Tent campers near Redwood, New York have access to several waterfront and forested camping options, with several sites requiring boat access. Cedar Island State Park Campground and Mary Island State Park Campground offer island tent camping accessible only by boat, providing secluded sites with scenic water views. Winona State Forest, approximately 30 miles southwest of Redwood, provides primitive tent camping with minimal facilities and more remote experiences.
Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities. Cedar Island and Mary Island State Parks include picnic tables, fire rings, and toilets, though potable water may be limited or unavailable. Campers should verify seasonal availability, as most state park campgrounds operate from late May through early September. Winona State Forest provides more primitive options with only basic fire rings and no potable water, requiring tent campers to bring all necessary supplies. Sites generally accommodate standard tents on level, natural surfaces.
The region's tent camping experience emphasizes natural surroundings and water access. Forested sites offer shade during summer months, while waterfront locations provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling. Tent sites on Cedar Island and Mary Island offer exceptional privacy compared to mainland camping areas. A visitor noted, "Every site is far away from the next and each has its own unique and beautiful view of the water and surrounding islands." At Winona State Forest, tent campers find quiet, free camping with limited crowds. Reviews indicate the primitive sites can be challenging to locate, with one camper reporting, "The primitive campsite was a little difficult to find, there's a tiny black and yellow placard that shows you where you can camp."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $14 / night
"Every site is far away from the next and each has its own unique and beautiful view of the water and surrounding islands."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $17 / night
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $17 - $81 / night
from $49 - $59 / night
"We're so excited to have Julian's property on our platform. This property is rural and beautiful."
from $25 / night
"The only amenity was a fire ring made of rocks. The campsite appears to be the trailhead for a man-made trail. It rained while we were here but overall the campsite was quiet and peaceful."
"The primitive campsite was a little difficult to find there’s a tiny black and yellow placard that shows you where you can camp. There were some firewood set out except it was wet."
"Beaver Camp (or, officially Adirondack Mennonite Camping Assoc.), is a classic summer youth sleep-away camp on Beaver Lake."
"This is a hub for several snow mobile, cross country ski, and snow shoe trails. Several folks visited on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the last bit of the snow."
GuideThe MWR shop was excellent to work with!
The sites, under 15, are pull through and full hookups. They are spaced fast enough apart that privacy is a plus consideration!
Check in at front gate was courteous and quick!
ScoutTraveled from northeastern PA with 5 other families. All with kids under 13. Location was great. Everyone super friendly. Very convenient being near the grocery store. Tiki bar was fun for adults! Very clean! We rented a boat and went to Clayton for the day. Will definitely go back again.
ScoutR/v area seems pretty full and seems to have lots of full time campers possibly.
ScoutThe campsite itself was extremely buggy and it was a bit further into the road then I thought to get to the second campsite. But once we got there it was open and well marked
ScoutVery nice campground, pool is awesome when it’s hot and, the water’s edge of the campground is beautiful, expect noise. Not a quiet place. From fellow campers to boats and sirens. No tru till station just a water line when you enter. Also check sites out was extremely up hill. Camper barely cleared.
GuideI've stayed here twice, once in 2024 and again in 2026, both on Memorial Day Weekend. In 2024 I woke to the sound of loons but did not hear them in 2026.
This is a large campground on the shores of Cranberry Lake with access to many hiking trails and other activities. Quite a few of the sites are lakefront but they seem to book up fast. Most of the sites are spaced out fairly well although a few are close and will result in you seeing & hearing everything your neighbors are doing. However, they are mostly designed well and blend into the environment. A few seem like afterthoughts and are right on the road, so you'll want to choose carefully.
Dumpsters are in the center of the campground near the bathhouse, which has hot showers. There is a sandy beach area near the entrance of the campground and a volleyball area near the dumpsters/bathhouse.
It's a beautiful area and is mostly quiet. Other campers were respectful and didn't play loud music although a few talked loudly late into the night. There are lots of trailer camping sites, so you should expect to hear generators although most people were considerate and only ran them in the daytime.
This is a great campground for exploring the Adirondack Mountains. The town of Cranberry Lake seems mostly dead so don't plan on eating in restaurants nearby.
LegendThis has been one of my favorite campgrounds and I have camped there many times over the last several decades. Always well maintained, but peaceful state forest campground with spacious sites, many right on the water. There is an official beach, but the water sites really have their own access for canoes and nice swimming. The water is crystal clear, sunsets magnificent, canoeing and hiking opportunities abound, and even on a "busy" summer weekend the campground is quiet and the fellow campers are low key and respectful. For a tent camper, this is an ideal location and I love it. Fire ring, even tenting spot, picnic tables, etc. There are numerous accessible campsites, a shower building, and regular restrooms as well as privvies. Small trailers can fit and their is an RV dumpstation, but this is not a campground for big rigs and hookups. The campground is a little off the beaten path and in the further reaches of the Adirondacks for most campers, and the vicinity is one of the largest and most pristine areas in the ADK wilderness. Come well supplied with groceries and camping needs as there isnt much nearby. The SUNY Forestry school maintains a Ranger school at nearby Wanakena on the west side of the lake, and a Field Biology station on the south side of the lake. Nice hiking in the area
TravelerGreat camp. Easy in and out for big rigs. Right on the St. Lawrence River. Many amenities to include 3 bay R.V. wash as well as car wash. Nice sites and some on the water with docks and a boat ramp.
ScoutCedar Point is in a very nice location,our site that I booked was not in a ideal location being on the road to the boat launch, ( my fault ) Camping went fine until the last couple of days when people starting walking through our site, looked liked a group of people who knew each other and we were in their way.
Tent camping near Redwood, New York centers around the Saint Lawrence River and Thousand Islands region, with elevations rarely exceeding 500 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with heavy snowfall, while summer camping season typically runs late May through early September with daytime highs in the 70s-80s°F. The region's camping options include both mainland and island locations requiring different preparation strategies.
Water activities: Cedar Island State Park Campground requires boat transportation but rewards visitors with excellent fishing opportunities. "You need a boat to get here, making it one of our favorite places to camp in NY. There are quite a few sites here, all pretty private, but still make reservations," notes camper Justin S.
Snowsports exploration: During winter months, Winona Forest CCC Camp transforms into a recreation hub. "This is a hub for several snow mobile, cross country ski, and snow shoe trails. Several folks visited on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the last bit of the snow," explains Quade S., highlighting the area's year-round appeal.
Hiking trails: Many tent sites serve as trailheads for exploring the surrounding forest. Kevin C. at Winona State Forest observed that "The campsite appears to be the trailhead for a man-made trail," making it convenient for hikers seeking quick trail access from their campsites.
Boat-access privacy: The boat-required access to Mary Island State Park Campground creates an exclusive camping experience. "You can only get to it by boat. How awesome!?" shares Matt L., emphasizing the unique transportation requirement that enhances the camping experience.
Free camping options: Cost-conscious campers appreciate the no-fee camping at Winona State Forest, where Thomas E. found "a good free quiet place to camp," though he noted the primitive campsite markers can be subtle and easy to miss.
Rustic island experiences: Island camping provides memorable sunrise and sunset views over the water. Harry H. from Cedar Island State Park advises, "The campsite itself is simple, pretty clean, rustic. Be sure to take in the sunrise/set while there," highlighting the natural spectacle that draws repeat visitors.
Boat requirements: Several campgrounds in the Redwood area are only accessible by watercraft. At Cedar Island State Park Campground, Harry H. cautions, "The first time we went here we didn't realize you need a boat to get to the campsite, luckily some other visitors gave us a ride," emphasizing the importance of transportation planning.
Campsite markers: Forest camping locations may have minimal signage. In Winona State Forest, Thomas E. warns that "The primitive campsite was a little difficult to find, there's a tiny black and yellow placard that shows you where you can camp," suggesting campers should arrive during daylight hours.
Limited amenities: Most primitive sites require self-sufficiency. Kevin C. at Winona State Forest reported, "The only amenity was a fire ring made of rocks," indicating campers should bring all necessary supplies including drinking water.
Youth programs: Adirondack Mennonite Camping Associates offers structured camping experiences for children. Elizabeth B. describes it as "a classic summer youth sleep-away camp on Beaver Lake. Sleeping in cabins with bunk beds, swimming, canoes, and a high ropes course, gathering around the campfire to end the day."
Noise considerations: Some waterfront locations attract party-oriented visitors. Michael B. at Canoe Point State Park Campground experienced "large party-boats with multiple rooms for sleeping, though they set up tents (and didn't sleep until almost daybreak...it was loud, foul language the entire time)," suggesting families may prefer more remote or regulated sites.
Supplies access: Emergency supplies are available within driving distance of most campgrounds. Quade S. notes, "There is a dollar general about 15 minutes away if you need some supplies," providing reassurance for families who forgot essential items.
Small RV access: Some primitive sites accommodate compact RVs despite limited facilities. At Winona Forest CCC Camp, Quade S. reports, "I took my small RV here on its maiden voyage. I found this spot on Google maps just pouring over imagery. I pulled to the back and parked out of the way," demonstrating accessibility for smaller recreational vehicles.
Self-sufficiency requirements: RV campers must be prepared for no hookups at most primitive sites. "If you camp here, you need to be self sufficient as there is no running water or electricity," advises Quade S., emphasizing the importance of arriving with full water tanks and charged batteries.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts campground conditions significantly. Kevin C. experienced rainfall at Winona State Forest but noted "overall the campsite was quiet and peaceful," suggesting RVers should prepare for variable conditions even in summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Redwood, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Redwood, NY is Cedar Island State Park Campground with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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