Best Tent Camping near Montezuma, NY
State forests and public lands surrounding Montezuma, New York offer several tent camping options within a short drive. Morgan Hill State Forest provides primitive tent camping at two distinct areas: Spruce Pond Camping Area and the Onondaga Trailhead campground. Spruce Pond features ten established primitive tent sites situated directly on the pond, with several sites nestled in the woods and others offering pond access. Cross Lake Park Campgrounds in nearby Cato provides tent-only sites with water access, while Nature Lover's Paradise offers walk-in tent sites with access to extensive hiking trails.
Tent campsites in the Morgan Hill State Forest require varying levels of preparation. At Spruce Pond, campers will find fire grills and developed tent sites, including one that is wheelchair accessible with a fishing landing. A reviewer noted that "the first few campsites are the best; the further down you go, the worse the sites get for tent setup. Smaller tents would be best here." The Onondaga Trailhead area includes basic tent spots on cleared grassy areas near the parking circle, plus two developed sites with cement pads, picnic tables, and fire pits. Most primitive tent camping areas lack drinking water, so campers should bring their own supplies. Permits may be required for some locations, though many sites are free to use.
The tent camping experience varies across locations. At Spruce Pond, visitors can expect a scenic and peaceful setting with opportunities for fishing, paddling, and hiking. One camper mentioned that "animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night," noting that a port-a-potty was available. The Morgan Hill Forest Onondaga Trailhead campground offers what a visitor described as "peaceful and quiet sites with mature trees and plenty of distance between neighboring campers," making it "ideal for a group campout." Backcountry tent camping throughout the state forests provides access to trail networks, including the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country Scenic Trail, which leads to attractions like Tinker Falls.
