Best Dispersed Camping near Hector, NY

Dispersed camping near Hector, New York centers primarily in the Finger Lakes National Forest, with free primitive sites available at several designated areas. Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area and Sugar Hill Recreation Area provide established dispersed camping opportunities, while Foster Pond Camping Area offers more remote options. Most sites are situated within wooded settings with direct access to hiking trails and natural features, allowing campers to experience the Finger Lakes region without developed campground facilities.

Access roads to dispersed sites vary considerably in quality and maintenance. Sugar Hill sites feature gravel roads that most vehicles can navigate, while areas like Foster Pond may require higher clearance during wet conditions. Many campsites include basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities remain minimal. The Sugar Hill Fire Tower area provides vault toilets and some drinking water access, but most dispersed camping locations throughout the forest require visitors to pack in water and pack out waste. Camping is typically limited to 14 days in a 30-day period on these public lands.

The dispersed camping experience in this region offers solitude and natural surroundings within reasonable distance of Watkins Glen and Seneca Lake attractions. Sugar Hill sites are particularly appreciated for their accessibility and basic amenities while maintaining a primitive camping feel. Foster Pond sites provide more seclusion, situated at the intersection of Potomac Road and Chicken Coop Road. According to one review, "The sites were spacious. It was a cool and windy night, which made it perfect for sleeping." Weekdays typically see fewer campers, with another visitor noting that "during our stay, the campsite never even got near half full, providing a peaceful and uncrowded experience."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Hector, New York (9)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hector, NY

16 Reviews of 9 Hector Campgrounds


  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    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
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed

    Primitive Dispersed camping at Morgan Hill

    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. (See area circled in image on map) You do not camp here at these parking lots, but from here can backpack in to the woods on the Onondaga Trail or connecting trails, and from there you can do LNT dispersed camping as long as you follow the state forest camping rules(see this link for more details: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/camping/state-land-rules) such as not setting up camp within 150 of a stream or other body or water, and not near an official campground (There are 2 official drive-in primitive camp grounds in the vicinty, for which you need permits from the local ranger; otherwise, elsewhere in the forest you can backpack the various trails and camp at your own site if you leave no trace). You need to bring your own water, there is none provided here, and be prepared to pack out your own garbage. 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. The woods are beautiful and the trails are well developed, but also be prepared for ticks and the need for repellent as they are thick in spring and early summer. Note: the trails going west from here enter the Labrador Hollow Unique area, which is part of the state forest but is a special preserve where camping is NOT allowed, so be aware of your lication

  • Jacob D.
    Sep. 13, 2024

    Foster Pond Camping Area

    Relaxed Free Dispersed Camping

    Right at the intersection of Potomac Road and Chicken Coop road in the Finger Lakes National Forest. If heading North on Potomac Road, turn left at the intersection and you’ll find a parking lot. Into the woods around the Lake you’ll find free dispersed camping.

    My mom and I stayed just in the parking lot and had no issues and weren’t bothered. NO AMENITIES

  • Lylah H.
    May. 17, 2024

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Great spot, follow the map around

    I believe it’s still off season so the spot with all the facilities wasn’t open. We used the map on the state forest website. But most spots have a privy/port o potty. We found the map on the website helpful because there are spots all over. Site 28 did have a sign about not awaking “butch and big daddy” as two young women we decided we didn’t want to stick around and meet them. There was a privy at 35 which was nice. The site by the pond was really cute with a privy but a walk in (believe it was 37)!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Would Stay again

    We stayed here for 2 nights car camping. quiet and clean. spots had fire rings and picnic tables. Bathrooms were clean and had potable water. There were lots of horses. There are hiking trails right out of the site! would absolutely stay here again!

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Free camping with amenities!

    26 camp sites with bathrooms! That flush! Very quiet and the sites aren’t on top of each other. People bring their horses. You can drive to to your site and tent camp or camper camp. I would come back!

  • Brittany S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2022

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Great location

    We stayed here during an anniversary trip to the Finger Lakes. Easy proximity to Seneca Lake and Watkins Glen State Park. Nice wooded area kept us far enough away from other campers. Great location!

  • A
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Excellent Free Site

    No show but decent bathrooms. I spent a night at Watkins Glen the only advantage was the shower. But you can wash up well here. You can stay horses here, each site has a fire pit and it feels safe.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2023

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Well worth it

    I drove in from out of state and I absolutely adore this campground! Will be returning, I found a lovely spot tucked into a back corner and has the most relaxing weekend.


Guide to Hector

Dispersed camping opportunities near Hector, New York extend beyond the central Finger Lakes National Forest locations. The region sits at elevations between 900-2,000 feet with a northeastern temperate climate characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer highs typically range from 75-85°F, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences throughout the area's public forests.

What to do

Trail exploration: The Finger Lakes National Forest offers an extensive network of interconnected trails directly accessible from Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite. As one camper noted, "There are hiking trails right out of the site!" making it convenient for spontaneous nature walks without driving to trailheads.

Horseback riding: Horse enthusiasts frequently utilize the designated equestrian trails throughout the forest. According to a visitor at Sugar Hill, "The horse stalls were used regularly and seeing horses coming and going on trail rides is a daily occurrence," providing a unique atmosphere not found at standard campgrounds.

Waterfall excursions: Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed camping provides access to seasonal waterfalls. "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!" notes one visitor who enjoyed the geological formations even during drier periods.

What campers like

Uncrowded weekday camping: Free dispersed camping near Hector offers remarkable solitude during non-peak times. A camper at Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping reported, "We stayed at Sugar Hill for about 10 days, arriving right after Memorial Day weekend... During our stay, the campsite never even got near half full, providing a peaceful and uncrowded experience."

Flush toilet facilities: Unlike many dispersed camping areas, certain sites in the region offer unexpected amenities. One camper highlighted this benefit at Sugar Hill Fire Tower: "26 camp sites with bathrooms! That flush! Very quiet and the sites aren't on top of each other."

Seasonal considerations: While summer and early fall see the most traffic, spring camping can present challenges. At Morgan Hill State Forest, a visitor warned, "be prepared for ticks and the need for repellent as they are thick in spring and early summer," emphasizing the importance of seasonal preparation when selecting camping dates.

What you should know

Navigation challenges: Several forest areas have confusing trail networks requiring proper preparation. A camper at Morgan Hill advised, "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."

Variable site conditions: Maintenance levels differ significantly across locations. At Ossian State Forest on Scoville Road, one visitor observed, "I've camped here in the past and it was really nice. Obvious that the area has not been tended to in some time. Only a couple of the primitive sites are accessible and most of the trails are choked with growth or blocked with fallen trees."

Site locations: GPS coordinates for some campgrounds may be inaccurate. A Sugar Hill Recreation Area visitor pointed out, "The coordinates are wrong. Search for sugar hill fire tower and you'll find it. (42.3868868, -77.0025425)." Always verify locations before beginning your journey, especially when seeking free camping around Hector.

Tips for camping with families

Accessibility considerations: Some dispersed sites offer surprising accessibility features. At Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground, a visitor explained, "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 accommodate wheelchairs... note that there are NO OTHER ADA amenities."

Site spacing: For families needing room to spread out, select sites with generous spacing. At Sugar Hill Fire Tower, one camper appreciated that "the sites aren't on top of each other," allowing for a more comfortable family camping experience without disturbing neighbors.

Water preparation: Most free camping sites near Hector require bringing your own water supply. A Morgan Hill visitor cautioned, "You need to bring your own water, there is none provided here, and be prepared to pack out your own garbage," highlighting the importance of advance planning for family hydration needs.

Tips from RVers

Clearance requirements: Road conditions to dispersed sites vary significantly by season and location. At Foster Pond Camping Area, a camper observed, "Right at the intersection of Potomac Road and Chicken Coop road in the Finger Lakes National Forest. If heading North on Potomac Road, turn left at the intersection and you'll find a parking lot."

Alternate parking options: When road conditions prevent direct RV access, some sites offer alternative arrangements. A visitor to Morgan Hill noted, "the road in (a loop) is steep on both sides (a truck or vehicle with clearance would be helpful but you could also park at the bottom if you needed to)," providing flexibility for larger rigs.

Cell service limitations: Digital connectivity can be unreliable at dispersed sites. A Sugar Hill camper reported, "WiFi and phone service are pretty limited, typically ranging between 1-2 bars," advising RVers who need connectivity to research signal strength before committing to longer stays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Hector, NY?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist in the Hector area. Finger Lakes National Forest offers dispersed camping with sites located at the intersection of Potomac Road and Chicken Coop Road. Look for the Foster Pond Camping Area, which provides free dispersed camping around the lake with a convenient parking lot. The forest has a loop road (steep on both sides) leading to quiet, roomy sites that are mostly level at the top, though a vehicle with good clearance is recommended for access.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Hector?

When dispersed camping in Hector, you must follow specific regulations. At Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping, you need to sign in near the bathrooms upon arrival, and dogs must be kept on leash at all times. For Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed, remember that camping is not allowed at the trailhead parking lots - you must backpack into the woods to camp. Most designated sites have fire pits, and you're expected to pack out all trash. Some areas require permits during peak seasons, so check with forest rangers before your trip.

Is Hector dispersed camping available year-round?

Dispersed camping availability in Hector varies seasonally. Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite has an off-season when some facilities aren't open, though camping may still be permitted. The Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground offers primitive, free camping that may be accessible throughout the year, though winter conditions can make access challenging. Generally, spring through fall provides the most reliable access, with summer being peak season. Always check current conditions before planning an off-season trip, as weather and seasonal closures can affect accessibility.