Tent camping options near Moriah, New York range from roadside sites to remote backcountry experiences across various elevations in the Adirondack Mountains. Temperatures can fluctuate significantly, with summer nights dropping to 45°F even when daytime temperatures reach 80°F. Bear canisters are mandatory in many areas, particularly in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness where most camping sites are concentrated.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Bushnelle Falls Campsite offers access to impressive waterfalls within walking distance of your tent. As one camper notes, it's "near the river and a huge falls" with multiple tent sites and two lean-tos making it a perfect base for waterfall enthusiasts.
Lake swimming: Cool off at swimming spots near camping areas during summer months. At Davey Falls ADK, campers appreciate the "amazing secluded creekside spot" with "private waterfall, hiking trails" providing perfect swimming opportunities on hot days.
Peak bagging: The strategic location of many backcountry sites makes them ideal for tackling multiple summits. At Sno-Bird campsite, which sits above 4,000 feet elevation, campers mention it's "great when you hike the HaBaSa trail (haystack, basin, saddleback)" as "it's right after Haystack and not too far from Basin."
What campers like
Secluded creekside camping: Water access ranks highly with tent campers. At Davey Falls ADK, campers praise the "perfect location to explore eastern Adk" with creekside settings that create a truly immersive forest experience away from crowds.
High elevation views: Feldspar Lean-to offers strategic positioning for summit attempts and scenic vistas. One camper noted it's "a great spot to stop for the night on the way to Mt. Marcy" with "good water flow for water that is safe to drink" though bringing iodine is recommended.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings provide excellent wildlife watching chances. Sno-Bird's high elevation positioning means different wildlife than lower elevation sites, though campers note "it's windy and colder at night" due to its exposed location.
What you should know
Water filtration necessities: Most backcountry sites require treating water. At Feldspar Lean-to, campers rely on natural water sources but suggest "bringing iodine just in case" even though there's "good water flow for water that is safe to drink."
Site conditions vary seasonally: Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake offers more established facilities but campers still note weather challenges. One visitor mentioned: "Despite a rainy week we made the most of the easily accessible mountains and the onsite convenience shop was helpful!"
Campsite availability patterns: Weekdays offer better chances for spontaneous camping. As one Heart Lake camper observed, "We had a very pleasant stay here and personally found the weekdays to be best for 'camp days' given there were few people—weekends are PACKED."
Site quality considerations: Not all campsites are created equal. At Sno-Bird, a camper warned the "sites are very muddy" and that "some sites could have several inches of water at anytime of the year."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds: Families with young children should consider sites with amenities. Mount Philo State Park Campground gets high marks from families: "We visited and camped here 3 years ago with children. We love how private the camp sites were... If you want to camp in the Champlain Valley, this is a great place to check out."
Plan shorter hikes: When camping with kids, select backcountry sites with minimal approach hikes. One parent shared, "We love how private the camp sites were. There are less than 20 sites total, and all sites are near walk-in paths to excellent views."
Pick sites with swimming options: Children appreciate cooling off in safe water spots. At Heart Lake, a camper highlighted "the restrooms, dishwashing station, and beach area" making it family-friendly despite being off-grid.
Tips from RVers
Road condition warnings: Approach roads to the best tent camping near Moriah present challenges for large vehicles. A Heart Lake visitor cautioned: "Road going in is very rough use extreme caution on a motorcycle with street tires."
Consider tent-only options: Most campsites near Moriah aren't suitable for RVs, making tent camping the primary option. At South Meadow Campground, a camper simply noted: "NO FIRES ALLOWED!" highlighting the primitive nature of even drive-in sites in this region.
Parking limitations: RV owners should be aware of size restrictions. As one visitor to Heart Lake observed: "The parking fills up fast for Mt. Marcy hikes" suggesting arriving early or using alternative transportation options if bringing anything larger than a small camper van.
