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Best Dispersed Camping near Cortland, NY

23 Reviews

State forests surrounding Cortland, New York provide numerous primitive camping opportunities with varying levels of development and accessibility. Morgan Hill State Forest, located northeast of the city, features both designated campsites at the Onondaga Trailhead and dispersed camping options throughout its extensive trail network. Pharsalia Woods State Forest, approximately 20 miles southwest of Cortland, offers several primitive sites including Bear Wallow Pond and Round Pond areas where tent camping is permitted. Long Pond Campground, situated south of Cortland, provides drive-in access for both tents and small RVs along its shoreline. Most sites in the region are free and operate on a first-come, first-served basis without reservation systems, making them popular alternatives to more developed campgrounds.

Many forest roads throughout these areas become difficult to navigate during wet conditions or winter months, with several reviewers noting access challenges. As one camper observed at Morgan Hill Forest: "You need to bring your own water, there is none provided here, and be prepared to pack out your own garbage." Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most sites, requiring advance planning and offline maps. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) manages these lands with specific regulations, including the requirement to camp at least 150 feet from water sources and away from trailheads. Winter access is particularly challenging, with several forest roads receiving no maintenance during snow seasons.

Fishing opportunities stand out as a major attraction at many camping locations near Cortland. Long Pond receives consistent praise for its productive fishing, with one visitor noting: "Beautiful views, quiet, no insect issues, and if I had a rod and reel I wouldn't need to worry for food at all." Campers frequently mention the mature forests and scenic ponds as highlights. Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite, though farther away near Watkins Glen, draws visitors with its improved amenities including flush toilets and trash service. Site maintenance varies considerably between locations, with some visitors reporting issues with litter and vandalism at more accessible sites, while more remote locations tend to remain pristine.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Cortland, New York (16)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Cortland, NY

32 Photos of 16 Cortland Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cortland, NY

23 Reviews of 16 Cortland Campgrounds

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    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
    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
    Oct. 28, 2019

    Whaupaunaucau State Forest

    Hidden gem in Chenango County

    You have to work a bit to find info on the Whaupaunaucau state forest as a camping destination, but for primitive campers that is part of the appeal! This is a relatively unknown oasis outside of the county, but this state forest has a network of miles of trails for both hiking and criss country skiing. There is an offifical lean-to shelter and developed campsite on trail 20 (see map) but there are several primitive sites with tent site and stine fireplace, plus dispersed leave-no-trace camping is allowed anywhere in the state forest, and the possibilities are endless. Lovely hilly vistas, pondside glens, and lots of clearings near clear streams deep in this old stately forest. A great place to get away from it all for hiking and camping but it is also a fantastic place to go if you enjoy botanizing or birding, lots of unusual species to see. Just beware of ticks, they are invading the region

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 1, 2017

    Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site

    Bucks Brook primitive camping

    Bucks Brook carves a beautiful gorge through Bucks Brook State Forest before it cascades into the Otselic River. There are both state forest roads and off road trails to hike on in the area; the Bucks Brook Forest Road follows a series of small waterfalls at the bottom of the gorge to the source of the creek near the top of the ridge above it, while the Finger Lakes trail follows the brook for a short while near its mouth before climbing offroad through the ridge high above the gorge, along steep cliffs above the Otselic and west along the crest of Bucks Brook Hill. There are several very primitive tent sites along the FTL, but dispersed camping is also allowed. Two sites on the ridge near the source of the Brook are accessible by the Finger Lakes trail either from Bucks Brook Rd or Ridge Rd.

    The setting is scenic and picturesque, and the winding trail can be quite a challenge if hiking the long way uphill on the FTL. An easier hike-in access is at Ridge Rd, about a 1/4 hike to the brook where there are several nice flat tent sites. The brook is beautiful and unspoiled, but this truly is primitive camping, no picnic tables, no lean-to shelter like at somecother area FTL campsites, no water source other than the brook (you should filter it even though the source is a spring near by), no latrines, no fire grates though there is a stone fire ring and you could easily build a new one of your own with stones from the brook.

    Although this is an idyllic and secluded spot for primitive camping, and the hike in (either via the long or short way) is well marked and enjoyable, the campsites are really nothing more than flat ground for basic tent-sites; this location could be improved with at least a fire grate, and preferably a lean-to. Also, the parking spot for access to the trail and tentsites really needs to be upgraded; it is just a muddy turnout off the forest road. Hence the four star rating d spite the five star brook and forest! However, it should be mentioned that the amenities at campsites along other segments if the FLT have been developed and maintained not by the DEC but by different volunteer chapters of the trail organization who have adopted certain local segments; this Bucks Brook section just hasnt been adopted yet! It has the potential for being a 5-star primitive camping experience if upgraded a bit; volunteers should feel free to step forth!

    For more on the Bucks Brook section if the Finger Lakes Trail, go to this link: http://www.cnyhiking.com/FLT-BucksBrookSF.htm

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    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
    Mar. 31, 2025

    Round Pond Pharsalia Woods Dispersed

    Primitive camping at Round Pound

    This is a relatively new location for primitive camping in the Pharsalia Woods State Forest. There is a parking area just off the Plymouth Reservoir Rd that allows you to access a network of trails that traverse the state preserve around the unique Round Pond and adjacent bog. Primitive camping is allowed anywhere in the vicinity as long as you are 150 feet from the waters edge and away from the parking lot. The parking lot has an info kiosk with a map of the trail network and info about the unique bog ecosystem. You need to sign in at the kiosk, but otherwise there are no permits needed and no fees. One amazing aspect at this site is a beautiful and accessible raised boardwalk to a unique overlook that has a beautiful vista over the bog and is an amazing place for birdwatching especially during spring migration. You can also access the bog pond here if using kayaks or canoes. It is like a unique wilderness location fir primitive camping, but only 15 minutes from the village of Norwich!

    For more info on the Pharsalia Woods in general, and the Round Pond in particular, visit this link on the DEC website: https://dec.ny.gov/places/pharsalia-woods-state-forest Be sure to also click on the link on that page regarding primitive camping at this site

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 28, 2017

    Balsam Swamp State Forest

    Balsam Pond campsites

    Update: since my original visit, there have been some good upgrades including new portapotty. Some of the campsites are still in need of some TLC. The location is beautiful, but the campground seems to get heavy use and has some wear and tear. Balsam Pond has a reputation as a good local fishing spot featuring trout, bass, and even tiger muskies. The pond itself is beautiful and Is one of the larger state forest ponds in the area preserved in a natural state with no shoreline development other than the small campground and the public boat launch. If you are coming for a good fishing or boating experience, you wont be disappointed as the newly built boat launch can accommodate trailers for easy access and also has a well built handicapped accessible fishing pier. Once out on the water you will enjoy good fishing or wildlife watching or paddling.

    However, if you are coming here primarily for the camping experience you may be disappointed. Though the natural setting is picturesque and secluded, the campground is not well maintained. Some of the sites have new picnic tables, some have old tables that are falling apart, and some have none at all. Some have official steel fire rings, some have stone fire rings that are crumbling. All are drive in sites, some meant for trailers and others with green space for tents. A few sites are much too close to the entrance road, most are set back further in the woods, and a few are right by the lake. Unfortunately, when we were there, previous campers had strewn garbage around most of the sites; it seemed to have been there for a while so it seems there is not regular maintanence by the DEC. There is also supposed to be an outhouse at the campground, but there isnt one now. Hence my low ranking of the campground despite its nice setting.

    if you would like to camp at Balsam Pond but prefer a better option than the campground, there is one paddle-in site set away from the campground where you can Leave No Trace and hopefully other like-minded campers have done the same. You are also allowed to make your own dispersed campsite at any location of your choice within the Balsam Swamp State Firest, as long as you are more than 150 feet from the lakeshore.

  • Jacob D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2024

    Foster Pond Camping Area

    Relaxed Free Dispersed Camping

    Right at the intersection of Potomac Road and Chicken Coop road in the Finger Lakes National Forest. If heading North on Potomac Road, turn left at the intersection and you’ll find a parking lot. Into the woods around the Lake you’ll find free dispersed camping.

    My mom and I stayed just in the parking lot and had no issues and weren’t bothered. NO AMENITIES

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    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 Cortland

Dispersed camping near Cortland, New York offers primitive overnight options on public lands managed by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,200-2,000 feet, creating cooler nighttime temperatures than surrounding valleys. Winter access becomes severely limited from November through April, with most forest roads closing after first significant snowfall.

What to do

Fishing at Long Pond: The large pond offers three distinct fishing access points including a boat launch with parking lot, kayak access near campsite 6, and a handicapped accessible fishing pier by campsite 1. "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," notes one camper at Long Pond Campground.

Hiking the Finger Lakes Trail: Access the extensive trail network from multiple points in state forests. "You can set your driving directions on Google Maps beforehad... 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," suggests a visitor to Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground.

Birdwatching at Round Pond: The unique bog ecosystem provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "One amazing aspect at this site is a beautiful and accessible raised boardwalk to a unique overlook that has a beautiful vista over the bog and is an amazing place for birdwatching especially during spring migration," reports a camper at Round Pond in Pharsalia Woods.

What campers like

Accessible fishing platforms: Some locations offer dedicated structures for anglers with mobility limitations. "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."

Spacious campsites: Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite provides room to spread out without crowding. "26 camp sites with bathrooms! That flush! Very quiet and the sites aren't on top of each other. People bring their horses. You can drive to to your site and tent camp or camper camp," explains a recent visitor.

Digital navigation tools: Official forest maps can be downloaded for offline use. "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."

What you should know

Limited facilities: Primitive camping areas typically lack basic amenities. "This is a primitive undeveloped campsite, there is a clearing for tenting but no potable water or amenities of any kind," explains a camper at Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods.

Road conditions: Forest access roads can become impassable in wet weather. "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."

Water availability: No potable water exists at most sites. "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."

Tips for camping with families

Choose developed sites: Foster Pond Camping Area offers more reliable access. "Right at the intersection of Potomac Road and Chicken Coop road in the Finger Lakes National Forest. If heading North on Potomac Road, turn left at the intersection and you'll find a parking lot. Into the woods around the Lake you'll find free dispersed camping."

Check for facilities: Some locations provide basic amenities. "The sites 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."

Bring offline activities: Limited or no cell service means planning alternative entertainment. "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."

Tips from RVers

Site restrictions: Balsam Swamp State Forest and similar areas have limited accommodations for larger vehicles. "All are drive in sites, some meant for trailers and others with green space for tents. A few sites are much too close to the entrance road, most are set back further in the woods, and a few are right by the lake."

Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven ground at primitive sites. "Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel."

Length limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate only small trailers or RVs. "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."

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the Cortland area?

In the Cortland area state forests, dispersed camping regulations typically require you to camp at least 150 feet from any water source, road, or trail. At Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed, you cannot camp at the trailhead parking lots but must backpack into the woods on designated trails. Most state forests like Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed limit stays to 3 consecutive nights. Campfires are permitted but should be kept small and fully extinguished. No permits are required for groups under 10 people, but larger groups need to contact the NYS DEC for permits.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cortland, NY?

Several state forests near Cortland offer free dispersed camping opportunities. Whaupaunaucau State Forest is a hidden gem with miles of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, making it perfect for primitive camping. Another excellent option is Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site, which features a beautiful gorge with small waterfalls and both forest roads and hiking trails. Both locations provide free primitive camping with varying levels of accessibility and natural features to explore. Look for designated sites that follow state forest camping guidelines.

What amenities should I expect at dispersed camping sites around Cortland?

Dispersed camping sites around Cortland are primarily primitive with minimal amenities. At Long Pond Campground, you might find spots near the water with access to fishing docks, but no developed facilities. Some locations like Balsam Swamp State Forest have recently added basic amenities such as portable toilets, though most sites remain undeveloped. Don't expect running water, electricity, trash service, or designated fire rings. You should plan to bring all necessary supplies including water, food, and waste disposal bags, and be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.

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