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Best Tent Camping near Poland, NY

414 Reviews

The Adirondack region surrounding Poland, New York offers several primitive tent camping options including North Lake Reservoir Campground, which features 32 lakeside sites with some walk-in locations directly on the water. Charles E. Baker State Forest provides free primitive tent camping with picnic tables and designated fire rings in a forested setting. Hall Island State Forest offers backcountry tent camping near the Salmon River Reservoir with multiple primitive sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Most tent campgrounds in this area provide basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Fire rings are common at designated sites, though not all allow fires year-round. Drinking water is generally unavailable, requiring tent campers to bring their own supply or use filtration systems for nearby water sources. Vault toilets exist at some locations like North Lake Reservoir, while others like Hall Island offer no facilities whatsoever. Access varies significantly—North Lake requires taking a left at the lake entrance to avoid private roads, while Murphy Lake Leanto demands a challenging hike or bike ride through technical terrain with downfalls to reach the secluded site.

Tent sites throughout the region offer varying levels of privacy and natural settings. The primitive camping areas provide excellent opportunities for those seeking quiet alternatives to established campgrounds. A camper noted that North Lake Reservoir is "quiet, peaceful, and clean" with options directly on the water. Sites in Hall Island State Forest are positioned near the water but require a short walk up a path from the parking area, creating separation from road noise. Most tent areas remain uncrowded even during peak seasons, though holiday weekends see increased visitation. Seventh Lake primitive camping offers excellent canoe-in tent sites with a large sandbar within walking distance, making it ideal for backcountry tent campers seeking water access without the amenities or crowds of developed campgrounds.

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Best Tent Sites Near Poland, New York (18)

    1. North Lake Reservoir Campground

    2 Reviews
    Otter Lake, NY
    21 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. E16 Canal Lock

    1 Review
    St. Johnsville, NY
    24 miles
    Website

    "The Canal Corporation provides designated spots for tent and van camping along the canal. Stays are limited to a maximum of 48 hours."

    3. Styshs Brown Barn Campgrounds

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

    4. Charles E. Baker State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Hubbardsville, NY
    36 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."

    5. Alger Island Adirondack Preserve

    2 Reviews
    Eagle Bay, NY
    36 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."

    6. Cedar River Entrance Camping

    3 Reviews
    Speculator, NY
    46 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."

    7. Seventh Lake Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    Inlet, NY
    40 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."

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

    1 Review
    Cooperstown, NY
    40 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"

    9. Grandpa's Back 40 Glamping

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

    $125 - $145 / night

    10. Hall Island State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Altmar, NY
    43 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."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Poland, NY

28 Photos of 18 Poland Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Poland, NY

414 Reviews of 18 Poland 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

Guide to Poland

Tent camping near Poland, New York offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from serene state parks to private campgrounds, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the beautiful trails at Charles E. Baker State Forest, where you can also find picnic areas and a nearby pond for water access.
  • Experience the tranquility of Alger Island Adirondack Preserve, accessible only by boat, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
  • Discover the secluded charm of Murphy Lake Leanto, where you can hike in and enjoy a peaceful lakeside setting.

Tips for tent camping near Poland

  • Be prepared for primitive camping at Seventh Lake Primitive Camping, where you'll need to bring your own water and supplies as amenities are minimal.
  • If you're looking for a unique experience, consider Grandpa's Back 40 Glamping, which offers a blend of camping and comfort with amenities like showers and picnic tables.
  • For a family-friendly option, Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park features cozy cabins and a playground, making it ideal for a weekend getaway.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $50

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Poland, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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