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Best Tent Camping near Jamestown, NY

421 Reviews

Tent campsites near Jamestown, New York range from established campgrounds to dispersed options in nearby state forests. Warner Road Dispersed Camping in North Harmony State Forest offers primitive tent camping with drive-in access, while Hidden Valley Camping Area provides more developed tent sites with amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. Streamside Eriegrove, located northeast of Jamestown, offers tent-specific sites with a natural setting along water features.

Most primitive tent sites in the region have minimal amenities, with many lacking drinking water, showers, and toilets. North Harmony State Forest sites feature dirt pads surrounded by forest vegetation with established fire rings but no facilities. Campers should pack in all necessary water and supplies, as most dispersed areas have no services. Several tent campgrounds enforce seasonal closures, with Hidden Valley operating from April 15 to October 15. Fire regulations vary by location, with most allowing campfires in designated rings when no bans are in effect.

The tent camping experience near Jamestown offers varying levels of seclusion depending on location. Areas in North Harmony State Forest provide more isolated primitive tent setups away from developed facilities. Tent campers have access to hiking trails and natural features throughout the region, with some sites positioned near streams or forest paths. A visitor to Warner Road noted, "The site was fine, fire pit, primitive spot so no services. Kind of a gross site, the previous people who stayed at our site were messy and left litter, but it served its purpose as a free place to sleep along a longer trip." Another reviewer mentioned uncertainty about overnight camping at Warner Road, stating, "Clearly people are camping here at times but there are posted signs that say Day Use Only. It was quiet and dark."

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Best Tent Sites Near Jamestown, New York (18)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Jamestown, NY

11 Photos of 18 Jamestown Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Jamestown, NY

421 Reviews of 18 Jamestown Campgrounds

  • Britt B.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park

    Best Hike-In Camp in PA

    Wolfkiel is one of two hike-in areas along the Gerard Hiking Trail, in the Oil Creek State Park. Wolfkiel is made up of six(6) Ariondack Shelters and a tent camping area. The Adirondack shelters are perfectly positioned to be private from one another, each looks out over the forest. They are a raised timber platform with a slanted roof and stone chimney with fireplace. There are two shelves and several hooks on the wall. Each shelter has a picnic table. The platform is large enough to sleep 4 people in sleeping bags or set up a two person tent. 

    The tent section is cleared and grassy with communal firepit and picnic table. Lots of trees to enable hammock set up. There is a supply of firewood in a covered shed for a small donation and two(2) drop toilets. Water is available in the summer months. The shelters are approx. 15min walk to the creek& Miller Farm Bridge, which joins the Oil Creek State Park trail. It’s a stunning walk with lots of small swimming spots along the way. 

    The shelters are approx. 10min drive from Titusville, PA. The walk-in from the carpark is approx. 15min– slight downhill on the way in.

  • Britt B.
    Mar. 1, 2021

    Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park

    Winter Camping at Wolfkiel Shelters

    This was our second time to the Wolfkiel Shelters in Oil Creek State Park. Wolfkiel is one of two hike-in camping areas which consists of six(6) Ariondack Shelters and a tent camping area. The road in was snow covered but easily navigated. The Shelter carpark is small and was almost full the day we arrived. The track from the carpark to the campground is beautifully graded making it easy to pull a sled in with extra supplies. The walk in is less than a mile(~15min). The drop toilets were open, but probably wise to BYO toilet tissue. The shelters have hooks that allow you to hang a tarpaulin to help keep the heat in your shelter, although not necessary, especially if the nights are still. Snow did blow into our Shelter in the morning but was minimal. There is a self-serve timber stack which was fully stocked. A donation is requested. It’s wise to bring your own kindling, or an axe to cut some from the larger pieces. The shelter fireplaces have hooks for hanging pots and pans over the flames. Even in Winter, the shelters positioned so you do not look at other shelters. They are a raised timber platform with a slanted roof and stone chimney with fireplace. There are two shelves and several hooks on the wall. Each shelter has a picnic table. The platform is large enough to sleep 4 people in sleeping bags or set up a two person tent. These shelters are very peaceful in the winter and would highly recommend them if you are keen for some“winter camping” but not keen to sleep in a tent or be completely exposed. The shelters are approx.15min walk to the creek& Miller Farm Bridge, which joins the Oil Creek State Park trail. The shelters are approx. 10min drive from Titusville, PA

  • Jennifer K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2022

    Hearts Content Recreation Area

    Great quiet little campground

    Very nice quiet small wooded campground. No hookups, about 3-4 fresh water spigots, 1 dump station and dumpster. Water pressure was very low and took a while to fill tank. 26 various sized sites, some large with plenty of space for our 22 foot tow behind and truck + some for extra vehicles. Other smaller sites for tents or vans. Self serve ice $2 wood $10. Vault toilets. Fire rings and picnic table at each site. AT&T spotty 0-1 bars. Host camper. Quiet time 10pm-6am. 1 Xlarge site for groups.

  • Bill G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2020

    Hearts Content Recreation Area

    Simple and serene

    Hearts Content is best described as a way station. The sites are nestled within a grove of immense pines. Some are large enough for large RV’s . There are no showers. Bathrooms are vault toilets. Two of the sites include Adirondack type shelters. A picnic table and fire ring are within each site. I used this site as a staging area to explore Allegheny National Forest for a week. Used a camp shower. The closest town is Warren, PA. Firewood is available at the camp host site. Across the road is an hiking area with picnic tables and the like.

  • Bill G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2020

    Willow Bay Recreation Area

    Quiet nights, Easy days

    Willow bay campground is run by the National Forest Service. The reservable lots are wide and numerous for a out of the way sight. The campground services tent sites, RV sites as well as small cabins with electricity. There is a central bathhouse near the oak loop. Closer to the boat ramp sites- most of which are tent ready, there are vault toilets. These sites are less than a mile from the North Country Trail. Other, smaller trails are here as well. The New York State lone is less than five miles away- providing access to Allegheny State Park. The closest town of note is Bradford, which is about 18 miles away. It has all you need to get your necessities. The cabins were small- one twin bed and a set of single bunks. You need to bring your own sheets. There is a small heater imbedded in the wall. It keeps things from getting too cold, as it was when I was there. Fire ring and picnic table provided. Charcoal grill as well. The only problem I had was with the wildlife. A mouse or something kep crawling in the space between the roof and ceiling. There is no cel service here, and you shouldn’t need it either. Places to visit are too numerous to mention, but I will give a shout out to the zippo case museum, absolutely a must.

  • Mary S.
    Sep. 24, 2018

    Quaker Area — Allegany State Park State Park

    This is a great vacation area.....spend a week!

    Did you know this is NY's largest state campground? We stopped here on a rainy night, but what we saw convinced me we need to return. I know this campground is a vacation destination for families in western NY.

    Cain Hollow is in the Quaker Run area which includes Quaker Lake. There is another campground in the Red House Area, and there are also lots of cabins. This is definitely a 4 seasons park - hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing....

    I was able to take photos of a few sites the next morning. You can see that sites are private and you're definitely in the woods. There are food storage boxes at all campsites because you're in bear country.

  • Danielle S.
    Apr. 16, 2019

    Minister Creek Campground

    Small, rustic, gorgeous

    We stayed here July 2018 and found a quiet campsite by the creek. It had been quite rainy and some of the sites were wet and muddy, but for $12, I couldn't complain. While there is an outhouse, it is simply a couple of toilets (bring a lantern or wear a headlamp). Arrive early to get a prime spot, and take advantage of the hiking trails (a bug net for your head will help in the summer as the gnats and deer flies are distracting). Looking forward to staying again.

  • Bill G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2018

    Hearts Content Recreation Area

    Minimal offering for maximum relaxing

    This campground is within Allegheny National Forest near the town of Warren and Tidouette. The sites are few but spacious. Good for car camping, though I’m sure a smaller RVcould get by. Each site has a fire ring. Two sites have Adirondack type shelters. The night sky is promising but light pollution from Warren inhibits a truly awesome night sky. There is a vault toilet. No showers. No water either. Bring what you need! The closest town is about 30 minutes away. Lots of critter life. My dogs loved it here. We spent all days exploring the nearby trails and creeks. Price was cheap. No frills but a quiet respite for sure.

  • D
    Oct. 21, 2021

    Kelly Pines Campground

    Off the grid, lots to explore!

    This equestrian campground also has 2 non-equestrian sites, one which is reservable. There is no potable water but there is a river and a non-potable pump. There is a permanent toilet usually stocked with TP. Carry out all garbage. No electrical hookups.

    Traditional camp sites have space for multiple tents and 2 cars. Each has a picnic table and a fire pit with moveable cooking surface. We’ve never had an issue with bears or other wildlife where food and trash are concerned but we store in the cars at night to be safe. The area is usually damp so don’t count in being able to find much dry wood - we stop before driving in for wood.

    Trails galore! Mushrooms everywhere! Quiet and no cellular to distract.

Guide to Jamestown

Tent camping near Jamestown, New York includes options within state forests, on working farms, and at established campgrounds. The region features hills and valleys at elevations between 1,200 and 2,000 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and frequent rainfall in spring. Primitive sites often require visitors to be self-sufficient with water and waste management during their stay.

What to do

Hiking to waterfalls: North of Jamestown in Allegheny National Forest, trails lead to scenic water features like Hector Falls. "There is a really cool place called Hector Falls. The trailhead is about a mile down the road from this spot. It's about 3/4 a mile hike into the woods. The falls are really cool to look at, and has some cool rock formations," notes a visitor to Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite.

Wildlife viewing: The wooded areas surrounding Jamestown support diverse wildlife. Compass Campgrounds offers "tons of trails so you can explore the area and search for local wildlife," making it ideal for nature observation outings.

Visit Thunder Rocks: A unique geological formation within day-trip distance. "Do not miss the thunder rocks, they're really, really enjoyable," recommends a camper who stayed at Bova Cottages — Allegany State Park.

What campers like

Hillside camping views: Some sites offer elevated perspectives of the surrounding landscape. A camper at Big Oak Hill reports, "It is a newly created campsite that is located on top of a hill with a big oak tree. The landscapes are wonderful."

Peaceful atmosphere: The more remote sites provide quiet experiences away from crowds. "Super peaceful," mentions a winter camper at Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite, who added that "despite the cold and ice there were others out in it."

Affordability: Free dispersed camping options exist for budget-conscious travelers. One camper noted their site "served its purpose as a free place to sleep along a longer trip."

What you should know

Seasonal access challenges: Weather affects road conditions at some primitive sites. A Big Oak Hill visitor advises, "The campsite is accessible by drive-in, but you may need a 4-wheel drive vehicle if there has been rain."

Conflicting signage: Some dispersed areas have unclear overnight camping rules. A reviewer at Warner Road Dispersed Camping observed, "Like the other review, this site has a lot of litter. Clearly people are camping here at times but there are posted signs that say Day Use Only."

Wildlife precautions: Bears are present in forests around Jamestown. "There's black bears that live in the several caves in the area... Definitely be sure to pack up all food and trash at night. The bears are skittish, but they will find you if there's food in your camp," warns a Forestry Road camper.

Tips for camping with families

Cabin options: For families who prefer more amenities, cabin camping provides comfort with nature access. A visitor to Bova Cottages mentioned, "Cabins feel rustic but are new (2014?) and modern. Had everything we needed for a weekend with extended family, almost like a hotel in what they supply."

Group capacity: Family-sized accommodations exist at various properties. "Our family of 6 fit comfortably in one cabin when we were all small," reports another Bova Cottages visitor.

Multiple activities: Parks with diverse recreation options keep children engaged. "There's beaches, guided nature trails, biking, hiking. Basically, Allegany has it all," shares a Streamside Eriegrove camper who rated their stay "Absolutely Perfect!"

Tips from RVers

Access limitations: Some tent-focused sites have difficult terrain for larger vehicles. At Big Oak Hill, "the campsite is accessible by drive-in, but you may need a 4-wheel drive vehicle if there has been rain."

Site selection: Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite offers options for different vehicle types. "I have a 25 foot travel trailer. I found numerous spots on SF-160," shares one RVer, adding that "The site seeing is second to none. The forest is enchanting."

Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping comfort. "It rains a lot so keep your slip-ons near the door," advises an RVer who frequents the area, noting that despite this, "Great hiking/biking. The spot next to the hiking trail has WiFi 70% of the time."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Jamestown, NY is Hidden Valley Camping Area with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Jamestown, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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