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Several tent camping options near Cincinnatus, New York are concentrated in state forest lands, offering a mix of dispersed and primitive sites. Pharsalia Woods State Forest provides multiple tent-only sites including the Pharsalia Woods Lean-To Campsite and Pharsalia Y Pond, both accessible via short hikes. Long Pond Campground offers more accessible tent camping with sites distributed along the shoreline near a fishing area, while Morgan Hill State Forest features additional walk-in tent sites.
Most primitive tent sites in the area lack basic amenities, requiring campers to bring all necessary supplies. Long Pond Campground includes a portable toilet near the entrance, but other sites have no facilities. As one visitor noted, "There is no water or garbage services at this site. Most camping spots are ideal for tents or very small campers." Fire rings are available at most established sites, and campers should verify if permits are needed, particularly for Wildlife Management Area campsites like Jackson Pond, which requires permits through the regional DEC office.
The tent campsites throughout Chenango County provide excellent access to the Finger Lakes Trail system, creating opportunities for multi-day hiking trips between established sites. "This is a beautiful primitive hike-in campsite alongside Ludlow Creek section of the Finger Lakes Trail in a beautiful, unspoiled and seldom visited region of state forest," wrote one camper about the Ludlow Creek Lean-To. Sites typically feature mature forest cover providing ample shade, and many are situated near ponds or streams suitable for fishing. Bear Wallow Pond dispersed site offers paddle access on a small pond with shoreline wildflowers in summer and vibrant fall foliage. Tent campers should note that while the sites are typically well-spaced for privacy, some locations near parking areas may experience day visitors, particularly at fishing access points.
"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."
"Would definitely recommend if you appreciate privacy, nature, and a peaceful place with the freedom to relax and do your own thing."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"Beautifully maintained primitive group campsite with large Adirondack style lean-to, several picnic tables and fire rings, and firewood provided."
"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."
"This is a great primitive campsite located close to Jackson Pond with access from a small parking area and trailhead of the Finger Lakes Trail, or via canoe or non-motorized boats from a nearby boat launch"
"This is a beautiful primitive hike-in campsite alongside the Ludlow Creek section of the Finger Lakes Trail in Chenango County, New York."
"This is a primitive undeveloped campsite, there is a clearing for tenting but no potable water or amenities of any kind."
"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."
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.
TravelerStopped for one night while traveling upstate and usually dispersed camping but it was getting late so we stopped in.
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.
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.
ScoutAlways have a good time, staff is always friendly. Ive been coming here since i was a kid my grandparents always had a seasonal here.
TravelerThis site was awesome. Still semi private and there were bathrooms which weren’t bad at all! Only draw back is you’re kind of close to other campers meaning you can hear them too. If you’re in for a more social dispersed experience this is it! I just prefer to have no one around for miles!
TravelerIn short it was perfect! This is a small family pet friendly campground. There is a pond that you can kayak and c&r fishing, just no swimming, there is snapping turtles! There is some handmade items in the office to purchase, also some camping needs, fire starters and firewood (6 dollars a bundle). There is a bath house, though we didn't use it so I can't tell you anything about it. There is also a trail but we didn't get to check it out. The owners can be seen here and there all over the property keeping it looking beautiful! It is clear just by watching them how much care they put into making this a great time to all that come there. On the weekends they offer meals that can be brought right to your site. We were there from Saturday till Wednesday morning and it was very peaceful. This is definitely be a place we will come back to. The only downfall to the place is that it has placed a high bar for other campgrounds to compare!
GuideReally liked it. Love the layout, with camp sites having mowed paths to the restrooms and showers in the middle of each loop. Nicest showers and rest rooms we have seen so far. Each site has brush between them so you can not see your neighbors. Pretty, quiet, relaxing. The groomed hiking trails are the best and Arctic Lake is beautiful. Staff were so nice, and loved doing the scavenger hunt!
Tent campsites near Cincinnatus, New York are primarily scattered across 10,000+ acres of state forest land with elevations ranging between 1,200-1,800 feet. The region experiences a distinct four-season climate with heavy winter snowfall that can exceed 100 inches annually. Most primitive camping spots require preparation for temperature shifts that can vary by 30 degrees between day and night, even in summer months.
Fishing opportunities: Several ponds throughout the area provide fishing access with different species available. At Long Pond Campground, "the pond is quite large compared to other area ponds, and there 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 pier near campsite 1."
Trail hiking: Many dispersed camping areas connect directly to the Finger Lakes Trail system. At Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed, you can access the trail from Grover Brown Road, though "the Trailhead here for the Finger Lakes Trail is blocked by downed trees that seem to have been there for a while."
Mountain biking: The state forest roads offer extensive riding options. At Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite, "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."
Accessibility options: Some sites offer accommodations for campers with different mobility needs. At Spruce Pond Camping Area, "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."
Wildlife viewing: The ponds attract diverse wildlife, particularly for early risers. At Spruce Pond, one camper noted that "the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night."
No camping fees: Most dispersed sites in the region have no charges. At Nature Lover's Paradise, campers appreciate access to "70 acres of hiking trails" which "sound like the perfect getaway for anyone looking to reconnect with nature."
Permit requirements: Some campsites require advance permission. For Jackson Pond Tent Sites, "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."
Limited facilities: Most sites lack basic amenities. At Long Pond Campground, "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."
Cell service variability: Coverage varies significantly by location. One camper at Long Pond reported "T-Mobile service has been exceptional" while other sites have little to no reception.
Site selection: Choose locations with easier access for younger campers. At Spruce Pond, "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 here."
Weather preparation: The region can experience significant temperature shifts even in summer. Pack extra layers for everyone, especially for camping near higher elevation sites.
Security considerations: Some locations are more secluded than others. At Long Pond, one camper expressed concern about "a lack of privacy as passersby can quite easily pop right in off the highway. This doesn't seem real secure."
Access limitations: Most roads to primitive campsites have restrictions. The road to Pharsalia Woods State Forest "is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintenance road."
Site sizing: Very few sites accommodate larger vehicles. At Long Pond, "Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel."
Alternative parking: For larger rigs, consider using nearby day-use areas as base camps. One visitor noted that several state forests have better developed parking areas at trailheads and fishing access points compared to the camping areas themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cincinnatus, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cincinnatus, NY is Long Pond Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Cincinnatus, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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