Best Tent Camping near Sayre, PA

Recent Tent Reviews in Sayre

445 Reviews of 15 Sayre Campgrounds

• 

  Alex W.

  Scout

  

  Jan. 23, 2025

  Beaver Bend

  great

  I had a wonderful stay at Beaver Bend. The campground is beautifully landscaped, spacious and quiet. I experienced camping in the summer, the weather was very pleasant. We hiked in the woods, fished and visited the heardle nearby lakes. It was truly a memorable experience.

• 

  Kim L.

  Ranger

  

  Nov. 5, 2024

  Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

  Comfortable, family oriented, close proximity to lake

  The campground is on a peninsula surrounded by a lake. The larger loop (non electric) sites are more spacious, level and shady. The smaller loop with RV hook ups are more barren. Sites are neat, tidy, and well stocked. Flush toilets. The showers are free but pressure was way too high and water not warm enough. Many families and young campers but CG was quiet at night. There is access to major trails including Ricketts Glen Falls. I did not have cell service with T Mobile.

• 

  Aegon T.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 3, 2024

  Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

  Incredible Experience

  I visited Ricketts Glen State Park last year, and it was an incredible experience! The natural beauty of the park is breathtaking, especially with the waterfalls along the Falls Trail– a must-do hike for anyone visiting. The trail is challenging but so worth it; the views are unmatched. I stayed in one of the campsites, which offered a nice level of privacy and had clean facilities, including showers and well-maintained restrooms. Lake Jean was also a highlight, with opportunities for kayaking and swimming, perfect for cooling off after a day of hiking. I'd recommend visiting during the week to avoid the crowds. Truly a perfect spot for anyone looking to escape into nature!

  Retro Bowl Pro

• B

  Beth

  Guide

  

  Oct. 14, 2024

  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.

• A

  Andrew S.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 1, 2024

  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.

• 

  William F.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 20, 2024

  Watkins Glen State Park Campground

  Solid 4 stars

  Nice campground, sites are borderline close, and some are laid out funky. Bath houses get the job done, but nothing exciting.

• 

  Jacob D.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 13, 2024

  Foster Pond Camping Area

  Relaxed Free Dispersed Camping

  Right at the intersection of Potomac Road and Chicken Coop road in the Finger Lakes National Forest. If heading North on Potomac Road, turn left at the intersection and you’ll find a parking lot. Into the woods around the Lake you’ll find free dispersed camping.

  My mom and I stayed just in the parking lot and had no issues and weren’t bothered. NO AMENITIES

• 

  Kevin C.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 30, 2024

  Long Pond Campground

  Quiet and secluded

  Camped here for a one night stay. Campground was easy to locate and the road was in good shape.

  We stayed in the space across from the port-a-pottie. The other camping spaces we close enough to see their campfire at night but far enough away that it's still quiet.

  Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel.

  Site has no water, no garbage service and no phone signal.

• 

  Kevin C.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 25, 2024

  Long Pond Campground

  Nice Rustic Campground

  We came into the camping area on a Sunday and found site 7 available. While this is next to the road, it is also within 40 yards of the only potta potty in the park.

  About 100 yards away was the public fishing dock and another camp site. There were two young men fishing there at about 7 PM.

  There is no water or garbage services at this site. Most camping spots are ideal for tents or very small campers or trailers.

  The camp sites I saw all seemed to be large and level spots all located beneath the tree canopy. Sites seemed disbursed enough to provide a modest level of privacy.

  Would rate 5 stars if it had water and a garbage dumpster.

• K

  Katelyn H.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 16, 2024

  Long Pond Campground

  Great for Dispersed Camping!

  I was initially worried about the other people camping here because I was almost immediately visited by them but the poor kids just needed to charge their phone so I obliged. Aside from that this was a short drive in and I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock. People have driven in to fish and kayak so I don’t feel isolated and afraid, and I am just a few steps away from sitting on the dock and admiring the scenery.

  There is a port-a-potty near the entrance but otherwise a “leave no trace” situation which is fine considering the ample forest coverage in case there is someone who drives in.

  Each spot seems to have plenty of shade and access to downed firewood, and it looks like there are fire pits at each site. Lots of good tinder left over from previous guests which has been helpful.

  Beautiful views, quiet, no insect issues so far, and if I had a rod and reel I wouldn’t need to worry for food at all. T-Mobile service has been exceptional as well. I am planning on staying here for a week or more and I see no reason to find another location as there is no fee or permit needed and you can stay up to 14 days I believe.

• 

  Greg W.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 2, 2024

  Stony Fork Creek Campground

  Great experience

  We arrived on Saturday and departed the following Friday. The campground was exceptionally maintained, bathrooms and showers virtually spotless and the pool was clearly and consistently maintained at all times. Plenty of space to spread out and walk. All of the roads were paved and sites were very large.

• V

  Vanessa S.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 20, 2024

  Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

  A must do

  This is one of the best camping experiences we've had. This state park has so much to offer and the campground is very nice. The campsites are really good, most of them fairly private and level. There are some pull through sites for big rigs but those don't have trees and are not private. We had a site with power for our small trailer and it was fantastic. The bathrooms were kept very clean and they had 4 showers so we never had to wait. There is absolutely no cell service, however, and we had to go all the way down the mountain to get texts or make calls. The trails are very well maintained. If you want to do the Falls Trail ( 21 beautiful waterfalls), it is quite challenging. We were glad to have trecking poles and hiking boots. It took us over 4 hours to do the entire hike. There is a nice beach for swimming, the lake felt clean and wasn't too cold in July. Lake Jean is nice to kayak and there are quite a few tent sites you can launch your watercraft from, as well as 2 public launch sites. I was worried about the weather because it was 98 degrees in NJ but as the park is up in elevation, we did not get over the mid 80's the whole time we were there and the mornings were quite cool. I definitely recommend this park. It does get very busy on weekends so if you can stay during the week it's much nicer.

• 

  Teresa M.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 20, 2024

  Squarewood Acres Campground

  Nice clean sites with grass tent areas

  Nice quiet sites, good wifi, clean bathrooms, drinking water and power at all sites.  Hosts are very friendly

• 

  Bearded B.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 17, 2024

  Doo Dah Campgrounds

  Quiet little campground next to the creek

  Love being down here with the family.

• 

  Michael G.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 13, 2024

  Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

  Mostly Rustic Camping with Great Hikes

  The campground is mostly rustic with no hookups, but there are some electric and full hookup sites. Best ones don't have hookups. Have to do the Falls Hike. It's a fairly challenging hike and gets very busy on weekends and past noon, but its a must do.

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 29, 2024

  Salt Springs State Park Campground

  Unique park with unique natural features

  This park is technically a “state park” because the land for it was donated to the state for public use. However, once the state became the official stewards, there werent funds in the state budget to maintain it as a park. A lical group, the Friends of Salt Springs, stepped up and offered to maintain the park with funds raised by their group. The result is a small but unique property open to the public for day use (picnicking and hiking and fishing) along with 2 small rustic campgrounds. One campground has a large open mowed grassy meadow with level sites for car camping or small campers, no hookups are available but each site has a fire ring and picnic table. On the other side of the parks trout stream are seven secluded primitive hike-in tent sites along with three basic camper cabins. The Friends of Salt Springs makes a good effort to maintain these two rustic campgrounds, however it seems there isnt a ranger on site at night so a camper said the meadow campground can get a little noisy some nights. The hike in sites are relatively quiet and secluded though, and are positioned nicely along the stream, one site actually adjacent to a good swimming hole.

  The camper cabins are basic with bunks, bring all your own gear. They are fairly new and have electricity but no water or heat.

  On the grounds in the day use area are picnic spits, a pavilion, and an activity barn. When I was there, the barn was featuring a local quilt show.

  The special aspect of this park are the hiking trails through old growth hemlock forest, said to be the largest hemlocks in Pennsylvania. The trout stream also cascades through some some waterfalls, and there are gorges with unique geology.

  There is a village nearby with limited supplies, you may want to stock up on groceries before heading out to this somewhat remote park. There is, however, a local brewery, plus an odd coffee shop featuring both donuts and ammo, an unusual combination…..

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 24, 2024

  Long Pond Campground

  Long Pond

  Some of the other state forests in the area are really nice, so I had high hopes for Long Pond but was disappointed. Long Pond is located in a state forest west of Smithfield Flats and Greene NY, and many locals come to Long Pond for fishing. The pond is quite large compared to other area pinds, and three are three accesses for fishing: a regular boat launch with parking lot and dock, a carry-in kayak access near campsite 6, and a handicapped accessible fishing puer near campsite 1. All seem to be very popular, and the lake is very scrnic and very productive for fisherman. The camping situation is a little strange though. Campsite 1 is adjacent to the handicapped fishing pier, and is supposedly an accessible campsite. Though an all terrain wheelchair could navigate from car to campsite, a regular one could not due to gravel. In addition, there is no outhouse by the site, only one quite a ways down the lake. Also, the parking area at this campsite seems to be a major party spot as beer cans were thrown all over and even in the water. It was sad to see this. The other campsites nearby are not located in a distinct campground, but are strung out along the shoreline clise to the highways, each with its own driveway right off the highway, which creates a lake of privacy as passersby can quite easily pop right in off the highway. This doesnt seem real secure, and some if the campsites closest to the road had evidence of driveby garbage dumpers who popped in and dumped household garbage right in a couple of the campsites. In addition, the relatively new outhouse installed near the middle of the camping area has been vandalized and damaged already. Its a shame to see this, as otherwise the campsites are large and shaded and well spaced from each other and close to the pond. But I wouldnt want to camp here given the garbage and security and vandalism issues. Also, other than fishing there isnt much too do as there arent designated hiking trails here, though you could drive a few miles away to access some truck trails that are in another part of the state forest. Get a map of the forest from the website ahead of time though, as the info kiosk has been damaged and all info and signs and maps are missing!

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 20, 2024

  Chenango County Cook Park

  Hike in to the lean-to!

  This is a small county park and campground located east of Greene NY. It gets a lot if day use for fishing, hiking and picnicking. There is also a wooded campground, mostly RV’s and some tents. The sites are a bit crowded in, though the trees provide shade. For folks planning a group campout or family reunion, this would be a good option. For a solo camper who wants a bit if solitude, there is a better and super-nice option—the hike-in lean-to! Its a short hike in, and it is lively, well built shelter and nice fire pit. The small lake that is central to the park has nicely mowed shoreline paths around it, and the hiking trails in the woods are not brushy, but you still should be on the lookout for ticks. Price is reasonable compared to other area campgrounds, and you could access several other state forests and parks in the area for hiking etc note: though you can fish and paddle here, there is no swimming allowed!

• P

  P J.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 20, 2024

  Taughannock Falls State Park Campground

  Below average SP campground

  As for RV camping, this place is outdated. Sites are on top of one another, but some have good shade. Ours, site 6 didn't. Really can't walk to beach area or store. Cheap enough at $25. T-storms knocked out power overnight.

• 

  MJ B.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 19, 2024

  Stony Fork Creek Campground

  Good Camping Option to the Grand Canyon of PA

  Stayed at this campsite, taking our pop-up camper on its maiden voyage to the Grand Canyon of PA. Was able to choose a location that worked best for us. The area we selected was not busy. Campsite appeared to have a lot of seasonal campers. My husband does not like staying in crowded campgrounds with people surrounding you and up all night screaming and singing. We go camping to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Not to listen to people pretending to relive their college days....lol. Area is open, not offering a lot of privacy, but we had shade and woods behind us, and the ground was grassy and level. The pool was nice and the rec center had a lot of activities for kids. The pond offered fishing and pedal boat rentals. We chose this campsite due to its proximity to the Leonard Harrison State Park. We had no issues here and would recommend.

• 

  Pork L.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 17, 2024

  Camp Elmbois

  Nice place

  An ideal place to try difficult challenges geometry dash meltdown that I have never tried before.

• 

  Jeff H.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 15, 2024

  Chenango Valley State Park Campground

  This Place has it All!

  Great all-around campground. Level sites with plenty of trees. Clean bath houses. Tons of biking and hike trails. A “beach” swim area that is like a resort. A golf course. A great option for families.

  A really beautiful area to visit. A very cool brewery is just 4 miles away.

• 

  Paulina B.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 7, 2024

  Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping

  Dog Friendly Retreat near Watkins Glen

  We stayed at Sugar Hill for about 10 days, arriving right after Memorial Day weekend. The campground offers a variety of great options for various rig sizes, accommodating different needs comfortably. Its location is convenient, just a 15-minute drive from Watkins Glen, making it an ideal base for exploring the area.

  During our stay, the campsite never even got near half full, providing a peaceful and uncrowded experience. For those seeking more privacy, there are numerous secluded spots along the side roads throughout the park.

  However, it's worth noting that WiFi and phone service are pretty limited, typically ranging between 1-2 bars. Despite this minor inconvenience, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would recommend Sugar Hill for its tranquility and proximity to local attractions.

• 

  Paulina B.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 4, 2024

  Twin Streams Campground

  Family Retreat by the Stream

  Spent Memorial Day weekend at this campground and found it bustling with activity yet still retaining a serene charm. Despite the crowd, we snagged a spot by the stream, which added an extra layer of tranquility to our stay. As the holiday wound down, so did the crowd, leaving behind a peaceful ambiance. Its proximity to the PA Grand Canyon made it an ideal base for exploration. While the WiFi was a bit spotty, offering only two bars in certain areas, it encouraged us to disconnect and fully immerse ourselves in nature, especially during the mesmerizing stargazing nights. Although there were plenty of annual RV residents, the atmosphere remained quaint and inviting. Overall, a delightful spot for a camping getaway.

• O

  Olivia A.

  Traveler

  

  May. 6, 2024

  Worlds End State Park Campground

  Súper app!

  I really enjoy this app. It was really helpful when we visit Arizona, and of course my local area. I recommended to the beginner camper or to the Pro campers.

• 

  louis P.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 9, 2024

  Cozy Creek Family Campground

  Rustic creek family campground

  This is a fantastic campground! The tent sites are right on the creek. The grounds, the little store/coffee shop and the facilities were pristine. The owner and all the employees were as friendly as they were accommodating. I can't say enough good things. I'll definitely be back.

• 

  Jim M.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 19, 2024

  Loyalsock State Forest

  The campsites aren't too bad but I choose a bad night to stay.

  The sites are just pull offs along the road. the road isn't heavily traveled so it's not too bad. The problem was the night that I stayed there it had been raining non stop for several day and the whole campsite. was several inches of mud. there wasn't any grassy areas to park near. All in all not a bad place in dry conditions. it was reported to be free with a permit but the permit was about $15