Best Tent Camping near Wanakena, NY

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Wanakena? We've got you covered. Find the best tent camping sites near Wanakena. 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.

Best Tent Sites Near Wanakena, NY (27)

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Showing results 1-10 of 27 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in Wanakena

365 Reviews of 27 Wanakena Campgrounds


  • Jacob D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cranberry Lake - DEC
    Sep. 13, 2024

    Cranberry Lake - DEC

    Quiet and dark

    Stayed here one night and it was super quiet and dark 8pm until we woke up. I hammocked right next to the water of Cranberry Lake. It has showers with hot water, which is timed and high pressure. Checkout was at 10am

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose River Plains
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Moose River Plains

    Great for free

    Easy drive and nice for a free spot in the Adirondacks. Super private sites, we’ll spaced. Gave us some weird vibes though, these woods definitely have a strange energy about them.

  • Tyler C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites
    Jul. 13, 2024

    Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites

    Nice spot for a couple nights

    Stayed here with a group of friends at site #4. Was a great spot and lots of room for our 4 tents/3vehicles. It was over the July 4th week, so very busy and found people would just walk through your campsite. Which of course would make our dogs bark at them. Also a lot of people just walking the road, so privacy can really be hit or miss. A lot of people have their dogs off leash as well. One of the rangers stopped by and sure did have a big chip on his shoulder. Overall would stay again, but would maybe instead stay at site 5 or over at a short hike in spot along Jones Pond rd. Overall a great place, just wish people would have more respect when around others campsites.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Forge Camping Resort
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Old Forge Camping Resort

    Very tight, no grassy areas

    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.

  • Sam L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadowbrook Campground
    May. 27, 2024

    Meadowbrook Campground

    Average campground great location

    We stayed at Meadowbrook over Memorial Day weekend in 2024. It's an average campground, but has a really good location between Lake Placid and Saranac Lake. 

    Our site had the standard DEC picnic table and fire pit. There are showers (the hot water was broken the day we were there, but the attendant said we could go to nearby campgrounds to use theirs), toilets, and water spigots. I had decent Verizon signal. 

    The sites were clean, but the fire pit was showing its age. We stayed in site 37, which was a bit more private and surrounded by trees. The sites in the two loops closest to Rte 86 (#1-13, 27-34, and 51-62) were much closer together, and some didn't have trees between sites. Even at our more "isolated" site, we could still see our neighbors. 

    The bathroom was actually one of the nicest I've seen in a DEC campsite; it looked like it had recently been rebuilt. 

    There are positives and negatives about the location. On the plus side, there's ice cream and places to eat within walking distance. We also forgot lunch for our hike the next day and were able to walk to a convenience store to grab supplies. And if you're doing things in Lake Placid and Saranac, the location is tough to beat. On the minus side, there's a bit of road noise and some of the campsites looked like they had great views of a parking lot.

  • Dane P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Reservoir
    Apr. 10, 2024

    Stillwater Reservoir

    Excellent place! Went for Solar Eclipse

    a 20 mile ride of just woods on a bumpy road. Pretty cool! Surprisingly the place wasn't that populated as I expected it to be. I went to a accessible campsite near the dam so I can pull stuff i needed from my car. The restaurant in the town had great food, the staff were nice, and had two cute dogs!

  • Kari L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Birch’s Lakeside Campground and Marina
    Feb. 13, 2024

    Birch’s Lakeside Campground and Marina

    Quiet getaway

    Add this stop when visiting the Adirondacks! This was the perfect spot located on Cranberry lake -They have everything you need at their lakeside store, including boat and kayak rentals! The lake was beautiful, the campground was quiet and we had the best view of the stars at night (we were there during a meteor shower). You can tell the campers truly love this place and had nothing but great things to say about the owners. We will be back again soon

  • Rachel P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Birch’s Lakeside Campground and Marina
    Jan. 19, 2024

    Birch’s Lakeside Campground and Marina

    Eazy breezy

    Beautiful lakeside campsites, Birch’s has a super convenient store that is stocked with anything you may have forgotten.. along with some easy bites and fresh Sammies. Best part was meeting the mascot pup, Brodie. We met some regulars and some passer through-ers, loved the community here! I can’t wait to go back!

  • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Eighth Lake Campground
    Jan. 18, 2024

    Eighth Lake Campground

    great location

    I've just recently started camping in the ADKs and love this campground. it is huge, clean and well maintained.  There are a surprising amount of bathhouses and a trash facility on the way out. All sites have fire pits and some have enough trees for hammocks, but it is easier if you have a hammock stand.  I used my Tensa4.

  • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose River Plains
    Jan. 18, 2024

    Moose River Plains

    nice spot above a river

    Moose River Plains is an amazing place to camp.  there are so many sites. the only issue is it is getting a little overused and people need to clean up after themselves more.

    The main road through is a little rough, take it slow and you should get through with any vehicle, but I would recommend only high clearance 8" plus vehicles.  Every site has a pit house and fire ring.

  • Blake S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Birch’s Lakeside Campground and Marina
    Dec. 31, 2023

    Birch’s Lakeside Campground and Marina

    Refreshing, Remote and Relaxing

    Wow, stumbled upon this little gem this past August!! Always lived in the South so, wanted to explore somewhere different and what a great choice! Birches had everything we wanted, small town feel(as in everyone we met was super friendly), all the necessities, the charm, the views, the food and comfort. We will be back next year as long as they have room. This is one of those places you don’t want too many people to find out about, that way you always get a spot hahaha

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose River Plains
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Moose River Plains

    Great boondocking - free

     Cool, free camping in the Adirondacks. The road to get here is ok, definitely manageable in a smaller RV, you’d just have to take it slow. We did fine in our 26ft class c. There’s a sign-in box at the entrance, for purposes of gauging usage and also for emergencies. 

    Each site is marked with a little yellow number placard. Each site has such a different layout, but each one has a picnic table, fire pit, and your very own, surprisingly clean, outhouse. We only stayed here one night, in site 121A, but I’d recommend staying longer than that, if only because the road to the camp sites is so long. 

    There isn’t much hiking or walking paths around here, but the roads aren’t very busy so you can walk along those to get to the hiking trails that are here. I don’t believe the trailheads had any parking space, so watch for that on your way in if you want to drive to the hike. 

    No cell service

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Birch’s Lakeside Campground and Marina
    Dec. 20, 2023

    Birch’s Lakeside Campground and Marina

    Relaxing, quiet, kid friendly and waterfront! Amazing Time

    Exceeded expectations!! This place has it all, especially being as remote as it is. (Laundry facilities, fishing, firewood, quaint general store for supplies and fuel) We thoroughly enjoyed out time here, there were kids on site, boat rentals and extremely nice seasonal campers.. The campers became our friends,  they were all willing to help from the moment of our arrival, even shared fishing spots on the lake! Lots to do here between the lake and public beach/tennis courts within walking distance. Star gazing is FANTASTIC!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Dept.
    Oct. 11, 2023

    Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Dept.

    Great place to layover in Lake Placid

    Reservations 5183900930 Support the Fire Department! Kind of an open lot, but surrounded by Adirondack beauty. Bathroom in Fire Department available , no shower. Close to downtown restaurants and Olympic sights

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Birch’s Lakeside Campground and Marina
    Oct. 4, 2023

    Birch’s Lakeside Campground and Marina

    A Convenient Stay in the Adirondacks

    Jake from the Dyrt here! Birch's Lakeside Campground has all the amenities needed to enjoy a stay in upstate New York, a general store, laundry & propane on site keep everything you need right there!  Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!

  • Alex R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blueberry lean-to campground
    Oct. 1, 2023

    Blueberry lean-to campground

    Great campsite near the Seward range.

    On the Blueberry trail not far from the Ward lean-to.

    Very close to the trail to Seward, Donaldson and Emmons.

    Lean-to, privy, fire pit, table, and water around.

  • Alex R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ward Brook Campsite
    Oct. 1, 2023

    Ward Brook Campsite

    Great campsite at the bottom of Seymour mountain

    Great campsite with a nice lean-to. 

    Fire pit, picnic table, and a privy. 

    A bit further you will find some tent spots too. 

    Plenty of water around.

  • Oleńka S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fish Creek Pond Campground
    Sep. 10, 2023

    Fish Creek Pond Campground

    Kayaking paradise!

    This is a gorgeous campground on the banks of Fish Creek Pond and Square pond close to Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake.

    Very site has water access, and the water is super shallow all along the shoreline. It’s perfect for dogs, kids, and hanging out in the water. The bottom is sandy with some rocks, good to have water shoes but not essential. Sites 65-100 get a great view of the sunset! Our site was level and dry, as were the surrounding sites. There’s not much brush on the sites and there are lots of old, tall trees, so I had tons of places to put up our dogs tie out, my hammock, and the clothes line.

    There were clean bath houses everywhere and one shower building on the west side of Square Pond. I was surprised by the number of bathrooms, you’ll never be far from one while camping here.

    Over all, one of my favorite camping weekends ever, it was a gorgeous spot for water sports and great for a run or bike ride. Don’t sleep on this spot!

  • Dave N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Moose River Plains
    Aug. 18, 2023

    Moose River Plains

    Remote & Beautiful Wild Forest!

    Plenty of campsites available, ranging from exposed/near the road to secluded/tucked away. All seemed to include an outhouse. The forest is vast and inviting… only wish there were more connecting trails from the campsites. Expect a slow and bumpy ride in - but keep your eyes peeled for the massive & incredible ravens flying by!

  • LL J.
    Camper-submitted photo from HTR Adirondacks
    Aug. 7, 2023

    HTR Adirondacks

    Before you make reservation

    Spent this weekend on a "full hookup site" in our class A motorhome. We used a surge protector when plugging in to electric. It wasn't long before our power kept kicking off. We contacted the office and a staff member came and advised us that they do not have enough power for all of the campsites they have and we should not have our hot water on electric. Until we get our LP fixed that is all we have so no hot water the whole weekend and our power kept kicking off the entire weekend. When we left the sewer backed up on our site when we emptied out tanks. The staff is not friendly and our site was mostly mud. Just an FYI before you go. Wish I knew these things before I made reservations.

  • Alex R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cranberry Lake
    Aug. 4, 2023

    Cranberry Lake

    Tons of free campsites and lean-to

    Tons of free campsites and lean-to everywhere.

    Some with picnic tables and fire area.

    First arrive type! 

    I camped while hiking the full CL50 loop.

    You can also swim or go fishing!


Guide to Wanakena

Tent camping near Wanakena, New York, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful escape.

Unique Local Attractions

  • Experience the serene beauty of the Tioga Point Adirondack Preserve, accessible only by boat, where you can enjoy crystal-clear waters and private campsites.
  • The Adirondack Mennonite Camping Associates Inc provides a classic summer camp experience with activities like canoeing and a high ropes course, perfect for families.
  • For a more secluded experience, visit Francis Lake, known for its stunning kayaking opportunities and peaceful surroundings.

Tent Camping Prices

  • Prices for tent camping can vary, with options like Forked Lake Campground offering primitive sites that are budget-friendly, though amenities are limited.
  • Fish Creek Pond - DEC is a popular choice with spacious sites and access to water activities, making it a great value for families.
  • At Higley Flow State Park, you can find well-maintained sites with electric hookups, providing a comfortable camping experience at a reasonable price.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Wanakena

  • When visiting Middle Pond Campsite, arrive early during the summer months to secure a spot, as this location is popular and fills up quickly.
  • For a unique experience, consider the Seventh Lake Primitive Camping area, which offers a more rugged camping experience with limited amenities, perfect for those looking to disconnect.
  • Always be prepared for wildlife encounters, especially at Alger Island Adirondack Preserve, where bears are known to roam; securing food and trash is essential for a safe camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wanakena, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wanakena, NY is Fish Creek Pond - DEC with a 5-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Wanakena, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.