Tent camping near Redford, New York centers around the Adirondack Forest Preserve at elevations ranging from 1,000-3,000 feet, with summer temperatures typically averaging 75°F days and 55°F nights. The area features a mixture of hardwood forest and wetland ecosystems within the protected wilderness zones, creating distinct camping environments depending on elevation and proximity to water.
What to do
Paddling excursions: Burton Island State Park Campground offers excellent paddling opportunities with boat-in access to campsites. As one visitor explained, "We canoed into our campsite, #15. It took 3 trips to bring in all our gear. Beautiful site. Quite a climb up to the actual site. Great swimming from site. Found a great rock to jump from."
Mountain hiking: Mount Philo State Park Campground provides access to short scenic trails with panoramic views. A camper noted, "The best part is every night its only a ten minute hike to the summit from where the sites are and you get to watch the sunset over Vermont and lake champlain as the sun falls behind the adirondack mountains."
Wildlife watching: Early mornings at Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve Campground offer excellent wildlife viewing conditions. According to a visitor, "Lots of loons, toads and fish. Next time we would downsize our gear our use a motorized boat. Outhouse was a little rough around the edges, but doable."
What campers like
Secluded island experiences: Valcour Island provides boat-access camping that creates a sense of isolation and adventure. A regular visitor shared, "I have been camping on this island for just over 30 years, and my father camped there for another 30 prior to that. It is one of my favorite places in the whole world."
Primitive waterfront sites: Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites offers waterfront access at several locations. A camper reported, "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."
Remote forest settings: Adirondack Acres Trail and Camps features extremely secluded sites away from civilization. One visitor observed, "This prime location is very private. There is absolutely no one around as far as the eye can see in the area close to the river."
What you should know
Road access considerations: Reaching some campgrounds requires navigating rough terrain. A visitor to Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake warned, "Road going in is very rough use extreme caution on a motorcycle with street tires."
Seasonal timing impacts: Many primitive sites around Redford have limited seasonal availability. A camper at Saranac Lake Islands noted, "We went off season so camping was free! Brought our dog and he had a blast exploring the island at his own whim."
Reservation requirements: The best tent camping near Redford, New York often books quickly, especially for prime locations. A visitor to Mount Philo advised, "Only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees. $23/night. Picnic table and fire pit. Moderate cell service."
Tips for camping with families
Island camping strategies: Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve Campground offers family-friendly island camping experiences. One family shared, "I camped at Saranac Lake Islands for two summers in a row. The first time, my children and I had an island and the second time we had a spot on a little peninsula. It's such a gorgeous place!"
Choose terrain-appropriate sites: Select campsites based on your family's physical abilities and gear needs. A family at Burton Island mentioned, "After getting all of our stuff packed on the ferry and arriving on the island, we chose to have the campground deliver our stuff to our campsite for $10... it was well worth it."
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Weather around Redford can change dramatically, requiring flexible clothing options. A camper advised, "Bring warm clothing for nights; temps can drop 30 degrees in hours. Sites are carry in/carry out."
Tips for RVers
Limited RV options: The best tent camping near Redford, New York predominantly caters to tent camping with few RV accommodations. At Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites, a visitor noted, "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."
Access road quality: Many campgrounds have rough access roads unsuitable for large vehicles. A camper warned, "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."
Off-grid preparations: RV campers should prepare for primitive conditions with limited amenities. As one RVer suggested, "The campsites are perfect for a short stay with a tent or suv camper."
