Best Tent Camping near Hartwick, NY

Looking for the best Hartwick tent camping? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Hartwick, NY (26)

    Camper-submitted photo from Grandpa's Back 40 Glamping
    Camper-submitted photo from Grandpa's Back 40 Glamping
    Camper-submitted photo from Grandpa's Back 40 Glamping
    Camper-submitted photo from Grandpa's Back 40 Glamping
    Camper-submitted photo from Grandpa's Back 40 Glamping
    Camper-submitted photo from Grandpa's Back 40 Glamping

    1. Grandpa's Back 40 Glamping

    1 Review
    22 Photos
    1 Save
    Milford, New York

    As the name suggests, we are located on 40 acres of beauty! Your off-the-grid 20 ft. diameter glamping tent is set up near a small beaver pond at about the midpoint of our property. There is another large and deep pond that you may use our fishing boat or paddle boat on. Or fish from shore! There is an abundance of birds, frogs (they will serenade you), deer, heron, ducks, bald eagles and fireflies!

    Battery or solar lights are provided. A rechargeable light/outlet combo is also provided. This can be used for cell phone charging, the lamp, the fan, etc. It can be recharged in your vehicle if needed. The toilet and shower are rustic - compostable toilet and solar shower. Should you feel the need for a "real" shower there is a wonderful facility in Cooperstown called the Clark SportCenter. Not only is it a state-of-the-art gymnasium, but you may also get a day pass and enjoy a nice sauna and shower.

    Should you wish to have electricity we do have a generator that you may use, you will just have to purchase the gas for it. Be aware it will change the peacefulness of the spot. We have a portable Air Condition unit should you need it.

    We do have cell phone service, but Wifi is not available. We provide you with 5 gallons of water to be used for cooking and cleaning dishes. It is ok to drink too, but you may want to bring bottled water or containers. We have great well water and there is an outside spigot next to the well house where you have access to as much water as you need.

    Real dishes, pots and pans, utensils, some seasonings, a cooler, camp coffee maker, wine glasses, corkscrew, matches, firestarter, soap, dish soap, and probably a few things I missed, are all provided for you. You basically need yourself, your clothing and your food to cook.

    The yurt (bell) tent is located near the old train tracks. The Rail Explorers have pedal cart excursions that go out several times a day. Check out thier site. If you choose to take this excursion you will get 10% off when you use a code I will give you. On Saturday evening there is a Blues/Music Train that leaves from Milford at about 7 pm and goes all the way to Cooperstown for a 3 hour evening of music and fun. You get to hear and see it go by unless you decide to take the ride. It is fun!

    The fall is the best time to visit! Crisp mornings, beautiful nights for campfires, changing of the leaves, less traffic in the area.

    In the 1800's it was a celery farm, later a sheep farm. It has been in our family since the 1950's. We have enjoyed the serenity and beauty for years and are happy to share it with others. Your site is currently the only one of two on the property, so if you want privacy, this is it! The two sites are not next to each other

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping

    $125 - $145 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park — Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park — Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park — Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park — Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park — Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park — Betty & Wilbur Davis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Charles E. Baker State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Charles E. Baker State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Charles E. Baker State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Charles E. Baker State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Charles E. Baker State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Charles E. Baker State Forest

    3. Charles E. Baker State Forest

    2 Reviews
    7 Photos
    77 Saves
    Hubbardsville, New York

    This 9,400-acre forested property, located in southeast Madison County, makes up the core of the Brookfield Trail System. Charles E. Baker, combined with Brookfield Railroad and Beaver Creek State Forests, contain 100 miles of connected trails. These recreational trails are open for hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and mountain biking. Several trails are open for ATV use by permit only for people with disabilities. Primitive campsites are located at the Moscow Hill Assembly and Camping Areas, the Cherry Ridge Camping area, and other camping areas noted on the map. In these areas, camping is at designated sites only, except in the Moscow Hill Assembly area where there is room for RVs and trailers. Campsites feature picnic tables and fire pits. The Cherry Ridge camping area has potable water. Campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. Lean-tos are also available for camping. See the map for locations. At large primitive camping is also allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from O Land
    Camper-submitted photo from O Land
    Camper-submitted photo from O Land
    Camper-submitted photo from O Land
    Camper-submitted photo from O Land
    Camper-submitted photo from O Land

    4. O Land

    1 Review
    69 Photos
    New Berlin, New York

    This is a 36 acer property with 2 streams and 2 beaver ponds. In the parking area there is Wi-Fi, a fire pit and a porta potty. There is a small cabin in the parking area that electronics can be charged on the porch. The nearest gas station is 10mins, Walmart, bakery/breakfast w/mountain view, Pizza, tocos, sports bar and more all 20 mins from campsite. 4 waterfalls within an hr of camp site. Several canoe launch areas 10 min w/parking.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Spring Mountain - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Spring Mountain - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Spring Mountain - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Spring Mountain - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Spring Mountain - DEC
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Spring Mountain - DEC

    5. Bear Spring Mountain - DEC

    7 Reviews
    22 Photos
    33 Saves
    Downsville, New York

    Bear Spring Mountain is located in the western end of the Catskill Forest Preserve. The campgrounds beach, boat rental, and multi-use trail system offers fun for all ages. For the horse riding enthusiast, Spruce Grove camping and trail system is one of a kind facility in the Catskill region. This region is also known for its excellent hunting and fishing.

    The facility is broken into two distinct areas, the Launt Pond Area (the main campground) and the Spruce Grove Area which is 3.5 miles from the campground office. The Spruce Grove Area is equipped with pit toilets. The hot showers, rest rooms and garbage disposal area are all located in the Launt Pond Area. Spruce Grove campers have access to all amenities, however they will be a drive from their camping area. Amenities

    41 tent and trailer sites; picnic area with tables, grills, playground, horseshoe pits, volleyball and pavilion rental; rowboat, canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals; firewood sales; trailer dump station; recycling center; flush toilets and hot showers at Launt Pond Area; boat launch; sand beach; 24 horse tie stalls and horse accessible ramp; 24 miles of multi-use trails. Please note: There are no horse rentals available at this campground. Proof of current negative Coggins Certificate is required for all horses entering the campground. Out-of state horse owners will be required to produce a 30-day health certificate Patrons must carry each horse's health papers with them at all times.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Alder lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Alder lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Alder lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Alder lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Alder lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Alder lake

    6. Alder lake

    7 Reviews
    25 Photos
    305 Saves
    Margaretville, New York

    There are five lean-tos as well as five primitive campsites marked with round, yellow, DEC markers. In addition, primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from the regional office.

    Camping is prohibited above 3,500 feet in elevation from March 22 until December 20 each year to protect the fragile summit environment. Campfires are permitted below 3,500 feet in elevation, but only dead and down fuel may be used. In an established campsite, use the existing fire ring. Before you leave, completely extinguish the fire. Never leave a fire unattended. The use of camp stoves is encouraged.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Woods Lean-To Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Woods Lean-To Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Woods Lean-To Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Woods Lean-To Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Woods Lean-To Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Woods Lean-To Campsite
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Y Pond
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Y Pond
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Y Pond
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Y Pond
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Y Pond
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Y Pond

    8. Pharsalia Y Pond

    1 Review
    9 Photos
    14 Saves
    South Plymouth, New York

    The primary purposes of Pharsalia Wildlife Management Area (WMA) are for wildlife management, wildlife habitat management, and wildlife-dependent recreation. This WMA is 4,689 acres in size and is located in the northwest portion of Chenango County, approximately 10 miles southwest of Sherburne. Pharsalia generally has flat or gently sloping terrain.

    In 1926 Pharsalia became the first State Game Refuge purchased with Conservation Fund monies. Thousands of trees and shrubs were planted for reforestation and wildlife purposes. A 200-man Civilian Conservation Corp camp accomplished much of the work and also constructed several small ponds for waterfowl use.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods

    9. Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods

    1 Review
    25 Photos
    8 Saves
    South Plymouth, New York

    Primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger. More details here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/41282.html

    Primitive camping is allowed on many DEC lands, including Forest Preserve lands in the Catskills and Adirondacks, as well as on State Forest lands outside the Preserve. Primitive camping is prohibited on Unique Areas, Wildlife Management Areas, and a few other categories of state land.

    Where to Set Up Camp The best place to camp is at designated primitive tent sites. These sites are typically flatter than other areas and have deeper, harder soils more resistant to heavy use and erosion, minimizing the impacts of camping. Many sites have nearby pit privies and rock fire rings.

    Yellow and black camp here marker attached to a tree "Camp Here" marker Campers are encouraged to use designated tent sites. They are often close to trails and provide views of ponds, lakes, streams or rivers. These can be a source of water when properly treated.

    All designated primitive tent sites have yellow and black "Camp Here" markers. Many sites on lakes and ponds are identified by a yellow number against a dark brown wooden plaque typically attached to a tree near the water's edge.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Coyote Hollow Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Coyote Hollow Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Coyote Hollow Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Coyote Hollow Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Coyote Hollow Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Coyote Hollow Park

    10. Coyote Hollow Park

    Be the first to review!
    29 Photos
    7 Saves
    Mount Vision, New York

    Welcome to Coyote Hollow Park, located within 20 minutes from Cooperstown NY, but close to all the things Oneonta City has to offer, such as Field of Dreams, Baseball Hall of Fame, and the NY State Parks have to offer.

    Coyote Hollow Park has everything you need for a relaxing weekend to a week away from it all.

    Just like camping out except you are camping in!

    We offer cooking utensils, Bathhouses, and fruit trees and bushes.

    Bring food, Kick back, relax and watch the stars.

    Coyote Hollow Park is accepting 2023 reservations

    Follow Us on Facebook for updates and discounts

    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping
    • Trash

    $115 - $140 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in Hartwick

273 Reviews of 26 Hartwick Campgrounds


  • SJ W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alder lake
    Oct. 29, 2024

    Alder lake

    Beautiful single drive in site!

    Love this place will definitely be back, not sure why it didn’t show up for free camping when I had it filtered, found it on another app. Was not the easiest for my RV van to get up the hill with the ruts, but I have a small lift so it helps, lower clearance vans might not make it. It’s a single camper site at the top of the hill left before the trailhead parking.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Unadilla KOA
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Unadilla KOA

    Lackluster and full service

    The weather was terrible while I was there, so perhaps this review may be biased. The Campground was very quiet in mid October. Many of the sites seem to be seasonal as there was no traffic to or from them. But there was quite a bit of daily traffic, usually arriving late and leaving early. Perhaps because the weather was turning very chilly and although the leaf peeping was at its peak for this season, I think people were heading south fast like me.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Verona Beach State Park Campground
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Verona Beach State Park Campground

    Nice stop

    We needed a campground not too far off our route from Niagara Falls to NH and this was great. Very windy when we arrived. Our campsite 8 did not have a fire ring but others did. Right on water…can’t drive on path in front of the water sites so you are essentially on the water. Nice clean facilities.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from St. Johnsville Campsite and Marina
    Oct. 4, 2024

    St. Johnsville Campsite and Marina

    Water and R.R. tracks

    One night stay. Great sight. Friendly helpful staff. Only drawback is steady stream of trains going by around the clock. I didn’t mind by my wife didn’t sleep well.

  • Carol L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Nature Lover's Paradise
    Sep. 26, 2024

    Nature Lover's Paradise

    cool

    The tent site and the 70 acres of hiking trails sound like the perfect getaway for anyone looking to reconnect with nature. I love the idea of having access to such a large network of trails, especially with the Finger Lakes area offering so much natural beauty. By the way, if you’re ever in need of some inspiration or ideas for nature-related essays, check out Nature Essay Examples and Topic Ideas on https://www.topessaywriting.org/samples/nature —there’s a lot of helpful content there! Overall, this seems like the ideal spot for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Visit Eatonville
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Visit Eatonville

    Unable to contact this campsite

    Call the telephone number got a recording left a message. Did not get a call back. Send email. Got no response.

  • Ashley L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from DevilDoc Campsites
    Sep. 21, 2024

    DevilDoc Campsites

    Primitive camping with a great host!

    I came up here with my dog for a solo camping trip for a couple of days to get away! Rich the host is super nice and answered any questions I had about staying/getting there. I had the whole camp ground to myself so that was even better. It is definitely off the beaten path but we'll worth it if your just trying to escape a little bit. But Verizon does get service. There are some nearby trails that are within 15 minutes of the camp ground which is also a plus. No need to bring Fire wood as there is a ton all around you. You can also buy from the host as well. There was a decent portapotty on the camp ground which is very nice to have. This was just what we needed. We really loved our stay and cant wait to go back! Thank you Rich!

  • Eric L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Valley Campground
    Sep. 4, 2024

    Beaver Valley Campground

    Clean, well laid out campground

    Clean, modern bathrooms.  Campsites were raked and ready for us when we arrived.  Super friendly staff!  Just a well laid out campground that was perfect for us.  Peaceful, a mix of wooded sites for RV's and open sites with their cabins.  2 swimming pools, really nice playground for the younger kids, 2 baseball fields.  Just a top notch place.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Long Pond Campground

    Quiet and secluded

    Camped here for a one night stay. Campground was easy to locate and the road was in good shape.

    We stayed in the space across from the port-a-pottie. The other camping spaces we close enough to see their campfire at night but far enough away that it's still quiet.

    Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel.

    Site has no water, no garbage service and no phone signal.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hide-A-Way Campsites
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Hide-A-Way Campsites

    Quite suprise

    This is a small campground but very quiet and nice. The people that run it are very nice and accommodating. Would highly recommend it.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Long Pond Campground

    Nice Rustic Campground

    We came into the camping area on a Sunday and found site 7 available. While this is next to the road, it is also within 40 yards of the only potta potty in the park.

    About 100 yards away was the public fishing dock and another camp site. There were two young men fishing there at about 7 PM.

    There is no water or garbage services at this site. Most camping spots are ideal for tents or very small campers or trailers.

    The camp sites I saw all seemed to be large and level spots all located beneath the tree canopy. Sites seemed disbursed enough to provide a modest level of privacy.

    Would rate 5 stars if it had water and a garbage dumpster.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Aug. 16, 2024

    Long Pond Campground

    Great for Dispersed Camping!

    I was initially worried about the other people camping here because I was almost immediately visited by them but the poor kids just needed to charge their phone so I obliged. Aside from that this was a short drive in and I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock. People have driven in to fish and kayak so I don’t feel isolated and afraid, and I am just a few steps away from sitting on the dock and admiring the scenery.

    There is a port-a-potty near the entrance but otherwise a “leave no trace” situation which is fine considering the ample forest coverage in case there is someone who drives in.

    Each spot seems to have plenty of shade and access to downed firewood, and it looks like there are fire pits at each site. Lots of good tinder left over from previous guests which has been helpful.

    Beautiful views, quiet, no insect issues so far, and if I had a rod and reel I wouldn’t need to worry for food at all. T-Mobile service has been exceptional as well. I am planning on staying here for a week or more and I see no reason to find another location as there is no fee or permit needed and you can stay up to 14 days I believe.

  • Tate T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Delta Lake State Park Campground
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Delta Lake State Park Campground

    Nice but BUSY

    This was our first time here, and we were looking forward to a relaxing visit. The sites were very large and well spaced out, with a beautiful fire ring. The bathrooms were clean. This campground got a 3/5 mainly because quiet hours are not enforced. Unfortunately, people were up blaring radios until approximately 3 am, being roudy. At approximately 2 am, someone decided it would be a good idea to do burnouts with their diesel truck, and went around the camp loop twice, doing just that. Vehicles were driving by the campsites all night long. This is naturally not entirely the campgrounds fault, but it was unfortunate to be misled by the campground rules. On a positive note, the campground is dog friendly, in certain areas, with proof of rabies vaccination, of course. Overall, I would say that this campground is geared more toward the RV and trailer crowd.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Flat Creek Rd.
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Flat Creek Rd.

    Doesn’t exist

    We ended up having to spend the night at a different campsite that were familiar with this place. This place is a scam.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from West Canada Creek Campground
    Jul. 28, 2024

    West Canada Creek Campground

    Great Family Campground

    This campground has it all. Heated pool, great store, large sites, surrounded by trees, events, soft serve ice cream, tube rentals to float on the creek (river). FHU as well as tent sites and cabins. We love staying here, the facilities are clean and big showers.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Delta Lake State Park Campground
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Delta Lake State Park Campground

    overcrowded, tightly packed, sketchy campers

    I'm not used to seeing so many druggies in a state park: they typically can't afford a state park. I pulled in and my site was free on both sides. Then a small car pulled in and a woman sat on the picnic table chain-smoking cigarettes. A little later a pick up truck showed up with three more people. A little later another vehicle showed up with more people. I think at one point there were at least five people, but you couldn't tell if it was a family or, some strange tribe. Well, they camped right under my window and proceeded to burn fallen sticks and branches and whatever they could find. They came and left a lot probably to get drugs.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Jun. 24, 2024

    Long Pond Campground

    Long Pond

    Some of the other state forests in the area are really nice, so I had high hopes for Long Pond but was disappointed. Long Pond is located in a state forest west of Smithfield Flats and Greene NY, and many locals come to Long Pond for fishing. The pond is quite large compared to other area pinds, and three are three accesses for fishing: a regular boat launch with parking lot and dock, a carry-in kayak access near campsite 6, and a handicapped accessible fishing puer near campsite 1. All seem to be very popular, and the lake is very scrnic and very productive for fisherman. The camping situation is a little strange though. Campsite 1 is adjacent to the handicapped fishing pier, and is supposedly an accessible campsite. Though an all terrain wheelchair could navigate from car to campsite, a regular one could not due to gravel. In addition, there is no outhouse by the site, only one quite a ways down the lake. Also, the parking area at this campsite seems to be a major party spot as beer cans were thrown all over and even in the water. It was sad to see this. The other campsites nearby are not located in a distinct campground, but are strung out along the shoreline clise to the highways, each with its own driveway right off the highway, which creates a lake of privacy as passersby can quite easily pop right in off the highway. This doesnt seem real secure, and some if the campsites closest to the road had evidence of driveby garbage dumpers who popped in and dumped household garbage right in a couple of the campsites. In addition, the relatively new outhouse installed near the middle of the camping area has been vandalized and damaged already. Its a shame to see this, as otherwise the campsites are large and shaded and well spaced from each other and close to the pond. But I wouldnt want to camp here given the garbage and security and vandalism issues. Also, other than fishing there isnt much too do as there arent designated hiking trails here, though you could drive a few miles away to access some truck trails that are in another part of the state forest. Get a map of the forest from the website ahead of time though, as the info kiosk has been damaged and all info and signs and maps are missing!

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed

    Finger Lakes Trailhead off Grover Brown Rd

    The coordinates lead you to a small parking area at the end of Grover Brown Rd, which is accessed by going north from Rt 23. The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintanence road. But if you follow the road north to the end, you will come to a dead end and a parking circle that gives you the option of hiking north past a gate into the state forest on a hunting trail, or west onto the Finger Lakes Trail where dispersed camping is allowed within the state forest. However, the whole road in is a tough ride, it is posted extensively en route that you are passing private property with no trespassing allowed until you see the DEC sign announcing the border of the state forest. The parking area is overgrown, the neighbors aling the road en route seem frustrated with hikers coming into the forest via this route, and the Trailhead here for the Finger Lakes Trail is blocked by downed trees that seem to have been there for a while. While you might try to hike the trail for day use, I wonder if this may not be a great place to leave your car during a foray into the woods for dispersed camping. Although the Pharsalia Forest is beautiful throughout, and dispersed camping is allowed throughout, there are better places to access it. There are also designated primitive campsites in several locations in other areas of this state forest which are worthy of your camping adventures! You

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stoney Pond State Forest Camping Area
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Stoney Pond State Forest Camping Area

    Primitive camping at Stoney Pond

    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. Site number 1 is quite flat and open and could accomodate a trailer or camper van but isnt very scenic. The other sites are great for tenting but the drive-ins are variable. There are several new clean outhouses with doors meant to be wide enough for wheelchairs, but the gravel roads of the campground are not very wheelchair friendly. There is one site set aside for picnicking and day use only, on a very pretty spit on the south shore. There is a small boat launch meant for canoes and kayaks and small non mototized fishing boats, alongside a gravel peninsula for shore fishing. The pond is pretty with mature shade trees, and the campground also has a trailhead to access a large network of hiking trails. If you want to backpack in, dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest

  • Kipa S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Pond - DEC
    Jun. 20, 2024

    Little Pond - DEC

    Thank you

    Nice quiet campgrounds close to the Beaver kill and great service staff was supper friendly and helpful

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chenango County Cook Park
    Jun. 20, 2024

    Chenango County Cook Park

    Hike in to the lean-to!

    This is a small county park and campground located east of Greene NY. It gets a lot if day use for fishing, hiking and picnicking. There is also a wooded campground, mostly RV’s and some tents. The sites are a bit crowded in, though the trees provide shade. For folks planning a group campout or family reunion, this would be a good option. For a solo camper who wants a bit if solitude, there is a better and super-nice option—the hike-in lean-to! Its a short hike in, and it is lively, well built shelter and nice fire pit. The small lake that is central to the park has nicely mowed shoreline paths around it, and the hiking trails in the woods are not brushy, but you still should be on the lookout for ticks. Price is reasonable compared to other area campgrounds, and you could access several other state forests and parks in the area for hiking etc note: though you can fish and paddle here, there is no swimming allowed!

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground

    Morgan Hill OT/NCST 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. Although the campsites here are primitive and free, they are official developed campsites and not really “dispersed” campsites. 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. These are very nice roomy wooded campsites, and the  developed sites are supposedly ADA accessible —but while I agree that the picnic tables and cement pad around the fireplace can certainly accomodate wheelchairs, and the tenting area is roomy, note that there are NO OTHER ADA amenities at these sites, eg no water source and NO toilet or outhouse right at the campground. While you can drive right up to your campsite location, which is accessible, you would actually have to hike quite a long ways west on the OnondagaTrail to access a pit toilet, or to have stream access for obtaining water to boil, so you DO need to come prepared to use the bushes by your campsite and leave no trace, plus bring your own water. (See attached map where I circled the campground area in orange) That being said, this location is peaceful and quiet with mature trees and plenty of distance between neighboring campers, and would be an ideal setting for a group campout. Hiking the trail west on a day trip will bring you to the beautiful Tinker Falls, which may not be flowing during dry seasons but is still a gorge worth exploring! You can best access this campground from the south side of the forest; 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, and there is a DEC forest sign to mark the turn off from Rt 13.  After that, you are on your own and should bring a map to navigate as the hiking trails are marked with signs where they cross the roads, but the road to turn off from Morgan Hill Rd to the campground is not marked. You can set your driving directions on Google Maps beforehad, to this endpoint: https://www.google.com/maps/dir//42.767846,-75.997552/@42.7799792,-76.08097,12z?entry=ttu

    You might also want to download the free Avenza map of the forest which will allow you to navigate real time even if you don't have cell service, that link is here: https://store.avenza.com/products/morgan-hill-state-forest-nysdec-map?queryID=eb824498ff4125babc1c06655b111da4&objectID=42626406056092

     general info for this state forest is here: 

    https://dec.ny.gov/places/morgan-hill-state-forest

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods

    Bear Wallow Pond

    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, which is unnamed on the map but is an impoundment of Bear Wallow Creek so it can be considered Bear Wallow Pond. I have been there in both summer, when the shoreline wildflowers are riotous, and in fall when the changing leaves are breathtaking. If you camp here, 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, or access the Finger Lakes Trail or Canasawacta Creek Trail (see website for this listing for map of the refuge and more info at https://cnyhiking.com/FLT-PharsaliaWMA.htm)

    You can get to the site from state highway 23 via the Benedict Hill Rd, or from the hamlet of Beaver Meadow going south and west of Cole Hill via Mud Lane. A peaceful pretty wooded spot not far from either Norwich or South Otselic for an easy overnight or weekend. I give it 4 stars not for amenities but for being an idyllic example of a dispersed primitive site



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