Tent camping near Durhamville, New York offers primitive wilderness experiences with access to multiple interconnected water bodies and trail systems. The area's rolling terrain provides campers with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet, creating diverse microclimates throughout the region. Sites typically experience warm summers with temperatures averaging 75-85°F and cool nights, with spring and fall camping requiring additional insulation due to temperature drops.
What to do
Fishing access points: Multiple ponds in the Pharsalia Woods area stock brook trout for anglers. "The pond is deep and clear and stocked with brook trout, and the campsite on the east side of the pond is in an idyllic setting with good camping, fishing (canoe or kayak only), and day hikes on the Finger Lakes Trail," notes a visitor to Pharsalia Y Pond.
Wildlife observation: Bring binoculars for bird watching opportunities, especially at forest ponds. "You can also walk or drive along various state forest roads to several other ponds in the Wildlife Management area for good birdwatching," mentions a camper at Pharsalia Y Pond.
Hiking trail connections: Access segments of the Finger Lakes Trail and North Country Trail systems. A camper at Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground states, "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."
Paddling options: Bring non-motorized boats to explore secluded ponds. "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," reports a visitor to Bear Wallow Pond.
What campers like
Water access proximity: Several primitive sites feature direct waterfront locations. A camper at Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods comments, "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."
Seasonal wildlife sounds: Natural pond environments provide ambient wildlife noise. One camper at Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest mentions, "This was a nice spot, but the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night."
Group camping accommodations: Several sites accommodate larger parties with open areas. At Jackson Pond Tent Sites, a visitor notes it's a "great primitive campsite located close to Jackson Pond with access from a small parking area and trailhead of the Finger Lakes Trail... Quiet, peaceful wooded location perfect for individual or group tenting, such as scout groups, fishermen, backpackers and hikers."
Fall color viewing: Several campsites offer seasonal foliage displays. A camper at Bear Wallow Pond shares, "I have been there in both summer, when the shoreline wildflowers are riotous, and in fall when the changing leaves are breathtaking."
What you should know
Permit requirements: DEC Wildlife Management Areas require advance planning. A reviewer at Jackson Pond Tent Sites explains, "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."
Water filtration necessity: Natural water sources require treatment. "There is a perennial spring nearby, but campers should be prepared to filter or treat their water," notes a visitor to Pharsalia Woods Lean-To Campsite.
Accessibility limitations: Despite some accessible features, sites have limitations. Regarding Morgan Hill Forest campground, a camper explains, "the developed sites are supposedly ADA accessible—but while I agree that the picnic tables and cement pad around the fireplace can certainly accommodate wheelchairs... note that there are NO OTHER ADA amenities at these sites."
Seasonal road conditions: Forest access roads vary in quality throughout the year. A visitor to Charles E. Baker State Forest notes, "Access at the end of a long, but well maintained, dirt road."
Tips for camping with families
Hammock setups: Some sites better accommodate suspended sleeping. At Spruce Pond, a camper notes, "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."
Alternative shelter options: Lean-tos provide weather protection. A visitor to Pharsalia Woods mentions it has a "beautifully maintained primitive group campsite with large Adirondack style lean-to, several picnic tables and fire rings, and firewood provided."
Short hike-in options: Some sites require minimal walking for beginners. "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," says a camper at Pharsalia Y Pond.
Farm stand supplies: Local produce available near some sites. Near Morgan Hill Forest, a camper mentions "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."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most primitive sites accommodate small vehicles only. A visitor to Charles E. Baker State Forest shares, "Camped here on a Thursday night in late September. Only found one designated campsite, which was available, but there's a lot of good space for dispersed camping right nearby."
Shower alternatives: Commercial facilities available in towns. At one forest campground, a reviewer mentions, "It's a short drive into town and to the local convenience store, which 'conveniently' enough, offers shower facilities and bathrooms for a fee."
Parking logistics: Some sites have dedicated parking areas. At Morgan Hill Forest campground, a visitor explains there are "two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits."
