Best Camping near Bainbridge, NY

Are you in need of a campground near Bainbridge, NY? Bainbridge is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your New York camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Bainbridge, NY (142)

    Camper-submitted photo from Chenango Valley State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chenango Valley State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chenango Valley State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chenango Valley State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chenango Valley State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chenango Valley State Park Campground

    1. Chenango Valley State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    45 Photos
    101 Saves
    Chenango Forks, New York

    While most people consider New York City to be the main attraction of the state, further upstate lies Chenango Valley State Park; a much calmer 1,137 acre natural wonder of New York. This park is known for its two kettle lakes, named Chenango and Lily. The lakes, which were created after the last Ice Age, formed when large chunks of ice that were left behind by a glacier ended up buried deep beneath the earth. Over time, that ice melted, forming the bogs and wetlands known today as Chenango and Lily.

    The park’s rich ecosystem attracts both migrant as well as predatory birds and other watchable wildlife. Subsequently, birdwatchers will delight finding and spotting the woodpeckers, nuthatches, warblers and thrushes found along woodland trails. You will also find herons, ducks, and kingfishers over on the lakeside.

    Those searching for something closer to the lakes will enjoy an abundance of excellent fishing opportunities. Fishermen can attempt to catch trout, bass, perch, and bullhead in Chenango Lake, as well as the various wetlands and marshes throughout. Lily Lake is not known for its fishing opportunities, but makes a the perfect place for a relaxing day at the beach. After you’ve soaked up some rays, enjoy a relaxing game of gold over at the 18-hole Chenango Valley State Park Golf Course. There’s never a shortage of activities, nor scenic beauty to take in during your stay here. And luckily, if you can’t fit it all into one day the park offers fantastic overnight accommodations as well.

    When camping here, take comfort knowing there’s plenty of room for everyone. In fact, campers can choose from among 184 campsites, or 24 warm and cozy cabins. The park offers shower buildings routinely placed throughout, as well as an amply-stocked convenience store with camper information inside.

    Fortunately, there is a variety of campsite sizes and amenities to choose from. However, if you’re planning on camping with an RV, consider reserving your site at least a few months in advance as space can fill up very quickly, especially during the summer.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Oquaga Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oquaga Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oquaga Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oquaga Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oquaga Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Oquaga Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake State Park Campground

    3. Bowman Lake State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    21 Photos
    52 Saves
    Oxford, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Belden Hill Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Belden Hill Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Belden Hill Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Belden Hill Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Belden Hill Campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Belden Hill Campgrounds

    4. Belden Hill Campgrounds

    5 Reviews
    8 Photos
    7 Saves
    Chenango Forks, New York

    We are a quiet, family-friendly, and peaceful RV park surrounded by nature’s beauty while offering easy on and off access from I-88 in New York’s Broome County. Both the access roads from the highway and our spacious RV campsites are ideally suited for big rigs! Our choice of shaded and sunny sites includes pull-thru sites that are over 60 feet in length, all with easy connections to full hookup utilities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $53 - $65 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Gilbert Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gilbert Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gilbert Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gilbert Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gilbert Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gilbert Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Spring Mountain - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Spring Mountain - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Spring Mountain - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Spring Mountain - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Spring Mountain - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Spring Mountain - DEC

    6. Bear Spring Mountain - DEC

    7 Reviews
    22 Photos
    33 Saves
    Downsville, New York

    Bear Spring Mountain is located in the western end of the Catskill Forest Preserve. The campgrounds beach, boat rental, and multi-use trail system offers fun for all ages. For the horse riding enthusiast, Spruce Grove camping and trail system is one of a kind facility in the Catskill region. This region is also known for its excellent hunting and fishing.

    The facility is broken into two distinct areas, the Launt Pond Area (the main campground) and the Spruce Grove Area which is 3.5 miles from the campground office. The Spruce Grove Area is equipped with pit toilets. The hot showers, rest rooms and garbage disposal area are all located in the Launt Pond Area. Spruce Grove campers have access to all amenities, however they will be a drive from their camping area. Amenities

    41 tent and trailer sites; picnic area with tables, grills, playground, horseshoe pits, volleyball and pavilion rental; rowboat, canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals; firewood sales; trailer dump station; recycling center; flush toilets and hot showers at Launt Pond Area; boat launch; sand beach; 24 horse tie stalls and horse accessible ramp; 24 miles of multi-use trails. Please note: There are no horse rentals available at this campground. Proof of current negative Coggins Certificate is required for all horses entering the campground. Out-of state horse owners will be required to produce a 30-day health certificate Patrons must carry each horse's health papers with them at all times.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Unadilla KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Unadilla KOA

    7. Unadilla KOA

    4 Reviews
    2 Photos
    5 Saves
    Trout Creek, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Chenango County Cook Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Chenango County Cook Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Chenango County Cook Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Chenango County Cook Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Chenango County Cook Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Chenango County Cook Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Crest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Crest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Crest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Crest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Crest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Crest Campground

    9. Pine Crest Campground

    4 Reviews
    8 Photos
    34 Saves
    Windsor, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Cazalia
    Camper-submitted photo from Cazalia
    Camper-submitted photo from Cazalia
    Camper-submitted photo from Cazalia
    Camper-submitted photo from Cazalia
    Camper-submitted photo from Cazalia

    10. Cazalia

    3 Reviews
    8 Photos
    Deposit, New York

    camp on 24 acres of private, scenic land with access to two beautiful ponds and plenty of walking + hiking trails.

    the ponds may be used for fishing, we simply request barbless hooks and no catch and release please.

    Kayaks + paddleboards are welcome for usage, there is a small island you can paddle out to on the long pond and explore.

    take in the Natural scenery, the gorgeous sunrises, the wildlife and the farm Life. We often have ducks, ducklings, Chicken, piglets and soon to be goats on the property so animal lovers are welcome!

    Camping Sites will be located along the Perimeter of the ponds and therefore require you to park in the main drive and Walk in to the site. A fire ring will be provided for campfires.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Firewood Available
    • WiFi

    $20 - $35 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 142 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Bainbridge

Recent Reviews in Bainbridge

306 Reviews of 142 Bainbridge Campgrounds


  • SJ W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alder lake
    Oct. 29, 2024

    Alder lake

    Beautiful single drive in site!

    Love this place will definitely be back, not sure why it didn’t show up for free camping when I had it filtered, found it on another app. Was not the easiest for my RV van to get up the hill with the ruts, but I have a small lift so it helps, lower clearance vans might not make it. It’s a single camper site at the top of the hill left before the trailhead parking.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Unadilla KOA
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Unadilla KOA

    Lackluster and full service

    The weather was terrible while I was there, so perhaps this review may be biased. The Campground was very quiet in mid October. Many of the sites seem to be seasonal as there was no traffic to or from them. But there was quite a bit of daily traffic, usually arriving late and leaving early. Perhaps because the weather was turning very chilly and although the leaf peeping was at its peak for this season, I think people were heading south fast like me.

  • Carol L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Nature Lover's Paradise
    Sep. 26, 2024

    Nature Lover's Paradise

    cool

    The tent site and the 70 acres of hiking trails sound like the perfect getaway for anyone looking to reconnect with nature. I love the idea of having access to such a large network of trails, especially with the Finger Lakes area offering so much natural beauty. By the way, if you’re ever in need of some inspiration or ideas for nature-related essays, check out Nature Essay Examples and Topic Ideas on https://www.topessaywriting.org/samples/nature —there’s a lot of helpful content there! Overall, this seems like the ideal spot for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

  • Eric L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Valley Campground
    Sep. 4, 2024

    Beaver Valley Campground

    Clean, well laid out campground

    Clean, modern bathrooms.  Campsites were raked and ready for us when we arrived.  Super friendly staff!  Just a well laid out campground that was perfect for us.  Peaceful, a mix of wooded sites for RV's and open sites with their cabins.  2 swimming pools, really nice playground for the younger kids, 2 baseball fields.  Just a top notch place.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    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.

  • Michael G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mongaup Pond
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Mongaup Pond

    Great Catskill Campgroud

    Really enjoyed our 2nd stay at Mongaup and will return. Good, private sites and a great pond. Facilities were clean and staff was very helpful and friendly.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    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.

  • Jodi B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Keen Lake Resort Campground
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Keen Lake Resort Campground

    Best camp ground ever

    Keen lake is the most cleanest friendliest family environment campsite you will ever find. Beautiful lake great fishing. Activities all day long for the children. Great general store that has everything in it that is open from sun up to sundown. The nachos and ice cream are the best. Super friendly staff. It's big they have tent sites right along the lake the lake is huge there's so much I could say but I would run out of room. I started coming here when I was four and I am now 46 years old and it is just the best place ever. It will always have a special place in our heart. Look forward every year to coming here no matter what age my kids are they all have a blast. From tent sites to RVs to cottages to glamping you name it they have it highly recommend it. Recently went camping to somewhere a little bit closer to home and it's nothing compared to here. It's like comparing Macy's to Walmart. You will never regret coming here. So pack your family up and have a great time.

  • Robert J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cazalia
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Cazalia

    Nice

    I especially like the idea of​​animals on the farm, iq test, which will bring an interesting experience to nature-loving tourists.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Salt Springs State Park Campground
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed

    Finger Lakes Trailhead off Grover Brown Rd

    The coordinates lead you to a small parking area at the end of Grover Brown Rd, which is accessed by going north from Rt 23. The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintanence road. But if you follow the road north to the end, you will come to a dead end and a parking circle that gives you the option of hiking north past a gate into the state forest on a hunting trail, or west onto the Finger Lakes Trail where dispersed camping is allowed within the state forest. However, the whole road in is a tough ride, it is posted extensively en route that you are passing private property with no trespassing allowed until you see the DEC sign announcing the border of the state forest. The parking area is overgrown, the neighbors aling the road en route seem frustrated with hikers coming into the forest via this route, and the Trailhead here for the Finger Lakes Trail is blocked by downed trees that seem to have been there for a while. While you might try to hike the trail for day use, I wonder if this may not be a great place to leave your car during a foray into the woods for dispersed camping. Although the Pharsalia Forest is beautiful throughout, and dispersed camping is allowed throughout, there are better places to access it. There are also designated primitive campsites in several locations in other areas of this state forest which are worthy of your camping adventures! You

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunny Pond
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Sunny Pond

    This is private land, should not be listed as a camping option

    I saw this on a map of unreviewed campsites and decided to check it out en route to another spot. As it turns out, this listing is in error and should not have been listed on the Dyrt. This is a private residence on private land, is not available for camping or lodging of any kind. Although close to state forest land,it is not within the state forest and is privately owned. The perimeter is well marked with no trespassing signs in case there is any doubt. If you continue further north on this back road, you will come to the state lands, and the border is well marked with state forest signs. Continue to the the parking area at the end of the road and you will be able to park and then access the trailhead for the Finger Lakes Trail which will take you into the state forest where dispersed camping is allowed. Again, do not stop at the “Sunny Pind “ site as listed here, but continue north to the Pharsalia Woods Dispersed camping trailhead

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stoney Pond State Forest Camping Area
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Stoney Pond State Forest Camping Area

    Primitive camping at Stoney Pond

    This is a primitive state forest campground on the south shore of Stoney Pond. There are 15 drive-in campsites widely spaced and set into the woods, and two developed walk-in sites on the west shore. Site number 1 is quite flat and open and could accomodate a trailer or camper van but isnt very scenic. The other sites are great for tenting but the drive-ins are variable. There are several new clean outhouses with doors meant to be wide enough for wheelchairs, but the gravel roads of the campground are not very wheelchair friendly. There is one site set aside for picnicking and day use only, on a very pretty spit on the south shore. There is a small boat launch meant for canoes and kayaks and small non mototized fishing boats, alongside a gravel peninsula for shore fishing. The pond is pretty with mature shade trees, and the campground also has a trailhead to access a large network of hiking trails. If you want to backpack in, dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest

  • Kipa S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Pond - DEC
    Jun. 20, 2024

    Little Pond - DEC

    Thank you

    Nice quiet campgrounds close to the Beaver kill and great service staff was supper friendly and helpful

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chenango County Cook Park
    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!

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground

    Morgan Hill OT/NCST trailhead campground

    This is a small state forest campground in the Morgan Hill forest from which you can directly access the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country scenic trail. Although the campsites here are primitive and free, they are official developed campsites and not really “dispersed” campsites. There are several basic tent spots, which are just cleared grassy areas adjacent to the trailhead parking circle; BUT in addition, there are two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits. These are very nice roomy wooded campsites, and the  developed sites are supposedly ADA accessible —but while I agree that the picnic tables and cement pad around the fireplace can certainly accomodate wheelchairs, and the tenting area is roomy, note that there are NO OTHER ADA amenities at these sites, eg no water source and NO toilet or outhouse right at the campground. While you can drive right up to your campsite location, which is accessible, you would actually have to hike quite a long ways west on the OnondagaTrail to access a pit toilet, or to have stream access for obtaining water to boil, so you DO need to come prepared to use the bushes by your campsite and leave no trace, plus bring your own water. (See attached map where I circled the campground area in orange) That being said, this location is peaceful and quiet with mature trees and plenty of distance between neighboring campers, and would be an ideal setting for a group campout. Hiking the trail west on a day trip will bring you to the beautiful Tinker Falls, which may not be flowing during dry seasons but is still a gorge worth exploring! You can best access this campground from the south side of the forest; the entrance is from state route 13 on Morgan Hill Rd south,  adjacent to a very nice farm stand that is a good stop  for supplies, and there is a DEC forest sign to mark the turn off from Rt 13.  After that, you are on your own and should bring a map to navigate as the hiking trails are marked with signs where they cross the roads, but the road to turn off from Morgan Hill Rd to the campground is not marked. You can set your driving directions on Google Maps beforehad, to this endpoint: https://www.google.com/maps/dir//42.767846,-75.997552/@42.7799792,-76.08097,12z?entry=ttu

    You might also want to download the free Avenza map of the forest which will allow you to navigate real time even if you don't have cell service, that link is here: https://store.avenza.com/products/morgan-hill-state-forest-nysdec-map?queryID=eb824498ff4125babc1c06655b111da4&objectID=42626406056092

     general info for this state forest is here: 

    https://dec.ny.gov/places/morgan-hill-state-forest

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed

    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

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest

    Morgan Hill Spruce Pond campsites

    This review is for the Morgan Hill primitve campsites at Spruce Pond. Although dispersed primitive camping is allowed elsewhere throughout the state forest, this is a group of ten established and well maintained primitive campsites right on Spruce Pond with fishing available and an amazing network of hiking and cross country ski trails along with mountain biking along the forest roads. There are fire grills and nicely developed tents sites, one nestled in the woods and three with their own pond access, and one is actually handicapped accessible with its own accessible fishing landing and an easy access to the parking lot. There is a brand new outhouse with wide accessible doorway as well. The setting is scenic and peaceful, and you can easily paddle or fish on the pond. You can also easily hike from here to the Labrador Hollow overlook where area hang-gliders launch, you might see some in action or at least get an amazing view of the Labrador Valley!

    Note: a detailed map of the campground is here: https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/docs/regions_pdf/sprucepond.pdf

    You may camp at this campground for free, but you do need a permit and should review the campground map to select your preferred site

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods

    Bear Wallow Pond

    This is a primitive undeveloped campsite, there is a clearing for tenting but no potable water or amenities of any kind. The site is adjacent to a small parking area and fishing access on a really beautiful pond, which is unnamed on the map but is an impoundment of Bear Wallow Creek so it can be considered Bear Wallow Pond. I have been there in both summer, when the shoreline wildflowers are riotous, and in fall when the changing leaves are breathtaking. If you camp here, you can kayak or fish on the pond, go mountain biking on the network of state forest roads that are all part of the Pharsalia Woods Game Refuge, or access the Finger Lakes Trail or Canasawacta Creek Trail (see website for this listing for map of the refuge and more info at https://cnyhiking.com/FLT-PharsaliaWMA.htm)

    You can get to the site from state highway 23 via the Benedict Hill Rd, or from the hamlet of Beaver Meadow going south and west of Cole Hill via Mud Lane. A peaceful pretty wooded spot not far from either Norwich or South Otselic for an easy overnight or weekend. I give it 4 stars not for amenities but for being an idyllic example of a dispersed primitive site



Guide to Bainbridge

Camping near Bainbridge, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails around Green Lakes State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The whole campground is very well kept. Completely litter-free and all the buildings and signs are modern and cool looking."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Keen Lake Resort Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A visitor shared, "Beautiful lake, great fishing. Activities all day long for the children."
  • Swimming: Check out the beach area at Glimmerglass State Park Campground. One camper noted, "You will also enjoy the amazing beach and waterfront on Otsego Lake."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like Chenango Valley State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "Clean bath houses. Tons of biking and hike trails."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy Keen Lake Resort Campground. One parent remarked, "It will always have a special place in our heart. Look forward every year to coming here."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the views at Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, "The campground is amazing and GO SEE THOSE FALLS!"

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds, like Woodland Valley Campground, have sites that are close together. One camper noted, "The campsites are super close together and very very small spaces."
  • Limited Amenities: At Robert H. Treman State Park Campground, some facilities may not be up to par. A reviewer said, "The dumping station is lacking but overall nice park."
  • Cell Service: Many areas, including Little Pond - DEC, have poor cell service. One camper mentioned, "No Verizon service and Starlink was spotty."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Keen Lake Resort Campground, which offers activities for kids. A parent shared, "Activities all day long for the children."
  • Plan for Privacy: If you want a quieter experience, consider sites at Glimmerglass State Park Campground that are more secluded. One camper noted, "The Beaver Pond primitive tenting campground offers a small number of large, well-spaced and private tent-only sites."
  • Pack for Fun: Bring games and outdoor toys to enjoy at campgrounds like Chenango Valley State Park Campground, where kids can play in open grassy areas.

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Bainbridge, New York, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. With beautiful parks and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions