Best Dispersed Camping near Phelps, NY

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Phelps. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Phelps and user-submitted reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Phelps, New York (5)

    1. Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    11 Reviews
    Tyrone, NY
    40 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!"

    2. Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping

    5 Reviews
    Tyrone, NY
    39 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."

    3. Foster Pond Camping Area

    1 Review
    Hector, NY
    35 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."

    4. Finger Lakes National Forest

    1 Review
    Hector, NY
    35 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)."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Phelps, NY

5 Photos of 5 Phelps Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Phelps, NY

12 Reviews of 5 Phelps Campgrounds


  • 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

  • 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)!

  • Brittany S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2022

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Great location

    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!

  • A
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Excellent Free Site

    No show but decent bathrooms. I spent a night at Watkins Glen the only advantage was the shower. But you can wash up well here. You can stay horses here, each site has a fire pit and it feels safe.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2023

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Well worth it

    I drove in from out of state and I absolutely adore this campground! Will be returning, I found a lovely spot tucked into a back corner and has the most relaxing weekend.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Amazing campsite!!

    Stopped in to "ride out a rain storm." After surviving the night, we discovered all the amenities. Free garbage service daily, Water faucets were placed all over the campground. There is a Forest Fire Lookout Tower next to the bathrooms.

    Camp sites are disbursed so you don't feel crowded or squeezed for space.

    Weekends are very busy but weekdays there were no more than 7 or 8 campsites occupied each night.

    The horse stalls were used regularly and seeing horses coming and going on trail rides is a daily occurrence.

  • Joel M.
    Jun. 26, 2025

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Free campround with Toiletts

    This campground is basically a big field surrounded by the forest. 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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2023

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Perfect Reprieve

    We pulled in just before dark to find 8 other campers already settled in. The sites were spacious. It was a cool and windy night, which made it perfect for sleeping. Highly recommend!

  • Cam F.
    Aug. 23, 2022

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Great quiet camping spot

    Lovely campground in a lush green clearing with plenty of bird life. Good facilities with flushing toilets and trash and recycling on site.

    The view from the tower is pretty nice too!


Guide to Phelps

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Phelps, New York, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of freedom without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of options for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Phelps, New York

  • Make sure to pack all necessary supplies, as amenities are limited at locations like Foster Pond Camping Area, which offers a peaceful experience without any facilities.

Enjoy scenic views while free camping near Phelps

  • For breathtaking vistas, consider the Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite, where you can enjoy the beauty of the Finger Lakes region while taking advantage of its well-maintained trails.

Dispersed campers should check out Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Phelps, NY is Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite with a 4.7-star rating from 11 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Phelps, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.