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Best Tent Camping near Old Forge, NY

361 Reviews

Old Forge, New York serves as a hub for diverse tent camping options within the Adirondack region, featuring both island and mainland tent sites. Alger Island Adirondack Preserve offers boat-in tent camping with lean-to shelters on Fourth Lake, accessible only by kayak or canoe. North Lake Reservoir Campground provides primitive tent sites around a pristine lake, with both drive-in and walk-in options. Seventh Lake Primitive Camping offers free, secluded tent sites accessible by water or hiking trails, particularly appealing to canoe campers seeking solitude.

Most tent sites near Old Forge feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient camping. Fire rings are common at established sites, though some primitive areas like Seventh Lake prohibit fires. Toilets vary by location—North Lake offers basic toilets while Alger Island provides pit toilets. Many sites require campers to bring their own drinking water and pack out all trash. A recent review noted, "Very remote and secluded. We got there after dark and it was beautiful to wake up to the view of the lake." Access to some sites requires paddling equipment, particularly for Alger Island and certain Seventh Lake sites.

Tent campsites throughout the region offer distinctive experiences based on their setting and accessibility. Waterfront tent sites provide direct lake access, with many campers using these areas as bases for swimming and paddling adventures. One camper described Seventh Lake as "Canoe Camping at Its Best," noting "there is a large sand bar within a very short walk which was a great place to hang out." Walk-in tent sites typically offer greater privacy than roadside camping areas. Summer brings higher traffic to accessible sites, while spring and fall provide more solitude for tent campers. Sites vary in size, with some accommodating multiple tents while others are better suited for solo campers or small groups. Paddling-accessible tent sites often reward the extra effort with increased seclusion and scenic waterfront positions.

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Best Tent Sites Near Old Forge, New York (14)

    1. Alger Island Adirondack Preserve

    2 Reviews
    Eagle Bay, NY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 369-3224

    $18 - $40 / night

    "sites: boat only access. bring water. pack in/ pack out. lean to at sites. secluded. amenities: pit toilets. other attractions: hiking. theme park near (off island). I would go back again."

    "It was a few days before 4th of July so it was a very busy time to be in 4th lake making the lake very choppy. A lot of our stuff got wet due to big waves from boats crashing into our kayaks."

    2. North Lake Reservoir Campground

    2 Reviews
    Otter Lake, NY
    13 miles

    "32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean."

    "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."

    3. Seventh Lake Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    Inlet, NY
    13 miles

    "We happened upon it on our way to the seventh lake campground and ended up staying for two nights. We accessed the sites by water on a canoe trip."

    4. Francis Lake

    1 Review
    Croghan, NY
    14 miles
    Website

    "Great for swimming, kayaking, and a gorgeous place to wake up next to the water.

    There are two access points to the water, the more hidden point is where you hike in for camping."

    5. Adirondack Mennonite Camping Associates Inc

    1 Review
    Croghan, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 376-2640

    "Beaver Camp (or, officially Adirondack Mennonite Camping Assoc.), is a classic summer youth sleep-away camp on Beaver Lake."

    6. Tioga Point Campground

    2 Reviews
    Raquette Lake, NY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 354-4101

    $18 / night

    "Needless to say that it is tough to get the travel trailer across the lake if you go make sure you charcoal up a stick and write your name in the lean to watch out for the neighborly bears"

    "This definitely saves some space in your boat. Pets are allowed!"

    7. Cedar River Entrance Camping

    3 Reviews
    Speculator, NY
    25 miles

    "Stayed at site number 5, I think. It was by the water in the woods just a little bit. Picnic table, fire ring and several outhouses nearby. Beautiful surroundings. "

    "There are many outhouses, a picnic table, and a fire ring close by. beautiful surroundings of geometry dash lite."

    8. Della Terra

    1 Review
    Croghan, NY
    28 miles

    $25 / night

    "We're so excited to have Julian's property on our platform. This property is rural and beautiful."

    9. Styshs Brown Barn Campgrounds

    Be the first to review!
    Boonville, NY
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 942-4749

    10. Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    2 Reviews
    Bakers Mills, NY
    44 miles

    "This site is campsite 6 and very private (I believe there must be others located close by). The site has it’s own private road. A car is not reccomended."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Old Forge, NY

4 Photos of 14 Old Forge Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Old Forge, NY

361 Reviews of 14 Old Forge Campgrounds

  • Rachel P.
    Oct. 26, 2018

    Nicks Lake Campground

    Nicks Lake Campground

    Though just moments away from the heart of Old Forge, Nicks Lake provides a nice balance between the hustle and bustle of Main Street and the tranquility of the Adirondacks.

    The grounds are a wonderful option for families, not only hosting a number of amenities (i.e. campers beach, hiking trails), but providing opportunities to observe the local wildlife. You can catch sight of deer or a bear at any moment. (Just keep in mind to maintain a safe distance and respect their space!)

    The sites were fairly sized and shaded- my family and I reserved sites 38 and 36 for our brief visit. We enjoyed our stay and are likely to return!

  • Rachel P.
    Sep. 8, 2018

    North Lake Resevoir

    North Lake Reservoir

    Not that they would do this place any justice, but I sincerely wish I had pictures. Unfortunately my last visit here was before smart phones were so commonplace. North Lake Reservoir is one of the Adirondack Park’s best kept secrets. Extremely primitive, you must get off Rte 28, heading toward the old Buffalo Head restaurant and passed there, keep going another 30-40 minutes along a dirt/gravel road until you reach N Lake Rd.

    The DEC-run facility offers about 25 primitive sites along North Lake. There is a campers log where you can sign in at the entrance and the sites are dispersed along a long dirt road. A few are drive-in, while many you must park and walk-in. These sites are primitive-no tables, no facilities or running water. Best of all, no generators or electrical hookups for those of us in it to truly be in nature.

    I don’t recall the site number, but we had about a 1/2-3/4 mile hike along a narrow path to the site. It was completely worth it- the site was large and right on the water, completely surrounded by trees and shade. The only sounds came from the occasional boat across the lake and loon calls in the morning.

    Coming here has absolutely been one of my favorite experiences. If you’re adventurous and up for the challenge and seclusion, I highly recommend checking out North Lake Reservoir!

  • John E.
    Jun. 19, 2018

    Brown Tract Pond Campground

    I fell in love with this place

    As I sat having by my coffee, watching steam rise from the pond, I listened to the distant calls of Loons.

    I’d describe this campground as a hidden gem, but it’s not for everyone. To get here you leave the paved road and take a gravel road a little ways. On our way we spotted a group of Turkeys wandering about. This campground is for the adventurous. No electric or water hook ups (for RVs) and no shower facilities, but there are restrooms.

    Staff was friendly and helpful. Helped me pick out a site and made sure I was good once I set up. Bring or rent a Canoe and you can travel out to an island in the middle of the pond from which families jump from a large rock into the lake.

    As the sun sets and the stars come out, you’ll look up and suddenly realize just how small you are as you stare at the heavens and see the Milky Way.

    Nothing but peace and quiet. When it’s quiet hours, the only thing you here is nature and the occasional crackle of someone’s fire.

    Would I go here again? Brown Tract is one of those places that after you go once, you find yourself going again and again. Our tripped was booked as soon as we could.

  • B
    Jun. 7, 2016

    Nicks Lake Campground

    good

    sites: wooded. good privacy. some sites on water. some sites not very flat. amenities: firewood regulations. lake. nature trail. swimming. some loops with no showers. canoe rental. other attractions: Old Forge. I would go back again.

  • Matthew D.
    Oct. 10, 2018

    Cedar River Entrance Camping

    Cedar River Campground

    Stayed at site number 5, I think. It was by the water in the woods just a little bit. Picnic table, fire ring and several outhouses nearby. Beautiful surroundings. There is a small landing to launch kayaks or canoes. A dam with some additional sites on the other side. Town is about 20-30 minutes away. Several trails nearby. Would recommend.  

    Also would recommend traveling further in if you are looking for more sites.

  • Carlyne F.
    Feb. 13, 2021

    Old Forge Camping Resort

    Old Forge Camping Resort, NY

    My family and I have been visiting Old Forge Camping Resort for 20+ years. This is one of the most family friendly resorts and a perfect weekend getaway for those living in other parts of New York State. The visitors/welcome center has everything you need, including firewood, sweatshirts and homemade breakfast sandwiches. There is endless RV camping, tent camping, cabins and cottages available. Make sure you book far enough in advance. We typically book 1 year prior for the cottages.

    The bathrooms and grounds are well maintained and accessible from wherever you are in the park. There are hiking, biking and running trails galore. A volleyball court, playground and even a lake to fish or rent paddle boards. There is a bus from the campground that takes you to enchanted forest safari, which is a great way to avoid parking. Would recommend 100%

  • Elizabeth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2020

    Soft Maple Campground

    Small and completely gorgeous! Beach, wooded sites, great for everyone.

    Soft Maple is a truly gorgeous small campground. Only about a dozen sites or so, first come first serve. Level sites for RVs or tent or hammock camping. Each site has a nice space with fire ring and picnic table. The beach is lovely and clean. There’s boat access for canoes and kayaks as this is part of the Beaver River route. 

    The entire campground is accessible, with gravel pack paths, and level sites.  

    Charlie is the caretaker here and everyone says he is the nicest person you’ll meet.  You can’t beat site number 11 for the perfect mix of treelined and water view!

    There is space for RVs and a dump station but the sites do not have power or hookups. 

    If you come in to the campground from “number 4 road” (aka state rt. 26) it’s exactly five miles from the Left turn on to Soft Maple rd. If you have time, stop halfway- the 2.5 mile mark will bring you to the entrance for Eagle falls, a short hike with a fantastic reveal.

  • Maribeth W.
    Aug. 30, 2016

    Lake Harris Campground

    Wet but beautiful!

    We got rained out!! Our site did have good drainage and ample tree cover so that helped. Easy access to buy firewood on the road into the campground.

  • Geoff W.
    Aug. 16, 2017

    Stillwater Reservoir

    Another great trip

    This was my 3rd trip to Stillwater in 3 yrs and it gets better each time!

    Our first trip was an overnight to test some backpacking gear, it was September and the weather was perfect! We hiked into our site, not easy because almost everything is meant to be accessed by boat so we were guessing our course! Cooler weather meant no bugs to contend with

    Next year we took a canoe to our site, it was July, warm weather, warm water and the bugs were not terrible, we were at Site 1, secluded in a cove, not a lot of traffic but there is a hiking trailhead near the site so there is potential for visitors.

    Our latest trip was to site 10, an island site with a large sandy beachfront, we borrowed a motor boat to get there this year and brought plenty of gear for 4 days. Weather was great again, some rain each day but we had time to get setup and get shelters to keep dry.

    Camping if free here but it is first come first serve but with 40+ sites you can almost always get something. There is a small store at the boat launch to get provisions if you need, public restrooms and wifi. Very limited cell service.

    You should bring water or something to filter it from the reservoir. I believe all the site have privy boxes on them.

    There are opportunities for fishing, a few local attractions, a nice restaurant at the launch.

Guide to Old Forge

Tent camping near Old Forge, New York, offers a blend of serene nature and exciting outdoor activities, making it a perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $30

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Francis Lake, enjoy kayaking and swimming in a picturesque setting, perfect for a refreshing day on the water.
  • Cedar River Entrance Camping provides access to several trails for hiking, allowing campers to explore the stunning natural beauty of the area.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate Tioga Point Adirondack Preserve, known for its excellent fishing opportunities in crystal-clear waters.

Tips for tent camping near Old Forge

  • Be prepared for a boat-in experience at Alger Island Adirondack Preserve, as access is limited to car-top boats, making it essential to pack efficiently.
  • If you’re camping at Forked Lake Campground, be aware of the heavy bug presence during certain times of the year; consider bringing bug spray.
  • For a more secluded experience, Tioga Point Adirondack Preserve is a great choice, as it typically has fewer visitors, allowing for a more tranquil camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Old Forge, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Old Forge, NY is Alger Island Adirondack Preserve with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Old Forge, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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