26 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
State forests and public lands surrounding Saratoga Springs, New York offer diverse tent camping options ranging from dispersed backcountry sites to established campgrounds. Ushers Road State Forest provides primitive tent camping with sites located at least 150 feet from trails, featuring established fire rings and access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. Lake George Islands, approximately 40 miles north, offers unique tent-only camping experiences on Glen Island and Long Island, where sites are accessible primarily by boat and operate seasonally from May through early October.
Most tent campsites in the region have minimal amenities. Ushers Road State Forest lacks drinking water, toilets, and trash facilities, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. At Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, sites include basic fire rings but uneven terrain that may challenge tent setup. According to reviews, the ground "may look flat but when sleeping is definitely not." Lake George island sites typically include fire rings and pit toilets but require careful planning as one camper noted, "take everything you need including extra ice. Once there, settle in and relax, you aren't going anywhere."
Walk-in tent sites throughout the region offer varying levels of privacy and natural features. At Murphy Lake Leanto, accessible only by foot or bike, tent campers find a secluded experience that "is worth the effort it takes to get there," with the trail passing through rocky, rooted terrain and pine tree barrens. Stony Creek Family Campground provides more developed tent camping with amenities like showers and trash service. For tent campers seeking water access, the Lake George Islands provide waterfront sites where visitors report "beautiful views, chill atmosphere," though some note maintenance issues with tent platforms and occasional wildlife encounters, particularly with raccoons after dark.
"This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"The Murphy Bennett Trails is a technical challenge to hike, or bike in on. And be prepared to go over downfalls. The area is maintained, but windhappens in the old growth forest."
"When camping on lake George, staying on an island to camp is a must-do. We rented kayaks and actually reserved a spot on our own private island. It was little, slightly wooded, and private."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"This was a perfect location for the first 2 days of our vacation. Steve and Michelle were incredibly accommodating and wonderful hosts! We truly enjoyed our stay and will definitely return!"
from $130 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $100 - $300 / night
"One of many locations along Forest rd 71, this spot was a good place to pitch a tent for the night while exploring the area even in the rain."
"We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing."
TravelerCamp is pretty close together but most spots have a thick tree line between them which is nice. You still get a bit of road noise off the bridge and surrounding areas but it’s not to bad and the views at the boat launch on the Hudson are gorgeous
ScoutIt was dark. I arrived after 7p. There were 3 rv camps already going on. All 3 had camp fires. Many fire rings for many groups. No hassles at all. It's off the beaten path but worth it. The first 4 camp sites were open. Made a fire. Ate some food. I got a good night sleep. Nothing ate me or attacked me so that's 5 star in my book.
GuideThe park looks fantastic! Well maintained camp sites and beautiful river sceneries from the boat launch area!
Bathhouse is one of the best I have seen!
Check in was smooth. Everyone was courteous!
TravelerLots of beautiful spots to pick from but be careful some are a bit muddy. We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!
LegendMostly peaceful campground with nice spots, most of which offer some privacy. If you are bothered by trains, note that you will hear them in the background quite frequently from the railroad bridge that passes over the Hudson River. It's not loud by any means, but you can hear them.
The state park staff and the camp hosts were all very friendly, and it has some of the cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen in a state park.
Site 20 is a pull through site and it's huge, and while it is next to the shower building, it's far enough away that it really isn't a problem. Also, the field between you and the shower building is a fantastic spot to set up a Starlink dish.
GuideWonderful owners. A variety of sites to choose from in a relaxing setting. No waste hookups here, but they have a dump station. $51 per night with cash.
TravelerGreat little campground in Berkshire County. Mostly suited for tent camping or small RVs, although there are definitely sites for RVs to use. Call to get an idea of what’s available if you do plan on bringing your RV. The facilities were clean and the trails well marked.
LegendWhat an amazing find! This was a perfect location for the first 2 days of our vacation. Steve and Michelle were incredibly accommodating and wonderful hosts! We truly enjoyed our stay and will definitely return!
GuideWent with a friend on an impromptu last minute camping trip up in the NF and hoped we could find a spot on a Friday night. Quite a few spots were taken but there were still some free ones. We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing. In the morning, adorable little red squirrels with big personalities made themselves known and there were wildflowers blooming all over with hummingbirds going about their business. This is dispersed camping so there’s no rest rooms, running water, etc. The particular site we stayed at did have another site on the other side of the creek and we could hear the family during the day and see them as they walked past, so it wasn’t as isolated as some of the other sites. It was a cute spot and I’ll def be back.
Dispersed camping options near Saratoga Springs, New York extend beyond the immediate area to several wilderness regions within an hour's drive. The region sits at the foothills of the Adirondacks with elevations ranging from 300 to 1,500 feet, creating varied terrain for tent camping. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F during day and drop to 55-60°F at night, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can dip into the 40s.
Water activities at Glen Island: Camp on Lake George Islands for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Accessible only by boat, these sites provide direct water access. "Me the wife and our 3 children had an amazing time on our three night stay. Definitely no amenities other than an outhouse but spectacular views and pristine waters. Great fishing, lots of fun to be had on the water," reports Justin B. from Glen Island Group.
Mountain biking on forest trails: Several state forest areas provide trail access for mountain bikers seeking technical challenges. "The Murphy Bennett Trails is a technical challenge to hike, or bike in on. And be prepared to go over downfalls. The area is maintained, but wind happens in the old growth forest," explains one visitor to Murphy Lake Leanto.
Riverfront exploration: Campsites near Cod Pond offer direct river access down steep embankments. "There was a fire ring and access to the river down a semi-steep bank. Beautiful to listen to at night," notes camper Josie W. The sound of running water provides natural white noise that enhances the camping experience.
Private, secluded sites: Tent campers appreciate the solitude available at dispersed sites. "Decent site right off of the 'main' road. 'Main' because it was quiet. Easy to access via a short dirt road, but also easy to miss," reports a visitor at Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off.
Family-operated campgrounds: For those seeking more established camping with amenities, local operations receive positive feedback. "It's a nice family ran campground. We love it here and plan to come back!" shares Elizabeth P. about Stony Creek Family Campground.
Island camping experiences: The unique opportunity to camp on an island appeals to adventurous campers. "When camping on Lake George, staying on an island to camp is a must-do. We rented kayaks and actually reserved a spot on our own private island. It was little, slightly wooded, and private," explains Erin H. about her experience at Glen Island.
Wilderness trail access: State forests provide direct access to trail systems. "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side," reports a visitor at Ushers Road State Forest.
Limited amenities at dispersed sites: Most primitive camping areas require self-sufficiency. "Take everything you need including extra ice. Once there, settle in and relax, you aren't going anywhere," advises a Lake George camper. Pack in all water, food, and supplies.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for potential animal visitors, especially at established sites. "The raccoon situation...was bad. We were literally bombarded with a group of raccoons each night," warns Ryan about his experience at Long Island Group.
Site conditions vary significantly: Despite appearances, tent platforms and ground may not be level. "The site has its own private road. A car is not recommended. Possible to turn around but you definitely need a smaller SUV... ground may look flat but when sleeping-definitely is not," warns Taylor A. about Cod Pond.
Seasonal accessibility: Most water-based sites operate from mid-May through early October, with limited shoulder season availability. Island sites on Lake George typically open May 19 and close between September 4-October 9, depending on location.
Boat rentals required: For island camping, secure boat transportation in advance. "Definitely need a decent sized boat with a gas outboard to get there, but wow. What an experience," advises Justin B. Boat rentals are available at Bolton Landing and other Lake George marinas.
Site selection considerations: Choose sites based on your family's mobility needs and comfort level. "The trail ride out to Pumpkin Hollow doesn't take long, maybe an hour and a half, and the descent back to route 30 and reality takes 4 minutes 34 seconds," notes Tony F. about the access to remote sites.
Holiday planning: Fourth of July offers special camping opportunities with fireworks views. "We went for July 4th and got front row seats for their fireworks over the lake from our private shore," shares a camper about their Lake George experience.
Bug protection essential: The region can have significant insect activity, especially in forested areas. "The bugs were terrible," warns one camper about Cod Pond, highlighting the importance of bringing proper repellent and protective clothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Saratoga Springs, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Saratoga Springs, NY is Ushers Road State Forest with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Saratoga Springs, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Saratoga Springs, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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