Best Tent Camping near Otter Lake, NY

Tent camping opportunities abound throughout the Adirondack region surrounding Otter Lake, New York, with several established and primitive tent sites dotting the forested landscape. North Lake Reservoir Campground offers 32 tent campsites situated around a pristine lake, featuring both drive-in and walk-in access options. Seventh Lake Primitive Camping provides free dispersed tent sites accessible via hiking trails, with some sites offering direct water access.

Most tent campsites in this region feature basic amenities such as fire rings and primitive toilet facilities. North Lake Reservoir includes pit toilets across from the first campsite, while some tent-only areas lack any facilities whatsoever, requiring self-contained camping practices. Many locations implement a pack-in, pack-out policy for all waste. Drive-in tent sites typically include parking areas adjacent to camping spots, while walk-in tent areas require short hikes from designated parking locations. Several tent campgrounds permit fires in established rings, though seasonal restrictions may apply during dry periods.

The tent camping experience near Otter Lake provides excellent water access and natural seclusion. Several tent-only sites sit directly along lakeshores, offering convenient launching for canoes or kayaks. Many tent campsites remain relatively undeveloped, preserving the natural forest floor and providing ample tree cover for shade and hammock setup. Forested tent sites feature dirt or pine needle surfaces with minimal grading. According to one visitor at Seventh Lake, "There is a large sand bar within a very short walk which was a great place to hang out." Tent campers should note that mosquitoes can be prevalent during summer months, especially at waterfront tent sites, so proper repellent is advisable.

Best Tent Sites Near Otter Lake, New York (17)

    1. North Lake Reservoir Campground

    2 Reviews
    Otter Lake, NY
    9 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."

    2. Alger Island Adirondack Preserve

    2 Reviews
    Eagle Bay, NY
    15 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."

    3. Francis Lake

    1 Review
    Croghan, NY
    19 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."

    4. Adirondack Mennonite Camping Associates Inc

    1 Review
    Croghan, NY
    20 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. Seventh Lake Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    Inlet, NY
    22 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."

    7. Tioga Point Campground

    2 Reviews
    Raquette Lake, NY
    30 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!"

    8. Della Terra

    1 Review
    Croghan, NY
    29 miles

    $25 / night

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

    9. Cedar River Entrance Camping

    3 Reviews
    Speculator, NY
    33 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."

    10. Hall Island State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Altmar, NY
    36 miles
    Website

    "I checked out primitive site on my own early in April it was cold snowing and raining. It didn’t take away from the campsite at all though."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Otter Lake, NY

374 Reviews of 17 Otter Lake Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Kaylee C.
    Oct. 6, 2021

    Moose River Plains

    Amazing in the Fall!

    Stayed at site 51. It's elevated, clear, has a newer outhouse with toilet seat. The old outhouse was left to the side and we used it to store our firewood (to keep dry). We hammered a nail on the inside of the outhouse to hang the shower bladder. It got cold at night, around 30-40. It was fine though in just warm clothes, sleeping bags and an extra blanket. There a path to the river straight across the lane from the site, for water or swimming. We always use the limekiln entrance which is a bit rocky. I have a Chevy spark though and as long as we go super slow, it's passable. The other entrance (which is super long) does have a smoother pass though. While on this trip, we hiked the lost ponds trail, just down a ways from our site. It's worth the time and effort, full of amazing views! Of you have a lightweight or inflatable kayak, take it because the pond is quite large and there's lots to explore. Just a note if you've never been, be sure to stop at an entrance to sign in - the rangers aren't always around but you're so far in that if anything were to ever happen, you'd want them to have your information. This is a pretty remote area to camp and explore.

  • Thomas E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 4, 2025

    Hall Island State Forest

    Quiet View

    I checked out primitive site on my own early in April it was cold snowing and raining. It didn’t take away from the campsite at all though. There were fire ring set up a view of the water and for enable body person just a short walk up the path. Where you drive in and park your car can also be used as a campsite but that’s right off the road. Speaking of you can’t hear the cars at night but you’re not too far from the road maybe half a mile. I like this place enough space to set up a few tents of kitchen whatever else you really wanted.


Guide to Otter Lake

Tent camping near Otter Lake, New York, offers a serene escape into nature, with various campgrounds providing unique amenities and activities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Alger Island Adirondack Preserve, campers can enjoy picnic tables and firewood, making it easy to cook and relax by the fire.
  • Francis Lake features drinking water and showers, ensuring a comfortable stay while enjoying the great outdoors.
  • Cedar River Entrance Camping provides multiple outhouses and a picnic table, enhancing the camping experience in a beautiful setting.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $25

  • Camping at Seventh Lake Primitive Camping is free, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious campers seeking a rustic experience.
  • Tioga Point Adirondack Preserve offers a reservable tent camping experience, typically costing around $25 per night.
  • Della Terra provides a unique rural camping experience, with prices that are competitive for the amenities offered.

Local attractions to explore

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Otter Lake, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Otter Lake, NY is North Lake Reservoir Campground with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Otter Lake, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Otter Lake, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.