State forests and wildlife management areas surrounding Fayetteville, New York provide primitive camping experiences with varying levels of accessibility. The region includes multiple camping options across Morgan Hill State Forest, Pharsalia Wildlife Management Area, and other nearby public lands. Most tent sites require campers to bring their own water and supplies, with facilities ranging from basic clearings to sites with fire rings and occasional outhouses.
What to do
Fishing at multiple ponds: The area's numerous ponds offer excellent fishing opportunities, particularly at Bear Wallow Pond where "wildflowers are riotous" in summer according to one camper at Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite. This primitive site lets you fish and kayak directly from your campsite.
Hiking trail access: Access the Finger Lakes Trail system directly from your campsite. At Jackson Pond Tent Sites, campers appreciate the "quiet, peaceful wooded location perfect for individual or group tenting, such as scout groups, fishermen, backpackers and hikers."
Wildlife watching: Several camping areas double as wildlife management zones with excellent bird and animal viewing. As one visitor to Bear Wallow Pond noted, the changing seasons offer different experiences, with "breathtaking" fall foliage making autumn camping particularly rewarding.
What campers like
Easy water access: Many tent campsites near Fayetteville provide direct access to water bodies. At Spruce Pond Camping Area, "three [sites] with their own pond access, and one is actually handicapped accessible with its own accessible fishing landing and an easy access to the parking lot."
Hammock-friendly sites: Sites with mature trees provide ideal hammock setups. One camper at Spruce Pond mentioned, "Great trees for hammock camping though," while noting site selection tips: "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."
Solitude and spacing: Campsites typically offer good distance between neighbors. The tent site at Nature Lover's Paradise comes with "70 acres of hiking trails" which one reviewer described as "the perfect getaway for anyone looking to reconnect with nature."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some camping areas require permits, particularly in wildlife management areas. 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."
Variable site conditions: Site quality can vary significantly even within the same camping area. At Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground, "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."
Seasonal considerations: Weather and wildlife activity change camping experiences throughout the year. One camper at Spruce Pond noted, "This was a nice spot, but the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night." Spring and early summer may bring more active wildlife and insects.
Tips for camping with families
Easy-access options: For families with young children, look for drive-up sites. At Nature Lover's Paradise, the hiking trails provide family-friendly exploration opportunities after setting up camp, with the reviewer noting it's "ideal for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life."
Accessible facilities: Some sites offer accessible features. Spruce Pond includes "a brand new outhouse with wide accessible doorway" which makes it suitable for families with members who have mobility concerns.
Fishing-focused family trips: Several ponds in the area are stocked with fish, making for productive family fishing outings. Near Pulaski (about 45 minutes north), Stoneys Pineville Campground offers "a great place on the river" and is known as a "great site for fishing" according to visitors.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most primitive camping areas near Fayetteville lack RV hookups. For RV camping with amenities, consider Empire Haven, located about 30 minutes southwest of Fayetteville, where one visitor staying in their rustic cabins noted the campground is "as quiet and peaceful as anyone would like, but the community enables campers the freedom to socialize and share meals."
Accessibility challenges: Forest roads leading to many campsites can be rough and unsuitable for larger RVs. Small trailers and camper vans will have better success at sites like the Morgan Hill Forest Onondaga Trailhead campground which offers "parking spot right next to a cement pad."
Site selection strategy: When bringing an RV to tent-focused areas, arrive early to secure the most level sites. At Spruce Pond, a visitor recommended the first few sites: "Lots of fisherman frequent the pond. Toilet isn't set up yet but will once the season opens."
