Shay S.
Traveler
TravelerSpruce Row Campsite
Great Family campground
They are super family friendly, its very quiet and peaceful. The pool is beautiful and a cool and unique shape. They have activities on the weekends and its very safe for kids.
Camping near Fabius, NY
146 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping options near Fabius, New York range from established state parks to primitive dispersed sites across public lands. The area features campgrounds like Green Lakes State Park, which offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations. Morgan Hill State Forest provides free dispersed camping at designated areas including the Onondaga Trailhead campground, where visitors can access the North Country Scenic Trail system. Several developed campgrounds in the region maintain facilities ranging from basic pit toilets to full-service bathhouses with showers.
Reservations are essential for Green Lakes State Park, particularly during the summer peak season from May through October. Most state forest camping operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a 14-day stay limit. Winter camping is limited in most areas due to seasonal closures and weather conditions. Primitive sites in Morgan Hill State Forest and nearby Buck's Brook State Forest require visitors to pack in water and supplies while practicing leave-no-trace principles. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with stronger signals near established campgrounds and towns. As one camper noted, "Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground has two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits, but no water source and no toilet or outhouse right at the campground."
The region's campgrounds feature diverse settings from lakeside locations to forested retreats. Green Lakes State Park Campground receives consistent praise for its clean facilities and unique swimming area in a glacial lake with crystal-clear waters. Multiple reviewers mention the park's well-maintained bathrooms and showers as standout amenities. Campsites in Morgan Hill State Forest provide more secluded experiences with fewer amenities but greater privacy. Spruce Pond Camping Area offers a middle ground with drive-in access for both tents and RVs in a natural setting. The proximity to hiking trails, particularly segments of the North Country Trail, adds recreational value to many camping areas. According to one visitor, "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."
Best Campgrounds near Fabius (146)
1. Green Lakes State Park Campground
"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"
"The sites are nice, some are little close to each other but nice for group camping. A short distance (walk or by car) to the beach. The lake is a little chilly sometimes but very refreshing."
from $24 - $116 / night
Check Availability2. Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest
"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."
3. Nature Lover's Paradise
"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. "
from $79 - $149 / night
Check Availability4. Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed
"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."
5. Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga 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."
6. Stoney Pond State Forest Camping Area
"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."
7. Fillmore Glen State Park Campground
"region of Upstate New York."
"Awesome little park in the Finger Lakes region with nature on site and lots more to do and explore nearby (wine trails!)."
from $21 - $67 / night
Check Availability8. Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site
"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"
9. Yellow Lantern Kampground
10. The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone
"For activities, there are some great hikes around the campground, as well as excellent playgrounds, fishing, an awesome pool, and of course, free shuttle rides to the Turning Stone Casino right up the"
"Pool and walking paths were well kept. Dog waste stations were available but the park didn't have a dog park. Bummer for fino."
from $65 - $75 / night
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Drive Time
- 22 min from Syracuse, NY
- 54 min from Ithaca, NY
- 56 min from Binghamton, NY
- 1 hr from Utica, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Fabius, NY
147 Photos of 146 Fabius Campgrounds
Neil L.
Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest
Janet R.
Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Christmas Tree Farm Hideaway
Janet R.
Stoney Pond State Forest Camping Area
renee M.
Shady Pines Camp at CBG Farm - CLOSED
Randall K.
Green Lakes State Park Campground
Kelly J.
Yellow Lantern Kampground
Janet R.
Butternut Hill RV Campground
Tim
Butternut Hill RV Campground
Michelle L.
Fillmore Glen State Park Campground
Brian O.
Bowman Lake State Park Campground
April L.
The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone
Recent Reviews near Fabius, NY
430 Reviews of 146 Fabius Campgrounds
Pam R.
GuideOneida Shores County Park
Beautiful and peaceful
We had a great stay at Oneida Shores Campground. Over the weekend it was nearly full, but it never felt crowded. The other campers were friendly and there were no issues. At 10 pm, it got very quiet, no issues. The newly paved sites are level. The grounds are well kept. I wouldn't say the sites were too close together. We had plenty of room. The tent area is shaded by trees, the rv section is not. We encountered several park employees, all were very friendly and helpful. Never saw any geese. The only negative is that the showers and restrooms need a deep clean and upgrade, but they were serviceable.
What E.TravelerLake Chalet Motel and Campground
Clean, Quiet & Beautiful!!
This campground is beautiful. The lake is good sized and clean. The property has beautiful fields and a creek that runs along the back. This is not a party campground and people are not packed in on top of each other. The little store is cute & affordable and the owners are on site 24/7.
Elizabeth D.
ScoutThe Villages RV Park at Turning Stone
Excellent park
Space 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.
- HHeather B.Traveler
Tall Pines Campground & Canoeing
Sweetest Campground Around
This 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:)
Lisa S.ScoutSpruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest
Peaceful forest site
Stayed at this very serene camping spot with abundant fireflies and no biting insects on June 26, 2026 for a quick overnight on a roadtrip. Arriving after dark, it was very difficult to find the sites. 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. I loved the sounds of the frogs at night and the birds at dawn, but if you're a very light sleeper, you might want ear plugs. Short hike up to the hang glider launch site was worthwhile. Nice, clean, accessible port-a-potty in the parking lot. Had spotty but mostly okay cell service (AT&T).
AnthonyTravelerDelta Lake State Park Campground
Nice Campgrounds, Beautiful Lake.
The campground facilities are very outdated. That's most likely due to the majority of "campers" having RV's and not needing to use the facilities. The restrooms/dish sink area Only having Cold water to wash up hands & dishes, the 1 and Only shower area for All 3 Loops reminded me of being in a horror film...full of dead insects everywhere, ther are signs posted letting you know its gonna take about 5 minutes to semi-heat up, and the shower spray directly on the floor vs staying contained withvh
Howard S.ScoutGilbert Lake State Park Campground
Staff is great as well as the campgrounds
Gilbert Lake State Park is located about 11 miles north of Oneonta, New York. I have camped here for a number of summers at their Hilltop Section, never dissapointed. There are a few trails that traverse the park for a few miles that are always green and shady. The lake offers swimming and kayaking. There is a concession stand and even a small museum that chronicles the efforts of the national CCC program under Roosevelt that constructed the park in the 1930's. After a long day of hiking, the campgrounds hot showers offer a great reprieve.
April S.ScoutPleasant Lake Campground
The worst campground I've ever experienced.
The problems started before we even arrived. When I called to make a reservation, the owner was rude and impatient, repeatedly complaining that he couldn't hear me, despite me having full service. I discovered cell service at the campground was spotty, which made his attitude even more frustrating in hindsight. I told him it would be us and our dog, his immediate response was,"IT'S NOT A PIT BULL, IS IT?" in a hostile tone. I said no, she's an American Staffordshire, and my husband's service dog. He rudely replied that it was"THE SAME THING" and that they have breed restrictions. When I asked whether he was denying us, he avoided answering and demanded"legal paperwork" for her. I told him that no such paperwork exists, but she is trained to perform a task. He completed the reservation, took my payment, gave us a site number, and hung up. Since the office was closed and we had already been assigned a site number and paid, we assumed we could go directly to our site and finish any details in the morning. While setting up, the owner drove over and confronted us for not reporting to the office first. He then demanded proof of rabies vaccination, which is reasonable. We apologized that we had forgotten the paperwork and said we'd email it to him first thing in the morning. We were extremely annoyed that we saw multiple pit bulls as soon as we pulled in the campground. The next morning, we emailed the records to the campground around 10:10 AM, exactly as promised, as soon as our vet's office had opened. About 11:00, the owner left a voicemail demanding that we leave the property immediately because he had not received the paperwork. I called back and asked him to check his email again, he accused me of sending it to the wrong address. I told him that if he still couldn't find it after checking again, I would come to the office once I was dressed. 30 minutes later, he left another voicemail saying he had escalated it to the sheriff's office because we had not complied. Meanwhile, my husband was already walking to the office to handle things and the owner informed him that we were no longer welcome and that he had called the sheriff's office. Again, my husband told them to check their spam folder, and the email had been there all along. We communicated throughout the entire process and did exactly what we said we would do. The owner's son was far more reasonable and they did apologize, but it didn't make the situation right. The sites were tight, muddy, unlevel, and had awkwardly placed hookups. We were packed so close together that the row behind us overlapped the rear of our camper by a few feet. We had to share water with the neighboring site through a splitter at the spigot. We didn't use the restrooms or amenities because after our interactions with management, we felt completely unwelcome. We only stayed because we were in town for our grandson's first birthday and couldn't find another campground on such short notice.
Guide to Fabius
Camping spots near Fabius, New York sit at elevations between 1,500-2,000 feet in the central Finger Lakes region, creating cooler summer temperatures than nearby urban areas. Seasonal temperature variations affect camping accessibility with winter lows frequently below freezing and heavy snowfall accumulations exceeding 150 inches annually in some locations. Cell service can be spotty in valleys between the region's glacial hills.
What to do
Paddle on Spruce Pond: At Spruce Pond Camping Area in Morgan Hill State Forest, visitors can fish and paddle on the small pond. "This was a nice spot, but the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night," notes camper Rose S., who found the nocturnal wildlife abundant.
Swim in glacial waters: Fillmore Glen State Park Campground offers a natural swimming pool with lifeguard. "Swimming is only allowed in certain parts and there are some pretty steep drop offs so watch the kids close," advises Kim B. The park also features five waterfalls and multiple hiking trails.
Explore trail networks: Hikers can access extensive trail systems from primitive campsites. At Bucks Brook State Forest, "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," explains Janet R.
What campers like
Private tent sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded tent sites available in the region's state forests. At Stoney Pond State Forest Camping Area, "There are 15 drive-in campsites widely spaced and set into the woods, and two developed walk-in sites on the west shore," according to Janet R., who noted the site's privacy.
Spring-fed swimming: Natural swimming areas are a highlight for visitors. At Fillmore Glen, one camper mentioned the "spring fed swimming area" as a unique feature. Another visitor noted, "The swimming pool is crystal clear and very blue, you will think you are in the Caribbean Islands."
Access to small towns: Campers value proximity to local communities. At Green Lakes State Park, Kelly J. notes, "Really love that it is a park in the middle of little towns. Close to grocery, great walks and fun lake to swim in." This provides convenience while still enjoying nature.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Advanced booking is essential for developed campgrounds. At The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone, seasonal demand is high, especially on weekends. As Frank M. reports, "There were a lot of campers set up when we were there but we never felt crowded."
Primitive camping regulations: Many state forests permit dispersed camping with specific restrictions. In Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site, Janet R. explains that "dispersed camping is also allowed" but notes "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."
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant seasonal variations. Winter camping options are limited, and spring can bring muddy conditions. Even during prime summer months, nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, requiring proper gear.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. At Yellow Lantern Kampground, Kelly J. reports, "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."
Choose campgrounds with shallow swimming: For younger children, find spots with gradual water entry. One Fillmore Glen visitor mentioned, "The beach area is wide and shallow in most areas" making it safer for families with small children.
Consider shower facilities: When camping with kids, clean bathroom facilities matter. At Green Lakes, a camper noted, "The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground."
Tips from RVers
Select level sites: Many campgrounds offer variable terrain. At Nature Lover's Paradise, RVers should note the terrain is primarily suited for tent camping, as the site focuses on hikers accessing the trail network.
Check hook-up availability: Electrical and water connections vary significantly between campgrounds. The Villages at Turning Stone provides full hookups with "all sites from full sun to full shade," according to Carl G., making it suitable for different RV configurations and preferences.
Road access considerations: Some campground access roads have tight turns or steep grades. At Spruce Pond, Neil L. advises, "The first few campsites are the best the further down you go the worse the sites get for tent set up," indicating varying suitability for different vehicle sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Fabius, NY?
What camping is available near Fabius, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Fabius, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 146 campgrounds and RV parks near Fabius, NY and 16 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Fabius, NY?
Which is the most popular campground near Fabius, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fabius, NY is Green Lakes State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 42 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fabius, NY?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fabius, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Fabius, NY.
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