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Camping options near Harrisville, New York range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites within the Adirondack region. The area encompasses several notable locations including Stillwater Reservoir, a popular dispersed camping area, and Green Pond in Bonaparte State Forest which offers free primitive camping. Accommodations vary from basic tent sites to full-service RV campgrounds and cabin rentals, with Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA providing amenities like electric hookups, showers, and a camp store. Cranberry Lake Campground features tent, RV, and cabin options with waterfront access, while several primitive sites scattered throughout public lands offer more remote experiences.
Seasonal considerations heavily impact campground availability, with many established sites operating from May through mid-October. Roads to dispersed sites can present challenges, particularly around Stillwater Reservoir. "A 20 mile ride of just woods on a bumpy road. Pretty cool! Surprisingly the place wasn't that populated as I expected it to be," noted one camper about accessing Stillwater Reservoir. Winter conditions typically close most campgrounds, though some dispersed areas remain accessible for winter camping with proper equipment. Cell service varies dramatically throughout the region, with minimal coverage at remote sites like Stillwater and better connectivity at developed campgrounds closer to towns. Most dispersed sites require visitors to pack out all trash and come prepared with drinking water or filtration systems.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw to the Harrisville area, with numerous sites providing direct lake or river access. Stillwater Reservoir receives consistently high ratings for its secluded waterfront camping, with visitors appreciating the opportunity to disconnect. One review mentioned, "We saw Bald Eagles and Loons, enjoyed swimming, canoeing and paddleboarding with the family. It was so peaceful." Many campers highlighted the excellent stargazing opportunities throughout the region due to minimal light pollution. Birch's Lakeside Campground on Cranberry Lake earned praise for its family-friendly atmosphere and amenities despite its remote location. First-come, first-served sites at Green Pond and Soft Maple Campground tend to fill quickly during summer weekends, with campers appreciating their peaceful settings and swimming areas. For those seeking true solitude, the dispersed sites at Payne Lake and Sunday Lake provide primitive camping experiences with beautiful water views.
"This is our go to area close to town but still just want to get away from it all. DEC is nice and stop and talk to the campers. There is a doc down the road for boats and fishing!"
"This is my second time camping at this location and I’ve enjoyed it so much. Not very well know and really quite however the training range can be a little loud at times."
"This is a Great Lake for kayaking, clear and calm, lots of nooks and crannies to explore."
"Beautiful ADK campground with the whole lake to explore from the launch on site. Pros: canoe rentals on site, lakeside camp sites, hiking nearby, all-tent loop."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"The sites are small, but there are mature trees between them & woodsy areas around the campsites. The campground is clean and well kept. The laundry room and bathrooms were clean."
from $40 - $131 / night
Check Availability"Would recommend if you want to break away from technology because you get zero service out there"
"It's first come first serve so best to find another place if you intend to drive up to your campsite. The drive up campsite had an outhouse though so that was nice"
from $25 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $20 / night
"Birch's Lakeside Campground has all the amenities needed to enjoy a stay in upstate New York, a general store, laundry & propane on site keep everything you need right there! "
"This was the perfect spot located on Cranberry lake -They have everything you need at their lakeside store, including boat and kayak rentals!"
from $25 - $65 / night
Check Availability"Our site is located adjacent to a mowed grass path that leads to the main road, close to the camp store. Beautiful area, lots of hiking and biking trails and swim area."
"Walking areas. Access to water for swimming."
from $24 - $200 / night
Check Availability
GuideMy boyfriend and I rented out cabin 26 at this camping resort and it was very worth it ! Our cabin was right next to the bathroom/shower facility. We also had a very spacious cabin with a fire pit outside.
GuideVery nice night spent at Winona State Forest with my boyfriend and our dog, Michelob. Lots of horseflies and mosquitoes but big spray did help and the fire. We have a truck bed tent we used for this trip and a canopy tent to put all of our stuff under. Each site does have a fire pit of some sort.
RangerThe site we had was amazing, all sites are right on the water so they all may be just as nice. Ours was flat and easy to level a tent or camper.
The lake was beautiful, fun to swim in and fish in (caught perch, bass, white fish, bluegill, and crappie).
Beautiful trees and surrounding area has boat rentals.
The bathrooms were flush toilets which is a plus, but pretty gross otherwise.
Local store across the road has everything you’d need (fresh baked pizzas, ice, entire convenience store, wood, etc) and gives 4% discount for cash purchases.
ScoutNot very welcoming at night. Kinda creepy.
GuideI've stayed here twice, once in 2024 and again in 2026, both on Memorial Day Weekend. In 2024 I woke to the sound of loons but did not hear them in 2026.
This is a large campground on the shores of Cranberry Lake with access to many hiking trails and other activities. Quite a few of the sites are lakefront but they seem to book up fast. Most of the sites are spaced out fairly well although a few are close and will result in you seeing & hearing everything your neighbors are doing. However, they are mostly designed well and blend into the environment. A few seem like afterthoughts and are right on the road, so you'll want to choose carefully.
Dumpsters are in the center of the campground near the bathhouse, which has hot showers. There is a sandy beach area near the entrance of the campground and a volleyball area near the dumpsters/bathhouse.
It's a beautiful area and is mostly quiet. Other campers were respectful and didn't play loud music although a few talked loudly late into the night. There are lots of trailer camping sites, so you should expect to hear generators although most people were considerate and only ran them in the daytime.
This is a great campground for exploring the Adirondack Mountains. The town of Cranberry Lake seems mostly dead so don't plan on eating in restaurants nearby.
TravelerStill quite a bit of snow at the entrance once I got past that it was easy site are perfect right on the water with a little out house across. Breathtaking views!
LegendThis review is for primitive backpack or paddle in camping alogn the breathtakingly beautiful Sagamore Lake. On the southwest corner of the lake is located the historic Camp Sagamore, one of the so-called Great Camps of the Adirondacks and which is now a comfortable lodge and camping retreat which hosts lifelong learning workshops on crafts and history throughout the year. If interested in visiting it, see this link: https://www.sagamore.org/
However, beyond the grounds of the Camp is the vast Blue Ridge Wilderness of the Adirondack State Forest Park which completely surround the lake. Adhacent to camp Sagamore is a parking lot for campers and hikers, which includes an outhouse, picnic table, launch for canoes or kayaks, and trailhead for hiking and backpacking. The trail encircles Sagamore lake is is about 3.8 miles long. There is primitive and dispersed camping all along the trail and and along shore and beyond as long as you practice Leave No Trace principles. This basically means no campsite amenities other than the glorious woods and lake, but you will have your pick of remote spots to pitch a tent without having to backpack for hours. The trail does attract a fair number of day use hikers or paddlers, but few campers. The trail is reasonable to tackle for beginning dispersed campers, with the added safety of being able to hike out to the Camp within a couple miles in case of emergency. Highly recommended!
LegendThis is a small rustic state forest off the beaten track, remote from but not too far from the village of Inlet in the Adirondacks. It is smaller than some of the other are forest campgrounds, and more quiet and peaceful. While in a rustic location at a distance from the main road, amenities do include picnic tables and firerings, flush toilets as well as privvies, and a trailer dump station 9but no hooksups) Sites are spacious and private and well shaded. You can paddle and fish right here, with lots of good hiking in the area. Fairly easy to get to from the Utica area, and with reasonably close access to a quaint Adirondack village, but still providing a remote expereince at the edge of the wilderness.
Note: just 3.5 miles from the campground is the very nique and special Ferd's Bog reserve. There is a floating boardwalk into the trail, under the shadow of Cascade Mountain. Myriad unique boreal plants for view by botany fans, about a 1.2 hike in and back, and easy trail access from nearby Uncas Road, more info here: https://cnyhiking.com/FerdsBogTrail.htm
LegendThis has been one of my favorite campgrounds and I have camped there many times over the last several decades. Always well maintained, but peaceful state forest campground with spacious sites, many right on the water. There is an official beach, but the water sites really have their own access for canoes and nice swimming. The water is crystal clear, sunsets magnificent, canoeing and hiking opportunities abound, and even on a "busy" summer weekend the campground is quiet and the fellow campers are low key and respectful. For a tent camper, this is an ideal location and I love it. Fire ring, even tenting spot, picnic tables, etc. There are numerous accessible campsites, a shower building, and regular restrooms as well as privvies. Small trailers can fit and their is an RV dumpstation, but this is not a campground for big rigs and hookups. The campground is a little off the beaten path and in the further reaches of the Adirondacks for most campers, and the vicinity is one of the largest and most pristine areas in the ADK wilderness. Come well supplied with groceries and camping needs as there isnt much nearby. The SUNY Forestry school maintains a Ranger school at nearby Wanakena on the west side of the lake, and a Field Biology station on the south side of the lake. Nice hiking in the area
Camping opportunities around Harrisville, New York center on the western Adirondack region's dense forests and interconnected waterways. Located at approximately 1,400 feet elevation, this area experiences distinct four-season weather patterns with heavy snowfall from November through April. Fishing access points and hiking trails connect many camping sites, providing paths to local swimming spots during summer months.
Hiking from camp: Green Pond in Bonaparte State Forest connects to several moderate trails. "This is our go to area close to town but still just want to get away from it all. DEC is nice and stop and talk to the campers. There is a doc down the road for boats and fishing!" reports Amandalynn P.
Water activities: Payne Lake Dispersed Site offers public water access for small watercraft. "Public access boat ramp with limited parking available on both sides. No amenities on-site. Beautiful views, peaceful and quiet," notes Mona M.
Tennis and swimming: Birch's Lakeside Campground provides access to tennis courts and public beach within walking distance. "Lots to do here between the lake and public beach/tennis courts within walking distance. Star gazing is FANTASTIC!" writes Paul B.
Astronomy opportunities: Most remote sites offer superior night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. Rachel P. from Birch's Lakeside notes: "We met some regulars and some passer through-ers, loved the community here!"
Water-based relaxation: Wellesley Island State Park campers appreciate shoreline access. "We stayed at site Bluejay 3. Very spacious and private. Luckily, 2 waterfront sites were available at Bluejay 2 and 3 when we arrived, so we spent most of the time there fishing and canoeing," writes Erin B.
Wildlife viewing: Small islands at remote sites offer chances to spot local wildlife. Kane reports about Stillwater: "I came here a couple days ago only to realize that all except one campsite needs a boat to be reached."
Seclusion from technology: Many campers value the digital break at remote sites. "My wife and I kayaked to Long Island and stayed for a weekend. It was quiet and had the whole island to our self. Would recommend if you want to break away from technology because you get zero service out there," writes sam T. about Stillwater.
Easy fishing access: Shoreline camping allows direct fishing access. "There's boat access for canoes and kayaks as this is part of the Beaver River route," explains Elizabeth B. from Soft Maple Campground.
Dispersed site limitations: Many remote sites require boats for access. At Stillwater Reservoir, "all except one campsite needs a boat to be reached. It's first come first serve so best to find another place if you intend to drive up to your campsite," writes Kane.
Reservation systems vary: Some sites require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. At Soft Maple, Elizabeth B. notes: "Only about a dozen sites or so, first come first serve. Level sites for RVs or tent or hammock camping."
Cell service gaps: Connectivity varies widely across the region. Mona M. reports from Payne Lake: "I'm getting two bars of Verizon signal with the help of a WeBoost."
Seasonal variations: Campgrounds have different operating seasons. Wellesley Island State Park operates from "May 6 to October 10," while others close earlier in fall.
Seek campgrounds with activities: Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA offers family amenities. "The sites are small, but there are mature trees between them & woodsy areas around the campsites. The campground is clean and well kept," notes Liz M.
Check beach quality: Soft Maple gets high marks for family swimming areas. "The beach is lovely and clean. There's boat access for canoes and kayaks," according to Elizabeth B.
Consider accessibility needs: Not all sites accommodate mobility issues. Liz M. notes about Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA: "The facilities are not wheelchair accessible. The owners said that they are working on that."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for possible wildlife sightings. Joseph S. mentions Stillwater as "a wonderful place to 'get lost' (voluntarily at least)!"
Site dimensions: Cranberry Lake Campground offers varied site sizes. Rebecca D. advises: "First thing about Cranberry Lake: the staff are wonderful. Our site was on the uphill slope so we had some road noise due to that."
Dump station access: Check facilities before arrival. Rebecca D. adds: "Brand new sewer dump area for folks who need it."
Shower facilities: Some campgrounds have central shower houses requiring drives. "There is a shower house which is great but be ready to drive to it, as I said the campground is bigger than expected!" reports Rebecca D. about Cranberry Lake.
Camp store proximity: Birch's Lakeside gets high marks for convenience. Tami W. notes: "The staff at the store (which has everything you could ever want) was fantastic."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there cabins available at Harrisville State Park?
Yes, Harrisville State Park offers cabin accommodations for those who prefer a more comfortable camping experience without bringing their own shelter. These rustic cabins provide basic amenities while still allowing visitors to enjoy the outdoor setting. For more upscale cabin options in the region, consider Old Forge Camping Resort, which offers a variety of cabin styles suitable for families and groups. Their cabins have been popular with families for over 20 years, making them a reliable alternative if Harrisville's cabins are booked. Cabin reservations at Harrisville should be made well in advance, especially during peak summer season.
Where can I camp in Harrisville State Park?
Harrisville State Park offers several camping options along the shores of Lake Huron. The main campground features spacious sites that accommodate both tents and RVs, with some sites providing stunning waterfront views. For those seeking more privacy, Eighth Lake Campground offers a similar experience with sites that provide good separation between neighbors, stretching between two lakes with hiking trail access. Reservations are recommended, especially during summer months when the park is most popular. The campground is well-maintained with sites arranged to maximize lake views while providing adequate space for camping equipment.
What amenities are available at Harrisville State Park campground?
Harrisville State Park campground offers essential amenities including clean restrooms, hot showers, and potable water stations. The park features a sandy beach along Lake Huron, picnic areas with tables and grills, and hiking trails. Similar to Higley Flow State Park Campground, Harrisville maintains well-kept facilities including clean showers and restrooms. For RV campers, there are sites with electrical hookups and a sanitary dump station. The park store sells basic camping supplies, firewood, and ice. Playground equipment is available for children, and boat launches provide lake access for fishing and water activities.
When is the best time to visit Harrisville for camping?
The best time to visit Harrisville for camping is from late May through early October, with peak season running from mid-June through August. Summer offers warm temperatures perfect for swimming and water activities on Lake Huron, while early fall provides cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. Similar to Golden Beach Campground, Harrisville is known for spectacular sunsets over the lake, making evening views a highlight of any stay. Late spring and early fall visits offer fewer crowds while still providing comfortable camping conditions. The park is typically closed during winter months, with limited facilities available during the off-season.
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