Best Tent Camping near Oneonta, NY

Primitive tent camping options surround Oneonta, New York, with several state forests offering designated tent sites within a 30-minute drive. Charles E. Baker State Forest provides free primitive tent camping with picnic tables and fire rings but no running water. Long Pond Campground offers tent campsites along the shoreline with fishing access, while Beals Pond State Forest features dispersed tent camping opportunities in a more remote setting. Many of these areas permit tent camping with few amenities but considerable privacy between sites.

Most tent camping areas near Oneonta require visitors to bring all necessities, as facilities are minimal. Charles E. Baker State Forest campsites have soft ground for staking tents and fire pits, though no toilets or potable water are available. Tent campers must pack out all trash and practice Leave No Trace principles. At Long Pond, a single portable toilet serves multiple tent sites spread around the pond. Tent sites typically include established fire rings and sometimes picnic tables. One camper noted, "Each spot seems to have plenty of shade and access to downed firewood, and it looks like there are fire pits at each site."

Tent campers frequently use these areas for fishing access and as bases for hiking local trail networks. The area's state forests provide considerable tree cover, which creates shaded tent sites even during summer months. Most tent camping areas permit stays up to 14 days, though some wildlife management areas require permits obtained in advance. Areas farther from main roads offer deeper seclusion for tent campers seeking quiet experiences. A recent review mentioned, "We stayed three nights in late October. Grabbed one of the two vehicle accessible campsites along the road which had some very light traffic. There are several beautiful, secluded hike-in sites along the lake which I would love to return to someday." Some tent sites require short walks from parking areas, while others allow parking directly at the campsite.

Best Tent Sites Near Oneonta, New York (38)

    1. Grandpa's Back 40 Glamping

    1 Review
    Milford, NY
    13 miles
    +1 (518) 321-3734

    $125 - $145 / night

    2. O Land

    1 Review
    New Berlin, NY
    15 miles
    +1 (813) 841-4756

    $35 / night

    "We're happy to welcome this new listing to our platform. Check them out and come back here to leave them some love."

    3. Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park — Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park

    1 Review
    Cooperstown, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 547-8662

    $57 / night

    "Although there may be times when there may be people and groups around for day use, the small number of cabins and they way they are spread out will make you feel like you are at your own private retreat"

    4. Coyote Hollow Park

    Be the first to review!
    Mount Vision, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 623-7751

    $115 - $140 / night

    6. Charles E. Baker State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Hubbardsville, NY
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 674-4017

    "Only found one designated campsite, which was available, but there’s a lot of good space for dispersed camping right nearby. Access at the end of a long, but well maintained, dirt road."

    "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."

    7. Beals Pond State Forest

    1 Review
    Trout Creek, NY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 357-2161

    8. Alder lake

    7 Reviews
    Margaretville, NY
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3076

    "We arrived here early afternoon, which ended up being perfect timing as we could set up everything and catch sunset by the fire."

    "There are several beautiful, secluded hike-in sites along the lake which I would love to return to someday. The hike around the lake is a lovely, easy walk."

    9. Duck Pond Campsite

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    30 miles

    "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad."

    "Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads"

    10. Belden Hill Campgrounds

    6 Reviews
    Chenango Forks, NY
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 693-1645

    $53 - $65 / night

    "Fantastic animal preserve zoo nearby which is a must visit. Pretty golf course with full bar and food right across the street. Overall one of our favorite stops on our New England trip."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Oneonta, NY

347 Reviews of 38 Oneonta Campgrounds



Guide to Oneonta

Tent camping near Oneonta, New York, offers a blend of serene nature and outdoor activities, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Tent campers should check out Bear Spring Mountain - DEC

  • This campground features a lovely area for day use where you can rent paddle boats or kayaks, making it ideal for water enthusiasts.
  • With hiking loops around the pond, Bear Spring Mountain is a great spot for nature lovers to explore the local flora and fauna.
  • The campground is well-equipped with standard bathhouses, picnic tables, and grills, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Tips for tent camping near Oneonta

  • Be sure to follow bear safety rules while camping at Bear Spring Mountain - DEC, as wildlife encounters can occur in this natural setting.
  • If you're looking for a quieter experience, consider visiting in mid-May when the campground is less crowded and offers a peaceful retreat.
  • Bring your own firewood, as it’s available for purchase but not free at many campgrounds in the area.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy fishing at the serene ponds in Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park, where you can also take advantage of the beautiful hiking trails.
  • For a unique experience, check out Grandpa's Back 40 Glamping, which offers a cozy glamping option while still allowing you to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Explore the hiking trails at O Land, where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Oneonta, 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 Oneonta, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 38 tent camping locations near Oneonta, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.