Best Tent Camping in New York

No matter what kind of camping you’re into; seaside, mountainside, lakeside, even city side, New York has it all. There’s a countless number of places where you can pitch a tent, park a car, or rent a cabin. Camping in New York also means you’ve always got a ton of activities nearby, like swimming, hiking, fishing, canoeing, even mountain biking.

Some of the best camping in New York can be found in the Finger Lakes. Here you’ll find places like the Hickory Hill Family Camping Resort that offers themed weekends, as well as spa services, mini golf, wagon rides, and swimming pools. One of the more popular Finger Lakes destinations is Watkins Glen State Park, which has 19 waterfalls within a two mile walk. The park also has an Olympic sized pool, hot showers, and restrooms.

Dreaming of city life? The Hudson Valley region offers many wonderful places to pitch your tent. Located near the Hudson River, the towns of Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Peekskill, West Point, White Plains, and Suffern (to name a few) all have great areas for camping in New York. And, they’re all accessible by train to and from the city.

If you’re into small maritime villages on the other side of the Hudson River and the East River, Long Island boasts some of the best camping in New York. On the island, surf-casting, fresh seafood, and sandy beaches are plentiful. If you make it all the way out to the end of the island, a visit to the Montauk Lighthouse, which was commissioned by George Washington, is a must see.

And, if mountains are your thing, head to the Catskills, the Adirondacks, or even Bear Mountain State Park where you’ll find forests, hidden streams, hiking trails, and mountains galore. Whatever your style, you’ll find camping in New York to compliment it. With the Dyrt, you’ll be able to discover just the right place to lay your head for a night, a weekend, a week, or even a month.

Best Tent Sites in New York (155)

    1. Wildwood State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Wading River, NY
    Website
    +1 (631) 929-4314

    $20 - $225 / night

    "Well , one of the best sites , big enough, some have platform, clean bathrooms,many showers ."

    "Nice size camp site , bathrooms are descent, lame not having a fire ring , you have to rent one or bring your own."

    2. Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve

    15 Reviews
    Saranac Lake, NY
    Website
    +1 (518) 891-2841

    $22 - $40 / night

    "You'll need a boat or canoe (rentals available in Saranac Lake). Sites have tables, fire rings, and outhouses. You'll need a tent, bag, pad, cooking equipment, etc."

    "All campsites have picnic tables, firepits/grills, and privies. Saranac Lake Marina has great rental boats. I even think the dogs look forward to these camping trips."

    3. Wilderness Campground at Heart Lake

    9 Reviews
    Lake Placid, NY
    Website
    +1 (518) 523-3441

    $25 - $55 / night

    "There’s no explaining the views around here. The mountains are beautiful, Lake Placid is beautiful, and this campsite is amazing."

    "Rode in on a motorcycle late at night expecting to not be able to get in, but you can take a parking pass and drop an envelope with your fee at the entrance booth. $15 for a full day $8 after 1PM."

    4. Fish Creek Pond - DEC

    9 Reviews
    Tupper Lake, NY
    Website
    +1 (518) 891-4560

    $22 / night

    "We have a rather large rig (36 ft fifth wheel plus the truck) & while fish creek is notoriously a tent only/small rig campground we fit perfectly & our site has cell service! 10/10! Site 106!"

    "We always go for a spot that has easy, shallow access to the lake, some are steeper to maneuver. The bathrooms are well kept, but very basic."

    5. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

    9 Reviews
    Cross River, NY
    Website
    +1 (914) 864-7317

    $45 - $55 / night

    "Close to the city and civilization, yet large enough to have nice trails and creeks to feel away from it all. The camping sites are very different so it’s useful to go in person and select the area."

    "There’s elevation gain, creeks, and open fields for stargazing. You have the options of a lean to here."

    6. Croton Point Park

    9 Reviews
    Croton-on-Hudson, NY
    Website
    +1 (914) 862-5290

    $30 - $60 / night

    "Tent sites are very private with some dirt roads to exit out but thats what make it unique experience! Bathrooms with shower is near by and has plenty porta potties all around."

    "Peaceful and gorgeous campsite, with plenty of space between sites. Great view of the Hudson, and playground within sight of our camper."

    7. Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground

    8 Reviews
    Accord, NY
    Website
    +1 (303) 951-4571

    "I definitely recommend trying to get the walk-in (meaning you can't drive to them) sites (8-15) because they're just a little bit more set back and kind of wonderfully wooded all around. 8 & 9 seemed"

    "This is a very nice modern campground with great access to amazing hiking and climbing in the area! About half the sites are walk-in and half the sites are drive-up."

    8. Alder lake

    7 Reviews
    Margaretville, NY
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3076

    "We arrived here early afternoon, which ended up being perfect timing as we could set up everything and catch sunset by the fire."

    "There are several beautiful, secluded hike-in sites along the lake which I would love to return to someday. The hike around the lake is a lovely, easy walk."

    9. The Stephen & Betsy Corman AMC Harriman Outdoor Center — Harriman State Park

    6 Reviews
    Pomona, NY
    Website
    +1 (617) 523-0636

    "Campfires are restricted to certain areas and you have to share.  They do have bear boxes available as this is bear country.  Very well run campground and cabins. Great Lake to swim."

    "I camped on one of the platforms, which was very nice and did not feel crowded even with other people on neighboring platforms. One highlight was having meals cooked by the stellar chef."

    10. Giant Ledge Primitive Camp

    6 Reviews
    Big Indian, NY

    "Get tracking poles if you don't already have some. Very helpful here.

    This was one of my favorite weekend backpacking trips."

    "However the descriptions of this place in reviews here and elsewhere provided very little info and once I got out to the trail realized how different it was to what I expected."

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Showing results 1-10 of 155 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews in New York

3125 Reviews of 155 New York Campgrounds



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