Camping options near DeRuyter, New York range from primitive sites nestled in dense forest to established campgrounds with modern amenities. The area sits within the central New York highlands at elevations averaging 1,200-1,500 feet, creating cooler microclimates than surrounding lowlands. Summer nighttime temperatures often drop into the 50s even when daytime highs reach the 80s, making sleeping conditions comfortable but requiring appropriate gear.
What to do
Fishing at stocked ponds: Spruce Pond in Morgan Hill State Forest offers trout fishing opportunities with easy access. "This was a nice spot, but the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night. Port-a-potty was available," notes Rose S. about Spruce Pond Camping Area.
Hiking extensive trail networks: Morgan Hill State Forest features interconnected trails including the North Country Scenic Trail. According to Janet R., "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" at Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed.
Kayaking on glacial lakes: Multiple water bodies in the region allow non-motorized boating. At Green Lakes State Park, Sara H. mentions, "Love it beach is great. You cannot bring your own kayaks you have to rent. Fun hiking area the water is gorgeous."
Winter activities: Several state forests maintain trails for cold-weather recreation. Brian O. notes about Bowman Lake State Park, "We camped in July, but were told that the park is opened for winter activities such as xcountry skiing and snow mobiling."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many camping areas offer good separation between neighbors. Martin W. describes Stoney Pond State Forest Camping Area as a "Nice and calm place in that little State Forest. Internet and fire pits are available. All sites seem fairly similar, except two are tent-only (no car acces to the site)."
Swimming opportunities: Natural water bodies provide cooling relief during summer months. Kenneth S. says about Green Lakes State Park, "The water is Crystal clear and very blue, you will think you are in the Caribbean Islands. We visit this park very frequently to rent a boat or to hike the trails."
Accessibility options: Some campgrounds include sites designed for visitors with mobility needs. Janet R. explains about 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. These are very nice roomy wooded campsites, and the developed sites are supposedly ADA accessible."
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites allow close observation of native species. Rose S. from Spruce Pond Camping Area notes that "the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night," indicating good wildlife presence.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Not all sites within a campground offer the same experience. Neil L. advises about 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 do here. Great trees for hammock camping though."
Permit requirements vary: Some areas require advance registration while others allow walk-up camping. For Pharsalia Y Pond, Janet R. explains, "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, or email at Info.R7@dec.ny.gov; allow one week for permit to be processed."
Seasonal restrictions: Most developed campgrounds operate from mid-May through early October. According to the listing for Bowman Lake State Park Campground, their season runs "May 13 to October 9."
Amenity limitations: Many primitive sites lack basic facilities. At Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground, Janet R. cautions that "there are NO OTHER ADA amenities at these sites, eg no water source and NO toilet or outhouse right at the campground... you DO need to come prepared to use the bushes by your campsite and leave no trace, plus bring your own water."
Tips for camping with families
Easy access water activities: Some locations offer family-friendly swimming areas. Sheri S. describes Green Lakes: "The beach area is wide and shallow in most areas. in close proximity to the store and snack shop (ICE CREAM). Just past the swimming area is boat rentals ($7/hr for row boat rental)."
Bathroom considerations: Facility quality varies significantly between campgrounds. Oleńka S. describes Bowman Lake State Park Campground: "There was a potable water spigot a few sites over and a bathroom with showers a short walk away."
Weather preparedness: Mountain elevations can mean rapid temperature changes. Oleńka S. notes, "We had a lot of tree cover so we didn't even need our air conditioning during an 85 degree day. There are a lot of mosquitoes, but with some bug spray and a couple thermacell mosquito repellents, we were comfortable the whole time."
Multiple activity options: Look for campgrounds with diverse recreation possibilities. Cindy H. says about Green Lakes State Park, "There are miles of trails to explore. There is a camp store, laundry room, recreation room, playgrounds and much more."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many camping sites near DeRuyter sit on uneven terrain. Oleńka S. states about Bowman Lake, "We had a back in site with a fire pit, picnic table, and no hook ups. It was gravel and not super level, but we made it work."
Limited full hookup options: Most camping sites near DeRuyter offer primitive or electric-only setups. Sheri S. notes that Green Lakes State Park "is one of the few that offer full hook ups."
Campsite navigation: Forest roads can be challenging for larger rigs. Kim B. describes Bowman Lake as "a maze of campsites through densely wooded forests so it's pretty private and shady even though it's full no matter what season we visited."
Generator noise considerations: At campgrounds without electrical hookups, generator use can affect the experience. Kim B. mentions about Bowman Lake, "No hookups but that means people have generators, though the campsites are big and you won't necessarily hear your neighbor running theirs."
