Top Tent Camping near Potsdam, NY

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Potsdam, look no further. Finding a place to camp in New York with your tent has never been easier. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Potsdam, NY (9)


Recent Tent Reviews In Potsdam

167 Reviews of 9 Potsdam Campgrounds


  • Jacob D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cranberry Lake  - DEC
    Sep. 13, 2024

    Cranberry Lake - DEC

    Quiet and dark

    Stayed here one night and it was super quiet and dark 8pm until we woke up. I hammocked right next to the water of Cranberry Lake. It has showers with hot water, which is timed and high pressure. Checkout was at 10am

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Acres of wildlife Family
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Acres of wildlife Family

    Exactly what we needed

    Lower Beverly Lake camp ground gave us the experience we needed. With a creek side site, water and electricity hook up, lots for the kids to do and activities on site planned by the camp ground it was such a lovely weekend. The lake was perfect and the beach was great for little kids and big with very little seaweed. Everyone was friendly and it’s has the perfect atmosphere with any type of site you could look for.

  • Tyler C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites
    Jul. 13, 2024

    Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites

    Nice spot for a couple nights

    Stayed here with a group of friends at site #4. Was a great spot and lots of room for our 4 tents/3vehicles. It was over the July 4th week, so very busy and found people would just walk through your campsite. Which of course would make our dogs bark at them. Also a lot of people just walking the road, so privacy can really be hit or miss. A lot of people have their dogs off leash as well. One of the rangers stopped by and sure did have a big chip on his shoulder. Overall would stay again, but would maybe instead stay at site 5 or over at a short hike in spot along Jones Pond rd. Overall a great place, just wish people would have more respect when around others campsites.

  • Oleńka S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fish Creek Pond Campground
    Sep. 10, 2023

    Fish Creek Pond Campground

    Kayaking paradise!

    This is a gorgeous campground on the banks of Fish Creek Pond and Square pond close to Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake.

    Very site has water access, and the water is super shallow all along the shoreline. It’s perfect for dogs, kids, and hanging out in the water. The bottom is sandy with some rocks, good to have water shoes but not essential. Sites 65-100 get a great view of the sunset! Our site was level and dry, as were the surrounding sites. There’s not much brush on the sites and there are lots of old, tall trees, so I had tons of places to put up our dogs tie out, my hammock, and the clothes line.

    There were clean bath houses everywhere and one shower building on the west side of Square Pond. I was surprised by the number of bathrooms, you’ll never be far from one while camping here.

    Over all, one of my favorite camping weekends ever, it was a gorgeous spot for water sports and great for a run or bike ride. Don’t sleep on this spot!

  • Alex R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cranberry Lake
    Aug. 4, 2023

    Cranberry Lake

    Tons of free campsites and lean-to

    Tons of free campsites and lean-to everywhere.

    Some with picnic tables and fire area.

    First arrive type! 

    I camped while hiking the full CL50 loop.

    You can also swim or go fishing!

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA
    Jun. 18, 2023

    Natural Bridge/Watertown KOA

    Nice KOA, great owners

    The sites are small, but there are mature trees between them & woodsy areas around the campsites. The campground is clean and well kept. The laundry room and bathrooms were clean. I didn’t have a chance to use the deck or the indoor pool.

    The owners made me feel welcome from the minute I arrived. They went above & beyond for me.

    The facilities are not wheelchair accessible. The owners said that they are working on that.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Babbling Brook RV Park
    Jun. 9, 2023

    Babbling Brook RV Park

    Nice community park

    Riverfront town park. Nice for families. Electric, water and sewer available. Reasonable rates. Spacing okay.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Cranberry Lake
    May. 22, 2023

    Cranberry Lake

    Perfect Camping Spot!

    So far this has been the best campground we have experienced in NY. Cranberry Lake is massive and absolutely gorgeous. The people that work here are very nice and helpful. Try to get a site on the water. Pretty good privacy site to site. The hike up and around Bear Mountain was a good workout and fun experience for our whole family (littlest is 6). We cannot wait to get back there and camp again!

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Kring Point State Park
    May. 18, 2023

    Kring Point State Park

    Beautiful but cramped

    Beautiful campground. The ladies at the check in point were very nice and helpful! Bathrooms were clean (no hot water). Just didn't expect the plots to be so small with no privacy. Thought we chose a plot in an area with tents only, but there was a massive camper right beside us with noisy people. I would go back again if I could pick a site that had the neighboring ones not reserved, to get a little more privacy.

  • sam T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Green Pond - Bonaparte State Forest
    May. 14, 2023

    Green Pond - Bonaparte State Forest

    Free well kept camp site

    This is my second time camping at this location and I’ve enjoyed it so much. Not very well know and really quite however the training range can be a little loud at times.

  • Bella S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Fish Creek Pond - DEC
    Sep. 6, 2022

    Fish Creek Pond - DEC

    On the water!

    We have a rather large rig (36 ft fifth wheel plus the truck) & while fish creek is notoriously a tent only/small rig campground we fit perfectly & our site has cell service! 10/10! Site 106! The water views/access is hard to beat as well.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverside Campground
    Aug. 23, 2022

    Riverside Campground

    Jelly Beans Riverside Campground

    Some of the nicest people we have met yet. Helpful and accommodating. Lots of improvements over the last year they said, and it is really nice and clean! New bathrooms and laundry center.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Rollins Pond Campground
    Jul. 12, 2022

    Rollins Pond Campground

    My favorite

    It’s been years since I’ve stayed at Rollins pond, mostly because of the long drive. (I live 5 hours away) but this year we decided we needed to revisit. We had a waterfront site and we’re absolutely delighted to be able to sit on the beach and watch the sunset, kayak at our leisure, and swim. Water spigots in very close proximity and all bathrooms clean and accessible. Free HOT showers, and all of the neighbors are so quiet it was like being alone when sitting by the fire.

  • k
    Camper-submitted photo from Acres of wildlife Family
    Jun. 13, 2022

    Acres of wildlife Family

    Wonderful family weekend

    We loved our visit and didn’t feel like we were right on top of other campers . Lots of play areas for kids to play on, lovely beach area, lots of fun activities for the kids. We brought our bikes and were happily surprised to find they had a bike park. Fishing , fire truck rides . We were able to order pizza and burgers and have them delivered right to our campsite with in minutes. My kids said it was the best weekend they have had camping. A very large campground with lots of hidden gems we discovered as we explored riding bikes around . They sell breakfast and lunch on the Saturday while we were there which was very helpful for a large family . Download the app suggested at check in so you can keep up with all the activities through the day

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Rollins Pond Campground
    Jun. 4, 2022

    Rollins Pond Campground

    Secluded and peaceful

    You have to go all the way through the fairly busy Fish Creek campground to get into Rollins Pond on a dead end road, so don’t forget the groceries. Almost all the sites are lakefront. Great kayak and canoe access to a whole network of lakes in the St. Regis/Saranac area.

  • Eugenia T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Fish Creek Pond Campground
    Jun. 2, 2022

    Fish Creek Pond Campground

    Great location, right by the pond

    Pretty buggy during the last week of May. Campsites we’re pretty close to each other with the exception of a few sites that were well dispersed. Would come back again. Toilet bathrooms are okay, and a separate shower bathroom (the only one the serves the whole campground) was nice, big, and clean).

  • Dylan J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites
    May. 29, 2022

    Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites

    Free Primitive Campsites along scenic Pond.

    Jones Pond has five primitive campsites along its northeastern shore accessible by a two track service road. The sites are on a first come basis and are free to use. You can stay a maximum of three nights without a permit. There is a hand launch for small boats/kayaks to access the pond near the entrance. Site #1 is near the entrance and near the road. It is the only site that would be accessible for larger rigs such as an RV. Site #2 is along the water and is accessible by car/suv/truck. Site three sits away from the water and on a hill. It is not accessible by vehicle and you would need to park at the bottom of the hill near site #4 to access it. Site #4 is very large and could be occupied by a large group and multiple vehicles. It is accessible by car/suv/truck. Site #4 is near the water and has a fire ring and access to the water. Site #5 sits the furthest back and is also close to the water and accessible by car/suv/truck. The campsites are perfect for a short stay with a tent or suv camper. The two track access road is rough and all dirt. There are two pit toilets, both primitive, one of which did not have a door when we visited. The views from site #4 of the pond were beautiful. We were the only campers during our stay on a weekday. There are an additional three primitive sites on the northwestern shore but are only accessible by foot.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Rollins Pond Campground
    Apr. 4, 2022

    Rollins Pond Campground

    Upgraded site

    When we first arrived the site that we reserved was not in great shape. We were able to switch to another site with ease and could not have been happier. We spent 6 days there in September and it was amazing!

  • l
    Camper-submitted photo from Kring Point State Park
    Feb. 22, 2022

    Kring Point State Park

    My favorite

    We've camped here every year but it's getting difficult to get in here. We've camped all over from tents to all kind of campers. Never stayed in cabins but been inside. It's beautiful park. Goose bay on one side St Lawrence River on other. Every site is beautiful with rocks. But the rocks make it beautiful. We love sitting on a big rocks, watching sunsets and ships go by. Playground, private bathrooms, boat launch, docks, beach and fishing.

  • The Other Kim K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Meacham Lake Adirondack Preserve
    Oct. 20, 2021

    Meacham Lake Adirondack Preserve

    Avoid 188

    Overall, the place was beautiful. Very peaceful, lots of privacy, and we loved it. We camped on site 188 for 3 nights and really enjoyed having our own private “beach,” however, we it was extremely boggy! The campground had put down sheets of plywood to help, but still the ground was so soggy that the plywood had eventually “soaked away.” It helped but not much.

    Aside from the wetness of the ground it really is a beautiful spot. I’d still camp there but not at 188. Also, the hike in does take some effort, it’s not bad but if you car camp and have pop up or anything heavy it could be difficult for you.

  • Rebecca D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cranberry Lake
    Sep. 11, 2021

    Cranberry Lake

    Great location if you time it right

    First thing about Cranberry Lake: the staff are wonderful. We arrived when the check in staff had the day off. Not a problem we only needed wood which was available just down the street from the campground. No need, the ranger, who let us know the overworked staff was off, brought it to our site once he had figured out the key. Sweet. Our site was on the uphill slope so we had some road noise due to that. We walked a bit of the campground until we realized it's larger than first assumed. I will say do your homework, check out the site photos which you can easily find online. Get a waterfront site but be aware the privacy isn't great at many sites, at least the ones we saw. There is a shower house which is great but be ready to drive to it, as I said the campground is bigger than expected! Some sites are super close which would be great for groups who may like to visit or it could be a nightmare with loud folks. The lake is beautiful. We weren't set up for it but if you can plan for the sunset view I think it's worth rescheduling your trip for the right site. Brand new sewer dump area for folks who need it.



Guide to Potsdam

Camping near Potsdam, New York, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the nearby trails. Campers have enjoyed hiking around the Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday, noting, "There are plenty of hikes nearby to wear them out if you desire."
  • Water Activities: Kayaking and fishing are popular at Fish Creek Pond Campground. One visitor said, "This is a gorgeous campground on the banks of Fish Creek Pond... perfect for dogs, kids, and hanging out in the water."
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campers appreciate the chance to see wildlife. At Rollins Pond Adirondack Preserve, one family shared, "We always have wildlife at our site. This past trip we had chipmunks, squirrels, ducks, and a crane."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms. A review for Wellesley Island State Park Campground noted, "Nice bathrooms, a small park near the cabins... By far a beautiful campground and views."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One visitor at Cranberry Lake - DEC said, "Beautiful state campground in the heart of the Adirondacks. Well maintained, peaceful with wonderful fishing, swimming and water access."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff. At Pine Ridge Park Campsite, a reviewer mentioned, "The whole time they are open they have activities planned for the kids all summer long."

What you should know:

  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor at Wilmington Notch advised, "Definitely make reservations in advance during the summer!"
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Saranac Lake Islands, are more primitive and lack amenities like drinking water and electric hookups. A camper noted, "Primitive camping with water access only. Very private, spacious sites."
  • Bug Spray is a Must: Campers have mentioned bugs, especially in late spring. One review for Fish Creek Pond Campground stated, "Pretty buggy during the last week of May."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with planned activities. A parent at Pine Ridge Park Campsite said, "The owners are amazing and great with kids."
  • Choose Campgrounds with Water Access: Kids love playing in the water. A review for Lake Eaton Campground mentioned, "Great kayak spot. No swimming allowed now, but several good hikes in the area."
  • Pack Games and Books: Keep kids entertained during downtime. One family at Rollins Pond shared, "We always have wildlife at our site... falling asleep to loons is priceless!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Swan Bay Resort noted, "Sites are large level concrete."
  • Be Prepared for Dusty Roads: Some campgrounds have gravel roads that can get dusty. A camper at Wilmington Notch mentioned, "The roads are really tight for big rigs."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you prefer more amenities, check for campgrounds with full hookups. A visitor at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday said, "The bathrooms were clean... the dog park was very small."

Camping near Potsdam, New York, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With beautiful scenery and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Potsdam, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Potsdam, NY is Higley Flow State Park with a 5-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Potsdam, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.