Tent campers near Camillus, New York have several primitive and established options within a short drive of town. Morgan Hill State Forest offers dispersed camping at the Onondaga Trailhead campground with tent sites adjacent to the trailhead parking circle. Spruce Pond Camping Area in the same forest provides pond-side tent camping with established sites maintained by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, approximately 15 miles southeast of Camillus.
Most primitive tent camping areas require self-sufficiency, as amenities are minimal. The Spruce Pond area includes fire grills and developed tent sites with some pond access points, and a newly constructed outhouse serves the area. Morgan Hill Forest campsites include two developed sites with cement pads, picnic tables and fire pits, though no water sources or restroom facilities are directly at the campground. Campers must bring their own water and be prepared to practice Leave No Trace principles. Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations required, though permits may be necessary for some locations.
Tent campers at these locations benefit from direct access to extensive trail networks. The Onondaga Trail branch of the North Country Scenic Trail connects directly to Morgan Hill Forest campground, providing hiking opportunities to nearby attractions like Tinker Falls. Spruce Pond sites provide peaceful settings with tent pads nestled in wooded areas and fishing access along the pond shoreline. Most campsites offer adequate shade and relative privacy from neighboring sites. A reviewer noted that the Spruce Pond area features "an amazing network of hiking and cross country ski trails along with mountain biking along the forest roads," making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking multiple activities from a tent base camp. Wildlife activity is common near the ponds, with another camper mentioning "the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night."
"Access to water and swimming. Nice playgrounds. We kayaked in the lake it was a lot of fun."
"Toilet isn’t set up yet but will once the season opens. The first few campsites are the best the further down you go the worse the sites get for tent set up. Smaller tents would be best do here."
"Campsite 5 was very overgrown, but site 6 had a nice flat area of pine needles with a path to the road once you see it. However, I couldn't locate the fire ring for site 6."
from $35 - $139 / night
"Nature Lover's Paradise is new to the Dyrt and they have an awesome spot to share with access to a vast network of trails in upstate New York. "
from $79 - $149 / night
"The campground is as quiet and peaceful as anyone would like, but the community enables campers the freedom to socialize and share meals whenever you want to reach beyond the family who came with you."
"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 **"
"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."
"All the roads are gravel, so it might get a little muddy after a big rain but I had no issue with a low clearance car driving around to explore the sites available."
"I checked out primitive site on my own early in April it was cold snowing and raining. It didn’t take away from the campsite at all though."
"This campsite is a hike in stop on the Finger Lakes Trail, but can also be accessed by a short walk-in from Elmer Jackson Rd, or by paddling in from the parking area in the west side of the pond."
RangerStopped here on my way from Maine to Ohio. I booked via Harvest Hosts and chose to boondock since they had a market (pay for food instead of a booking fee) and I was pleasantly surprised with the overall location. The entire farm is in great condition, the roads are marked well, there are several trails, plenty of wildlife, and just a generally pleasant experience. Loaded up on some goods at the market.
ScoutI would never return to this campground. We rented a golf cart, and while going downhill, the rear wheel came completely off because the lug nuts were not secured. My 1-year-old and 6-year-old were on the cart, and we were extremely fortunate that no one was injured. When I expressed how serious and upsetting this was and how close my children were to being injured the owner’s response was,“But were they?” When I explained that my children were thankfully not injured but were shaken up by the incident, he sarcastically questioned whether my 1-year-old could be traumatized. They did provide us with another golf cart afterward, but I consider that the bare minimum after being given an unsafe rental. After the apparent lack of proper inspection of the cart and the ill-mannered response to such a serious safety issue, I would never recommend this campground.
TravelerStopped for one night while traveling upstate and usually dispersed camping but it was getting late so we stopped in.
LegendHad an overnight stay here and it was really peaceful. The reservoir had been drained but it was still lovely to look out across the property. You definitely can’t beat $30 for an electric site! Restrooms were a bit dated but clean. Staff was very friendly. Our site was spacious and next to a short walking trail through the trees.
GuideThis was a great camping trip! We had site 29, nice spot with the North Rim trail right behind our site. Trails are beautiful. Restroom and shower close. You do need to be careful, lots of oaks trees and falling acorns! Easily dings you car hood, watch where you park. Close to down town for a visit to the awesome farmers market in Ithaca.
GuideNice small campground with only 9 sites. FF self pay station allows QR Code to recreation.gov to reserve online. Once you choose a site, just pay online and keep your cash tipping at the close by wineries!😉 The park is a bit neglected compared to the many other National Forrest we stay in. The potholes in the driving loop and gravel need repair. The Fire pits and pit toilets need attention. Overall, it has been quiet and convenient to the region around. We stayed 4 days so even the negatives were not a deterrent.
TravelerClean, safe RV park off a small lake. Functioning electric and water hookups as well as sewage. Very kind and helpful owners and friendly campers.
GuideOverall best camp in the area. Cabins A++,Bathrooms A+, swimming,activities,views,location,nearby town. All the best.
GuidePros: clean, good location,nice bathrooms,hot showers nice playground.
Cons: this cabin was on main thoroughfare,so people and traffic, stiff mattresses, very large religious group singing and playing loud music.
Tent camping near Camillus, New York offers several primitive camping options in state forests and wildlife management areas within a 25-mile radius. The region features rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests with elevations ranging from 500-1,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 70-85°F during day with cooler 50-65°F nights, making spring through fall the prime camping season for Camillus area primitive sites.
Fishing access points: Cross Lake Park Campgrounds provides direct water access with multiple spots for fishing and swimming. According to camper Sara H., "We kayaked in the lake it was a lot of fun," making this location ideal for water-focused camping trips.
Explore hiking networks: Nature Lover's Paradise offers tent campers 70 acres of hiking trails. One reviewer noted, "The tent site and the 70 acres of hiking trails sound like the perfect getaway for anyone looking to reconnect with nature."
Seasonal wildlife viewing: Several pond-side camping locations provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. The sites at Long Pond Campground offer excellent wildlife viewing, where campers can fish from shore or use the handicapped accessible fishing pier near campsite 1.
Private, wooded sites: Spruce Pond Camping Area offers ten established primitive sites with varying levels of privacy. A camper noted, "The first few campsites are the best the further down you go the worse the sites get for tent set up. Smaller tents would be best do here."
Waterfront access: Campers appreciate the direct pond access at multiple locations. At Long Pond Campground, one reviewer mentioned they "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."
Free camping options: Several state forest campgrounds in the Camillus region are free of charge. Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground offers free primitive camping with "two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits."
Limited facilities: Most primitive camping areas around Camillus require self-sufficiency. At Long Pond, one camper explained, "Site has no water, no garbage service and no phone signal," which is common for many primitive sites in the area.
Permit requirements: Some locations require camping permits. At Pharsalia Y Pond, "Camping in this DEC Wildlife Management Area campsite is limited, and requires a permit. Visit the regional DEC office at 1285 Fisher Ave., Cortland NY or call 607-753-3095...allow one week for permit to be processed."
Seasonal conditions: Weather patterns affect campsite conditions throughout the year. At Long Pond Campground, one reviewer noted, "The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel," highlighting the dense summer tree coverage.
Choose sites with multiple activities: Family camping works best at locations with varied recreation options. Long Pond Campground provides "camp sites are level and long enough for a very small trailer" and direct access to fishing opportunities.
Consider noise levels: Wildlife sounds can be surprisingly loud at some tent sites near Camillus. At Spruce Pond, campers should be prepared for active wildlife, particularly around the water.
Accessibility considerations: Hall Island State Forest offers camping options with varying accessibility. One camper reported, "There were fire ring set up a view of the water and for enable body person just a short walk up the path."
Small RV limitations: Most primitive camping areas near Camillus have space constraints. At Long Pond Campground, a reviewer advised, "Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel."
Alternative facilities: When tent camping or RVing at primitive sites, know where to find facilities. One camper at Hall Island State Forest mentioned, "It's a short drive into town and to the local convenience store, which 'conveniently' enough, offers shower facilities and bathrooms for a fee."
Access road conditions: Forest roads can be challenging for larger vehicles. Most tent camping sites around Camillus are accessible via unpaved state forest roads that may be difficult for larger RVs, particularly after wet weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Camillus, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Camillus, NY is Cross Lake Park Campgrounds with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Camillus, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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