Best Tent Camping near Redwood, NY
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."
