Best Tent Camping in New York
Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent in New York? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots in New York. These scenic and easy to access New York campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Best Tent Sites in New York (160)
1. Wildwood State Park Campground
Wading River, New York22 Reviews•64 Photos•218 SavesTake the Virtual Tour! - WILDWOOD STATE PARK
Wildwood State Park comprises 600 acres of undeveloped hardwood forest, terminating on the high bluff overlooking Long Island Sound. Swimmers can take advantage of the cool waters of the Sound, and picnickers can relax at shaded picnic tables as their children enjoy the nearby playground. Visitors can fish and use the hiking and cross-country ski trails, making this an enjoyable place to camp and be outdoors in any season. Geography: Wildwood State Park is located near Long Island Sound, on the north shore of Long Island, in Suffolk County. Recreation: Considered a flagship facility, visitors can enjoy the beach, biking, camper recreation programs, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and cross-country skiing. During July and August, movies are shown weekly, and once a week, campers can enjoy an evening of line or square dancing. Facilities: The park has 2 miles of beach on the Long Island sound for fishing and swimming. Each campsite has a picnic table, and dumping stations are nearby. There are 10 cottages, each with a fire ring, screened-in patio, and are available for rent through mid-November. The campground recycles newspaper and cardboard. Other amenities include food concessions, a nature trail, twelve miles of marked hiking trails, a picnic area, basketball courts, ball fields, a playground, and showers. Firewood is for sale at the park; bring your own barbecue or metal fire container.
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
2. Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve
Saranac Lake, New York15 Reviews•80 Photos•216 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$22 / night
3. Hearthstone Point Campground
Diamond Point, New York16 Reviews•40 Photos•124 SavesHearthstone Campground rests at the end of picturesque Lake George just 2 miles north of the Village of Lake George; this has become a very popular vacation location in New York. Lake George region offers some of the most diverse recreation opportunities in NYS. A Junior Naturalist Program is also offered at Hearthstone, and the successful camper can earn a naturalist patch for their efforts.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
4. Fish Creek Pond - DEC
Tupper Lake, New York9 Reviews•13 Photos•71 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$22 / night
5. Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake
Lake Placid, New York9 Reviews•43 Photos•200 SavesThe Adirondack Mountain Club’s Wilderness Campground offers a variety of primitive camping opportunities. The seasonal washhouse is available during the spring, summer, and fall; this facility has men and women’s washrooms with showers, toilets, and sinks. During the winter months guests are able to use the facilities in the High Peaks Information Center. All food must be stored inside a vehicle to avoid attracting wildlife. Campsites There are 32 campsites located in the Wilderness Campground. Each campsite has a fire pit and picnic table. A limited number of sites are large enough to accommodate a pop-up camper or small trailer. A maximum of 6 people and a maximum of 3 tents are allowed per site. These sites are open year-round. Lean-tos The Wilderness Campground has 16 lean-tos, several are located adjacent to Heart Lake. Lean-tos are a traditional three-sided Adirondack shelter, they offer protection from weather but have the feel of sleeping out in the open. Each lean-to has a fire pit and picnic table. The lean-tos are open year-round. Canvas Cabins There are six canvas cabins in the Wilderness Campground, each sleeps six people in three bunk beds. The canvas cabins have mattresses but no pillows or linens are provided. Each canvas cabin has a fire pit and picnic table. They are open from the weekend prior to Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Cabins
$25 - $55 / night
6. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation
Cross River, New York9 Reviews•54 Photos•170 SavesThe 4,315-acre park makes Ward Pound Ridge Reservation the county’s largest park. With its varied terrain and landscapes and miles of wooded trails, the park provides a variety of activities in all seasons. There are areas for picnicking, lean-to camping, fishing and cross-country skiing.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$45 - $55 / night
7. Croton Point Park
Croton-on-Hudson, New York9 Reviews•26 Photos•284 SavesCroton Point Park is a 508-acre park situated on a peninsula on the east shore of the Hudson River. This park offers year-round events and activities and has facilities for camping, hiking and swimming. The park, rich in natural and human history, is also the site of historic wine cellars that are thought of be the oldest in New York State and the Croton Point Nature Center. The oldest oyster shell middens on the North Atlantic Coast uncovered by archeologists on Croton Point confirm that the peninsula was inhabited by Native Americans as early as 7,000 years ago. Croton is in fact named for the Indian sachem, Kenoten, which means "wild wind.” In the 17th century, Indians of the Kitchawank tribe on the Wappinger Confederacy occupied a large fortified village on the high flat at the neck of Croton Point, which they called Navish. This was one of the most ancient and formidable Indian fortresses south of the Hudson Highlands.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
$30 - $60 / night
8. Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground
Accord, New York8 Reviews•45 Photos•82 SavesThe campground is dedicated to the memory of Sam Pryor, an extraordinary conservationist whose life's work included bringing this project to fruition. More information about the campground can be found at https://americanalpineclub.org/gunks-campground
The American Alpine Club and Mohonk Preserve are cooperatively managing the campground. Campground amenities include a pavilion and cooking area, bathhouse and restroom facilities, and circulation trails. There are 24 drive-in spots (one vehicle per site) and 26 walk-in spots. All sites accommodate up to two tents (and four people) per pad. Showers are $1 for 4 minutes and are coin-operated. No RVs, no trailers, and no vehicles over 22'.
Members receive a discount on their stay, you can register for membership through the American Alpine Club at www.americanalpineclub.org/join or through the Mohonk Preserve.
Campers may access Mohonk Preserve, New York State's largest nonprofit nature preserve, via a connector trail to the Preserve's Visitor Center and historic carriage road network for world-class rock climbing and bouldering, hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and nature exploration. Memberships and day-use passes are available at the Visitor Center and all Preserve trailheads.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
9. Fieldstone Farmstead
Stormville, New York7 Reviews•22 Photos•62 SavesArtists have been painting this area for centuries, and it's a worthy landscape to memorialize, but nothing beats the real thing. So come camp in The Hudson Valley near the base of Stormville Mountain. You can pitch your tent in our private forest-- surrounded by nature and the sounds of farm animals (we have two roosters who call their unique song for most of the day, so be forewarned). You'll have a private area to have a bonfire and set up camp, and you'll have another separate and private patio area with a table and four chairs. Additionally, you'll have access to the treehouse overlooking our alpaca den. You'll also have private access to a two-person outhouse!
Attached to our home, you'll be able to use the outdoor shower with amazing water pressure -- and most importantly HOT water. We'll be sure to stack it with the essentials: soap, shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste. There's also a slop sink next to the shower that you can use to refill water containers, wash any dishes, supplies, etc.
When we're home, we're happy to have you meet, pet, and feed the alpacas: Lala, Oona, Tilly, and Maggie. We also have a flock of chickens who provide fresh eggs which you're welcome to. Help yourself to anything growing in the garden during your visit: we have a mini orchard with peach and apple trees, and I also try to keep a small vegetable garden with some herbs and veg which I'm happy to share. We have a couple bistro sets set up around the property for you to sit and enjoy the sounds and surroundings. We even have a two-person swing and the treehouse for you to relax in while you read a book or enjoy a cup of tea. If you're looking for something more active, then feel free to walk the trails we've made and explore the forests around you.
If you're looking for things to do off the property, then there are plenty of attractions within driving distance. We're located near to an Appalachian Trail entrance, reservoirs for boating, swimming, and floating, river towns worth exploring (like Beacon and Cold Spring), and there are plenty of gorgeous state parks to visit, hike, and explore. Upon arrival, you'll also have an opportunity to rent our kayaks and/or canoe if they're available (inquire upon arrival).
We love our little slice of paradise, and we want to share that with you.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$50 - $58 / night
10. Alder lake
Margaretville, New York7 Reviews•25 Photos•305 SavesThere are five lean-tos as well as five primitive campsites marked with round, yellow, DEC markers. In addition, primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from the regional office.
Camping is prohibited above 3,500 feet in elevation from March 22 until December 20 each year to protect the fragile summit environment. Campfires are permitted below 3,500 feet in elevation, but only dead and down fuel may be used. In an established campsite, use the existing fire ring. Before you leave, completely extinguish the fire. Never leave a fire unattended. The use of camp stoves is encouraged.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Recent Tent Reviews in New York
3052 Reviews of 160 New York Campgrounds
Kim L.
Ranger
Bluff Camping Area — Fair Haven Beach State Park
Bonus: nice beach
Very clean, well kept campground. Campsites are spacious and shady. Nice playground for kids. Access to park trails. A very nice sand beach on the lake. Reasonably priced including electric power and showers.
Eric W.
Scout
Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
No hookups
There are no hookups. Need to change the profile on the Dyrt.
Megan S.Scout
Schodack Island State Park Campground
Great camping spot
The staff was friendly. The sites are spaced out enough and have greenery in between so it feels a little more private than some places. Bathrooms and showers were very clean.
SJ W.
Guide
Alder lake
Beautiful single drive in site!
Love this place will definitely be back, not sure why it didn’t show up for free camping when I had it filtered, found it on another app. Was not the easiest for my RV van to get up the hill with the ruts, but I have a small lift so it helps, lower clearance vans might not make it. It’s a single camper site at the top of the hill left before the trailhead parking.
Bulldog A.Scout
Hamlin Beach State Park Campground
Nice
Nice, but my phone did not work here
- Bulldog A.Scout
Southwoods RV Resort
BEST CAMPGROUND IN WESTERN NY
DYLAN & TIFFANY ARE AWESOME! THEY ARE HELPFUL CARING AND SO NICE!!! WE STAYED MONTHLY AND GO TO FLORIDA FOR THE WINTER AND ARE COMING BACK NEXT YEAR!
Lee D.
Legend
Croton Point Park
Not too much to offer
General: A county park with a mix of w/e (6 sites) and FHU sites plus about a dozen tent sites near a capped dump! There is a lodge and cabins close to the end of the point, but they appeared to be part of a group camp experience. They all appeared to be closed for the season (or because no one was renting at the time; they reminded me of places I used to take youth groups for weekend camps). The reservation process is a bit wonky. You need to call (no online reservations) and then wait for an e-mail, but the e-mail does not tell you your assigned site; you have to wait until you check in to find out your site.
Site Quality: We had a loosely defined gravel pad that was level. All sites appeared level. The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together. No one was in the tent sites, but they did have new picnic tables.
Activities/Amenities: Other than a playground and a basketball court, there did not seem to be any activities to partake in. There used to be a pool but from the looks of it, it hasn’t been in use for many years. There are walking paths outside of the campground that are located within the park, but we did not have time to explore them.
Bath/Shower house: Clean but a bit dated. No shelves or hooks for toiletries. I was surprised the door was left open all night long. There was a sign warning that the toilets were slow flushing, but I think this may have been fixed because the flush was so powerful that the water splashed over the top of the seat!
Because it was on a point on the Hudson, I had hoped for views from the campground but there were too many trees to see the water. I was perplexed by the signs throughout saying no trespassing/fishing prohibited. I get the no fishing part but the trespassing? When we checked in, we had to write down our credit card number on a slip of paper before we were given a key that opened the gate to the campground. When we checked out, we asked for the paper or to watch it get shredded but were told they had to keep it on file which concerned us.
- BButch K.Ranger
Unadilla KOA
Lackluster and full service
The weather was terrible while I was there, so perhaps this review may be biased. The Campground was very quiet in mid October. Many of the sites seem to be seasonal as there was no traffic to or from them. But there was quite a bit of daily traffic, usually arriving late and leaving early. Perhaps because the weather was turning very chilly and although the leaf peeping was at its peak for this season, I think people were heading south fast like me.
Prashant M.Scout
Indian Island County Park
Very Busy! Close quarters! Can be loud and neighbors are ignorant of rules
Stayed at this campground this past weekend and yes it was a long weekend so the campground was packed. All the camping spots are pretty much right next to each one with hardly any space, packed like Sardines. Neighbors are loud and some of them are ignorant of the park rules. Staying on the phones in the middle of the night while talking so loud that all camping neighbors can hear their whole story
Its a pity that they take a nice park and remove the fun out of camping.
However the walk to the beach area was very serene, especially early morning before sunrise and didn't feel like we live in dense suburbia and sunrise from the beach was worth the trip
Camp site itself was pretty flat, had a water station, bathrooms were well kept , no fire ring (BYOFP)
Matt S.Legend
Swan Bay Resort - The 1000 Islands Premier RV Park & Marina
This is a great park.
We stayed at Swan Bay Resort in Alexandria Bay, NY, for our last trip this year. Spoiler alert… we had a great stay!
This is a great park. It’s an easy mile from I-81 and just 10-minutes drive to Alexandria Bay downtown. The staff was great— friendly and helpful. Our waterfront pull-IN site was a level concrete pad and gravel with FHU and everything worked great. Oh, and the best part was our view of the St. Lawrence River with passing ocean liners and lots of migrating birds.
The park has 2 swimming pools, a tiki bar, a food truck, and nice communal hang-out areas. There’s a marina with pontoon boat rentals. They put on Octoberfest during our stay which featured a live band and food and craft vendors.
There are plenty of restaurants and stores nearby. Adjacent to the entrance is a self-service car wash with bay large enough for motorhomes.
I have nothing bad to say about this place and encourage you to visit when you can.
Meghan B.Ranger
Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday
Lake Placid/Whiteface Mtn KOA
My husband and I really enjoyed our stay here 5 years ago due to the hiking along the river that was available. Sometime between then and now, the KOA moved down the road a couple miles, so when we arrived, we were really disappointed--now we just paid for overpriced "camping". Despite that, the staff was very friendly and the showers were warm.
- BBethGuide
Taughannock Falls State Park Campground
Great little campground
Pulled back and punted bc of Storm Debbie. Lucked out with a find in the Finger Lakes. Nice campground. Has everything you need. Small sites but fine for our hybrid. Ours was shady. Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you’ll need extra long cords. Just beautiful area. Hiked here. Drove to Watkins Glen-hiked-absolutely breathtaking. That campground is much larger. Went to Buttermilk Falls too.
- HHeather E.Guide
Verona Beach State Park Campground
Nice stop
We needed a campground not too far off our route from Niagara Falls to NH and this was great. Very windy when we arrived. Our campsite 8 did not have a fire ring but others did. Right on water…can’t drive on path in front of the water sites so you are essentially on the water. Nice clean facilities.
- JJessica C.
Traveler
Heckscher State Park Campground
Great for families, not for solitude
The campsites are very close together without any defining borders so everybody just walks across each other site’s to get to a different one, a path, the bathroom, etc. No solitude, lots of families with kids, lots of music, I mean it’s basically a party. I didn’t realize this when I made my reservations. The place is great for families who want a safe space to camp and it’s a typical Long Island campground. Rangers came around checking on everyone often so it really did feel incredibly safe. I had a pick up truck w/ tinted windows follow me in the park for quite a while which was rather creepy and I couldn’t shake them. When I biked into the campground itself, the pick up truck couldn’t get past the check in area. Everyone I met was friendly and there’s a little shop in the front of the campgrounds that sells various items. I personally wouldn’t stay here again unless I was meeting up with friends or something and wasn’t trying to have more solitude. This is no fault of the park itself though, I’m just more of a woods girl.
- RRay P.Guide
Spacious Skies Woodland Hills
Tightly squeezed sites.
Although sites are squeezed in, it is a nice family campground. However the site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow.Tricky footing for older folks like my wife and I. Particularly since my wife uses a cane.
- HHeather E.Guide
Lake Erie State Park Campground
Nice stop on way to Niagara Falls
Beautiful State Park with friendly staff and campers. Windy, clean bathrooms w showers, flat sites. Sites on lake are not open - but sites across have good views as well. Lots more than just the campground
- DDavid P.Traveler
Interlake RV Park & Campground
Quiet and close to the Catskills
I stayed there for 3 weeks for work it was quite priced very reasonably for full hook up and about a half hour from stunning views.
Aly E.Guide
Four Mile Creek State Park Campground
Great Ontario lake views
This camp is well spaced out even though it’s busy. It’s quiet and has a playground and good fire pits. Laundry and bathrooms. My only complain is we couldn’t shower. They didn’t have shower heads. The water just shot out like a water hose and was cold. The views was amazing especially sunset and the rocks along the water are magical. Places to fish too! And 15 minutes from Niagara Falls!
- RRay P.Guide
HTR Niagara Campground
Great location and amenities
We visited out of season so pools and other summer facilities were closed for season. Perfect location if visiting Niagara Falls or Buffalo. Family with children should visit during summer season. Lots to do.
- RRay P.Guide
St. Johnsville Campsite and Marina
Water and R.R. tracks
One night stay. Great sight. Friendly helpful staff. Only drawback is steady stream of trains going by around the clock. I didn’t mind by my wife didn’t sleep well.
- CChris F.Scout
Letchworth State Park Campground
Beautiful park with lots to see
Nice trails and lots to do. Verizon coverage at our campsite was mostly non-existent. Showers were spacious but floors were always wet from floors not being sloped properly. Yea, we're shower snobs. :). Beautiful waterfalls and gorge!
- Ioan P.Legend
Croton Point Park
Very nice
This is state park, very large nested on Peninsula on the Hudson River.
- AAndrew S.Guide
Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping
Amazing campground
Very well maintained. Some sites are close and some a spread out. About half of them are in the sun and half get shade all day. I switched sites after a day to get some solar charging. Clean bathrooms with flush toilets. Sign in near bathrooms on arrival. Dogs must be on a leash but I found a spot down the hill to the south where there are no campsites to let them play fetch for a bit.
Brian O.Legend
Wellesley Island State Park Campground
crowded. fine if you're spending your days on the water
We came to this campground after a week in Algonquin Provincial park in Canada and the contrast couldn't have been greater. Up north we stayed on a large, shady site in a radio free loop and everyone had canoes. In New York we had a cramped, open site and everyone seemed to have a motorboat on a trailer. Our neighbors across the road set up a movie screen . The overall feel was NOT "getting away from it all".
The facilities are good and there's a nice beach and well stocked General store, also a big boat ramp facility with some docks.
We chose this location because we were attending the Antique Boat Show in Clayton, 13 miles away, and this was the closest available. It suited us just fine for that.
Keep your stuff secure, there are brazen raccoons.
Elizabeth D.Traveler
Dingman's Family Campground
One of the nicest campgrounds!
Absolutely loved this campground, sites are well spaced and the surrounding area is gorgeous! We had a tent site right on the river and couldn’t have been happier with our stay. Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table. Facilities were exceptionally clean and the camp store was stunning!
- RRandal D.Scout
Sterling Creek Campground
Lipstick on a pig
After 6 years of 2 weeks visits
Pros: New owners have made improvements to be up to code and qualifications for KOA standards.
Cons: Still has environment of nosy, trashy seasonal campers who are always being rude or commenting on your gear/unit.
If you are looking for a quick flip bit same ole suspects, this is the place for you.
Carol L.Traveler
Nature Lover's Paradise
cool
The tent site and the 70 acres of hiking trails sound like the perfect getaway for anyone looking to reconnect with nature. I love the idea of having access to such a large network of trails, especially with the Finger Lakes area offering so much natural beauty. By the way, if you’re ever in need of some inspiration or ideas for nature-related essays, check out Nature Essay Examples and Topic Ideas on https://www.topessaywriting.org/samples/nature —there’s a lot of helpful content there! Overall, this seems like the ideal spot for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Guide to New York
Tent camping in New York offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve provides primitive camping on private islands, allowing for a truly secluded experience with picnic tables and firewood available.
- Fish Creek Pond - DEC features well-maintained sites with drinking water, toilets, and showers, making it a comfortable choice for families.
- Croton Point Park offers electric hookups and clean facilities, perfect for those who want a blend of nature and convenience.
Local activities for outdoor enthusiasts
- At Alder Lake, campers can enjoy hiking and fishing in a serene environment, with beautiful scenery surrounding the area.
- Forked Lake Campground is ideal for canoeing and kayaking, providing access to stunning lakefront views and wildlife.
- Lake George Islands Long Island Group offers opportunities for boating and fishing, making it a great spot for water sports enthusiasts.
Tent campers should check out unique features
- Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Lazy River is family-friendly, featuring a water park, playgrounds, and organized activities for kids.
- Tioga Point Adirondack Preserve allows for boat-in camping with private sites and crystal-clear waters, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
- Jones Pond NYSDEC Primitive Campsites offers free primitive camping along a scenic pond, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy nature.