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Best Dispersed Camping near Ithaca, NY

19 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Ithaca, New York is concentrated in the surrounding state forests and the Finger Lakes National Forest, where primitive camping opportunities exist without developed facilities. Foster Pond Camping Area and Finger Lakes National Forest provide free backcountry camping options, while Sugar Hill Recreation Area and other state forests offer designated primitive sites. Several locations permit camping in clearings or wooded areas with varying levels of accessibility and minimal development.

Many access roads in these areas require careful navigation, particularly at Foster Pond where the intersection of Potomac Road and Chicken Coop Road leads to dispersed sites around the lake. The road to Foster Pond features steep sections that may challenge vehicles without adequate clearance. Most locations have no drinking water, toilets, or other amenities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient. Sugar Hill Recreation Area does provide some basic facilities including fire rings and picnic tables at designated sites. Camping is generally permitted for up to 14 days in these areas, though specific rules may vary by location.

These primitive camping areas attract visitors seeking quiet, natural settings away from developed campgrounds. The sites typically provide opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. Morgan Hill State Forest features a network of hiking trails including access to the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country Scenic Trail. Campers report varying experiences with site conditions and privacy. "The site was quiet, roomy and once at the 'top' is quite level. No vehicles came in or out all night," noted one visitor to Finger Lakes National Forest. Another mentioned that at Foster Pond they "stayed just in the parking lot and had no issues and weren't bothered." When visiting these areas, campers should be prepared for primitive conditions and follow leave-no-trace principles.

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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. South Slope Trail Head Dispersed Camp

    1 Review
    Burdett, NY
    16 miles

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

    5. 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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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Ithaca, NY

29 Photos of 13 Ithaca Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ithaca, NY

19 Reviews of 13 Ithaca 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

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 1, 2017

    Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site

    Bucks Brook primitive camping

    Bucks Brook carves a beautiful gorge through Bucks Brook State Forest before it cascades into the Otselic River. 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 the top of the ridge above it, while the Finger Lakes trail follows the brook for a short while near its mouth before climbing offroad through the ridge high above the gorge, along steep cliffs above the Otselic and west along the crest of Bucks Brook Hill. There are several very primitive tent sites along the FTL, but dispersed camping is also allowed. Two sites on the ridge near the source of the Brook are accessible by the Finger Lakes trail either from Bucks Brook Rd or Ridge Rd.

    The setting is scenic and picturesque, and the winding trail can be quite a challenge if hiking the long way uphill on the FTL. An easier hike-in access is at Ridge Rd, about a 1/4 hike to the brook where there are several nice flat tent sites. The brook is beautiful and unspoiled, but this truly is primitive camping, no picnic tables, no lean-to shelter like at somecother area FTL campsites, no water source other than the brook (you should filter it even though the source is a spring near by), no latrines, no fire grates though there is a stone fire ring and you could easily build a new one of your own with stones from the brook.

    Although this is an idyllic and secluded spot for primitive camping, and the hike in (either via the long or short way) is well marked and enjoyable, the campsites are really nothing more than flat ground for basic tent-sites; this location could be improved with at least a fire grate, and preferably a lean-to. Also, the parking spot for access to the trail and tentsites really needs to be upgraded; it is just a muddy turnout off the forest road. Hence the four star rating d spite the five star brook and forest! However, it should be mentioned that the amenities at campsites along other segments if the FLT have been developed and maintained not by the DEC but by different volunteer chapters of the trail organization who have adopted certain local segments; this Bucks Brook section just hasnt been adopted yet! It has the potential for being a 5-star primitive camping experience if upgraded a bit; volunteers should feel free to step forth!

    For more on the Bucks Brook section if the Finger Lakes Trail, go to this link: http://www.cnyhiking.com/FLT-BucksBrookSF.htm

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    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
    Mar. 31, 2025

    Round Pond Pharsalia Woods Dispersed

    Primitive camping at Round Pound

    This is a relatively new location for primitive camping in the Pharsalia Woods State Forest. There is a parking area just off the Plymouth Reservoir Rd that allows you to access a network of trails that traverse the state preserve around the unique Round Pond and adjacent bog. Primitive camping is allowed anywhere in the vicinity as long as you are 150 feet from the waters edge and away from the parking lot. The parking lot has an info kiosk with a map of the trail network and info about the unique bog ecosystem. You need to sign in at the kiosk, but otherwise there are no permits needed and no fees. One amazing aspect at this site is a beautiful and accessible raised boardwalk to a unique overlook that has a beautiful vista over the bog and is an amazing place for birdwatching especially during spring migration. You can also access the bog pond here if using kayaks or canoes. It is like a unique wilderness location fir primitive camping, but only 15 minutes from the village of Norwich!

    For more info on the Pharsalia Woods in general, and the Round Pond in particular, visit this link on the DEC website: https://dec.ny.gov/places/pharsalia-woods-state-forest Be sure to also click on the link on that page regarding primitive camping at this site

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 28, 2017

    Balsam Swamp State Forest

    Balsam Pond campsites

    Update: since my original visit, there have been some good upgrades including new portapotty. Some of the campsites are still in need of some TLC. The location is beautiful, but the campground seems to get heavy use and has some wear and tear. Balsam Pond has a reputation as a good local fishing spot featuring trout, bass, and even tiger muskies. The pond itself is beautiful and Is one of the larger state forest ponds in the area preserved in a natural state with no shoreline development other than the small campground and the public boat launch. If you are coming for a good fishing or boating experience, you wont be disappointed as the newly built boat launch can accommodate trailers for easy access and also has a well built handicapped accessible fishing pier. Once out on the water you will enjoy good fishing or wildlife watching or paddling.

    However, if you are coming here primarily for the camping experience you may be disappointed. Though the natural setting is picturesque and secluded, the campground is not well maintained. Some of the sites have new picnic tables, some have old tables that are falling apart, and some have none at all. Some have official steel fire rings, some have stone fire rings that are crumbling. All are drive in sites, some meant for trailers and others with green space for tents. A few sites are much too close to the entrance road, most are set back further in the woods, and a few are right by the lake. Unfortunately, when we were there, previous campers had strewn garbage around most of the sites; it seemed to have been there for a while so it seems there is not regular maintanence by the DEC. There is also supposed to be an outhouse at the campground, but there isnt one now. Hence my low ranking of the campground despite its nice setting.

    if you would like to camp at Balsam Pond but prefer a better option than the campground, there is one paddle-in site set away from the campground where you can Leave No Trace and hopefully other like-minded campers have done the same. You are also allowed to make your own dispersed campsite at any location of your choice within the Balsam Swamp State Firest, as long as you are more than 150 feet from the lakeshore.

  • 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

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • 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)!

Guide to Ithaca

Dispersed camping near Ithaca, New York primarily centers on state forest lands throughout the Finger Lakes region, where elevations range from 800-2,000 feet. These campsites sit within mixed hardwood forests and offer varying levels of seclusion, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during day and 55-65°F at night. Road conditions vary significantly with seasonal changes, with spring often bringing muddy conditions to access points.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Sugar Hill Recreation Area gives access to productive fishing spots nearby. "The pond is quite large compared to other area ponds, and there 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 pier near campsite 1," notes one visitor to Long Pond Campground.

Trail exploration: Access the North Country Scenic Trail system directly from your campsite. "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," explains a camper at Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground. The trail network spans miles through varied terrain.

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best chances to spot deer, turkeys, and various bird species. "Lovely campground in a lush green clearing with plenty of bird life," reports a camper about Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite, highlighting the natural surroundings that attract wildlife watchers.

What campers like

Free camping with basic amenities: Most dispersed sites cost nothing while offering functional basics. At Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite, campers appreciate that "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."

Secluded options: Many sites provide isolation from crowds and noise. A visitor to Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed explains you can "backpack the various trails and camp at your own site if you leave no trace," noting the extensive network of trails offering privacy.

Accessible water features: Several sites offer direct pond or lake access. At Long Pond Campground, a camper reported, "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."

What you should know

Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites require complete self-sufficiency. At Foster Pond Camping Area, visitors must come prepared as there are "NO AMENITIES" according to a recent camper.

Variable cell service: Connectivity ranges from good to nonexistent depending on location. "T-Mobile service has been exceptional" at Long Pond Campground according to one review, while others report limited coverage at Sugar Hill where "WiFi and phone service are pretty limited, typically ranging between 1-2 bars."

Campsite conditions: Site maintenance varies significantly across locations. One visitor to Balsam Swamp State Forest noted that "some of the sites have new picnic tables, some have old tables that are falling apart, and some have none at all. Some have official steel fire rings, some have stone fire rings that are crumbling."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ithaca, NY?

Free dispersed camping options near Ithaca can be found in the surrounding state forests. Foster Pond Camping Area in the Finger Lakes National Forest offers free sites at the intersection of Potomac Road and Chicken Coop Road with a convenient parking lot and camping spots around the lake. Another option is Long Pond Campground, where you can find shoreline spots near fishing docks. Most state forest camping is primitive with no facilities, so pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles. These sites are typically first-come, first-served with no reservations required. Look for established fire rings indicating designated camping areas and check for any seasonal restrictions before heading out.

Are there primitive hike-in camping options available in the Ithaca area?

Yes, the Ithaca area offers several primitive hike-in camping options. Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed provides access to backpacking opportunities via two large trailhead parking lots. From here, you can hike into the woods on the Onondaga Trail network to find primitive camping spots. Round Pond Pharsalia Woods Dispersed offers a parking area off Plymouth Reservoir Road with access to trails around a unique pond and adjacent bog, ideal for primitive camping. These sites require you to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. There are no facilities, so be prepared with water filtration systems and proper food storage. Most sites are available year-round but may be difficult to access in winter conditions.

What's the difference between dispersed camping and boondocking near Ithaca?

In the Ithaca area, dispersed camping typically refers to tent camping at designated primitive sites within state forests, like at Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site where you can camp near beautiful gorges and waterfalls. These sites often have minimal development such as a clearing and possibly a fire ring. Boondocking, on the other hand, generally refers to RV or vehicle camping without hookups in areas that permit overnight parking. Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods offers areas where both practices overlap, with access for vehicles and primitive campsites. The key differences are that dispersed camping is usually tent-focused in designated natural areas, while boondocking is vehicle-centered and may occur in more varied locations including some parking areas.

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