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Signs & Maps

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Dispersed Camping

Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed

Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed offers camping in a forested area with rolling hills and dense tree cover. Temperatures range from 20°F in winter to 80°F in summer, providing varied seasonal experiences. Nearby, Labrador Hollow Unique Area and Tinker Falls offer opportunities for hiking and exploring natural features.

Description

National Forest

This location is the parking area for the dispersed hike-in and backpacking camping; the established primitive campgrounds are elsewhere in the forest, at Spruce Pond and adjacent to the North Country Scenic Trail access for the trail to Tinkers Falls.

Two additional drive-up, accessible camping sites are available on a first come, first served basis. The sites are located off of Morgan Hill Road, in close proximity to the forest's accessible trail. See map above and directions below.

The Spruce Pond camping area and the two drive-up accessible camping sites are located on seasonal roads with no winter maintenance or available parking nearby. Accessing these sites from November through March is not recommended.

Primitive camping is welcomed year-round throughout the forest, where safe and authorized access and parking allows. 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.

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Location

Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed is located in New York

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

42.794791 N
76.00882 W

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.0

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1 Review

Reviewed Jun. 18, 2024

Primitive Dispersed camping at Morgan Hill

This location has a set of 2 large trailhead parking lots for hikers and backpackers accessing the vast trail network of the Morgan Hill State Forest. (See area circled in image on map) You do not camp here at these parking lots, but from here can backpack in to the woods on the Onondaga Trail or connecting trails, and from there you can do LNT dispersed camping as long as you follow the state forest camping rules(see this link for more details: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/camping/state-land-rules) such as not setting up camp within 150 of a stream or other body or water, and not near an official campground (There are 2 official drive-in primitive camp grounds in the vicinty, for which you need permits from the local ranger; otherwise, elsewhere in the forest you can backpack the various trails and camp at your own site if you leave no trace). You need to bring your own water, there is none provided here, and be prepared to pack out your own garbage. Be sure to download a copy of the forest map with the trails network marked, as the various trails are blazed and have occasional signs, but they crisscross in a confusing network and you can get easily turned around without a map. The woods are beautiful and the trails are well developed, but also be prepared for ticks and the need for repellent as they are thick in spring and early summer. Note: the trails going west from here enter the Labrador Hollow Unique area, which is part of the state forest but is a special preserve where camping is NOT allowed, so be aware of your lication

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed by Janet R., June 18, 2024
  • Review photo of Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed by Janet R., June 18, 2024
  • Review photo of Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed by Janet R., June 18, 2024
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed does not have wifi.