Best Tent Camping near Mount Vision, NY

Tent campers visiting Mount Vision, New York can find several primitive and established camping options within the surrounding state forests and wildlife management areas. Charles E. Baker State Forest offers free primitive tent sites with picnic tables and fire pits, while sites at Duck Pond provide a more secluded experience near water. Both locations permit tent camping without reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Most tent sites in the region are set on natural surfaces with minimal improvements. Access roads to campgrounds like Long Pond may require careful navigation, especially in wet conditions. A visitor commented, "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived at surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites." Potable water is rarely available at primitive sites, requiring campers to bring their own or filter from nearby streams and ponds. Fire rings are common at designated sites, but campers should check seasonal fire restrictions before planning trips. Several areas like Pharsalia Woods State Forest maintain basic outhouses or vault toilets, though many primitive tent areas require campers to follow leave-no-trace practices for waste disposal.

Areas farther from town offer deeper seclusion and less noise. The tent sites at Alder Lake provide access to hiking trails and fishing opportunities, with some walk-in tent sites positioned along the shoreline. One camper noted that "the campsites are large and shaded and well spaced from each other and close to the pond." Many tent-only sites feature mature tree cover, providing natural shade during summer months. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with early mornings offering the best chance to observe local species. Tent campers particularly appreciate the designated primitive sites that include fire pits and occasionally picnic tables. During peak summer weekends, arrive early to secure preferred tent sites, as the most scenic locations near water bodies tend to fill quickly, especially at no-fee campgrounds like Charles E. Baker State Forest.

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Best Tent Sites Near Mount Vision, New York (32)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Mount Vision, NY

300 Reviews of 32 Mount Vision Campgrounds


  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground

    Morgan Hill OT/NCST trailhead campground

    This is a small state forest campground in the Morgan Hill forest from which you can directly access the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country scenic trail. Although the campsites here are primitive and free, they are official developed campsites and not really “dispersed” campsites. There are several basic tent spots, which are just cleared grassy areas adjacent to the trailhead parking circle; BUT in addition, there are two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits. These are very nice roomy wooded campsites, and the  developed sites are supposedly ADA accessible —but while I agree that the picnic tables and cement pad around the fireplace can certainly accomodate wheelchairs, and the tenting area is roomy, note that there are NO OTHER ADA amenities at these sites, eg no water source and NO toilet or outhouse right at the campground. While you can drive right up to your campsite location, which is accessible, you would actually have to hike quite a long ways west on the OnondagaTrail to access a pit toilet, or to have stream access for obtaining water to boil, so you DO need to come prepared to use the bushes by your campsite and leave no trace, plus bring your own water. (See attached map where I circled the campground area in orange) That being said, this location is peaceful and quiet with mature trees and plenty of distance between neighboring campers, and would be an ideal setting for a group campout. Hiking the trail west on a day trip will bring you to the beautiful Tinker Falls, which may not be flowing during dry seasons but is still a gorge worth exploring! You can best access this campground from the south side of the forest; the entrance is from state route 13 on Morgan Hill Rd south,  adjacent to a very nice farm stand that is a good stop  for supplies, and there is a DEC forest sign to mark the turn off from Rt 13.  After that, you are on your own and should bring a map to navigate as the hiking trails are marked with signs where they cross the roads, but the road to turn off from Morgan Hill Rd to the campground is not marked. You can set your driving directions on Google Maps beforehad, to this endpoint: https://www.google.com/maps/dir//42.767846,-75.997552/@42.7799792,-76.08097,12z?entry=ttu

    You might also want to download the free Avenza map of the forest which will allow you to navigate real time even if you don't have cell service, that link is here: https://store.avenza.com/products/morgan-hill-state-forest-nysdec-map?queryID=eb824498ff4125babc1c06655b111da4&objectID=42626406056092

     general info for this state forest is here: 

    https://dec.ny.gov/places/morgan-hill-state-forest

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 6, 2017

    Ludlow Creek Lean-To Campsite

    Ludlow Creek Lean-to

    This is a beautiful primitive hike-in campsite alongside the Ludlow Creek section of the Finger Lakes Trail in Chenango County, New York. It is located in a beautiful, unspoiled and seldom visited region of state forest, providing a wilderness type experience fairly close to several nearby villages, and only a half hour drive from the town of Norwich and less than an hour from the city of Binghamton.. The campsite is perfect for groups or individuals willing to hike in a short distance to this secluded spot. There is a large relatively new Adirondack-style lean-to in great condition, perched on an heavily wooded overlook above Ludlow Creek. The hike in from the trailhead to the north is relatively short, and recommended for easy overnight access. The hike is longer coming in from the south. The campsite is maintained by local volunteer members of the Bull Thistle Hiking Club, http://www.bullthistlehiking.org/p/about-us.html, which is a member chapter of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference http://www.fingerlakestrail.org/ If camping here, be sure to pack in water and plan to pack out garbage and leave no trace. Detailed maps of this trail section can be found in the Finger Lakes Trail East Passport Guide, see map E07, p. 21 at http://www.fltconference.org/trail/files/3814/0154/4940/Passport_East_View.pdf, or visit the interactive trail map at https://fltconference.org/trails/P/TrailConditionMaps/Interactive/Seg_Cat.html?Vifw#"

  • Oleńka S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2023

    Bowman Lake State Park Campground

    Woodsy, pet friendly, and private

    We booked this as our first real camping trip with our new trailer, can’t recommend that for everyone lol, but we had a lovely time.

    We had a back in site with a fire pit, picnic table, and no hook ups. It was gravel and not super level, but we made it work. There was a potable water spigot a few sites over and a bathroom with showers a short walk away.

    This is a great spot for tent camping, so if that’s your vibe this place is perfect. We had a lot of tree cover so we didn’t even need our air conditioning on during an 85 degree day. There are a lot of mosquitoes, but with some bug spray and a couple thermacell mosquito repellents, we were comfortable the whole time. I loved cooking over the fire, the pit had a cinder block wall around it to set a grate on and block the wind. We had a lot of privacy because the campgrounds next to us were empty, but even if there were people nearby there was about 20-30 ft between our site and the next.

    The lake is small but calm and great for kayaking. There is a little “beach” there for swimming, but know that it’s a soft lake bottom further out.

    We really liked it here and booked another visit in August.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 2, 2017

    Pharsalia Y Pond

    Pharsalia Y Pond primitive campsite

    This campsite is a hike in stop on the Finger Lakes Trail, but can also be accessed by a short walk-in from Elmer Jackson Rd, or by paddling in from the parking area in the west side of the pond. The pond 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 on the Finger Lakes Trail. You can also walk or drive along various state forest riads to several other pinds in the Wildlife Management area for good birdwatching. From the south end if the pond is a cascade into a gorge which is the beginnings if Canasawacta Creek, which eventually flows to Norwich and the Chenango River.

    This is a primitive canpsite, no shelter or latrine but there are several fire rings and good tent sites as well as a gentle water access right on the shore. This would be a nice family friendly weekend destination, as well a a great stop fir through hikers. Previous campers have left the site in great shape.

    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, or email at Info.R7@dec.ny.gov ; allow one week for permit to be processed.

    More info about the WMA can be found here: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/63889.html or http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/70693.html

    An interactive map for hiking in the area can be found here: https://fltconference.org/trails/P/TrailConditionMaps/Interactive/Seg_Cat.html?Vifw#"

    For more info and local area map, see page 15 and map E04 in the Finger Lakes Trail East passport guide:

    http://www.fltconference.org/trail/files/3814/0154/4940/Passport_East_View.pdf

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2024

    Long Pond Campground

    Great for Dispersed Camping!

    I was initially worried about the other people camping here because I was almost immediately visited by them but the poor kids just needed to charge their phone so I obliged. Aside from that this was a short drive in and I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock. People have driven in to fish and kayak so I don’t feel isolated and afraid, and I am just a few steps away from sitting on the dock and admiring the scenery.

    There is a port-a-potty near the entrance but otherwise a “leave no trace” situation which is fine considering the ample forest coverage in case there is someone who drives in.

    Each spot seems to have plenty of shade and access to downed firewood, and it looks like there are fire pits at each site. Lots of good tinder left over from previous guests which has been helpful.

    Beautiful views, quiet, no insect issues so far, and if I had a rod and reel I wouldn’t need to worry for food at all. T-Mobile service has been exceptional as well. I am planning on staying here for a week or more and I see no reason to find another location as there is no fee or permit needed and you can stay up to 14 days I believe.

  • W L.
    Feb. 9, 2022

    Little Pond Campground

    A Park with Tent Camping Options, Great Hiking Trails

    Had a great summer camping weekend at Little Pond.

    Pros:

    - Near wonderful, little-used hiking trails - challenging ones, too!

    - Close to Catskill town options to explore, e.g. Livingston Manor

    - picnic table and room to park at your site

    - there is a dump station and recycling center.

    - Clean bathrooms and shower facilities

    - Nice tent sites with well-maintained fire pits (have rack for grilling over coals, very large fire pits, sturdy)

    - payphone near entrance/park ranger's office

    - firewood for sale at ranger's office

    -wildlife: hummingbirds on the path around Little Pond, frogs, deer, birds

    - foraging: plaintain, raspberries near camp, blueberries and huckleberries on hike

    - views on hike

    - ruins on hike

    Cons

    - no cell service, however, if you hike to a mountain top can have fun joking with those you call about that's what it took to be able to get a signal and be in touch with them :-)

    - weekend around the lake is more like a park with day-trippers, as opposed to serene wilderness/lakeside camping. 

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    There was a high school group (on Satuday?) there that made it feel more like a family/public place than a wilderness getaway. The hiking, however, more than made up for it. The trail we took to get to the top and, at last, have cell phone service and AWESOME views more than made up for that.

    The Park Rangers were helpful and unobtrusive. They drove their carts around periodically but not like they were hovering in any one spot or making trouble for anyone. 

    We like visiting the nearby towns and breweries. It was a wondrful weekend. They have some tent sites right on the lake for hike-ins. If you drive, you have to carry all your stuff for awhile before you get to yourcamp site. However, these are right on the lake in supreme spots, even with "old school" outhouses a stone's throw away.

    I recommend Little Pond for a weekend. If you stay longer, be sure to check  out the surrounding area. We stayed at campsite 2, which was ok, but not on the lake. Go for a site on the lake, even if you have to carry your stuff to set up, it was breathtaking in the morning to see the mist rising off the lake.

    From the park: 

    Campground Phone:(845) 439-5480 Regional Office Phone:(607) 652-2032 Make Your Camping Reservation: ReserveAmerica

    Little Pond is a quiet picturesque campground located in the Catskill Forest Preserve which offers a leisurely hiking trail around a 13-acre pond, and the opportunity to venture along trails leading to the ruins of an old farm or enjoy breathtaking views atop the Touchmenot Mountains.

    The campgrounds, beach, boat rental, and Junior Naturalist Program offers fun for all ages; and for the primitive camper, we offer remote sites on the back side of the pond. Little Pond is located minutes from Beaverkill, a world renowned fly fishing stream. Amenities = 67 tent and trailer sites; 8"remote" tent sites; picnic area with tables, grills, or fireplaces; pavilion rental; playground; volleyball; horseshoes; soccer; basketball; ice sales; firewood sales; flush toilets; hot showers; trailer dump station; recycling center; sand beach; boat launch; rowboat, paddle boat, kayak and canoe rentals.

    The campground offers accessible campsites with a mile long trail around the pond. A newly constructed ADA fishing platform is at the end of the trail near the day use area. There is also a new ADA path to the beach. Full listing of DEC's Accessible Recreation Destinations. Campsite Restoration Project This campground has sites that have been selected for restoration. While undergoing restoration the chosen sites will be closed. For the list of sites and more information on the project visit the Campsite Restoration Project page. People using the accessible trail at Little Pond Featured Activities boating Boating No motor boats allowed. Rowboats and canoes allowed. Rowboat, paddle boat, kayak and canoe rentals available. fishing Fishing A variety of pan fish.

    The Beaverkill, renowned fly fishing stream, is with minutes from the campground. The Pepacton Reservoir is also close by. A special permit is needed to fish in this reservoir and can be obtained from the city of New York Board of Water Supply. Record sized brown trout and smallmouth bass have been caught in the reservoir. Fishing licenses are no longer being sold at any of our campground facilities, but can be conveniently purchased on-line or by phone.

    Hiking Trailheads for both the campground trail and Little Pond trail are located within the campground. These trails connect the campground to the 33 miles of foot trails located on the 27,000+ acre Delaware Wild Forest, which boarders the campground to the north. swimming

    Wildlife to Watch: White-tailed deer Wild turkeys Bald eagles Bears Coyotes Foxes

    Historic Interest: The campground was constructed between 1965 and 1968. It opened for camping in 1968 with 67 sites; the picnic area and the beach in 1968. The 8 remote sites were added at a later date. The shower house was constructed in 1984. In celebration of the 100th year anniversary of the Forest Preserve in July 1985, a time capsule was buried in the campground. This capsule, containing the names of the persons camping in the campground at that time, was entombed in the base of a stone monument located in front of the facility supervisor's office. The capsule is scheduled to be opened on the 200th anniversary of the Forest Preserve.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Stoney Pond State Forest Camping Area

    Primitive camping at Stoney Pond

    This is a primitive state forest campground on the south shore of Stoney Pond. There are 15 drive-in campsites widely spaced and set into the woods, and two developed walk-in sites on the west shore. Site number 1 is quite flat and open and could accomodate a trailer or camper van but isnt very scenic. The other sites are great for tenting but the drive-ins are variable. There are several new clean outhouses with doors meant to be wide enough for wheelchairs, but the gravel roads of the campground are not very wheelchair friendly. There is one site set aside for picnicking and day use only, on a very pretty spit on the south shore. There is a small boat launch meant for canoes and kayaks and small non mototized fishing boats, alongside a gravel peninsula for shore fishing. The pond is pretty with mature shade trees, and the campground also has a trailhead to access a large network of hiking trails. If you want to backpack in, dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2023

    Ace of Diamonds Mine & Campground

    Nice enough spot when traveling through

    I called and booked ahead of time knowing I'd arrive late and leave early, which was absolutely no problem, so I'm very thankful for that. I paid over the phone, was given clear instructions on where to park, and was told to enjoy my stay. This location is great if you're in a van or RV and need a quick place to stay for the night in this area of NY in mid- / late-October (because it seems NY closes its state parks quite early) or if you're here for the rock-hunting. From what I could see late at night (which honestly wasn't much) I wouldn't recommend for tent-camping as the sites were quite close to each other and not much soft ground for sleeping.

  • L
    Sep. 13, 2021

    Little Pond Campground

    Great little campground

    We had a walk in site and it was fantastic! Right on the water and pretty private. Each walk in site has its own bear box and outhouse. Do recommend bringing something with wheels. It’s not too far from the parking lot, but it’s far enough to be annoying to carry everything. Nice even path. Most of the sites are off the water and can’t speak to those. Got a kayak for the day and it was a great rate. Saw beavers and eagles.


Guide to Mount Vision

Tent camping options near Mount Vision, New York include both free and fee-based sites across state forests and wildlife management areas. Located in Otsego County at approximately 1,800 feet elevation, the region features rolling hills with mixed hardwood forests and small ponds. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F, while spring and fall can bring overnight temperatures into the 30s, requiring proper gear for comfort.

What to do

Fishing at multiple ponds: The area features several fishing opportunities at locations like Alder Lake, where campers can enjoy easy access to stocked ponds. "The hike around the lake is a lovely, easy walk," notes one visitor who stayed for a weekend in late October.

Hiking to fire towers: Several campgrounds provide access to hiking trails leading to historic fire towers. "We also hiked the balsam lake fire tower which had nice views of the area," reports a camper who visited Alder Lake for a three-night stay.

Winter recreation: For cold-weather enthusiasts, select locations offer year-round access with winter activities. At Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park, "reserve one of the winterized cabins and come for a long weekend of cozy cabin time and quiet time outdoors on the winter trails," suggests one reviewer.

Trail connectivity: The region connects to the extensive Finger Lakes Trail system, providing options for longer hikes or backpacking trips. At Pharsalia Woods Lean-To Campsite, campers find "a perennial spring nearby, but campers should be prepared to filter or treat their water."

What campers like

Secluded sites: Many tent campers appreciate the privacy found at more remote sites. "The campsites are very spacious with lots of room between you and other campers," notes a visitor to Alder Lake, highlighting the separation between neighboring sites.

Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers can find no-cost sites throughout the region. "Beautiful forest with miles of trails. I found this spot passing through on my bike and had no problem pitching a tent in a secluded spot in the woods," reports one camper who stayed at Charles E. Baker State Forest.

Sunrise views: Early risers are rewarded with spectacular morning views at many locations. One camper at Alder Lake mentioned, "Bugs were pretty bad. Awesome sunrise," emphasizing the benefit of morning viewing despite typical Northeast insect activity.

Quiet weekday options: For those able to camp midweek, significantly lower usage provides a more peaceful experience. "We stayed three nights in late October. Grabbed one of the two vehicle accessible campsites along the road which had some very light traffic," notes a visitor describing their experience at a less crowded time.

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads to many sites require careful navigation. "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse," warns a visitor to Duck Pond Campsite, adding that "Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads."

Weekend crowds: During peak season, popular sites fill quickly, especially those near water. "We ended up leaving early without even staying the night because it was so packed and pretty loud," reports one camper who arrived at a busy weekend at Alder Lake.

Winter access limitations: Cold-weather camping requires additional planning for access. "This state forest is beautiful but not easily accessible in the winter. After a certain point, the road is not maintained in the winter and I was unable to get cell reception with Verizon," notes a camper at Beals Pond State Forest.

Firewood regulations: Some sites provide wood while others require bringing your own or gathering on site. "If you bring a handsaw you'll be good for firewood," advises a camper who visited Alder Lake, referring to downed wood available for collection.

Tips for camping with families

Look for established amenities: Sites with basic facilities provide comfort for family camping. "The park is far enough on the outskirts of town to be away from crowds and noise, but close enough to run to town for activities, get supplies or check out unique cafes and bakeries," notes a visitor to Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park.

Consider camper cabins: For families wanting a camping experience with fewer equipment requirements, cabins offer a comfortable alternative. Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park offers "pretty amazing glamping for camper cabins" where "the cabins are beautifully built with lovely settings, and well appointed though you need to bring your own linens."

Plan for water access: Sites near ponds provide recreation opportunities but require monitoring. One camper at Duck Pond Campsite mentioned, "The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad," indicating that site selection near water requires weighing benefits against insect activity.

Tips from RVers

Vehicle clearance matters: When seeking the best tent camping near Mount Vision, New York with an RV, clearance is crucial on forest roads. "Was not the easiest for my RV van to get up the hill with the ruts, but I have a small lift so it helps, lower clearance vans might not make it," reports an RVer who visited Beals Pond State Forest.

Small RVs only: Most primitive sites accommodate only smaller recreational vehicles. "Beautiful hiking and camping area," notes a visitor to Alder Lake, but access typically requires compact vehicles that can navigate narrow forest roads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mount Vision, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mount Vision, NY is Grandpa's Back 40 Glamping with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Mount Vision, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.