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Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground provides free primitive tent camping with pet-friendly accommodations throughout the forest. Several basic tent spots are located adjacent to the trailhead parking circle, with two developed campsites featuring cement pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. The sites are primitive with no water source or toilets, requiring campers to bring their own supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles. Pets are welcome across multiple campgrounds in the DeRuyter area, including Stoney Pond State Forest Camping Area, Bucks Brook State Forest, and Morgan Hill State Forest dispersed sites. The camping areas are peaceful and quiet with mature trees and plenty of distance between neighboring campers, making them ideal for group camping with dogs.
Dispersed camping options with pets extend throughout the region's state forests. Pharsalia Y Pond allows hiking access via the Finger Lakes Trail with good camping, fishing, and day hike opportunities for dogs and their owners. Bear Wallow Pond in Pharsalia Woods offers a primitive undeveloped campsite adjacent to a small parking area and fishing access on a beautiful pond with shore wildflowers in summer and stunning fall foliage. Multiple trail networks connect throughout these forests, including the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country Scenic Trail, providing extensive hiking opportunities for campers and their dogs. The trails are well-developed but require maps as they crisscross in potentially confusing networks. Campers should be prepared for ticks during spring and early summer, requiring appropriate repellent for both humans and pets.
"The lake is a fascinating meromictic lake with clear calcium-rich waters that are not only pristine and beautiful to look at, but also great for swimming and snorkeling as the waters are crystal clear"
"Great place for trails, fishing, swimming & plain camping. There are electric & non-electric sites as well as a Cabin Colony. Pet friendly"
from $24 - $116 / night
Check Availability"throughout the state forest, this is a group of ten established and well maintained primitive campsites right on Spruce Pond with fishing available and an amazing network of hiking and cross country ski trails"
"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."
"The spots are big and great walks as well if you have dogs. Easy access to the pond too. 20 minutes to waterfall state park & there is a maple shop not too far as well for treats etc."
"There are 15 drive-in campsites widely spaced and set into the woods, and two developed walk-in sites on the west shore."
"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."
"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"
"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."
"We had never been to site before so when we booked, we thought we were next to a bathroom. Turns out you had to walk through woods to get there in the mud."
"There was a potable water spigot a few sites over and a bathroom with showers a short walk away. This is a great spot for tent camping, so if that’s your vibe this place is perfect."
from $21 - $65 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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"
ScoutSpace was adequate with both shade and some sun, trash service and shuttle service was a plus . Pool and walking paths were well kept. Dog waste stations were available but the park didn't have a dog park. Bummer for fino.
RangerThe park itself is pretty small but it’s in a really cute area with a lot of outdoor recreational activities. Lovely but simple views all around and rolling green hills in the distance. Campground is well-kept and relatively modern but not particularly memorable. Nice little stopover on a road trip. Lots of day use activity. Dog park is kind of annoying with all the barking and owners shouting futile commands, try to camp away from it. Ditto for train noise, stay by the river. It does what it does well, so five stars!
GuidePinecreek is a beautiful park in a great area 10 minutes from downtown Ithica New York and Lake Cayuga. The area has everything you could possibly want or need. Fabulous State Parks with spectacular waterfalls, a farmers market right on the lake front, Cornell University and so much more. That being said it may be the reason the campground doesn't offer any planned activities. They do have a swimming pool and what appears to be a large clubhouse/meeting area that is not or was not used while we were there, nor were any activities publicized. They do have a small arcade but it did not stay open past 8 pm and did not appear to be air-conditioned.
Our campsite was a full hookup with a large grassy area for setting up our outside chairs and picnic table. Although we enjoyed our stay we felt it was a bit overpriced for not having much to offer. They also have a very long list of rules & while they do allow pets there is a list of breed restrictions you need to be aware of before booking a reservation. They also charge for electricity on any stays one week or longer which we had not encountered previously at campgrounds where we have stayed.
Overall we enjoyed our stay but not sure we would stay again.
TravelerThis was the sweetest campground around!! They deliver fire wood right to your site along with anything else you need. Free delivery of amazing pizza on Friday nights(delivered by a 1969 pink beetle!!). There is a giant river, a dog park and the camp ground is close to town, but far enough away so that you still feel like your camping! Amazing bathroom/shower facilities and a clean swimming pool:)
LegendJake from the Dyrt here! 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. Check them out and make sure to share some pics of your adventure!
GuideIt is a very nice open area to camp in. It is a first come first serve campground. The dog park is a great addition to the park. There is always something going on. Also allows for an easy place right off Route I-86 to rest while driving across MY. Some of the best river access there is to paddle through a great small town.
RangerDelta Lake State Park sits at the foothills of the Adirondack Park, just outside Rome, New York. Pretty and well-kempt, Delta Lake is a nice option for those looking to stay close to home and within proximity to civilization. You can enjoy the great outdoors, while only being a few miles away from a restaurant or grocery store.
The campground isn‘t the best I’ve experienced, a bit on the crowded side-similar to a woodsy suburb- but this could have been distinctive to Loop A where I stayed. I stayed in site 35 and was intermixed with all the campers and RV’s, so it got a bit noisy. Not that restful, secluded experience I typically go for, but I should have planned further in advance.
However, what the park lacked in terms of its campground, it totally made up for in its beach, swimming and picnic areas! This place was awesome for hosting a birthday party for my niece and relaxing at the beach/ day facilities. They have plenty of picnic tables, charcoal grills, a huge beach and locker rooms. This is really a great place to spend a day with your family!
TravelerA bit off the beaten path for a KOA, but nearly sold out in early October nonetheless. Sites range from typical large rig to dispersed tents next to a creek. The tent sites with electric like the one we took used 240v 50A plugs, so we had to borrow a converter plug form the office for our 120v equipment. Only one bath house and it’s a bit dated. Very pet friendly including a dog play pen. Pool looked nice and was still open in early October.
GuideNew York State pretty much has abandoned this park. Trees fallen down across the sites. Might be ok for a tent but that’s all.
Dispersed camping near DeRuyter, New York offers access to multiple state forests with primitive camping options at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,700 feet. The area features interconnected trail systems through mature hardwood forests with seasonal temperature variations that can drop significantly at night even in summer months. Local state forests typically have fewer restrictions than established campgrounds while requiring proper waste management.
Fishing opportunities: Bear Wallow Pond in Pharsalia Woods provides access to a small impoundment where trout fishing is popular. "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," notes Janet R.
Hiking networks: The extensive trail system at Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed connects to multiple areas. "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," advises Janet R.
Swimming options: Green Lakes State Park offers swimming with lifeguard supervision during summer months. "Swimming is available at the large beach. You can rent a kayak and enjoy the beautiful lake. There are miles of trails to explore," explains Cindy H.
Kayaking and canoeing: Several small ponds throughout the region allow non-motorized boats, with some campgrounds offering rentals. "The lake is small but calm and great for kayaking. There is a little 'beach' there for swimming, but know that it's a soft lake bottom further out," notes Oleńka S. about Bowman Lake.
Spacious campsites: Stoney Pond State Forest Camping Area offers well-separated sites with natural buffers. "This is a primitive state forest campground on the south shore of Stoney Pond. There are 15 drive-in campsites widely spaced and set into the woods, and two developed walk-in sites on the west shore," reports Janet R.
Privacy and woodland setting: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of sites in the region. "We had a lot of tree cover so we didn't even need our air conditioning on during an 85 degree day. We had a lot of privacy because the campgrounds next to us were empty, but even if there were people nearby there was about 20-30 ft between our site and the next," shares Oleńka S.
Dog friendly environment: Multiple state forests and campgrounds welcome pets throughout the DeRuyter region. "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," describes Janet R. about Morgan Hill Forest Onondaga Trailhead campground.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe native species. "You can also walk or drive along various state forest roads to several other ponds in the Wildlife Management area for good birdwatching," mentions Janet R. about Pharsalia Y Pond.
Primitive facilities: Most dispersed camping locations around DeRuyter require self-sufficiency. At Bucks Brook State Forest, "this truly is primitive camping, no picnic tables, no lean-to shelter like at some other 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," reports Janet R.
Permit requirements: Some locations require advance permits. For Jackson Pond, "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," notes a reviewer.
Seasonal considerations: Weather variations affect campsite conditions. "We had never been to site before so when we booked, we thought we were next to a bathroom. Turns out you had to walk through woods to get there in the mud. Our entire campsite was flooded," explains Kelly J. about spring camping at Bowman Lake.
Dog-friendly campground regulations: While most locations welcome pets, rules vary by site. Some dog-friendly campgrounds near DeRuyter require leashes at all times, while others allow supervised off-leash activity in designated areas.
Family activities: Green Lakes State Park Campground offers structured recreation options for children. "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)," recommends Sheri S.
Kid-friendly trails: Several locations feature shorter, less challenging paths appropriate for young hikers. "If you want something for everyone, this is the place. There are 2 Great Lakes to hike around with awesome views. Fishing and boat rental if you want to be closer to the water. Beach for swimming with concession stand with quite a full menu. Beach also has a great playground for kids that is perfect for play and swim," shares Kelly J.
Bathroom accessibility: Consider campsite proximity to restrooms when camping with small children. "The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground," notes Sheri S. about Green Lakes.
Pet-friendly family options: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near DeRuyter offer family-oriented amenities. "Yellow Lantern Kampground has tons of activities for kids to do. I still remember from when I was little kid having a great time and still have gone again as an adult. Clean and fun activities to keep kids busy," shares Kelly J.
Campsite leveling: Bowman Lake State Park Campground has varied terrain that may require adjustments. "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," mentions Oleńka S.
Generator restrictions: Most state forest campgrounds prohibit generators, so RVers should plan for alternative power. At established campgrounds, quiet hours are strictly enforced for generator use.
Access limitations: Many forest roads are unpaved and may present challenges for larger rigs. "Site number 1 is quite flat and open and could accommodate a trailer or camper van but isn't very scenic. The other sites are great for tenting but the drive-ins are variable," notes Janet R. about Stoney Pond State Forest.
Utility hookups: Availability varies significantly between established campgrounds and primitive sites. "There are many sites with electric available at every site. There are some sites with full hook-up available and also specific areas that allow pets," explains Cindy H. about Green Lakes State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near DeRuyter, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near DeRuyter, NY is Green Lakes State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 42 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near DeRuyter, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 97 dog-friendly camping locations near DeRuyter, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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