Tent camping near Hogansburg, New York ranges from free primitive campsites to reservable sites with added amenities. Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites offers five free drive-in sites along the northeastern shore of the pond, plus three additional walk-in only sites on the northwestern shore. Middle Pond Campsite provides a first-come, first-served option along Floodwood Road, while Someday Happens River Retreat features reservable tent sites with more amenities.
Most primitive tent sites in the area operate on a first-come basis with limited facilities. Jones Pond sites are accessible via a rough dirt service road, with site #1 near the entrance accommodating larger vehicles, while sites #2, #4, and #5 are closer to the water and accessible by car, SUV, or truck. Site #3 requires parking at site #4 and walking to access. Fire rings are common at most sites, and pit toilets are available at Jones Pond, though reviews indicate they are very basic. Campers can stay up to three nights without a permit at Jones Pond. Sites typically lack drinking water, showers, and trash service, requiring visitors to pack in supplies and pack out waste.
The tent camping experience offers direct access to natural settings and water features. "Site #5 was absolutely beautiful and right on the water, I mean right on the water," noted one camper at Jones Pond. These primitive tent campsites provide excellent opportunities for paddling, with Jones Pond featuring a hand launch for small boats and kayaks near the entrance. While summer weekends can bring more visitors, weekdays often offer greater solitude. Middle Pond Campsite is known for its peaceful location but becomes popular during summer months, with off-season visits providing better availability. Many sites offer scenic views of ponds and waterways, making them appealing base camps for nature exploration despite their minimal amenities. Most locations allow pets, though leashing requirements vary by site.
"It was over the July 4th week, so very busy and found people would just walk through your campsite. Which of course would make our dogs bark at them."
"Jones Pond has five primitive campsites along its northeastern shore accessible by a two track service road. The sites are on a first come basis and are free to use."
Campground full this weekend
from $65 - $99 / night
"This campsite is a first come first serve site located along Floodwood Road. The site sits on Middle Pond. Beautiful location but this campsite is popular during the summer months."
GuideLarge campground. Sites are open, grassy and right on top of each other. We chose a site at the end of the road with no other campers so we had plenty of privacy. Had the park been full, it would not have been appealing to us. There were lots of RV’s on the water front side. Bathrooms were clean and the new main pavilion had newer bathrooms and showers. Worth the extra walk to use that shower.
GuideThis was one the the best camping experiences yet. The sites are great, right on the water with easy access to get Kayaks in. Loons on the lake wake you, so peaceful and beautiful. Plenty of room between neighbors. You can hang out in a floatie in front of you site, or kayak down the awesome creek. Bathrooms okay, showers clean with hot waters, but you do have to drive to them. Can’t wait to go back next year.
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.
ScoutWe camped on overflow 28 and riverside 32 from July 2025 to June 2026.Tim Mitchell is the best host and grounds keeper. We visited several camps in area before we decided to stay at Blue Heaven. Very family friendly park.
ScoutI love how it has great fishing and nice camp sites even let's you bring a boat nice clean showers and bathroom can easily find firewood near by as well..
GuideI came from the Albany area. It took me about two hours 45 minutes and well worth the drive, I first stopped at site four and fully set up my Truck tent and the rest of camp, awesome location. You can walk down to the water, which is only a small ledge and enough space to put a chair, me and my German Shepherd were walking around the trails and we found site five which was absolutely beautiful and right on the water, I mean right on the water. I went back to site for packed up a bunch of stuff into the truck and left the truck tent in there since it takes about 30 minutes to take up and down, I had walked the road a couple of times to see if I could get my truck down there, definitely need four-wheel-drive, but it is possible to get your truck down there and I did, set up camp there spent the rest of the day the night and all of the next day. Absolutely beautiful the dog loved the water being right there, I definitely love this place. This is my first campsite that I found using the app highly recommend.
ScoutThai place is very cute, quiet, and not a lot of people frequent. The bathrooms are kind of “rundown” they are old and they use composing toilets with no showers and one sink located outside of the facility. It is NOT FREE they charge 16.00 a night. Located on an inlet of the man made lake. Water access, quiet, not busy, small, gives small town feel. Comes with picnic table and fireplace. We had site 6 and fit our 30 ft camper with 4 cars.
ScoutFirst time here - here for a week. From Vermont. We love it. Spacious campsites, beautiful setting. Great staff. Although we are empty nesters there is more for kids/families to do than any place we have been.
And yes, they do have WIFI. Very basic free wifi. There are also plans you can buy for your stay, two of us, two devices, $42 for a week.
Access controlled by gate - system reads your license plate and opens if you are registered
Very good store - more RV repair parts than I have seen elsewhere.
Snack bar - that delivers to your campsite, you order on their app.
I understand they have a restaurant and bar.
Quite quiet.
Will definitely be back.
TravelerLove this campground ,nice big spots, I was on the water which made my trip, came home tried to book two weeks there and there was nothing available, bummer. There is no cell or internet there
Tent camping near Hogansburg, New York includes several free and primitive sites within the Adirondack region where summer temperatures average 75°F with occasional thunderstorms. Winter camping opportunities are limited as most primitive sites close during snow season, and the area experiences average January lows of 10°F. Spring and fall bring fewer crowds but require preparation for changing weather conditions.
**Paddling exploration: Jones Pond offers excellent kayaking options, particularly during weekday visits when water traffic is minimal. "I first stopped at site four and fully set up my Truck tent and the rest of camp, awesome location. You can walk down to the water, which is only a small ledge and enough space to put a chair," notes Robert K. at Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites.
**Wildlife observation: Early mornings provide optimal viewing times for local waterfowl and small mammals. The shoreline areas serve as natural wildlife corridors, particularly at dawn and dusk when animals are most active. "The views from site #4 of the pond were beautiful. We were the only campers during our stay on a weekday," reports Dylan J.
**Off-season exploration: Consider visiting during shoulder seasons when campgrounds have significantly less traffic. "This campsite is popular during the summer months. Off season is generally when you will find this campsite available," notes Kurt V. at Middle Pond Campsite.
**Secluded water access: The direct pond frontage at multiple sites provides private swimming and fishing access. "I went back to site for packed up a bunch of stuff into the truck and left the truck tent in there since it takes about 30 minutes to take up and down, I had walked the road a couple of times to see if I could get my truck down there, definitely need four-wheel-drive," reports Robert K.
**Diverse site options: Each location offers different terrain and privacy levels to match camping preferences. "Site #1 is near the entrance and near the road. It is the only site that would be accessible for larger rigs such as an RV. Site #2 is along the water and is accessible by car/suv/truck," explains Dylan J.
**Free camping availability: Most primitive sites in the area require no reservation fees, making last-minute trips possible. "Jones Pond has five primitive campsites along its northeastern shore accessible by a two track service road. The sites are on a first come basis and are free to use. You can stay a maximum of three nights without a permit," mentions a Someday Happens River Retreat visitor.
**Vehicle access considerations: Access roads to primitive sites often require appropriate vehicles. "The two track access road is rough and all dirt," warns Dylan J. Four-wheel drive vehicles may be necessary for accessing certain sites, especially after rain.
**Limited privacy during peak periods: Camper traffic increases substantially during holidays. "It was over the July 4th week, so very busy and found people would just walk through your campsite. Which of course would make our dogs bark at them," explains Tyler C. at Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites.
**Variable site conditions: Terrain differs significantly between numbered sites at the same campground. "Site three sits away from the water and on a hill. It is not accessible by vehicle and you would need to park at the bottom of the hill near site #4 to access it," notes Dylan J.
**Site selection for safety: Choose sites with level terrain and clear boundaries for younger campers. "Site #4 is very large and could be occupied by a large group and multiple vehicles. It is accessible by car/suv/truck," mentions Dylan J.
**Pet management planning: Leash policies vary and enforcement differs by location. "A lot of people have their dogs off leash as well. One of the rangers stopped by and sure did have a big chip on his shoulder," reports Tyler C. at Ponderosa Campsite.
**Group accommodation: Some sites specifically accommodate multiple tents and larger gatherings. "Was a great spot and lots of room for our 4 tents/3vehicles," explains Tyler C. about site #4.
**Site access limitations: Most primitive sites accommodate only smaller RVs or truck campers. "The campsites are perfect for a short stay with a tent or suv camper," notes Dylan J. Standard-sized travel trailers and larger RVs should consider established campgrounds with proper access.
**Limited hookup availability: Primitive sites offer no water, electric, or sewer connections. Come fully self-contained with adequate water and waste storage. RVers need to travel to designated dump stations in nearby towns for waste disposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hogansburg, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hogansburg, NY is Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
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