Best Dispersed Camping near Ithaca, NY

Searching for the best camping near Ithaca, NY? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Ithaca, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ithaca, New York (13)

    1. Foster Pond Camping Area

    1 Review
    Hector, NY
    15 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."

    2. Finger Lakes National Forest

    1 Review
    Hector, NY
    15 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)."

    3. Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    11 Reviews
    Tyrone, NY
    26 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!"

    4. Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping

    5 Reviews
    Tyrone, NY
    26 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."

    6. Long Pond Campground

    4 Reviews
    Georgetown, NY
    34 miles

    "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."

    "Campground was easy to locate and the road was in good shape.

    We stayed in the space across from the port-a-pottie."

    7. Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground

    1 Review
    Truxton, NY
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 753-3095

    "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."

    8. Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed

    1 Review
    Apulia Station, NY
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 753-3095

    "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."

    9. Balsam Swamp State Forest

    1 Review
    Cincinnatus, NY
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 674-4017

    10. Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site

    1 Review
    DeRuyter, NY
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 674-4017

    "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"

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Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ithaca, NY

19 Reviews of 13 Ithaca Campgrounds



Guide to Ithaca

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Ithaca, New York, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of freedom. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Foster Pond Camping Area

  • Located at the intersection of Potomac Road and Chicken Coop Road, Foster Pond Camping Area offers a peaceful setting for those seeking a quiet retreat in the Finger Lakes National Forest.
  • Campers can enjoy free dispersed camping in the woods surrounding the lake, providing a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • The area is accessible by car, making it easy for both tent and RV campers to set up their sites without hassle.

Top activities while free camping near Ithaca

Scenic attractions for dispersed campers

  • The picturesque views at Long Pond Campground make it an ideal spot for photography and nature walks, with ample opportunities to capture the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
  • Campers can enjoy the serene environment at Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed, where the lush greenery and wildlife create a perfect backdrop for relaxation and exploration.
  • The unique features of Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site offer a chance to experience the area's natural wonders, including waterfalls and scenic trails that wind through the forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ithaca, NY is Foster Pond Camping Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Ithaca, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.