State forests surrounding Kirkville, New York offer numerous primitive tent camping opportunities within a short drive. Nature Lover's Paradise provides walk-in tent sites with access to drinking water, toilets, and showers, while Morgan Hill State Forest features both the Spruce Pond Camping Area and the Onondaga Trailhead campground with tent-only sites. The Onondaga Trailhead connects directly to the National North Country Scenic Trail, making it ideal for hikers seeking backcountry tent camping experiences. Pharsalia Y Pond, located about 30 miles south, offers hike-in tent sites in a more remote setting.
Most primitive tent campgrounds in the region require campers to be self-sufficient. Fire rings are common at established sites, but potable water is rarely available. At Morgan Hill Forest's Onondaga Trailhead, campers must bring their own water as the nearest stream requires "a long hike west on the Onondaga Trail," according to one visitor. Many sites feature level, cleared areas for tents with surrounding forest providing natural privacy. Permits are required for camping at some locations, particularly in DEC Wildlife Management Areas like Pharsalia Y Pond, where permits must be obtained a week in advance. The standard 14-day stay limit applies at most sites, with seasonal closures possible during winter months.
Tent campers frequently praise the solitude and natural settings of these areas. At Long Pond Campground, a camper noted that "each spot seems to have plenty of shade and access to downed firewood," making it convenient for tent camping. The Spruce Pond area in Morgan Hill State Forest features "nicely developed tent sites, one nestled in the woods and three with their own pond access," providing options for different camping preferences. Walk-in tent sites at Bear Wallow Pond offer access to kayaking, fishing, and mountain biking on nearby forest roads. For those seeking backcountry tent camping experiences, the Finger Lakes Trail provides access to several primitive campsites, including some with Adirondack-style lean-tos maintained by local hiking clubs.
"Toilet isn’t set up yet but will once the season opens. The first few campsites are the best the further down you go the worse the sites get for tent set up. Smaller tents would be best do here."
"Campsite 5 was very overgrown, but site 6 had a nice flat area of pine needles with a path to the road once you see it. However, I couldn't locate the fire ring for site 6."
"Nature Lover's Paradise is new to the Dyrt and they have an awesome spot to share with access to a vast network of trails in upstate New York. "
from $79 - $149 / night
"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 **"
"If salmon fishing they offer filleting them and smoking they keep the eggs of you want a fire ring all you need do is ask. The staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the area."
"Access to water and swimming. Nice playgrounds. We kayaked in the lake it was a lot of fun."
from $35 - $139 / night
"I checked out primitive site on my own early in April it was cold snowing and raining. It didn’t take away from the campsite at all though."
"This campsite is a hike in stop on the Finger Lakes Trail, but can also be accessed by a short walk-in from Elmer Jackson Rd, or by paddling in from the parking area in the west side of the pond."
"This is a primitive undeveloped campsite, there is a clearing for tenting but no potable water or amenities of any kind."
"The campground is as quiet and peaceful as anyone would like, but the community enables campers the freedom to socialize and share meals whenever you want to reach beyond the family who came with you."
ScoutFor tent when I was there it was $25 a night due to military discount. For a bundle of wood it was $7. If salmon fishing they offer filleting them and smoking they keep the eggs of you want a fire ring all you need do is ask. The staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the area. A couple mile away you have a bryne and dairy a tackle shop and a tackle shop next to to campground as well
RangerStopped here on my way from Maine to Ohio. I booked via Harvest Hosts and chose to boondock since they had a market (pay for food instead of a booking fee) and I was pleasantly surprised with the overall location. The entire farm is in great condition, the roads are marked well, there are several trails, plenty of wildlife, and just a generally pleasant experience. Loaded up on some goods at the market.
ScoutI would never return to this campground. We rented a golf cart, and while going downhill, the rear wheel came completely off because the lug nuts were not secured. My 1-year-old and 6-year-old were on the cart, and we were extremely fortunate that no one was injured. When I expressed how serious and upsetting this was and how close my children were to being injured the owner’s response was,“But were they?” When I explained that my children were thankfully not injured but were shaken up by the incident, he sarcastically questioned whether my 1-year-old could be traumatized. They did provide us with another golf cart afterward, but I consider that the bare minimum after being given an unsafe rental. After the apparent lack of proper inspection of the cart and the ill-mannered response to such a serious safety issue, I would never recommend this campground.
LegendHad an overnight stay here and it was really peaceful. The reservoir had been drained but it was still lovely to look out across the property. You definitely can’t beat $30 for an electric site! Restrooms were a bit dated but clean. Staff was very friendly. Our site was spacious and next to a short walking trail through the trees.
GuideThis was a great camping trip! We had site 29, nice spot with the North Rim trail right behind our site. Trails are beautiful. Restroom and shower close. You do need to be careful, lots of oaks trees and falling acorns! Easily dings you car hood, watch where you park. Close to down town for a visit to the awesome farmers market in Ithaca.
TravelerClean, safe RV park off a small lake. Functioning electric and water hookups as well as sewage. Very kind and helpful owners and friendly campers.
GuideOverall best camp in the area. Cabins A++,Bathrooms A+, swimming,activities,views,location,nearby town. All the best.
GuidePros: clean, good location,nice bathrooms,hot showers nice playground.
Cons: this cabin was on main thoroughfare,so people and traffic, stiff mattresses, very large religious group singing and playing loud music.
ScoutAlways have a good time, staff is always friendly. Ive been coming here since i was a kid my grandparents always had a seasonal here.
Tent camping near Kirkville, New York provides access to several state forests with primitive camping options at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 feet above sea level. The region features mixed northern hardwood forests with beech, maple, and hemlock trees creating natural barriers between campsites. Most primitive campsites in the area can be accessed from May through October, though some remain open year-round with limited winter maintenance.
Fishing opportunities: At Hall Island State Forest, primitive campsites border the Salmon River Reservoir. "The draw for my friends and I at the time was a jump off the nearby Redfield bridge and swim in the Salmon River. Was also popular for fishing enthusiasts," notes reviewer Rachel P.
Kayaking access: At Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite, campers can paddle on a small 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," reports Janet R.
Trail connections: Many primitive camping areas connect to regional trail networks. At Pharsalia Y Pond, campers can access "day hikes on the Finger Lakes Trail" and explore "several other ponds in the Wildlife Management area for good birdwatching," according to Janet R.
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the natural separation at many primitive sites. At Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground, "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," writes Janet R.
Accessible fishing: Many sites offer direct water access. Thomas E. notes that at Hall Island State Forest, there are "fire ring set up a view of the water and for enable body person just a short walk up the path."
Wildlife encounters: The natural settings provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. At Spruce Pond Camping Area, one camper observed that "the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night," showing the close connection to nature at these sites.
Permit requirements: Some Wildlife Management Areas require advance planning. At Pharsalia Y Pond, "camping in this DEC Wildlife Management Area campsite is limited, and requires a permit. Visit the regional DEC office at 1285 Fisher Ave., Cortland NY or call 607-753-3095... allow one week for permit to be processed."
Limited facilities: Most sites lack amenities. At Nature Lover's Paradise, tent sites include "access to a vast network of trails in upstate New York," but campers should come prepared for basic accommodations.
Seasonal conditions: Facilities change with seasons. Neil L. notes that at Spruce Pond, the "toilet isn't set up yet but will once the season opens."
Choose accessible sites: Some primitive areas offer more family-friendly options. Pharsalia Y Pond "would be a nice family friendly weekend destination, as well as a great stop for through hikers," with "several fire rings and good tent sites as well as a gentle water access right on the shore."
Consider noise levels: Wildlife can impact sleep. One Spruce Pond camper mentioned that "this was a nice spot, but the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night."
Look for dual access sites: Sites with multiple access options provide flexibility for families. Bear Wallow Pond "is adjacent to a small parking area and fishing access on a really beautiful pond" allowing for both drive-up convenience and nature immersion.
Site selection for smaller rigs: At Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground, "there are two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits," making them suitable for small RVs despite being primitive.
Access considerations: Forest roads can be challenging. At Stoneys Pineville Campground, the "friendly hosts" can provide guidance on accessing appropriate sites for your vehicle size.
Water and dump station availability: Most primitive sites lack services. For those needing facilities, Cross Lake Park Campgrounds offers fifty-amp hookups and is a drive-in tent camping option with more amenities than forest sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kirkville, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kirkville, NY is Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Kirkville, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Kirkville, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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