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Best Tent Camping near Watervliet, NY

629 Reviews

Tent camping near Watervliet, New York provides access to several natural areas with primitive and established sites within driving distance. Ushers Road State Forest, located just north of Watervliet, offers dispersed tent camping with established fire rings approximately 150 feet from trails. For those seeking walk-in tent sites, Camp MoonChild and Cherry Plain Sanctuary Farm provide dedicated tent-only camping experiences with basic amenities. The Catskill region, about an hour south, features additional backcountry tent camping options at places like Echo Lake.

Most tent campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through September, with some sites closing earlier depending on weather conditions. Ushers Road State Forest permits camping year-round but requires campers to set up at least 150 feet from any trail or water source. Many primitive tent camping areas lack potable water, requiring campers to bring their own supply or filter from natural sources. Fire regulations vary by location, with most sites allowing fires in established rings only. Duck Pond Campsite and Echo Lake permit fires but do not provide firewood. Pets are generally allowed at most tent campsites in the region, though leash requirements apply.

The backcountry tent camping experience near Watervliet offers varying levels of solitude and natural settings. According to reviews, Duck Pond Campsite provides "surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites" with minimal crowds, though access requires navigating rough dirt roads with potentially limited cell service. Echo Lake features tent sites surrounding the water with a lean-to option, but campers note it "can get a little crowded later in the day" and "a little noisy at night." The sites at Echo Lake are "relatively flat and well shaded with trees," though areas near the water's edge can become swampy. Walk-in tent sites at Cherry Plain Sanctuary Farm provide a more secluded experience with basic amenities including toilets, drinking water, and permitted fires.

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Best Tent Sites Near Watervliet, New York (29)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Watervliet, NY

42 Photos of 29 Watervliet Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Watervliet, NY

629 Reviews of 29 Watervliet Campgrounds

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Echo Lake

    Lovely Camping in the Catskills

    This campground was my first backpacking trip and it was perfect!  There are tent sites around the whole lake with fire pits and 1 lean-to site at the end of the trail when you first arrive at the lake.  The sites are relatively flat and well shaded with trees.  Note, it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray.  Make sure you practice leave no trace principles and pack out what you bring in!  It does get a little crowded later in the day so you may have to share space with others and it can be a little noisy at night.

  • Ryan A.
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Mohawk Trail State Forest Campground

    Great Campground in Western Mass

    This is a great campground located off of highway 2 in western Mass. I stayed in site 51 and luckily the campground was mostly empty(it was on a Thursday though and was supposed to be full for the weekend.) Each campsite has a bear box and fire ring, there is easy access to hiking trails and flush-toilet bathrooms with sinks are located throughout. There is only one dumpster though and it’s a walk to get to – store your trash in your car or drive it each night, or enjoy the walk. 

    The campsites are very close together without much brush for privacy, so you should expect to see your neighbors up close and personal. Some of the sites are on Cold River(which is more like a creek). The bugs were awful, especially the gnats and I did see a large tick on my fire grill, so be prepared. The best sites are on the lower loop around the water. Avoid any site next to the bathroom as the lights stay on all night and will shine directly into your tent. 49 looked really nice and seemed dark. The hike-in sites were also close together, 22 is the most private. There are baskets with wheels provided. 

    The rangers are friendly and sell firewood in case you need any. You’ll need to check in before going to the campsite, they’ll give you a map and they take good care of the sites. Would definitely camp here again.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Alander Trail Camground — Mount Washington State Forest

    Amazing Dispersed Camping

    Absolutely love this spot and highly recommend if you’re looking for a super private, true primitive camping experience. You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots. Once you get there, theres quite a few sites to choose from and each offer quite a bit or privacy. It’s completely free and it usually isn’t too busy since most people don’t like having to carry all their stuff in that far. You will be in the heart of the forest/woods so definitely make sure to be prepared. We had some scares with coyotes and bears in the past but never anything crazy. They give you a semi-flat area for a tent, a fire pit and grill rack, one picnic table, and a bear box you would be sharing with other campers nearby

  • Erin B.
    Sep. 11, 2019

    Clarksburg State Park Campground

    low key and beautiful fall getaway

    Keep in mind that this review is written after camping sept 8th (the week that school started for many) so it might not be relevant to peak camping season. We were pleasantly surprised with our weekend getaway to Clarksburg State Park. Nestled in the Berkshires and basically walking distance to Vermont, Clarksburg State Park provides a comfortable and semi-private tent site. Several spots (including ours 6) were very close to the rather large pond. While the trees obstruct the views, the site was waterfront and we were able to walk a few yards downhill to the waters edge where we launched our kayaks (there is a designated launching spot elsewhere). No electric and water hookups are provided but we were totally okay with that. Bear boxes were provided on each site so that you don’t have to keep stinky food or garbage in your car! Each site also had a fire pit with a grate so that you can cook right there on the fire. The bathrooms were some of the cleanest campground bathrooms and showers i’ve experienced (no bugs or webs also) and there was a dishwashing station on the side. The sites were large and well spaced but they had trees in between so that you felt privacy. The campground itself had plenty of sites, firewood for sale in the front and a pavilion and beach area on the day use side. There are plenty of trails you can hop on right outside your tent site and very little light pollution for optimal star gazing. We really enjoyed our time here and will definitely be back!

  • Dawn S.
    May. 30, 2020

    Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground

    Clean

    My pup and I spent two nights here and were very happy. While this campground is bare-bones (no pool) it is perfect for anyone who wants to just chill and do nothing or hit the mountains / local area and do some hiking. The entire campground was very clean, as were the bathrooms. At check-in they will give you maps of hiking routes. Firewood is for sale onsite as are a few necessities. They also had bear boxes, picnic tables and fire rings at each site. We will go back.

  • Sara Q.
    Oct. 7, 2019

    Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground

    Small, loud, muddy

    Unfortunately, I was not a big fan of this small campground. Right from the start, upon checkin, I bought two $5 ea. bundles of wood after being assured they were "kiln dried".  The wood wouldn't catch no matter what I tried -- not even with the help of some fire starter.  The tent site itself was very small and barely fit my truck and tent.  It was made smaller still because of the mud and holes on the perimeter of the site. At night, there was a lot of traffic noise nearby and despite a posted quiet time, other campers were slamming car doors over and over and talking at the top of their lungs, making it difficult to sleep. The surrounding state forest was pretty and the trails were in decent shape.

  • Amanda S.
    Jul. 17, 2018

    Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

    Great price

    This is basic dry camping it is fun but there is no electric or water at the sites o LU in the bathhouse. So if you get a site close the the bathhouse you will have water close by and electricity close. Otherwise it’s dry camping.. the platform sites are great it makes it real easy to set up a tent because of the platform that the tent goes on and the lake is ok. The kids don’t like swimming with fish so we didn’t spend much time at the lake

  • Jessica D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2023

    Molly Stark State Park Campground

    Quiet, secluded & nestled in the woods

    We stayed here as a stopover on our way home to NJ from Maine. It's 5 min down the road from Wilmington, one of our favorite towns to visit. There are no hookups at any Vermont state parks (Molly Stark included). We stayed at site T16. It's a pull through RV site with a fire ring & picnic table. T16 is right next to bathrooms- unfortunately the map shows showers there too (there are not). We boondocked- there's a spot up top near the other bathrooms where you can fill your fresh water tank. We had a slight issue with our fresh tank overflow valve & the park worker was INCREDIBLE, helpful and so kind. I think his name was Jerry?. He came right over and even rigged up a fix for it in his workshop. We got him a 12pack as a thanks before we left :). Campground is quiet & nestled in the woods. We didn't see any bear, but it is an active bear area. Some tent sites have lean to structures as well. There's a large pavilion at the top of the campground for eating etc. If we stayed longer we would have definitely done the Mt Olga Fire-tower trail. This is no frills, primitive & refreshing camping. And yes- we would stay again!!

  • Christina W.
    May. 28, 2019

    Sperry Road Campground — Mount Greylock State Reservation

    I go every year!

    Me and my friends get a group site at least once a year. It's an amazing place with really great staff that care about the safety of everyone and keeping the areas clean. We always have an amazing time here. The views are great and we have never had any issues. 

    First time I went it was intimidating because I had never camped in an all tent camping site with no running water or public restroom areas. However, as soon as I got acclimated, I loved it. There are outhouses stationed at different areas all around, and bear boxes for every group. There are bears around so use the boxes seriously. 

    There are a number of rivers and little waterfalls that are always nice to visit. I plan to go there again very soon!

Guide to Watervliet

Tent camping near Watervliet, New York, offers a serene escape into nature with a variety of well-reviewed spots that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for amenities or scenic views, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers should check out Cherry Plain State Park Campground

  • Enjoy a peaceful stay at Cherry Plain State Park Campground, where you can find hike-in sites that provide privacy and easy access to bathroom facilities.
  • This campground features hot showers and clean bathrooms, making it a comfortable choice for families and solo campers alike.
  • With hiking trails accessible from the park, you can explore the beautiful surroundings right from your campsite.

Local activities for outdoor enthusiasts

  • At Aqua Vista Valley Campgrounds, you can enjoy fishing and swimming in nearby waters, perfect for a summer day.
  • The area around Cherry Plain Sanctuary Farm offers hiking opportunities that let you immerse yourself in the local flora and fauna.
  • Camp MoonChild provides a unique walk-in camping experience, allowing you to connect with nature while enjoying a campfire under the stars.

Unique local attractions to explore

  • Visit the scenic views at HOGAN'S LANDING, where you can relax by the water and enjoy a picnic with family and friends.
  • Carrie W's Land offers a tranquil setting with access to nearby trails, perfect for hiking and exploring the great outdoors.
  • Experience the charm of Camden Creek Farm, where you can enjoy a peaceful retreat while being close to local attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Watervliet, NY is Ushers Road State Forest with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Watervliet, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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