Tent camping opportunities near Cazenovia, New York include several primitive sites scattered throughout state forests in the southern Finger Lakes region. The area sits at elevations between 1,200-2,000 feet with hardwood forests dominated by maple, beech, and hemlock trees. Most primitive campsites require permits obtained from the DEC regional office at 1285 Fisher Ave in Cortland with processing time of approximately one week.
What to do
Fishing access points: Pharsalia Y Pond offers brook trout fishing in "deep and clear" water, with one camper noting 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." The pond is stocked regularly and requires non-motorized boats only.
Wildlife observation: Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite provides excellent wildlife viewing with "shoreline wildflowers are riotous" in summer according to reviewers. The pond sits in a protected game refuge with multiple observation points along established trails.
Seasonal hiking routes: Multiple access points connect to the Finger Lakes Trail system with varied terrain. A reviewer at Nature Lover's Paradise mentions "70 acres of hiking trails sound like the perfect getaway for anyone looking to reconnect with nature." Most trailheads have small parking areas for day hikers.
What campers like
Spring water access: The Pharsalia Woods Lean-To Campsite offers a natural water source as mentioned by a camper: "There is a perennial spring nearby, but campers should be prepared to filter or treat their water." Filtration or purification tablets are necessary for all water sources in the region.
Fire management facilities: Most established sites include designated fire rings. At Spruce Pond Camping Area, campers appreciate the "fire grills and nicely developed tent sites, one nestled in the woods and three with their own pond access." Fire restrictions apply during summer drought conditions.
Hammock setup options: Several campgrounds offer ideal tree spacing for hammock camping. One reviewer at Spruce Pond noted "Great trees for hammock camping though," while another mentioned that smaller tents work best at some sites where the terrain is less level.
What you should know
Permit requirements: For camping in Wildlife Management Areas like Pharsalia, permits are mandatory. A camper explained: "Camping in this DEC Wildlife Management Area is limited, and requires a permit. Visit the regional DEC office at 1285 Fisher Ave., Cortland NY or call 607-753-3095, or email at Info.R7@dec.ny.gov; allow one week for permit to be processed."
Road conditions: Some access points have deteriorating roads. A camper at Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed noted: "The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintenance road." High-clearance vehicles are recommended for several campground approaches.
Wildlife activity: Natural sounds may affect sleep quality. One camper at Spruce Pond reported: "This was a nice spot, but the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night." Earplugs are recommended during spring and summer when frogs are most vocal.
Tips for camping with families
ADA accessible options: Families with mobility concerns have specific site choices. At Spruce Pond, "one [site] 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."
Vehicle proximity: For families with small children, sites with close parking are ideal. At Charles E. Baker State Forest, a camper noted there's "a lot of good space for dispersed camping right nearby. Access at the end of a long, but well maintained, dirt road."
Best toilet facilities: Most primitive sites lack toilets, but some have better options. A Charles Baker visitor mentioned: "Only giving 4 stars because the best free sites have water pumps and vault toilets, but this is a great camping experience." Families should prepare for primitive conditions at most locations.
Tips from RVers
Small RV considerations: Most areas can accommodate small trailers but lack hookups. At Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground, "there are two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits." Access roads typically limit larger RVs.
Seasonal accessibility: Winter access is limited by snow and mud conditions on forest roads. No formal winter maintenance occurs at most campgrounds, with primitive road clearing generally beginning in April depending on spring thaw conditions.
Parking limitations: Most forest campsites have limited parking. One reviewer noted at Pharsalia Woods that "The parking area is overgrown" and recommended considering alternate access points when planning multi-vehicle camping trips.
