Best Dispersed Camping near Mount Morris, NY
Looking for the best Mount Morris dispersed camping? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Mount Morris, New York (8)
1. Palmers Pond State Forest
7 Reviews•10 Photos•193 SavesAlfred, New YorkPalmer's Pond State Forest totals 3,645 acres. This area provides opportunities for outdoor recreational activities like snowshoeing, hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, camping, hunting, fishing, bird watching, and nature photography.
The state forest is also a source of raw material for New York's forest products industry which provides employment and income for many New Yorkers and provides various habitats for many wildlife species such as deer, rabbit, grouse, and turkey.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Alcohol
2. Ossian State Forest on Scoville Road
2 Reviews•5 SavesDansville, New York- Pets
- Fires
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
5. Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping
4 Reviews•19 Photos•124 SavesTyrone, New YorkThe Sugar Hill Recreation Area, located at 3360 Tower Hill Rd, Watkins Glen, NY, is the largest designated camping area on Sugar Hill State Forest. Available on a first-come first-serve basis, the area is a nine-acre open field for camping, with a limited number of fire rings and picnic tables. New for 2021 (in order to limit the spread of COVID-19) 26 campsites have been designated in the open field area. Upon arrival, campers must fill out a self-issued camping permit. There is no reservation system, if you arrive and it is full you will have to find another location to camp.
Other facilities in the Rec Area include; a picnic area with picnic tables and pavilion, an accessible horse-mounting platform, open horse stalls, during summer months a restroom with potable water are available, and access to the Six Nations Trail System, as well as the Sugar Hill Fire Tower. The gate is opened to vehicle traffic, and the water turned on, from the 3rd Monday in May through the 3rd Monday in October of each year.
The Lower Evergreen Parking Lot, located off of Evergreen Hill Rd, is smaller and has picnic tables, fire rings, open horse stalls and a pit privy. New for 2021, three campsites have been designated. No trash pickup is provided. This is a carry in-carry out facility.
Individual campsites are located throughout the State Forest. These 19 additional primitive designated camping sites are semi-flat spots, some are graveled parking areas, others are small openings set back in the woods on topsoil, most with no other facilities provided.
Primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water.
Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger. No trash pickup is provided. These are carry-in, carry-out facilities.
Lean To: Lean-to in the trees, benches and fire ring in front. Buck Settlement Lean-to
Lean-to Camping :There are five Adirondack-style lean-tos at four different locations. Lean-tos must be shared to their capacity on a first-come, first-use basis, with no exclusive reservation allowed.
Buck Settlement Lean-to on the Finger Lakes Trail north of Templar Road and near Glen Creek; Parks Hollow Lean-to on Mohawk Trail, north of Sugar Hill Road; the Twin Lean-to's (Sugar Hill Lean-to #1 and #2) - on Seneca Trail, south of the Sugar Hill Rec Area; and VanZandt Lean-to - on Seneca Trail, east of Tower Hill Road. September 14, 2021 to September 23, 2021 the VanZandt Lean-to will be undergoing maintenance, please plan accordingly.No trash pickup is provided. These are a carry in-carry out facilities.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
6. Boyce State Forest
2 Reviews•3 Photos•44 SavesFranklinville, New York- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
Recent Dispersed Reviews near Mount Morris, New York
9 Reviews of 8 Mount Morris Campgrounds
- C
Casaundra H.
Scout
Palmers Pond State Forest
Favorite place to camp
No electricity or water hook ups, very secluded, has a pond to fish in, by far my most favorite place to camp
Zack B.
Traveler
Boyce State Forest
Wet n wild
Trail was more of a stream than a trail. You’ll spend more time beside the trail then actually on it. The campsite was a shelter off the side of the trail. It came with some firewood and cardboard to burn as well as some emergency water. Campsite was clean and came with an “air conditioned loo”. Lots of room for tents, however, most sites are not flat. Would recommend to come in dryer season or to bring rubber boots.
Lizzy K.
GuidePalmers Pond State Forest
Love this place!
Beautiful grassy spots around the pond and along the road in. Google maps directed us to a dead end, go in through the north entrance and you’ll be good!
- MMatt M.Traveler
Palmers Pond State Forest
Perfect campsite
Abundant flat and grassy terrain under pines near a beautiful lake. Fire pits, a table, and parking area are in place but nothing else. Lots of beavers to watch throughout the day.
- Mitch P.Scout
Palmers Pond State Forest
Incredible mornings
Place was incredible! I drove out from Wisconsin and was the only on there. Threw up the tentsile tent over looking the pond on the south side. What a wonderful way to wake up..
⚠️Side note TAKE WEST ALMOND road as the other road is blocked off⚠️
- CCaitlyn R.Guide
Palmers Pond State Forest
Quiet and beautiful
The written directions from other reviews were easy to follow. The road was gravel but pretty easy to drive. I found one of the first spots and was very comfortable. Beautiful space, some people drove past but not much noise aside from that. Loved this spot!
Marjoe M.ScoutPalmers Pond State Forest
May 5th
The site was very nice. Clean and well maintained. I was able to set up next to the water with no problem. Definitely will be back.
- Sydney M.Scout
Palmers Pond State Forest
Pretty but hard to find
The directions took us to a dead end like the other reviews stated. Do not take Palmers pond road. When you get off of Interstate 86 you will want to take turnpike rd to south road. There are not any lights to show the sign so it’s kinda hard to find. The pond was dried up when we got there so that sad kind of a bummer. Lots of camping along the road and around the pond. Nice quiet spot
- AAlan C.Scout
Boyce State Forest
If roughing it is your thing
If roughing it is your thing this is primitive tent sites on a small pond.located on the Finger Lake Trail. If you walk/hike 1/2 mile you will find a lean-to with fire pit and privy.
Guide to Mount Morris
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Mount Morris, New York, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers unique spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Mount Morris, New York
- Make sure to check the accessibility of sites like Ossian State Forest on Scoville Road, as some areas may be blocked off due to fallen trees or overgrown trails.
- Bring your own firewood when visiting places like Palmers Pond State Forest since firewood is not provided, but fires are allowed.
- Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Boyce State Forest has no drinking water or electric hookups, so plan accordingly.
Top activities while free camping near Mount Morris
- Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails at Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping, which offers a mix of shaded and sunny spots for a comfortable experience.
- Fishing and relaxing by the water can be enjoyed at Palmers Pond State Forest, where you can find beautiful grassy areas to set up your spot.
- Horseback riding is a delightful option at Stewart Road Horse Camp, where you might encounter riders on nearby trails.
Scenic attractions for dispersed campers
- The picturesque views at Ossian State Forest West Camp make it a great spot for photography and enjoying nature.
- Wildlife watching is a rewarding experience at English Hill State Forest, where you can observe various species in their natural habitat.
- Explore the unique landscapes and natural features at Palmer's Pond State Forest, which offers a tranquil setting for those looking to unwind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Mount Morris, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Mount Morris, NY is Palmers Pond State Forest with a 4.9-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Mount Morris, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Mount Morris, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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