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Best Dispersed Camping near Horseheads, NY

14 Reviews

Join the fun near Horseheads. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Horseheads campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Horseheads, NY. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Horseheads, New York (6)

    1. Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    11 Reviews
    Tyrone, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 622-8282

    "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."

    "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!"

    2. Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping

    5 Reviews
    Tyrone, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 622-8282

    "About half of them are in the sun and half get shade all day. I switched sites after a day to get some solar charging. Clean bathrooms with flush toilets. Sign in near bathrooms on arrival."

    "The coordinates are wrong. Search for sugar hill fire tower and you’ll find it. (42.3868868, -77.0025425)

    The place itself is really great."

    3. South Slope Trail Head Dispersed Camp

    1 Review
    Burdett, NY
    20 miles

    "There is one campsite near trail. There was more traffic than I expected. Also there is no cell service. No real tires"

    4. Foster Pond Camping Area

    1 Review
    Hector, NY
    23 miles

    "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."

    5. Finger Lakes National Forest

    1 Review
    Hector, NY
    23 miles

    "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)."

    6. Old Logger's Path

    2 Reviews
    Shunk, PA
    46 miles
    Website
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Horseheads, NY

6 Photos of 6 Horseheads Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Horseheads, NY

14 Reviews of 6 Horseheads Campgrounds

  • 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)!

  • 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.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Amazing campsite!!

    Stopped in to "ride out a rain storm." After surviving the night, we discovered all the amenities. Free garbage service daily, Water faucets were placed all over the campground. There is a Forest Fire Lookout Tower next to the bathrooms.

    Camp sites are disbursed so you don't feel crowded or squeezed for space.

    Weekends are very busy but weekdays there were no more than 7 or 8 campsites occupied each night.

    The horse stalls were used regularly and seeing horses coming and going on trail rides is a daily occurrence.

  • Joel M.
    Jun. 26, 2025

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Free campround with Toiletts

    This campground is basically a big field surrounded by the forest. The sites are really nice, each one has a table with benches and a fire place. You can drive your car in here (gravel road). It has a toilet house.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2023

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Perfect Reprieve

    We pulled in just before dark to find 8 other campers already settled in. The sites were spacious. It was a cool and windy night, which made it perfect for sleeping. Highly recommend!

  • Cam F.
    Aug. 23, 2022

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Great quiet camping spot

    Lovely campground in a lush green clearing with plenty of bird life. Good facilities with flushing toilets and trash and recycling on site.

    The view from the tower is pretty nice too!

Guide to Horseheads

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Horseheads, New York, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a peaceful escape while exploring the stunning landscapes of the Finger Lakes region.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Horseheads

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Horseheads, New York

  • Be prepared for limited amenities at South Slope Trail Head Dispersed Camp, as it offers no water hookups or toilets, making it essential to bring your own supplies.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider the designated sites at Old Logger's Path, where you can find privacy and beautiful forest views.
  • Always check for local regulations and guidelines before setting up at Foster Pond Camping Area, as some areas may have specific rules regarding campfires and waste disposal.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

  • This site is well-reviewed for its spacious layout, allowing campers to enjoy a sense of privacy while still being part of a community.
  • With amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite provides a comfortable experience for those looking to enjoy the outdoors.
  • The campground's proximity to Watkins Glen makes it an ideal base for exploring local attractions while enjoying the benefits of dispersed camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Horseheads, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Horseheads, NY is Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite with a 4.7-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Horseheads, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Horseheads, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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