Tent campsites around Jordanville, New York include both established campgrounds and dispersed sites within state forests. The area sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation in the northern foothills of the Catskills, creating a mix of hardwood forests and small ponds. Seasonal temperatures range from summer highs averaging 75-85°F to overnight lows in spring and fall that can dip into the 40s.
What to do
Fishing at designated ponds: North Lake Reservoir Campground features a pristine lake stocked with trout. As camper J B. explains, "32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean. Make sure to take a left at the start of the lake, the right is all private road and you will have to turn around."
Canal camping access: E16 Canal Lock provides designated tent camping spots for short stays. According to Mona M., "The Canal Corporation provides designated spots for tent and van camping along the canal. Stays are limited to a maximum of 48 hours. Upon arrival, campers must scan the QR code at the entrance and complete a brief survey."
Seasonal wildlife observation: The Pharsalia Wildlife Management Area offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. A hiker noted that "You can also walk or drive along various state forest roads to several other ponds in the Wildlife Management area for good birdwatching."
What campers like
Seclusion with minimal traffic: Duck Pond Campsite offers quiet tent camping locations. Yae U. reports, "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived at surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience."
Clear water access: Pharsalia Y Pond provides excellent water quality for fishing. One camper described it as having a "pond [that] is deep and clear and stocked with brook trout, and the campsite on the east side of the pond is in an idyllic setting with good camping, fishing (canoe or kayak only), and day hikes."
Morning lake views: Waking up to water views ranks high among camper preferences. Ashlee C. from North Lake Reservoir Campground shared, "Very remote and secluded. We got there after dark and it was beautiful to wake up to the view of the lake. Car camped, but there was enough room for a tent."
What you should know
Road condition challenges: Access roads to many campsites require careful navigation. At Duck Pond Campsite, one visitor cautioned, "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse... Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads."
Permit requirements: Some areas require advance planning. For Y Pond, "Camping in this DEC Wildlife Management Area campsite is limited, and requires a permit. Visit the regional DEC office at 1285 Fisher Ave., Cortland NY or call 607-753-3095... allow one week for permit to be processed."
Vehicle size limitations: Many campgrounds cannot accommodate large vehicles. Several tent camping locations have restrictions noted in reviews, with some sites specifically requiring "small vehicle only" due to narrow access roads and limited turning space.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly facilities: Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park offers amenities specifically designed for children. A visitor noted, "There is a beautiful picnic pavilion and playground, so kid friendly."
Pond-based activities: Small ponds provide safer water experiences than larger lakes. Several campsites feature ponds appropriate for supervised children, though parents should bring life jackets as rental equipment is not available.
Day-use alternatives: For families wanting camp experiences without overnight stays, consider day visits to campgrounds. Several locations permit day use access to picnic facilities and fishing areas without requiring overnight camping fees.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions matter: Most dispersed sites cannot accommodate standard RVs. At E16 Canal Lock, a camper noted that "RVs and travel trailers are not permitted," which is typical for many of the area's camping locations.
Consider glamping alternatives: For RV conveniences without towing, Grandpa's Back 40 Glamping offers upgraded tent experiences. While they don't offer traditional RV hookups, the glamping options provide comfort amenities that RV campers typically seek.
Limited hookup availability: Among campgrounds accepting RVs, utility connections are scarce. Check ahead for specific sites with utilities, as most locations around Jordanville provide primarily primitive camping experiences.
