Top Free Dispersed Camping near Sayre, PA
Looking for the best dispersed camping near Sayre? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Pennsylvania camping adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Sayre, PA (6)
1. Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area
9 Reviews•39 Photos•107 SavesThe Sugar Hill Recreation Area, located off of Tower Hill Rd, is the largest designated camping area on Sugar Hill State Forest. Available on a first-come first-serve basis, the area is a nine-acre open field for camping, with a limited number of fire rings and picnic tables. New for 2021 (in order to limit the spread of COVID-19) 26 campsites have been designated in the open field area. Upon arrival, campers must fill out a self-issued camping permit. There is no reservation system, if you arrive and it is full you will have to find another location to camp. Other facilities in the Rec Area include; a picnic area with picnic tables and pavilion, an accessible horse-mounting platform, open horse stalls, during summer months a restroom with potable water are available, and access to the Six Nations Trail System, as well as the Sugar Hill Fire Tower. The gate is opened to vehicle traffic, and the water turned on, from the 3rd Monday in May through the 3rd Monday in October of each year. Individual campsites are located throughout the State Forest. These 19 additional primitive designated camping sites are semi-flat spots, some are graveled parking areas, others are small openings set back in the woods on topsoil, most with no other facilities provided. 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 a Forest Ranger. No trash pickup is provided. These are carry-in, carry-out facilities.
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
2. Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping
4 Reviews•21 Photos•122 SavesThe Sugar Hill Recreation Area, located at 3360 Tower Hill Rd, Watkins Glen, NY, is the largest designated camping area on Sugar Hill State Forest. Available on a first-come first-serve basis, the area is a nine-acre open field for camping, with a limited number of fire rings and picnic tables. New for 2021 (in order to limit the spread of COVID-19) 26 campsites have been designated in the open field area. Upon arrival, campers must fill out a self-issued camping permit. There is no reservation system, if you arrive and it is full you will have to find another location to camp.
Other facilities in the Rec Area include; a picnic area with picnic tables and pavilion, an accessible horse-mounting platform, open horse stalls, during summer months a restroom with potable water are available, and access to the Six Nations Trail System, as well as the Sugar Hill Fire Tower. The gate is opened to vehicle traffic, and the water turned on, from the 3rd Monday in May through the 3rd Monday in October of each year.
The Lower Evergreen Parking Lot, located off of Evergreen Hill Rd, is smaller and has picnic tables, fire rings, open horse stalls and a pit privy. New for 2021, three campsites have been designated. No trash pickup is provided. This is a carry in-carry out facility.
Individual campsites are located throughout the State Forest. These 19 additional primitive designated camping sites are semi-flat spots, some are graveled parking areas, others are small openings set back in the woods on topsoil, most with no other facilities provided.
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 a Forest Ranger. No trash pickup is provided. These are carry-in, carry-out facilities.
Lean To: Lean-to in the trees, benches and fire ring in front. Buck Settlement Lean-to
Lean-to Camping :There are five Adirondack-style lean-tos at four different locations. Lean-tos must be shared to their capacity on a first-come, first-use basis, with no exclusive reservation allowed.
Buck Settlement Lean-to on the Finger Lakes Trail north of Templar Road and near Glen Creek; Parks Hollow Lean-to on Mohawk Trail, north of Sugar Hill Road; the Twin Lean-to's (Sugar Hill Lean-to #1 and #2) - on Seneca Trail, south of the Sugar Hill Rec Area; and VanZandt Lean-to - on Seneca Trail, east of Tower Hill Road. September 14, 2021 to September 23, 2021 the VanZandt Lean-to will be undergoing maintenance, please plan accordingly.No trash pickup is provided. These are a carry in-carry out facilities.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
3. Old Logger's Path
2 Reviews•13 Photos•26 Saves- Pets
- Reservable
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
4. Foster Pond Camping Area
1 Review•4 Photos•1 Save- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
5. Long Pond Campground
4 Reviews•68 Photos•15 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Sayre
9 Reviews of 6 Sayre Campgrounds
Meghan B.
Ranger
Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area
Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite
Nice, quiet stay. Third time staying here over the last decade when passing through the area and it's been great every time.
- AAdam P.
ScoutSugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area
Excellent Free Site
No show but decent bathrooms. I spent a night at Watkins Glen the only advantage was the shower. But you can wash up well here. You can stay horses here, each site has a fire pit and it feels safe.
Lylah H.ScoutSugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area
Great spot, follow the map around
I believe it’s still off season so the spot with all the facilities wasn’t open. We used the map on the state forest website. But most spots have a privy/port o potty. We found the map on the website helpful because there are spots all over. Site 28 did have a sign about not awaking “butch and big daddy” as two young women we decided we didn’t want to stick around and meet them. There was a privy at 35 which was nice. The site by the pond was really cute with a privy but a walk in (believe it was 37)!
- DDavid G.
GuideSugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area
Perfect Reprieve
We pulled in just before dark to find 8 other campers already settled in. The sites were spacious. It was a cool and windy night, which made it perfect for sleeping. Highly recommend!
- TTobi R.Scout
Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area
Well worth it
I drove in from out of state and I absolutely adore this campground! Will be returning, I found a lovely spot tucked into a back corner and has the most relaxing weekend.
- AAnnie J.Scout
Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area
Awesome!
This site is great! There are only a few sites on the road but they have picnic tables, fire rings and lots of space! They are also free! We just pulled up and parked in an empty spot. We visited here in Oct 2022 so it was pretty empty. Great spot if you are passing through!
Cam F.ScoutSugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area
Great quiet camping spot
Lovely campground in a lush green clearing with plenty of bird life. Good facilities with flushing toilets and trash and recycling on site.
The view from the tower is pretty nice too!
- Brittany S.Guide
Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area
Great location
We stayed here during an anniversary trip to the Finger Lakes. Easy proximity to Seneca Lake and Watkins Glen State Park. Nice wooded area kept us far enough away from other campers. Great location!
John S.Ranger
Old Logger's Path
An excellent weekend
Last year I had convinced my wife to go on a backpacking trip with me but of course Covid-19 got in the way because of child care issues. Finally this year it happened. She got to the end realizing that maybe she didn't pick the right boots (blisters) and her ankles were sore as well but she said she loved it and would do it again.
Guide to Sayre
Camping near Sayre, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Watkins Glen State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The access to Watkins Glen! My site was in Loop D which has a direct hiking trail to the trail along Watkins Glen!"
- Water Activities: Enjoy swimming and kayaking at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "There is a nice beach for swimming, the lake felt clean and wasn't too cold in July."
- Fishing: Cast a line at Worlds End State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "Great hiking and vistas. Beautiful river and great fishing."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Keuka Lake State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "Nice bathroom facilities a short walk away and not too close by."
- Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Sampson State Park Campground. One camper said, "Sites are generous in size but the power poles are between sites and are often more than 20’ away."
- Family-Friendly Activities: Families love the amenities at Watkins Glen / Corning KOA. A parent mentioned, "It had a lot of things to do indoor/outdoor pool, pirate ship, slide, big pillow, waterslide, golf and rock wall."
What you should know:
- Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell reception at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground. A camper noted, "There is absolutely no cell service, however, and we had to go all the way down the mountain to get texts or make calls."
- Crowded on Weekends: Expect busy campgrounds during weekends, especially at popular spots like Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground. One visitor said, "It was very busy, so I would recommend going early or later near dusk if you want a more solitary experience."
- Old Facilities: Some campgrounds, like Taughannock Falls State Park Campground, have older facilities. A reviewer mentioned, "The bathrooms were messy, with a couple of toilets not flushed/clogged."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds like Sampson State Park Campground that offer playgrounds and swimming areas. A camper shared, "Place is great for kids. Lots to do with a couple of playgrounds, guarded swimming area, kayak rentals."
- Plan for Meals: Bring food or check for nearby dining options. One family at Watkins Glen / Corning KOA enjoyed pizza delivery, saying, "Two pizza places in Watkins Glen will deliver directly to your site."
- Pack for All Weather: Be ready for changing weather conditions, especially in spring and fall. A camper at Chenango Valley State Park Campground noted, "The park is very family-friendly. It has numerous hiking and biking trails."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of your RV against the campground's site dimensions. A reviewer at Taughannock Falls State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are not very large but sufficient."
- Bring Extension Cords: Some sites may have power poles that are far from your RV. A camper at Sampson State Park Campground advised, "Electric service boxes are shared in-between sites. This could pose an issue if your power cord is not long enough."
- Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the dump stations are located. A visitor at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground mentioned, "The dump station is big and easy access."
Camping near Sayre, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some unforgettable memories!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Sayre, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sayre, PA is Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area with a 4.7-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Sayre, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Sayre, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.