Tent camping near Great Bend, New York offers campers access to the surrounding Tug Hill region, an elevated plateau rising 2,000 feet above the adjacent lowlands. Situated between Lake Ontario and the Adirondacks, this area receives substantial annual snowfall in winter months but transforms to dense forest terrain during camping season. The region features a mix of state forests and privately owned campgrounds with proximity to multiple waterways including the Salmon River Reservoir.
What to do
Kayaking at Francis Lake: The calm waters provide excellent conditions for paddling with easy shoreline access. According to Elizabeth B., "This spot is totally gorgeous, perfectly clean, and quiet. Great for swimming, kayaking, and a gorgeous place to wake up next to the water." Francis Lake has two access points to the water with the more secluded entry point located where campers hike in.
Fishing opportunities: The Salmon River Reservoir and surrounding waterways offer productive fishing spots. Stoneys Pineville Campground provides river access, with camper Vito M. noting it's a "great site for fishing" with "friendly hosts and great place on the river." Another visitor, Eric F., mentioned returning "three years consecutively for salmon fishing."
Winter sports base camp: For those camping during shoulder seasons, Winona Forest CCC Camp serves as a hub for various snow activities. Quade S. observed, "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."
What campers like
Water views: Hall Island State Forest provides campsites overlooking the Salmon River Reservoir. Thomas E. described finding "fire rings set up, a view of the water, and for an able-bodied person just a short walk up the path." The sites balance convenience with a natural setting as "you can't hear the cars at night but you're not too far from the road maybe half a mile."
Privacy between sites: The best tent camping near Great Bend, New York often features well-spaced sites. At Mary Island State Park Campground, Matt L. highlighted that "every site is far away from the next and each has its own unique and beautiful view of the water and surrounding islands."
Island camping experiences: Cedar Island State Park Campground requires boat access, creating a more secluded experience. Justin S. noted, "You need a boat to get here, making it one of our favorite places to camp in NY. There are quite a few sites here, all pretty private, but still make reservations." Harry H. added that the location is "really memorable due to it being on an island within the 1000 Islands."
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most primitive sites require complete self-sufficiency. Kevin C. described Winona State Forest camping: "The only amenity was a fire ring made of rocks. The campsite appears to be the trailhead for a man-made trail."
Navigation challenges: Finding unmarked sites can require extra planning. Thomas E. mentioned that in Winona State Forest, "free and quiet" camping is available, though sites can be "a little difficult to find."
Seasonal considerations: Early spring camping brings additional challenges. At Redfield Hall Island State Forest, a camper visited "early in April when it was cold, snowing and raining" but noted it "didn't take away from the campsite at all." Sites have enough space "to set up a few tents or kitchen whatever else you really wanted."
Tips for camping with families
Youth camp options: Adirondack Mennonite Camping Associates offers structured family programs. Elizabeth B. described it as "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."
Day-use facilities: Some areas provide recreational access without overnight stays. Beaver Camp has "weekend and week-long programming for youth and families, or site rental of cabins and platform tents is available, as well as day use access to the beach and high ropes course."
Small site capacity: Consider group size when selecting tent camping locations. Francis Lake has "room for two or three tents, two fire circles and has an outhouse," making it suitable for smaller family groups rather than large gatherings.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most primitive tent sites near Great Bend cannot accommodate larger vehicles. Quade S. shared, "I took my small RV here on its maiden voyage" to Winona Forest CCC Camp, noting there's "a parking lot up front and a gravel driveway. I pulled to the back and parked out of the way."
Bathroom facilities: Expect minimal facilities at most locations. The same camper mentioned that Winona Forest CCC Camp has "an outhouse and a porta-potty," but reminds visitors that "if you camp here, you need to be self-sufficient as there is no running water or electricity."
Supply planning: Consider proximity to stores when provisioning. "There is a dollar general about 15 minutes away if you need some supplies," noted one reviewer, which can be crucial for extended stays at the primitive camping areas near Great Bend.
