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Best Tent Camping near Silver Bay, NY

676 Reviews

Tent campsites around Silver Bay, New York offer a mix of island-based and mainland camping experiences in the Adirondack region. Lake George Islands provides several tent-friendly options including Narrow Island Group, Glen Island Group, and Long Island Group, all accessible primarily by boat. Rogers Rock Campground, located along Lake Shore Drive in Hague, features multiple tent camping areas including Temple Knoll Island and Waltonian Island campsites within a short distance of Silver Bay.

Most tent sites in the Lake George area require advance planning, especially during the peak season from May through September. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at established campgrounds, while backcountry sites follow stricter regulations. Many island campsites require boat transportation and lack basic amenities such as drinking water, showers, or flush toilets. Campers should prepare for primitive conditions, particularly at the island sites where all supplies must be packed in. Sites at Rogers Rock Campground offer more amenities including showers and sanitary dump stations, though these facilities may be located away from the actual tent sites.

The tent camping experience near Silver Bay provides unique water-based perspectives not available to other accommodation types. Island campsites offer greater privacy and separation from neighboring campers, though boat traffic can create noise during peak summer weekends. A visitor commented, "You must have a power boat ride out there or be up for a long paddle. Take everything you need including extra ice. Once there, settle in and relax, you aren't going anywhere." Lake views are particularly impressive from many of the tent sites, with opportunities for fishing, kayaking and swimming directly from camp. Weather conditions can change quickly on the lake, making it important for tent campers to secure their equipment properly and check forecasts before setting up on exposed sites.

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Best Tent Sites Near Silver Bay, New York (43)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Silver Bay, NY

58 Photos of 43 Silver Bay Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Silver Bay, NY

676 Reviews of 43 Silver Bay Campgrounds

  • Matthew D.
    Oct. 10, 2018

    Cedar River Entrance Camping

    Cedar River Campground

    Stayed at site number 5, I think. It was by the water in the woods just a little bit. Picnic table, fire ring and several outhouses nearby. Beautiful surroundings. There is a small landing to launch kayaks or canoes. A dam with some additional sites on the other side. Town is about 20-30 minutes away. Several trails nearby. Would recommend.  

    Also would recommend traveling further in if you are looking for more sites.

  • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2022

    Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter on the AT in Vermont — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Basic AT shelter with lots of tent camping and swimming hole nearby

    Note: This is a hike in back country shelter with unreliable water and a pit bathroom.

    I tented here on a section hike of the AT. The shelter was a fairly basic 8ish person shelter, but this stop stood out because of a brand new privvy, large tenting areas, and a swimming hole and consistent water just a bit further down the trail (when heading northbound).

    For camping, there were a few large tent areas where multiple tents could fit and which looked quite level.

    The privvy looked brand new and was more spacious than most on the trail.

    There was no water on the shelter, but there was plenty of water at Stony Brook / Mink Brook a bit further northbound. I only explored a bit offtrail down the brook but found a decent swimming hole (could just barely submerge myself) to clean off a bit.

    There was also a bear box here, which I hadn't seen at other shelters along the AT in Vermont (heading southbound).

    Although the shelter was fairly basic, I would keep this on my list as a go-to place to stop if I was planning to hike in the area.

  • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2022

    Gifford Woods State Park Campground

    Quiet and well maintained campground

    I tent camped here before doing a section hike of the Appalachian Trail and it was one of the best campgrounds I’ve stayed at before.

    The sites have some privacy and woods in between, though the tent sites vs. shelters and cabins were mostly closer to the access road. All sites were super clean and had a picnic table and fire ring. Most sites had a built in cooking fire structure (vs. a fire ring) they looked great for camp cooking, though my site (T01) seemed to be the only without it.

    The facilities were well-maintained, there were water spigots everywhere, and though I didn’t get a chance to enjoy, there were lots of activities right there (volleyball lawn, the AT running right through the campground, mountain bike trails).

    I didn’t stay in them, but the cabins and lean-tos looked great for group or family options.

    Kent Pond was also just across the road for water activities, and I saw at least one fly fisher out.

    Killington was also right nearby for restaurants and other needs.

    I will definitely be coming back to explore more!

  • Maribeth W.
    Aug. 30, 2016

    Lake Harris Campground

    Wet but beautiful!

    We got rained out!! Our site did have good drainage and ample tree cover so that helped. Easy access to buy firewood on the road into the campground.

  • Lauren S.
    Jul. 27, 2020

    Moosalamoo Campground

    Hidden Gem

    Tucked down a gravel road in the Green Mountain National Forest is this hidden treasure. Large sites, friendly campground host, the moosalamoo trailhead right next to campground. The trail connects to many others. You will pass several trailheads on your way up to the campground. Many of the sites are reservable, others are first come first serve. You will find a pay station as you enter the campsite. The camp host is at site 1. Surprisingly clean vault toilets. No showers. There are dumpsters on the way out for trash and recycling. I saw bear storage lockers but I did not use them as I had my bear keg with me. Behind the parking spur at the site there is gravel with picnic table and fire pit. Beyond that in the trees was a spot for the tent. I didn’t experience many bugs, no mosquitoes, what I saw the most of were caterpillars. But If you needed bug spray or forgot anything back in town a few miles Ripton grocery has you covered.

  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 3, 2022

    Greendale Campground

    Greendale campground, Weston Vt.

    Greendale Campground is a small remote campground located along Greendale Brook in Weston, VT.

    There are 11 campsites available in a wooded setting. Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and a parking spur. Most sites can accommodate small campers as well as tents. There is also a vault toilet.

    The campground offers easy access to the Greendale Loop, a 4.0 mile hike through a mixed forest of northern hardwood and conifer trees with long stretches bordering scenic streams. This loop includes approximately 2 miles of walking along town maintained roads open to vehicular traffic.

    This site is not maintained for winter use. Deep snow often covers amenities at this site December – mid April. The nearest plowed parking area to the campground in the winter is approximately one mile away and access is via skis or snowshoes. My wife and I car camped in July and there were very few campers. Many sites are beside Greendale Brook. The water is clean, refreshing and soothing. Especially soothing while sitting by the campfire.

  • Miccal M.
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

    This is a wonderful place to camp

    There are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience.  The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic.  Some of the sites are drive in, some are walk in, but all are primitive. 

    There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area.  Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.

    This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact, and that impact can be positive or negative. Choose Positive!

    This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF

  • Jessica C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Chittenden Brook Campground

    Great site

    This was a great site that feels secluded but isn’t. There’s quite a bit of space between each site so you can’t really see your neighbors which is excellent. The vault toilets were surprisingly clean besides the expected smell/flies. No running water or electricity. No cell service a few miles leading up the site, so download your maps in advance. There’s a 2.5 mile dirt road with a steady incline into the camp, which my subie had no issue with, but not sure how well an RV would fair.

    Didn’t see any bear, but take bear food precautions regardless. Each site has a fire pit, tent platform, and picnic table. The sites were well cared for. There were two dumpsters, one for recycling and one for trash, at the end of the loop. They are bear proof and almost me proof! The constant sound of running water from the brook was truly relaxing. I didn’t have issues with bugs (beginning of August) but I also didn’t stay in the camp during the majority of the day.

    All in all, a great campsite and I’ll definitely be back.

  • Brett N.
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Draper’s Acres

    Great Location, Solid Amenities

    Or site was large enough for two double tents, a hammock, and 2 vehicles. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. The office sells firewood. Both bath houses were adequate, even containing shampoo and body wash. Staff was friendly. Some if the sites are rather close to each other, and the proximity to the road was noticeable but my white noise app dealt with that while I slept. Prices were more than fair for what was provided.

Guide to Silver Bay

Tent camping near Silver Bay, New York centers primarily around the Lake George region where most sites require boat access. Situated in the eastern Adirondacks at approximately 320 feet elevation, the area features forested shorelines and island-based camping options. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms during July and August that can create challenging conditions for island campers.

What to do

Swimming and water activities: Long Island Group campsites provide direct access to Lake George's clear waters. "Absolutely beautiful and you can't beat camping on an island," notes camper T K. about Long Island Group — Lake George Islands.

Fishing: Anglers find productive fishing throughout the lake, particularly around the island campsites. Justin B. from Glen Island Group reports: "Great fishing, lots of fun to be had on the water and quiet peaceful evening by the campfire."

Hiking: Multiple trails within 20-30 minutes of Silver Bay offer day hiking options. Keith D. from Davey Falls ADK notes it's the "Perfect location to explore eastern Adk" with "Private waterfall, hiking trails."

What campers like

Island privacy: Island sites create natural separation from neighboring campers. Erin H. shares about Glen Island: "We rented kayaks and actually reserved a spot on our own private island. It was little, slightly wooded, and private."

Lake views: The Narrow Island Group provides exceptional lake vistas. Sam B. states: "I love this place so much I almost feel like I shouldn't say it's amazing... but. That's not what we do here! So- it's amazing!"

Waterfront access: Many sites feature direct shoreline access for swimming and boating. According to Anastasiia T. at Long Island: "We had a great spot on Long Island! Beautiful view, chill atmosphere, easy boat parking on the slip."

What you should know

Transportation requirements: Most island sites require boats with outboard motors. Justin B. advises: "Definitely need a decent sized boat with a gas outboard to get there, but wow. What an experience."

Limited amenities: Narrow Island Group and other island sites lack basic services. "TAKE EVERYTHING you need including extra ice. Once there, settle in & relax, you aren't going anywhere," Rebecca E. recommends.

Site conditions: Terrain varies significantly between sites. Ryan reports about Long Island Group: "There were no leveled space whatsoever (except for one platform per site...but where would a second tent go? On the horrible ground beside it."

Advance planning: Reservations for Lake George island sites should be made up to nine months ahead. Rebecca E. notes: "Book 9 months in advance & good luck. Last minute cancellations are a common occurrence though."

Tips for camping with families

Consider noise factors: Boat traffic creates significant noise at island sites during peak periods. Rebecca E. warns: "Warning: lots of boat motor noise esp on summer weekends which sadly dilutes the otherwise 'cut off' feeling."

Wildlife awareness: Several island sites report active wildlife. Ryan cautions: "We were literally bombarded with a group of raccoons each night. It was bad."

Holiday opportunities: The July 4th period offers special experiences at Lake George. Erin H. remembers: "We went for July 4th and got front row seats for their fireworks over the lake from our private shore."

Family-friendly sites: Rogers Rock Campground Temple Knoll Island Campsites provide more amenities than primitive island sites, including access to showers and sanitary facilities, making them suitable for families with younger children.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Few island sites accommodate RVs. Narrow Island Group lists RV camping but requires boat transportation of equipment.

Mainland alternatives: For RVers seeking proximity to Silver Bay, Adirondack Safari offers tent and glamping options with more amenities including electric hookups, drinking water, and waste disposal facilities.

Weather preparation: Lake sites experience sudden weather changes requiring secure equipment storage. Justin B. reports three-night stays work well for a balance of setup effort and enjoyment: "Me the wife and our 3 children had an amazing time on our three night stay."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Silver Bay, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Silver Bay, NY is Narrow Island Group — Lake George Islands with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Silver Bay, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 43 tent camping locations near Silver Bay, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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