Best Tent Camping near Wells, NY

Are you in need of a campground near Wells, NY? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Wells, NY. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Tent Sites Near Wells, New York (21)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Wells, NY

599 Reviews of 21 Wells 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 24, 2020

    Cooperstown KOA

    Nice Park

    This park is located approximately 12.5 miles from downtown Cooperstown and is set in the quiet rural countryside of New York. The mature trees make for beautiful scenery in the fall. There is a mix of sites varying from tent, RV, rental trailers, and camping cabins/cottages/lodges bringing the total number of sites to 120. Back-in and pull-thru sites are available. Site types include full hookup, water and electric, and no hookup with prices varying depending upon site. You can choose between 30/20 or 50 amp electric service. Interior roads are gravel and some site pads are gravel while others are grass. 

    The park is nicely terraced and all the sites are level. Patios were a grassy/dirt area with a picnic table and fire pit. Our site (#41) was a pull-thru but there was no way we could drive our 45’ motorhome forward out of the site because of a large tree and narrow roads. So we ended up having to back out. The free wifi worked well as did our Verizon 4G phone and hotspot. We picked up a dozen or so television channels with our antenna. The park does have a fair amount of trees that would interfere with roof-mounted satellite dishes so you would have to pick your site carefully. But, there are some 30 amp and no hook-up sites that are clear. This is a typical KOA with lots of amenities including a swimming pool(which was closed for the season when we were there), a playground, volleyball court, basketball court, jump house, pavilion, recreation room, bicycle rental, and horseshoes. Showers, restrooms and laundry are also present and clean. There is a propane filling station. While there is no fenced-in dog park there is a pet walking area. The surrounding area is pretty rural and the closest town (Richfield Springs– which is very small) is five miles away and where you will find restaurants, gas station, grocery store, and more. A few miles from the park is a creamery that has a café. 

    Approximately five miles away is Glimmerglass State Park which was great for hiking and kayaking Otsego Lake. There is a also a historic house at the park that you can tour and the country’s oldest covered bridge. Cooperstown is a little over twelve miles away from the park but well worth a trip. Not only is Cooperstown home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame but it is a charming downtown well worth exploring. Other nearby attractions include The Farmers Museum, Fenimore Art Museum, Hero’s of Baseball Wax Museum, Glimmerglass Opera, and Cooperstown Brewing Company.

  • R
    Sep. 1, 2020

    Lewey Lake Campground

    Beautiful, great location

    We stayed here for 2 nights at sight 122. Although not a waterfront site, it was beautiful. Slightly muddy during a downpour but the puddles cleared quickly. No complaints, campers were all respectful of quiet hours.


Guide to Wells

Wells, New York, offers a fantastic escape for tent campers looking to immerse themselves in nature. With a variety of campgrounds nearby, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy beautiful surroundings and a range of amenities.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Cedar River Entrance Camping, you'll find picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for cozy evenings under the stars.
  • Stony Creek Family Campground provides electric hookups and sanitary dump facilities, making it a convenient choice for families.
  • For a more rustic experience, Murphy Lake Leanto offers a secluded spot with a fire pit, ideal for those who enjoy a back-to-basics camping trip.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Tent campers should check out these features

  • Hearthstone Point Campground boasts a private beach on Lake George, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Experience the tranquility of Seventh Lake Primitive Camping, where you can enjoy canoe camping and the serenity of nature.
  • For a unique glamping experience, Adirondack Safari offers a range of activities like tubing and canoeing, making it a fun destination for families.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wells, NY is Murphy Lake Leanto with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Wells, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.