Best Tent Camping near Thendara, NY

The Adirondack region surrounding Thendara, New York offers several primitive tent camping options in secluded forest settings. Seventh Lake Primitive Camping provides free dispersed tent sites accessible by hike-in or walk-in routes, while North Lake Reservoir Campground features multiple tent sites with basic amenities around a pristine lake. Both locations offer quiet backcountry tent camping experiences typical of the Adirondack wilderness.

Tent campers should prepare for minimal facilities at most sites. North Lake Reservoir includes basic vault toilets but no drinking water, making water filtration equipment essential. Seventh Lake prohibits fires completely, unlike most other nearby tent camping areas which allow campfires in established rings. Access to many sites requires walking short distances from parking areas, with some sites positioned directly on lakeshores. The terrain typically consists of ungraded forest floor with natural obstacles like roots and rocks that tent campers must navigate when setting up. Most primitive tent sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system.

Backcountry tent camping in this region provides exceptional solitude and natural experiences. Sites at North Lake Reservoir feature direct lake access, with some walk-in spots positioned right along the shoreline for easy water access. Summer months bring moderate temperatures ideal for tent camping, though black flies can be problematic in late spring. Seventh Lake offers a large sand bar within walking distance of tent sites, creating additional recreation space. According to one review, "There are a few camping sites and one lean-to in this area. We accessed the sites by water on a canoe trip. There is a trail that connects the campsites to Seventh Lake Road and to the Bug Lake trail." Fall foliage season brings spectacular colors but cooler nights that require appropriate sleeping gear for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Thendara, New York (14)

    1. Alger Island Adirondack Preserve

    2 Reviews
    Eagle Bay, NY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 369-3224

    $18 - $40 / night

    "sites: boat only access. bring water. pack in/ pack out. lean to at sites. secluded. amenities: pit toilets. other attractions: hiking. theme park near (off island). I would go back again."

    "It was a few days before 4th of July so it was a very busy time to be in 4th lake making the lake very choppy. A lot of our stuff got wet due to big waves from boats crashing into our kayaks."

    2. North Lake Reservoir Campground

    2 Reviews
    Otter Lake, NY
    13 miles

    "32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean."

    "We got there after dark and it was beautiful to wake up to the view of the lake. Car camped, but there was enough room for a tent."

    3. Seventh Lake Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    Inlet, NY
    14 miles

    "We happened upon it on our way to the seventh lake campground and ended up staying for two nights. We accessed the sites by water on a canoe trip."

    4. Francis Lake

    1 Review
    Croghan, NY
    14 miles
    Website

    "Great for swimming, kayaking, and a gorgeous place to wake up next to the water. There are two access points to the water, the more hidden point is where you hike in for camping."

    5. Adirondack Mennonite Camping Associates Inc

    1 Review
    Croghan, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 376-2640

    "Beaver Camp (or, officially Adirondack Mennonite Camping Assoc.), is a classic summer youth sleep-away camp on Beaver Lake."

    6. Tioga Point Campground

    2 Reviews
    Raquette Lake, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 354-4101

    $18 / night

    "Needless to say that it is tough to get the travel trailer across the lake if you go make sure you charcoal up a stick and write your name in the lean to watch out for the neighborly bears"

    "This definitely saves some space in your boat. Pets are allowed!"

    7. Cedar River Entrance Camping

    3 Reviews
    Speculator, NY
    26 miles

    "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 are many outhouses, a picnic table, and a fire ring close by. beautiful surroundings of geometry dash lite."

    8. Della Terra

    1 Review
    Croghan, NY
    27 miles

    $25 / night

    "We're so excited to have Julian's property on our platform. This property is rural and beautiful."

    10. Hall Island State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Altmar, NY
    43 miles
    Website

    "I checked out primitive site on my own early in April it was cold snowing and raining. It didn’t take away from the campsite at all though."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Thendara, NY

4 Photos of 14 Thendara Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Thendara, NY

362 Reviews of 14 Thendara Campgrounds


  • Rachel P.
    Sep. 8, 2018

    North Lake Resevoir

    North Lake Reservoir

    Not that they would do this place any justice, but I sincerely wish I had pictures. Unfortunately my last visit here was before smart phones were so commonplace. North Lake Reservoir is one of the Adirondack Park’s best kept secrets. Extremely primitive, you must get off Rte 28, heading toward the old Buffalo Head restaurant and passed there, keep going another 30-40 minutes along a dirt/gravel road until you reach N Lake Rd.

    The DEC-run facility offers about 25 primitive sites along North Lake. There is a campers log where you can sign in at the entrance and the sites are dispersed along a long dirt road. A few are drive-in, while many you must park and walk-in. These sites are primitive-no tables, no facilities or running water. Best of all, no generators or electrical hookups for those of us in it to truly be in nature.

    I don’t recall the site number, but we had about a 1/2-3/4 mile hike along a narrow path to the site. It was completely worth it- the site was large and right on the water, completely surrounded by trees and shade. The only sounds came from the occasional boat across the lake and loon calls in the morning.

    Coming here has absolutely been one of my favorite experiences. If you’re adventurous and up for the challenge and seclusion, I highly recommend checking out North Lake Reservoir!

  • John E.
    Jun. 19, 2018

    Brown Tract Pond Campground

    I fell in love with this place

    As I sat having by my coffee, watching steam rise from the pond, I listened to the distant calls of Loons.

    I’d describe this campground as a hidden gem, but it’s not for everyone. To get here you leave the paved road and take a gravel road a little ways. On our way we spotted a group of Turkeys wandering about. This campground is for the adventurous. No electric or water hook ups (for RVs) and no shower facilities, but there are restrooms.

    Staff was friendly and helpful. Helped me pick out a site and made sure I was good once I set up. Bring or rent a Canoe and you can travel out to an island in the middle of the pond from which families jump from a large rock into the lake.

    As the sun sets and the stars come out, you’ll look up and suddenly realize just how small you are as you stare at the heavens and see the Milky Way.

    Nothing but peace and quiet. When it’s quiet hours, the only thing you here is nature and the occasional crackle of someone’s fire.

    Would I go here again? Brown Tract is one of those places that after you go once, you find yourself going again and again. Our tripped was booked as soon as we could.

  • 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.

  • Elizabeth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2020

    Soft Maple Campground

    Small and completely gorgeous! Beach, wooded sites, great for everyone.

    Soft Maple is a truly gorgeous small campground. Only about a dozen sites or so, first come first serve. Level sites for RVs or tent or hammock camping. Each site has a nice space with fire ring and picnic table. The beach is lovely and clean. There’s boat access for canoes and kayaks as this is part of the Beaver River route. 

    The entire campground is accessible, with gravel pack paths, and level sites.  

    Charlie is the caretaker here and everyone says he is the nicest person you’ll meet.  You can’t beat site number 11 for the perfect mix of treelined and water view!

    There is space for RVs and a dump station but the sites do not have power or hookups. 

    If you come in to the campground from “number 4 road” (aka state rt. 26) it’s exactly five miles from the Left turn on to Soft Maple rd. If you have time, stop halfway- the 2.5 mile mark will bring you to the entrance for Eagle falls, a short hike with a fantastic reveal.

  • Rachel P.
    Oct. 26, 2018

    Nicks Lake Campground

    Nicks Lake Campground

    Though just moments away from the heart of Old Forge, Nicks Lake provides a nice balance between the hustle and bustle of Main Street and the tranquility of the Adirondacks.

    The grounds are a wonderful option for families, not only hosting a number of amenities (i.e. campers beach, hiking trails), but providing opportunities to observe the local wildlife. You can catch sight of deer or a bear at any moment. (Just keep in mind to maintain a safe distance and respect their space!)

    The sites were fairly sized and shaded- my family and I reserved sites 38 and 36 for our brief visit. We enjoyed our stay and are likely to return!

  • 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.

  • Geoff W.
    Aug. 16, 2017

    Stillwater Reservoir

    Another great trip

    This was my 3rd trip to Stillwater in 3 yrs and it gets better each time!

    Our first trip was an overnight to test some backpacking gear, it was September and the weather was perfect! We hiked into our site, not easy because almost everything is meant to be accessed by boat so we were guessing our course! Cooler weather meant no bugs to contend with

    Next year we took a canoe to our site, it was July, warm weather, warm water and the bugs were not terrible, we were at Site 1, secluded in a cove, not a lot of traffic but there is a hiking trailhead near the site so there is potential for visitors.

    Our latest trip was to site 10, an island site with a large sandy beachfront, we borrowed a motor boat to get there this year and brought plenty of gear for 4 days. Weather was great again, some rain each day but we had time to get setup and get shelters to keep dry.

    Camping if free here but it is first come first serve but with 40+ sites you can almost always get something. There is a small store at the boat launch to get provisions if you need, public restrooms and wifi. Very limited cell service.

    You should bring water or something to filter it from the reservoir. I believe all the site have privy boxes on them.

    There are opportunities for fishing, a few local attractions, a nice restaurant at the launch.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2023

    Ace of Diamonds Mine & Campground

    Nice enough spot when traveling through

    I 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.

  • Kaylee C.
    Oct. 6, 2021

    Moose River Plains

    Amazing in the Fall!

    Stayed at site 51. It's elevated, clear, has a newer outhouse with toilet seat. The old outhouse was left to the side and we used it to store our firewood (to keep dry). We hammered a nail on the inside of the outhouse to hang the shower bladder. It got cold at night, around 30-40. It was fine though in just warm clothes, sleeping bags and an extra blanket. There a path to the river straight across the lane from the site, for water or swimming. We always use the limekiln entrance which is a bit rocky. I have a Chevy spark though and as long as we go super slow, it's passable. The other entrance (which is super long) does have a smoother pass though. While on this trip, we hiked the lost ponds trail, just down a ways from our site. It's worth the time and effort, full of amazing views! Of you have a lightweight or inflatable kayak, take it because the pond is quite large and there's lots to explore. Just a note if you've never been, be sure to stop at an entrance to sign in - the rangers aren't always around but you're so far in that if anything were to ever happen, you'd want them to have your information. This is a pretty remote area to camp and explore.


Guide to Thendara

The Adirondack region near Thendara, New York offers primitive camping options at elevations ranging from 1,700-2,000 feet in diverse forest settings. The area features numerous glacial lakes and ponds connected by the Moose River system. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms during July and August requiring proper rain gear and shelter for tent camping.

What to do

Paddling and water access: Francis Lake offers excellent opportunities for kayaking with two access points to the water. "This spot is totally gorgeous, perfectly clean, and quiet. Room for two or three tents, two fire circles and has an outhouse. Great for swimming, kayaking, and a gorgeous place to wake up next to the water," notes Elizabeth B.

Fishing: The waterways near Cedar River Entrance Camping provide productive fishing spots. According to Matthew D., "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."

Hiking nearby trails: Multiple hiking options exist within a short distance of camping areas. One camper at Hall Island State Forest notes, "For an able-bodied person just a short walk up the path. Where you drive in and park your car can also be used as a campsite but that's right off the road."

What campers like

Lake access and swimming: The proximity to pristine waters draws many tent campers. At North Lake Reservoir Campground, J B. explains, "32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean. Make sure to take a left at the start of the lake, the right is all private road and you will have to turn around."

Boat-only campsites: Several campgrounds offer unique boat-in experiences. Carrie J. describes Tioga Point Campground: "You can only reach this campground by boat. The campground is very secluded and there are lean-to style campsites. You don't have to bring a tent unless you want to. This definitely saves some space in your boat."

Seclusion and privacy: The region provides opportunities for genuine solitude. As Ashlee C. notes about North Lake Reservoir, "Very remote and secluded. We got there after dark and it was beautiful to wake up to the view of the lake. Car camped, but there was enough room for a tent."

What you should know

Boat traffic considerations: Waterways can become congested during peak periods. Sarah B. from Alger Island Adirondack Preserve shares, "To get to the campground, you must paddle. The state park allows only car top boats. We kayaked all of our gear out to the island. It was a few days before 4th of July so it was a very busy time to be in 4th lake making the lake very choppy."

Facilities vary significantly: Most primitive sites have minimal or no facilities. Thomas E. from Hall Island State Forest explains, "I checked out primitive site on my own early in April it was cold snowing and raining. It didn't take away from the campsite at all though. There were fire ring set up a view of the water."

Seasonal considerations: Different seasons present unique challenges for tent camping Thendara, New York. Benjamin C. advises about Alger Island: "Sites: boat only access. Bring water. Pack in/pack out. Lean to at sites. Secluded. Amenities: pit toilets."

Tips for camping with families

Consider established campgrounds: For families seeking more amenities while tent camping near Thendara, structured options exist. Elizabeth B. notes about Adirondack Mennonite Camping Associates: "Beaver Camp is 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."

Pet-friendly options: Several sites welcome four-legged family members. Carrie J. mentions about Tioga Point: "Pets are allowed! And since there usually aren't many people here, it's a great place to bring your dog for a long range game of frisbee or a good day of swimming."

Check water conditions: Families should verify water conditions before planning water activities. One camper cautions about Alger Island, "A lot of our stuff got wet due to big waves from boats crashing into our kayaks. I'm not sure if the lake is more deserted during the rest of the summer but the lake was FILLED with boats."

Tips from RVers

Limited RV accommodations: While tent camping dominates Thendara's options, some sites can accommodate small RVs. At North Lake Reservoir, J B. mentions both tent and RV options, noting the need to "take a left at the start of the lake, the right is all private road and you will have to turn around."

Consider parking limitations: Most primitive sites have restricted parking areas. As Thomas E. notes about Hall Island State Forest, "Where you drive in and park your car can also be used as a campsite but that's right off the road. Speaking of you can't hear the cars at night but you're not too far from the road maybe half a mile."

Pack supplies accordingly: With limited facilities, RVers must bring essentials. Rachel P. explains about Hall Island State Forest, "It's a short drive into town and to the local convenience store, which 'conveniently' enough, offers shower facilities and bathrooms for a fee."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Thendara, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Thendara, NY is Alger Island Adirondack Preserve with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Thendara, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.