Looking for the best options for tent camping near Rome? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Rome. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
This 9,400-acre forested property, located in southeast Madison County, makes up the core of the Brookfield Trail System. Charles E. Baker, combined with Brookfield Railroad and Beaver Creek State Forests, contain 100 miles of connected trails. These recreational trails are open for hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and mountain biking. Several trails are open for ATV use by permit only for people with disabilities. Primitive campsites are located at the Moscow Hill Assembly and Camping Areas, the Cherry Ridge Camping area, and other camping areas noted on the map. In these areas, camping is at designated sites only, except in the Moscow Hill Assembly area where there is room for RVs and trailers. Campsites feature picnic tables and fire pits. The Cherry Ridge camping area has potable water. Campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. Lean-tos are also available for camping. See the map for locations. At large primitive camping is also allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.
You'll have full access to the tent site and 70 acres of hiking trails which connects to a larger network of trails that spans the Finger Lakes and continues west of New York.
$79 - $149 / night
From the Spruce Pond Camping Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:
Primitive campsite (Site 1); and
Portable toilet (seasonal)The campsite is approx. 75 feet from the parking area.
Primitive camping at Spruce Pond, from May 1 through September 30, requires a permit from the Lands and Forests office. Please call (607) 674-4036 ext. 600, M-F 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM to obtain a permit. For the remainder of the year, sites are available on a first come, first served basis.
The primary purposes of Pharsalia Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA is 4,689 acres in size and is located in the northwest portion of Chenango County, approximately 10 miles southwest of Sherburne. Pharsalia generally has flat or gently sloping terrain. In 1926 Pharsalia became the first State Game Refuge purchased with Conservation Fund monies. Thousands of trees and shrubs were planted for reforestation and wildlife purposes. A 200-man Civilian Conservation Corp camp accomplished much of the work and also constructed several small ponds for waterfowl use.
Primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger. More details here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/41282.html
Primitive camping is allowed on many DEC lands, including Forest Preserve lands in the Catskills and Adirondacks, as well as on State Forest lands outside the Preserve. Primitive camping is prohibited on Unique Areas, Wildlife Management Areas, and a few other categories of state land.
Where to Set Up Camp The best place to camp is at designated primitive tent sites. These sites are typically flatter than other areas and have deeper, harder soils more resistant to heavy use and erosion, minimizing the impacts of camping. Many sites have nearby pit privies and rock fire rings.
Yellow and black camp here marker attached to a tree "Camp Here" marker Campers are encouraged to use designated tent sites. They are often close to trails and provide views of ponds, lakes, streams or rivers. These can be a source of water when properly treated.
All designated primitive tent sites have yellow and black "Camp Here" markers. Many sites on lakes and ponds are identified by a yellow number against a dark brown wooden plaque typically attached to a tree near the water's edge.
Guide
We needed a campground not too far off our route from Niagara Falls to NH and this was great. Very windy when we arrived. Our campsite 8 did not have a fire ring but others did. Right on water…can’t drive on path in front of the water sites so you are essentially on the water. Nice clean facilities.
Guide
One night stay. Great sight. Friendly helpful staff. Only drawback is steady stream of trains going by around the clock. I didn’t mind by my wife didn’t sleep well.
Traveler
The tent site and the 70 acres of hiking trails sound like the perfect getaway for anyone looking to reconnect with nature. I love the idea of having access to such a large network of trails, especially with the Finger Lakes area offering so much natural beauty. By the way, if you’re ever in need of some inspiration or ideas for nature-related essays, check out Nature Essay Examples and Topic Ideas on https://www.topessaywriting.org/samples/nature —there’s a lot of helpful content there! Overall, this seems like the ideal spot for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Guide
Call the telephone number got a recording left a message. Did not get a call back. Send email. Got no response.
Scout
Nice and calm place in that little State Forest. Internet and fire pits are available. All sites seem fairly similar, except two are tent-only (no car acces to the site).
Scout
A great park on Sandy Pond and Lake Ontario. Mostly Permanent sites with 6 transient sites overlooking the marina. The park has a nice pool, pavilion, store and kids playground with a basketball court. Great area for fishing, bass, trout, salmon and walleye. Very clean and well maintained park.
ScoutClean, modern bathrooms. Campsites were raked and ready for us when we arrived. Super friendly staff! Just a well laid out campground that was perfect for us. Peaceful, a mix of wooded sites for RV's and open sites with their cabins. 2 swimming pools, really nice playground for the younger kids, 2 baseball fields. Just a top notch place.
Guide
This was our first time here, and we were looking forward to a relaxing visit. The sites were very large and well spaced out, with a beautiful fire ring. The bathrooms were clean. This campground got a 3/5 mainly because quiet hours are not enforced. Unfortunately, people were up blaring radios until approximately 3 am, being roudy. At approximately 2 am, someone decided it would be a good idea to do burnouts with their diesel truck, and went around the camp loop twice, doing just that. Vehicles were driving by the campsites all night long. This is naturally not entirely the campgrounds fault, but it was unfortunate to be misled by the campground rules. On a positive note, the campground is dog friendly, in certain areas, with proof of rabies vaccination, of course. Overall, I would say that this campground is geared more toward the RV and trailer crowd.
Scout
This campground has it all. Heated pool, great store, large sites, surrounded by trees, events, soft serve ice cream, tube rentals to float on the creek (river). FHU as well as tent sites and cabins. We love staying here, the facilities are clean and big showers.
Ranger
Yes, it’s true! You’ve hit the campground bathroom lottery here!
Let’s start off with the pros: bathrooms are great! Super modern and clean and hot, free showers! Very handicap accessible as well.
The whole campground is very well kept. Completely litter free and all the buildings and signs are modern and cool looking. Five stars all the way for the people running this place. They are doing an awesome job keeping it very fresh.
Maintenance/facilities: 5 stars
Camping sites:
I’ll start with the positive. It was a simple and easy, level site. And we had electric. So it was good.
The cons: There is zero privacy here. Virtually no trees or shrubs between sites and sites are close to each other. In the rolling meadow sites opt for the electric as the tent only sites are basically a sardine can of campers. I mean in one spot the tents were so close to each other I thought it was a group campsite but it was not. Like a group hostel room but with tents instead of bunks.
We were only here for 1 night passing through and it was great for that but I would not feel comfortable hanging outside at my site in quarters so close. Maybe I’m just weird because many people did. I can’t imagine spending any longer than 1-2 nights here. I would stay again but would check out other camp spots first. In our area 118 and 120 seemed to the best that backed up onto trees as opposed to just other sites.
Camping sites: 2 stars
Amenities: there’s a lot to do here. However I feel I must say you cannot reach the lakes from the rolling meadow campground without a car, bike or very long walk. You can see a bit of round lake through the trees but it really isn’t accessible. Expectations are the doom of any trip so just keep that in mind. You’re not going to bed with any sort of lake views or sounds near you. Also you can only swim at the beach which is pretty small and guarded by some pretty enthusiastic lifeguards taking the job pretty seriously. I guess you will appreciate it if you have little kids to me it was a turn off as I don’t prefer to feel like a fish in a bowl when I swim. But again this is just personal preference! Also there were a lot of rules at this tiny beach - more than I have seen at pretty much any other beach anywhere in the world. Mostly I assume the rules are there to protect the water which I can appreciate but don’t expect a relaxing lake vibe here. Lots of picnic tables and a perfect place to have a picnic and chill for a bit. Very clean beach bath area and I really appreciated the charging station with 4 covered outlets available and a charging counter. I didn’t use it but was impressed someone thought to add that in to the building plans.
With all the rules in place there is just one missing: No political propaganda of any type should be allowed at the campsites. We were almost blinded by idiocy each time we walked to the bathroom as we had to go past a full size Trump flag someone was flying in front of their site. Can’t even imagine the rage I would’ve felt if I had to camp next to that. Fortunately I found a cut through in the woods which I used to get around it on the way to the bathroom. Camping is where you go to get away from all of it! This is state owned land and they should not be allowing that sort of inflammatory full sized political flag in any area as it only raises the blood pressure instead of dropping it. You can’t bring your own SUP or kayak, face mask or list of any other things to the lake (rules) but you can have your heart attack inducing propaganda all over your site and in everyone else’s face - makes no sense.
Would I stay here again: Yes. But only for 1 night passing through. I felt too crowded to be there for any length of time. It was hard for me to relax outside.
Value was a 5 star because I had full electric for $30/night and there was plenty to do. I should note for kids this place is a goldmine! Great playgrounds everywhere and you can rent kayaks. And it’s great for bikes. And it was all very handicap accessible which I thought was very impressive. You can tell a lot of thought went into the facility side of park. If they cut out 1/4 of the camp sites it would be spacious and amazing. And the trumpeter is just a case of bad timing for me, not a permanent thing (although I do think they should ban that decoration of insanity at state run parks).
Traveler
This was a nice spot, but the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night. Port-a-potty was available.
Guide
The roads are through the campground are very tight making backing into a spot very difficult. There was very little grass around the sites, mainly dirt. They also charge for every extra activity. In general just too tight for my liking.
Legend
The coordinates lead you to a small parking area at the end of Grover Brown Rd, which is accessed by going north from Rt 23. The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintanence road. But if you follow the road north to the end, you will come to a dead end and a parking circle that gives you the option of hiking north past a gate into the state forest on a hunting trail, or west onto the Finger Lakes Trail where dispersed camping is allowed within the state forest. However, the whole road in is a tough ride, it is posted extensively en route that you are passing private property with no trespassing allowed until you see the DEC sign announcing the border of the state forest. The parking area is overgrown, the neighbors aling the road en route seem frustrated with hikers coming into the forest via this route, and the Trailhead here for the Finger Lakes Trail is blocked by downed trees that seem to have been there for a while. While you might try to hike the trail for day use, I wonder if this may not be a great place to leave your car during a foray into the woods for dispersed camping. Although the Pharsalia Forest is beautiful throughout, and dispersed camping is allowed throughout, there are better places to access it. There are also designated primitive campsites in several locations in other areas of this state forest which are worthy of your camping adventures! You
LegendThis is a primitive state forest campground on the south shore of Stoney Pond. There are 15 drive-in campsites widely spaced and set into the woods, and two developed walk-in sites on the west shore. Site number 1 is quite flat and open and could accomodate a trailer or camper van but isnt very scenic. The other sites are great for tenting but the drive-ins are variable. There are several new clean outhouses with doors meant to be wide enough for wheelchairs, but the gravel roads of the campground are not very wheelchair friendly. There is one site set aside for picnicking and day use only, on a very pretty spit on the south shore. There is a small boat launch meant for canoes and kayaks and small non mototized fishing boats, alongside a gravel peninsula for shore fishing. The pond is pretty with mature shade trees, and the campground also has a trailhead to access a large network of hiking trails. If you want to backpack in, dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest
Legend
This is a small state forest campground in the Morgan Hill forest from which you can directly access the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country scenic trail. Although the campsites here are primitive and free, they are official developed campsites and not really “dispersed” campsites. There are several basic tent spots, which are just cleared grassy areas adjacent to the trailhead parking circle; BUT in addition, there are two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits. These are very nice roomy wooded campsites, and the developed sites are supposedly ADA accessible —but while I agree that the picnic tables and cement pad around the fireplace can certainly accomodate wheelchairs, and the tenting area is roomy, note that there are NO OTHER ADA amenities at these sites, eg no water source and NO toilet or outhouse right at the campground. While you can drive right up to your campsite location, which is accessible, you would actually have to hike quite a long ways west on the OnondagaTrail to access a pit toilet, or to have stream access for obtaining water to boil, so you DO need to come prepared to use the bushes by your campsite and leave no trace, plus bring your own water. (See attached map where I circled the campground area in orange) That being said, this location is peaceful and quiet with mature trees and plenty of distance between neighboring campers, and would be an ideal setting for a group campout. Hiking the trail west on a day trip will bring you to the beautiful Tinker Falls, which may not be flowing during dry seasons but is still a gorge worth exploring! You can best access this campground from the south side of the forest; the entrance is from state route 13 on Morgan Hill Rd south, adjacent to a very nice farm stand that is a good stop for supplies, and there is a DEC forest sign to mark the turn off from Rt 13. After that, you are on your own and should bring a map to navigate as the hiking trails are marked with signs where they cross the roads, but the road to turn off from Morgan Hill Rd to the campground is not marked. You can set your driving directions on Google Maps beforehad, to this endpoint: https://www.google.com/maps/dir//42.767846,-75.997552/@42.7799792,-76.08097,12z?entry=ttu
You might also want to download the free Avenza map of the forest which will allow you to navigate real time even if you don't have cell service, that link is here: https://store.avenza.com/products/morgan-hill-state-forest-nysdec-map?queryID=eb824498ff4125babc1c06655b111da4&objectID=42626406056092
general info for this state forest is here:
Scout@penalty shooters 2 said loved where we were this time. page 121. On these hot days, with a slope and a nice breeze.
LegendThis review is for the Morgan Hill primitve campsites at Spruce Pond. Although dispersed primitive camping is allowed elsewhere throughout the state forest, this is a group of ten established and well maintained primitive campsites right on Spruce Pond with fishing available and an amazing network of hiking and cross country ski trails along with mountain biking along the forest roads. There are fire grills and nicely developed tents sites, one nestled in the woods and three with their own pond access, and one is actually handicapped accessible with its own accessible fishing landing and an easy access to the parking lot. There is a brand new outhouse with wide accessible doorway as well. The setting is scenic and peaceful, and you can easily paddle or fish on the pond. You can also easily hike from here to the Labrador Hollow overlook where area hang-gliders launch, you might see some in action or at least get an amazing view of the Labrador Valley!
Note: a detailed map of the campground is here: https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/docs/regions_pdf/sprucepond.pdf
You may camp at this campground for free, but you do need a permit and should review the campground map to select your preferred site
Legend
This is a primitive undeveloped campsite, there is a clearing for tenting but no potable water or amenities of any kind. The site is adjacent to a small parking area and fishing access on a really beautiful pond, which is unnamed on the map but is an impoundment of Bear Wallow Creek so it can be considered Bear Wallow Pond. I have been there in both summer, when the shoreline wildflowers are riotous, and in fall when the changing leaves are breathtaking. If you camp here, you can kayak or fish on the pond, go mountain biking on the network of state forest roads that are all part of the Pharsalia Woods Game Refuge, or access the Finger Lakes Trail or Canasawacta Creek Trail (see website for this listing for map of the refuge and more info at https://cnyhiking.com/FLT-PharsaliaWMA.htm)
You can get to the site from state highway 23 via the Benedict Hill Rd, or from the hamlet of Beaver Meadow going south and west of Cole Hill via Mud Lane. A peaceful pretty wooded spot not far from either Norwich or South Otselic for an easy overnight or weekend. I give it 4 stars not for amenities but for being an idyllic example of a dispersed primitive site
ScoutThis place is great! $10 for a tent site right on the canal and the staff is super friendly
Legend
Both the Glimmerglass State Park and the Glimmerglass Festival Opera House list their location as Cooperstown, but in actuality the Park is 8 miles outside of Cooperstown on the northeast side of Otsego Lake, with the Opera House nearby on the northwest corner of the lake nearby. If you are going to visit one, you should also visit the other! In fact the park is an ideal spot to stay if you are wanting to take in any of the Glimmerglass music or theater productions which have quite a professional lineup in the summer season. If staying at the park you will also enjoy the amazing beach and waterfront on Otsego Lake, and great kayaking on the lake as well as the stream flowing into it. You can also hike, ot take a day trip into Cooperstown, especially for museums and all things baseball.
The camping opportunities give you three options: the main campground by the park office, which is wooded and shady and has electric hookups as needed, and is close to the beach, but you will have a lot of neighbors. If you want a quiet tenting experience, choose the Beaver Pond primitive tenting campground! This offers a small number of large, well spaced and private tent only sites set back in the woods by a beautiful pond and by the Beaver Hiking trail. Very peaceful with more solitude than the main campground, but a longer walk to the beach. The third and newest option, the Travis Field campsites, reminds me of an overflow parking area at an outdoor festival, unfortunately just a bunch of basic tent campsites plunked in an open grassy field located in between the beach and the Beaver Pond sites. I am guessing the park has greater demand for campsites than the original campground offers, so they put these spots up in an open field, and maybe folks would rather have these sites than nothing if they want a week at the lake, but they would not be a first choice unless perhaps you have a group that wants to gather together and take a block of these sites. I didnt check out the cabins, but there are some, which might be especially good if you want to come in the winter as the park is open year round
ScoutI visited this campground. One of the notable features of West Canada Creek Campground is its proximity to outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, playing uno online, and kayaking. The West Canada Creek itself is known for its trout fishing, attracting anglers from various skill levels. Additionally, the surrounding area offers hiking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints and natural landmarks. The campground provides various amenities and facilities for campers. These may include spacious campsites suitable for tents and RVs, picnic tables, campfire rings, and clean restroom facilities. It's always a good idea to check with the campground directly or consult recent reviews for the most up-to-date information on amenities and services.
Ranger
Had a quiet and peaceful stay. Must camp at a numbered site. Most sites are right along the road, but I was lucky enough to snag one deeper in the woods. Some of the sites even have an outhouse. Stayed in October, so when I left early the next morning, I passed a lot of hunters that had camped along the road, too. The road is in good condition. No AT&T cell service in this area.
GuideMy wife, our 3-year old son and myself had the pleasure of spending 10 beautiful weeks at West Canada Creek Campground.
From our first interaction to the time we left and every moment in between the owners of the campground were welcoming, kind, friendly and just overwhelming pleasant.
Under new ownership as of Summer 2022. The new owners, Imrana and Jason, made us feel welcomed from the moment we checked in. Whether it be making recommendations for food, sightseeing or things to do in the area. Jason even went as far as stopping by our site to make sure everything was up to our satisfaction.
The property is clean and well manicured. The camp store is well stocked. The bathrooms and showers are clean and well kept. The laundry room is clean and machines are new.
The West Canada Creek wraps around the entire property and provides such a tranquil backdrop. The sites are surrounded by lush oaks and pines. Makes it feel as though you are truly immersed in nature. Most of the sites are fairly level, either gravel or grass.
The campground also has a tubing business on property with an upstream shuttle as well as an ice cream stand! There is a playground with slides and swings as well as a swimming pool. There is a beach volleyball court, half court basketball and horseshoe pits.
We stayed on three different sites (2 partial hookups, 1 full hookup). Each site was level and easily accessible.
Throughout our 10 weeks there, we encountered dozens and dozens of guests who have been returning to this campground year after year.
Their themed weekends and accompanying activities throughout the season are wonderful. We had the pleasure of staying for Labor Day weekend in which they had a kids carnival set up among many other things. Their Halloween weekend is truly a must see, with wagon rides and trick-or-treating! This weekend like many others fill up nearly a year in advance. Return guests reserve their spot the following year before they even check out.
There are a number of seasonal sites with repeat guests who return year after year. Everyone we met was friendly and hospitable. The seasonal guest sites are well kept and clean and gives the campground a safe and serene atmosphere.
The guests at the seasonal sites are invested in this campground, volunteering for the themed weekends. A vast majority of them go all out for Halloween weekend, decorating their sites and RV’s.
Having had the opportunity to be on property for an extended time, I personally witnessed the dedication and love the owners are pouring into this campground daily. They continue to make improvements and updates that not only made our time here more enjoyable, but will certainly guarantee current and future guests will be returning year after year.
We had a tremendous time here and would highly recommend visiting. We will certainly be returning. We are so happy to have been apart of the West Canada Creek Campground family.
RangerI called and booked ahead of time knowing I'd arrive late and leave early, which was absolutely no problem, so I'm very thankful for that. I paid over the phone, was given clear instructions on where to park, and was told to enjoy my stay. This location is great if you're in a van or RV and need a quick place to stay for the night in this area of NY in mid- / late-October (because it seems NY closes its state parks quite early) or if you're here for the rock-hunting. From what I could see late at night (which honestly wasn't much) I wouldn't recommend for tent-camping as the sites were quite close to each other and not much soft ground for sleeping.
Scout
Seasonal camper since 2011. On July 1st my wife and I along with a few others were struck by lightning. Owner made no effort to reach out to anyone and see how they were. I made our disappointment known and for that we were thrown out. Used the worst language you could imagine in front of our kids. Called us all miserable fucks and told us we could get the fuck out now. I don’t need your bullshit. Family oriented campground? It’s to bad you have to give any stars.
ScoutWe have been camping here Seasonal for 12 years. On July 1,2023 myself and husband we struck by lightning. My kids seeing this happening. 911 was called we were transported to the hospital. We thank all EMTS and Staff for everything they did for us! Both EMT from 2 different agencies stated they would like maps of the park as they never know where to go once in there. The Owner of this campground went onto another media platform bragging about how great everything was handled which it was. My husband and myself both commented our thanks and appreciation. Not once did the owner reach out via text, phone call, email and driving by our site looking the other way did he check on us! My husband and myself commented on this platform stating this! We were truly disappointed with the owner. The owner commented back to us that he was on our deck speaking with myself! He was not speaking with me as I was in the camper getting medical attention. He has no clue who his Seasonal campers are! Fast forward to getting our contract renewal we did not receive one after 12 years. We went to try to speak with the owner as we approached he started screaming get off my property or I’m calling the cops. Now my kids were with us watching this happen he went on to call us miserable fucks amongst many other nasty names! Then proceeded to text me harassing messages. Needless to say my kids could have lost both of their parents and they watched us get struck by lightning then watched him call us nasty names!! The owner is very unstable. Just one of the harassing messages I received from him! I was literally on your front porch checking on you BEFORE the paramedics even arrived. As you clearly stated, there were several people in and out of your camper checking on you, leaving no room for me to even enter. So, I stayed out of the way while making sure paramedics could get to you and the others. The paramedics official report shows that both of you went to the hospital ONLY as a precaution. So, Stop evolving your story to justify your undertones of bitterness. So, STOP playing the victim that I was rude and angry when you were on my front porch after you were so utterly disrespectful to me, my staff, and other seasonals. STOP complaining that I never got to know you and your children. Spin that one around. Why didn’t you come to any of the events we put together and be friendly and chatty with me? Tons of other seasonals do. Furthermore, try complaining to the CEO of Walmart that he doesn’t know who you are or what you look like. I have absolutely no need to approach any guest as long as they are happy and they aren’t bothering anyone.“The Owner” and“This Place”.“Take a minute out of his day”. I refuse to allow anyone in my park that has such underlying hate. Please have your seasonal friends throw their temper tantrums at me as well so I can kick them out as well if they’re going to behave like you.
Scout
One of the better KOA campgrounds I’ve been to. Beautiful campground, well-maintained nice staff. Like any campgrounds there’s good and bad spots. We parked our camper along the river in the back and it was fabulous. 
Camping near Rome, New York, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping around Rome, NY, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Rome, NY is Charles E. Baker State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Rome, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.