1 campground with availability this weekend
The forested landscapes surrounding Hillsdale, New York provide diverse tent camping opportunities within a 45-mile radius. Tent campers seeking unique experiences can explore the Lake George Islands campgrounds, where sites like Long Island Group, Glen Island Group, and Narrow Island Group offer tent-only camping accessible primarily by boat. Camden Creek Farm and Carrie W's Land provide walk-in tent sites closer to Hillsdale, with basic amenities and more secluded settings. These tent campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from mid-May through early September, with some extending into October.
Most primitive tent camping areas feature minimal site preparation, with surfaces ranging from forest duff to occasional gravel pads. Fire rings are common at established sites, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Vault toilets are available at some locations, while others require campers to practice proper waste disposal techniques. Water access varies significantly by location, with island sites requiring campers to bring all necessary supplies. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most backcountry tent sites, particularly those in Green Mountain National Forest to the east of Hillsdale.
Tent campers frequently report the value of proper site selection when visiting the region. According to one visitor at Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, "The site has plenty of space for multiple tents, though the ground may look flat but when sleeping is definitely not." Sites near water features tend to remain cooler at night but may experience higher humidity and insect activity. At Patterson Brookside camp, a camper noted, "There are a handful of sites along the river, each offering a slightly different experience. Some sites are drive-in, some are walk-in, but all are primitive." Tent platforms at backcountry shelters like Little Rock Pond provide level sleeping surfaces for $5 per person per night, with access to nearby water sources and composting privies.
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 / night
"DEC has designated and constructed 12 camp sites in areas around Shelving Rock Road and Dacy Clearing Road."
"There's a big 3-wall cabin with room for at least 12, several tent platforms, and there's even a composting privy (#2 only)!!"
from $5 / night
"I have stayed on Nobles Island & Floating Battery Island in the Narrows of Lake George. You must have a power boat ride out there or be up for a long paddle."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 / night
"When camping on lake George, staying on an island to camp is a must-do. We rented kayaks and actually reserved a spot on our own private island. It was little, slightly wooded, and private."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 / night
"One of many locations along Forest rd 71, this spot was a good place to pitch a tent for the night while exploring the area even in the rain."
"We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing."
"Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods with only the people I hiked in with. It was great! The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter. "
from $100 - $300 / night
ScoutIt was dark. I arrived after 7p. There were 3 rv camps already going on. All 3 had camp fires. Many fire rings for many groups. No hassles at all. It's off the beaten path but worth it. The first 4 camp sites were open. Made a fire. Ate some food. I got a good night sleep. Nothing ate me or attacked me so that's 5 star in my book.
GuideThere was a few sites 5-6 we didn’t get to the eastern loop. But the sites we saw were very secluded. All had fire pits ours had a picnic table. And was right next to the creek. Would highly recommend if you want to get away from city lights. All sites are not maintained. We had a small off road camper it was easy In and out some sites could be hard with larger pull behinds. Some sites might need 4wd to get in and out we had lots of mud after a lot of rain.
GuideNice campground near Killington, VT. Water and dump station. Not for big rigs we have a 21 ft TT. Things were tight but doable. One of the few Vermont state campgrounds that is still open. Most close from second Monday in October until Memorial Day.
TravelerLots of beautiful spots to pick from but be careful some are a bit muddy. We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!
GuideWonderful owners. A variety of sites to choose from in a relaxing setting. No waste hookups here, but they have a dump station. $51 per night with cash.
LegendThis is a quiet campground in a quiet part of the state. The terrain is mountainous, and all of the sites are private. There are two loops, one for tents/RVs and one for lean-tos. We stayed in the Willow lean-to, and while our site didn't have a view, it was one of the most private sites we've stayed in and just a short walk to the bathhouse.
The campground was created by the CCC in the 1930s, and from what I've heard, it hasn't changed much since that time. While we were here, we visited the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site (very cool), Long Trail Brewing, and the town of Woodstock. Great trip!
GuideWent with a friend on an impromptu last minute camping trip up in the NF and hoped we could find a spot on a Friday night. Quite a few spots were taken but there were still some free ones. We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing. In the morning, adorable little red squirrels with big personalities made themselves known and there were wildflowers blooming all over with hummingbirds going about their business. This is dispersed camping so there’s no rest rooms, running water, etc. The particular site we stayed at did have another site on the other side of the creek and we could hear the family during the day and see them as they walked past, so it wasn’t as isolated as some of the other sites. It was a cute spot and I’ll def be back.
TravelerThis is a good spot if you don’t mind being social. The main camping area is a large grassy opening where multiple people park and camp together, and there is a bathroom, but there isn’t much privacy between sites. If you continue farther down the forest road, there are several smaller pull-offs with much more private dispersed camping spots. I’d recommend checking those out if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
ScoutVery Disappointed With the Changes
Crown Point Campground used to be a wonderful place to camp. Unfortunately, since Happy Grounds purchased the campground, we have seen a significant decline in the overall experience.
I do want to make one thing very clear: the woman managing the campground is absolutely wonderful. She genuinely cares about the campers, is kind, helpful, and does her best to make people feel welcome. Our frustrations are not directed toward her. She deserves recognition for the effort she puts in, especially given the circumstances.
Unfortunately, there are serious concerns with the direction the campground has taken. There is no reliable Wi-Fi or cell service, which is especially concerning because there is no dependable way to call out in the event of an emergency. We have also seen a significant change in the atmosphere and clientele. Drugs have been found on the premises, including needles, which is extremely concerning for the safety of campers, especially families with children.
The campground has also become increasingly overcrowded. Tent sites have had upwards of 10 people on a single site, creating a very different camping experience from what many long-time campers originally signed up for.
Seasonal campers were told that there would be a gradual increase over two years to bring rates up to the new “going rate.” However, when the new contracts came out for next year, the price had increased by approximately $900. That is a substantial increase for a campground that, in our opinion, has continued to decline rather than improve.
What was perhaps most disappointing was how campers' concerns were handled. When people questioned the increase and expressed their frustrations, the response from the corporation was, and I quote:
“Get out and leave. I’ve heard enough complaints. Just leave if you don’t like it.”
That is an incredibly disappointing way to speak to people who have supported this campground for years.
It is heartbreaking to see what Crown Point Campground has become. There are good people here, and the campground itself has so much potential. Most importantly, the manager genuinely cares about the campers, and she deserves credit for that.
Our hope is that Happy Grounds will listen to the people who have invested years of their time and money here, address the safety and overcrowding concerns, and bring back the sense of community that once made Crown Point such a wonderful place to camp.
Tent campsites near Hillsdale, New York range from lakeside locations to secluded forest settings within the Taconic Mountains. This region sits at the intersection of three states - New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont - with elevations ranging from 700 to 2,000 feet across camping areas. Winter temperatures often drop below 20°F while summer days average 75-85°F, with higher humidity near water sources.
Paddle to island campsites: Lake George Islands provide a unique camping experience accessible only by boat. At Narrow Island Group, one camper notes: "I love this place so much I almost feel like I shouldn't say it's amazing... but. That's not what we do here! So- it's amazing!" The islands require bringing all supplies, including drinking water and ice.
Hike to backcountry shelters: The Green Mountain National Forest offers hiking opportunities with shelter camping. At Stratton Pond Shelter, a winter camper reports: "The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter. There are 2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter." This location sits at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail.
Fish local waterways: Many camping spots offer fishing opportunities in streams and ponds. At Stony Creek Family Campground, campers can access both the campground waters and nearby streams. Visitors mention trout fishing is particularly productive in spring months when water levels are higher.
Privacy between sites: The Michigan Brook Road camping area in Green Mountain National Forest offers dispersed camping with good separation between sites. According to one camper at Michigan Brook Road Camping: "I found most of the spots to be on the road before the GPS marker. Few nice ones near the creek. I stayed at one on top of a hill - lots of space at mine."
Swimming access: Lake George provides swimming opportunities during summer months when water temperatures reach the mid-70s. A camper at Glen Island Group shares: "Me the wife and our 3 children had an amazing time on our three night stay. Definitely no amenities other than an outhouse but spectacular views and pristine waters."
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Many campers report seeing deer, foxes, and various bird species. Loon sightings are common at higher elevation ponds, with one visitor reporting: "The pond is surprisingly warm for its altitude and it's home to two Common Loons."
Road conditions: Access to some dispersed camping areas requires navigating unpaved forest roads. A camper at Michigan Brook Road warns: "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"
Cell service limitations: Most camping areas have limited or no cell service. One camper at Michigan Brook Road advises: "PLEASE NOTE: THIS LOCATION DOES NOT PROVIDE CELL PHONE SERVICE OR WIFI CONNECTION. However, if you walk to the end of upper Michigan Brook road you will have cell phone service and a gas station along with a United States Post Office."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in this region operate from mid-May through early September. Little Rock Pond Group Camp charges only $5 per person per night when staffed by a caretaker. A visitor notes: "Water is available at a creek and a spring nearby." Always check water availability before arrival.
Choose boat-accessible sites: Island camping offers contained spaces for families with children. A family camping on Lake George shares: "We rented kayaks and actually reserved a spot on our own private island. It was little, slightly wooded, and private."
Pack extra clothing layers: Temperature variations can be significant, with 30-degree drops common between day and night, especially at higher elevations. Mornings often feature heavy dew, requiring a change of clothing for comfort.
Prepare for wildlife encounters: Raccoons are particularly active at island campsites. One camper at Lake George warns: "The raccoon situation...was bad. We were literally bombarded with a group of raccoons each night." Store food in secured containers and never leave food unattended.
Limited hookup options: Most RV camping near Hillsdale is primitive with few full-hookup options. Sites closer to Hillsdale tend to be tent-focused while larger RV accommodations require traveling further north toward Lake George.
Consider winter accessibility: Larger rigs should avoid forest service roads during winter months. One winter camper notes: "It is winter and there is a lot of snow. The main road to the parking lot is plowed and sanded. However if you would like to continue down the service road during winter months I would highly recommend snowshoes or a snowmobile."
Plan for supply runs: Most rustic campgrounds have limited on-site services. Stock up on supplies in Hillsdale before heading to camp, as the nearest general stores may be 20-30 minutes away from more remote camping areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hillsdale, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hillsdale, NY is Long Island Group — Lake George Islands with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Hillsdale, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Hillsdale, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
