Best Tent Camping near Portland, NY
Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Portland? Find the best tent camping sites near Portland. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Portland, NY (12)
1. Compass campgrounds
Ripley, New York1 Review•12 Photos•8 SavesLocated on 50 acres of beautiful forest with lots of trails and wildlife. Only a couple miles from the shores of Lake Erie. This is wine country with wineries to the left and to the right. Many surrounding towns that will take you back in time. Fun day trips in the area: Presque Isle, Niagara Falls, Panama Rocks, Lilydale, casinos, Chautauqua Institute, Waldameer, Lucille Ball museum. Something for everyone!
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
$25 - $60 / night
2. Big Oak Hill
Clymer, New York2 Reviews•6 Photos•7 SavesThis is a newly created campsite that has picturesque view of surrounding farmland and of Peek-n-Peak. Located conveniently off of Rt426 with a slight drive along a field to reach the destination. Private and out of the way. Plenty of wildlife (family of fox and usually mamma deer and her babies, can normally be seen doing what animals do. Close to Peek-n-Peak and Findley Lake and its many amenities.
This is a little campsite on top of a hillside besides, you guessed it, a big oak. This is on a working hay farm, so depending on when you arrive you might be able to see hay being harvested. Again, this a new campsite so improvements will be made based on demand.
To enter the property, you will use a field entrance right off Harrington Hill Road (coming from the west it will be on your left-hand side). We have the way marked for you with posts/markers so hopefully it will take you right there. Please be aware this is located on top of a hill (with a big oak, hence its name :)) and you will be going through an active hay field to reach it.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
- Firewood Available
$20 / night
3. Streamside Eriegrove
Irving, New York1 Review•1 Save- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$80 - $100 / night
4. Warner Road Dispersed Camping in North Harmony State Forest
Panama, New York2 Reviews•6 Photos•18 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
6. Hidden Valley Camping Area
Frewsburg, New York1 Review•3 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- WiFi
8. Allegheny Wild and Scenic River
Irvine, Pennsylvania1 Review•9 SavesIn 1992 (Public Law 102-271) added 87 miles of the Allegheny River to the National Wild & Scenic River System classified as Recreational. The goal is to protect the existing outstanding and remarkable values and preserve a free-flowing condition for present and future generations. This designation applies to the following three sections: 7 miles from below Kinzua Dam to Route 6 bridge in Warren 48 miles from Buckaloons Campground to Alcorn Island (by Oil City), and 32 miles from south of Franklin to Emlenton. The corridor boundary runs along the plateau ridge on both sides and has extensive areas of privately owned lands with many homes and seasonal recreational residences along the shoreline. Public access is good generally from both sides and few hazards make this an ideal river for novice and family canoeing. Oak forests predominate along steep side slopes and there is wooded-riverine habitat in some of the floodplains. It contains the seven Allegheny Wilderness Islands often used by boaters for dispersed camping and fishing. The Allegheny Islands Wilderness contains seven islands stretched between Buckaloons and Tionesta along the Allegheny Wild and Scenic River. The islands are popular for dispersed camping, exploration, and viewing scenery and wildlife. They are mostly vegetated with fine riverine forests of sycamore, silver maple, shagbark hickory, and green ash. Dense grasses and other thick vegetation make access limited. There are no developed trails or other facilities on the islands. The Allegheny River is one of the primary tributaries to the Ohio River. It joins with the Monongahela River to form the Ohio River at the "Point" in Pittsburgh, PA. The Allegheny starts in Pennsylvania, near Cobb Hill, meanders into New York into Cattaraugus County, near Salamanca, before heading back into Pennsylvania northeast of Warren. The course of the river forms much of the northwestern boundary of the Allegheny National Forest before reaching Franklin where the river turns southeast. Within the borders of the Allegheny National Forest the river is fed by Kinzua Creek, Conewango Creek, Brokenstraw Creek, Tionesta Creek, Oil Creek and French Creek. The Clarion River joins the Allegheny near Kittanning.
- Tents
9. Bella Vista Campground
Be the first to review!Frewsburg, New York•2 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Cabins
- Picnic Table
10. Private Island w/ Paddle Moor Co.
Tidioute, Pennsylvania1 Review•1 Photo•2 Saves🏞Allegheny Riverfront camping on a private island!
Private Island 5 minutes away from Tidioute, PA.
🏕Campsites
🌳Treehouse
🏞Cabin and whole island rental
🛶Kayak rentals & shuttle available
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$55 - $400 / night
Recent Tent Reviews in Portland
296 Reviews of 12 Portland Campgrounds
- H
Heather E.
Guide
Lake Erie State Park Campground
Nice stop on way to Niagara Falls
Beautiful State Park with friendly staff and campers. Windy, clean bathrooms w showers, flat sites. Sites on lake are not open - but sites across have good views as well. Lots more than just the campground
.! E !.GuideWildwood Acres
Great place to stay!
Has everything you need, amazing place to stay!
- .! E !.Guide
Streamside Eriegrove
Absolutely Perfect!
Will become your go to campsite!
- jjoelle V.
Traveler
Lampe Marina Campground
Sunsets and Sunrises
We came for a quick visit and enjoyed a beautiful sunset and sunrise. Large spaces and easy access to the pier (ramps available for all to enjoy ) We would love to return and enjoy a much longer stay. FYI -several dump stations so no waiting!
afshar Y.
Scout
Erie KOA
Fun time for a family
Fun little campground with friendly staff and wide open spaces. Clean bathrooms, great pool, fun little game room. The playground got 2 thumbs up from a 4 and 6 year old. There was a movie night every night. Close to stores (15 mins). The KOA is close to Presque isle and the amusement park, which is a fantastic place for kids. Sites were a good size and comfortable to be around.
Cynthia K.
Legend
Chautauqua Lake KOA
One Nighter
Although this is a KOA Holiday, we used it as a KOA Journey on our way to the Catskills. Not too far from the Interstate & there was no highway noise at the campground.
We arrived right at 5pm, which is when they close up, but Victoria went above & beyond & took us right to our site. Good thing, since we were at the back of a confusing layout.
There are sites in this section that have a partial view of the lake, but they looked like seasonal sites. All the sites looked well cared for. We had a pull through on Chestnut Drive. Y1
If you have kids, most of the activities they would be interested in are at the front entrance. If you don't have a golf cart, you may have to drive to the front for the pool, mini golf, basketball court & jumping pillow.
It doesn't look like they have many cabins.
There's another playground in the back that was getting used. There was supposed to be a splash pad, but I didn't see an evidence of that.
The bathroom/shower house are duel toilet/showers. Not my favorite, but we didn't have any trouble getting in.
We used the back exit on our way out, which was convenient. At least we didn't have to go back to the front entrance!
BTW, Victoria is a treasure! She's friendly & goes above& beyond for customer service. We really appreciated the time she took with us.
- TTam E.Guide
East Otto State Forest
Clean and organized
The designated spots were easy to find. Spacious and clean.
Ed F.ScoutLampe Marina Campground
I AM EXCITED
GOING LAST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER LOOKING TO GET SOME FISH FROM SHORE. HOPING FOR THE BEST! 5 STARS ON LOOKS ALONE.
Kevin C.
Ranger
Camp Seneca
Quiet and secluded
We came I to the area on a Monday and this camp was completely empty. We picked the biggest site next to the creek. The tree canopy over our site was dense enough that w3 did not get very wet when it rains.
This campground had several designated sites and most have a fire ring and picnic table.
There was a porti-poty on site that had plenty of paper was pretty clean.
We had a few hikers come through and one other camper that chose not to stay.
- SSomadNomad M.Guide
FR437 dispersed campsite
FR437
nice little hideaway , it is however right across from where people have made a make shift shooting rang, which I thought to bea bonus.
- DDenise D.Traveler
Warner Road Dispersed Camping in North Harmony State Forest
Not sure you can camp overnight
Like the other review, this site has a lot of litter. Clearly people are camping here at times but there are posted signs that say Day Use Only. It was quiet and dark.
- RRebecca B.Scout
Sprague Brook Park
Beautiful well maintained.
We have stayed at both a full hook up and a no hook up site, and both were roomy and clean. The park is awesome. I absolutely love the memorial park .
Maddie C.ScoutEast Otto State Forest
Great spot!
We went for a quick weekend trip with 3 people and 4 dogs. What a great spot! We were nice and secluded, which was great for the dogs to run around, be safe, and not bother other campers. It was relatively easy to find and the campsite is pretty close to Zoar Valley for a nice day trip! We will definitely be back :)
Rose S.TravelerWarner Road Dispersed Camping in North Harmony State Forest
fine site, messy
The site was fine, fire pit, primitive spot so no services. We arrived late at night so couldn’t see so well but stopped in a clearing on the road toward the coordinates.
Kind of a gross site, the previous people who stayed at our site were messy and left litter, but it served its purpose as a free place to sleep along a longer trip.
- Sue H.Scout
Evangola State Park Campground
Need to learn to clean bathrooms
Love the campgrounds and beach. However, this year the restrooms were disgusting!!!. We were here for 3 nights and the same washcloths were on the floor all weekend. Sinks and counter never cleaned, mouse feces were everywhere. Even after going in right after the 2 young girls were done "cleaning", it looked like it was never touched except toilet seats were up and trash empty. Was really disappointed. We were in the last loop.
Mateo G.Traveler
Red Oak Campground
Super friendly and communal campground
It was fairly full when I went, the staff was very friendly and helpful. There was a band playing in the middle of the campground at dusk which made for a great experience. Great campground overall!
Marilyn C.ScoutSprague Brook Park
Beautiful park
I loved everything. The sites are neat. We tent camped with no electric. $23 per night. Fishing allowed in the pond. Bathrooms with showers were spotless. Grass maintained. One small complaint is checkin and out times not enforced. Checkin states 3 pm but we saw many checking in as early as 8 or 9 AM. We could have gained a whole day! Next time!
Lots of very wet, muddy sites where even mulch would have been helpful.
C F.Scout
Chapman State Park Campground
LOVE THIS PLACE!
Hidden gem! Love the seclusion of this campground. Very clean restrooms. Fantastic lake for kayaking, fishing, swimming, etc. Currently, our favorite local escape destination!
- CChris A.Guide
Red Oak Campground
Mostly Seasonal Sites
Park is mostly for seasonal camping with family oriented activities. Pads are gravel and grass. Campground needs general upkeep. Bathhouse needs repair or replacement. Staff is friendly and accommodating.
- JJoe I.Guide
Hearts Content Recreation Area
Peace and quiet
Just stayed the weekend very big and private sites. Very few people so easy to show up and pick a site. Bathrooms were kept very clean for pit toilet. Water spigot throughout camp no elec
Bryan S.ScoutFollys End Campground
Nice spot
Sites aren't on top of each other. Best sites are along the river and store has lots of fishing supplies. Wifi was too weak at my tent site and Verizon service was mostly unavailable. The site has a tire rim fire pit and picnic table with electric and water. Gravel pad where I parked was nearly level. Bathroom was cleaned the day I used shower and hot water was good. Prices for the site was $31/night and this was early season. I'm in a pickup with rooftop tent.
Matt S.Legend
Sparrow Pond Family Campground
Great campground near Lake Erie
We stayed at Sparrow Pond Family Campground for a special long-weekend to view the Total Solar Eclipse. Their normal season doesn’t open until later in April, but they opened for 5-days for people like us who wanted a good spot for the eclipse. Since the normal season hadn’t yet opened, not all amenities/facilities were open but they put on a lot of activities to make the stay fun.
THINGS I LIKED:
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Easy access to Lake Erie and Presque Isle State Park
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Clean and well-maintained property with lots of activities
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All of the RVs appeared well-maintained without trashy-looking seasonal sites
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Nice campground with friendly camping neighbors
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Friendly and responsive staff interactions
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
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The site was nice and in a great location with a view of the pond, but wasn’t level
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Absolutely, this is a nice place with plenty of things to see and do in the area
HOW I CAME UP WITH MY STAR RATING:
★★★★★ everything was perfect with no room for improvement
★★★★ this is a great place with one or more minor flaws
★★★ average in all ways— not great, not horrible
★★ major issues or poorly maintained, we wouldn’t likely come back
★ a terrible place in my opinion and I’d never return
-
- tthomas B.Scout
Big Oak Hill
Wonderful hill
It is a newly created campsite that is located on top of a hill with a big oak tree. The campsite is accessible by drive-in, but you may need a 4-wheel drive vehicle if there has been rain. I really like geometry dash scratch because it's interesting. The host is super-responsive and helpful. I really like this hill. The landscapes are wonderful. Hope that I will have a chance to return to it in the future.
Laura M.LegendEvangola State Park Campground
Great campground
We stayed here three nights to ride out a heat wave and really liked it. Sites are electric only, with a dump station available at the entrance and one in the campground loop. There are potable water spigots throughout the campground, where you awkwardly pull over to the side of the road and fill your tank.
Sites are pretty much wide open, with zero separation between you and your neighbor. Most are out in direct sun but the ones along the edge have some tree cover and shade.
There are yurts here as well, and a playground, and a huge disc golf course. You can walk to the beach from the campground (dogs aren’t allowed on the beach). The nature center is right in the campground, by the basketball and tennis courts. Showers were dirty and buggy, but they’re free and you can actually choose your own water temperature.
NY State campgrounds require proof of rabies vaccinations for your dogs. Good cell reception for Verizon, ATT wasn’t great but the cell booster helped. Trash bins, but no recycling. Beautiful sunset on the lake.
- Laura M.Legend
Evangola State Park Campground
Great campground
We stayed here three nights to ride out a heat wave and really liked it. Sites are electric only, with a dump station available at the entrance and one in the campground loop. There are potable water spigots throughout the campground, where you awkwardly pull over to the side of the road and fill your tank. Sites are pretty much wide open, with zero separation between you and your neighbor. Most are out in direct sun but the ones along the edge have some tree cover and shade.
There are yurts here as well, and a playground, and a huge disc golf course. You can walk to the beach from the campground (dogs aren’t allowed on the beach). The nature center is right in the campground, by the basketball and tennis courts.
Showers were dirty and buggy, but they’re free and you can actually choose your own water temperature. NY State campgrounds require proof of rabies vaccinations for your dogs.
Good cell reception for Verizon, ATT wasn’t great but the cell booster helped. Trash bins, but no recycling. Beautiful sunset on the lake.
Tracy S.ScoutRed Oak Campground
Nice area for photography
I went here the second week in October 2023 for a fall leaves photography trip. The campground owner is pleasant and available when needed. The place was fairly empty and I loved the quiet. Reasonable full hookup rates. The pulls ins are a bit of a draw on levelness, but none are horribly unlevel. I was in the "B1" and it's a bit larger than the others as it's on the corner. It had a nicely level spot on a gravel drive for my 21 ft travel trailer. Part of the pull in is a bit uphill, but at the top it's perfect for the smaller trailer like mine plus my Ford Explorer. I'm a 63 yo woman and had no issues hooking up. As I pulled out I stopped at the store to say goodbye. I realized I forgot to grab my garbage bag (left it sitting near the picnic table). She said don't worry about it I'll have the guys grab it for you. Nice woman! The entire camp is beautifully wooded and it's a remote area. Nearest town for groceries is 30 mins, but it was on my way to Allegheny State Park and Kinzua dam, so not a bad drive. Going to come back next year!
- tthomasScout
Red Oak Campground
Very relaxing and secluded
I wanted to have a solo get away with the new travel trailer, and this place was exactly what I was looking for. I booked a site during the off season, so I had the entire area to myself. Very friendly staff.
Guide to Portland
Nestled near Portland, New York, tent camping offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying various amenities and activities at nearby sites.
Tips for tent camping near Portland
- For a unique experience, consider staying at Warner Road Dispersed Camping in North Harmony State Forest, where you can enjoy a quiet, primitive setting, though be prepared for a lack of facilities.
- If you prefer a more structured environment, Big Oak Hill offers a well-maintained site with a responsive host and beautiful landscapes, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
- Make sure to bring your own firewood when visiting Streamside Eriegrove, as it allows fires but does not provide firewood on-site.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Explore the scenic trails and local wildlife at Compass Campgrounds, which also features convenient amenities like drinking water and electric hookups.
- Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere at Chautauqua Heights Campground & Park, where you can engage in various outdoor activities while having access to essential facilities.
- Experience the beauty of nature at Allegany Parallel Bova Loops — Allegany State Park, which offers ample space for tent camping and nearby hiking opportunities.
Tent campers should check out Hidden Valley Camping Area
- Located in Jamestown, Hidden Valley Camping Area provides electric hookups and picnic tables, making it a comfortable choice for tent campers.
- For a rustic experience, Bella Vista Campground offers essential amenities like showers and toilets, ensuring a pleasant stay.
- If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, Allegheny Wild and Scenic River features large, shaded sites perfect for tent camping away from the hustle and bustle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Portland, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Portland, NY is Compass campgrounds with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Portland, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Portland, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.