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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.
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.
Ranger
Pulled in on a Thursday afternoon and found a single camp site. While there I talked to a state forest maintenance guy. He said there were currently two camping sites and that more might be added.
The campsite was just feet off of Bargy Road. The only amenity was a fire ring made of rocks. The campsite appears to be the trailhead for a man-made trail.
It rained while we were here but overall the campsite was quiet and peaceful.
Legend
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
Travelernice place to sleep. good for someone who doesn’t want something too off the road. when you get to the destination you have to go a little more up the road until you see a sign and a sand patch on the side of the road.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Altmar, New York, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. This area offers a variety of locations that cater to different camping styles, from quiet retreats to more accessible sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Altmar, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Altmar, NY is Towsley Road Dispersed Camping with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Altmar, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
