and our neighbors never showed so we had a quiet buffer but it was not a noisy campground. It appeared that they cleaned the bathrooms twice daily and we were impressed with the cleanliness of the bathroom/showers. There were 4 in the building so we never had to wait. The staff were friendly and helpful. They had a store right next to the pool area that offered common items and RV'er might need with a small grocery area as well which included bundles of wood($6 honor system after hours) and Ice($1.78 per bag). We were allowed to run an account which we paid at the end of our stay. Our campsite was required to be paid at check in. The campground is 18 acres with gravel roads, a sports field, fishing, horse shoes, bocce ball, multiple playgrounds, a rec center with some games, claw machines etc. a splash pad and salt water pool. You will be doing a lot of walking or bring your bicycles like we did. They offer scheduled activities for holidays etc and various weekend activities. You can rent non electric boats and they offer catch& release fishing without a PA license in the lake. My son caught 2 sunfish :) They have guidelines for visitors and quiet hours(my cousin came to visit us in the evenings as she lived close by). We enjoyed camping here even if we were on an RV site. We booked site 211 which had the little bit of tree coverage and was located right next to the showers/bathrooms/playground with a quick walk to the lake for fishing. Most of the other available sites in the road ahead of us had no tree coverage but closer to the lake had more trees and shade. OR, just get an actual tent site :) but they are all the way at the back of the campground, furthest from the lake so I actually preferred our site.

Guide to Georgetown

Tent camping near Georgetown, New York, offers a variety of scenic locations and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Affordable Tent Camping Options

  • Prices for tent camping can range from $0 for primitive sites to around $30 for more developed campgrounds.
  • At Belden Hill Campgrounds, you can enjoy full hookups and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a great choice for families.
  • Nature Lover's Paradise provides a unique tent site with access to extensive hiking trails, perfect for those seeking a more rustic experience.

Outdoor Activities and Adventures

  • Enjoy fishing and kayaking at Pharsalia Y Pond, where the clear waters are stocked with brook trout.
  • The Jackson Pond Tent Sites offer a quiet, wooded location ideal for hiking and wildlife watching, with easy access to the Finger Lakes Trail.
  • For a more secluded experience, Ludlow Creek Lean-To Campsite provides a primitive setting along the Finger Lakes Trail, perfect for those looking to disconnect.

Local Attractions and Scenic Views

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Georgetown, NY is Long Pond Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Georgetown, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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