Best Dispersed Camping near Phoenix, NY

Dispersed camping near Phoenix, New York includes several primitive sites in nearby state forests, with Morgan Hill State Forest and Winona State Forest offering the most accessible options. Towsley Road Dispersed Camping provides a simple roadside site, while Morgan Hill Forest features both dispersed backcountry camping and a small trailhead campground with picnic tables and fire pits. These areas permit tent and sometimes RV camping on public lands without developed facilities or reservations.

Access varies significantly between sites. Morgan Hill Forest Onondaga Trailhead campground provides drive-in access with some sites featuring cement pads and picnic tables, though no water or toilets are available. Winona State Forest sites require locating small black and yellow placards marking designated camping areas. Most locations lack amenities entirely, requiring visitors to pack in water and pack out waste. Fires are permitted at Morgan Hill and Winona forests but prohibited at other sites. Camping is free at most locations, though primitive sites require adherence to Leave No Trace principles, including camping at least 150 feet from water sources.

The camping experience varies across these forests. Morgan Hill provides direct access to the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country Scenic Trail, with hiking opportunities to Tinker Falls. Bucks Brook State Forest offers more remote primitive tent sites along the Finger Lakes Trail near a scenic gorge with small waterfalls. Visitors note the peaceful nature of these areas, with one camper describing Winona State Forest as "a good free quiet place to camp." Another reviewer mentioned Towsley Road camping requires going "a little more up the road until you see a sign and a sand patch on the side of the road."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Phoenix, New York (7)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Phoenix, NY

8 Photos of 7 Phoenix Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Phoenix, NY

6 Reviews of 7 Phoenix 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

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2024

    Winona State Forest

    Small but quiet campsite

    Pulled in on a Thursday afternoon and found a single camp site. While there I talked to a state forest maintenance guy. He said there were currently two camping sites and that more might be added.

    The campsite was just feet off of Bargy Road. The only amenity was a fire ring made of rocks. The campsite appears to be the trailhead for a man-made trail.

    It rained while we were here but overall the campsite was quiet and peaceful.

  • Thomas E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2025

    Winona State Forest

    Free and Quiet

    The primitive campsite was a little difficult to find there’s a tiny black and yellow placard that shows you where you can camp. There were some firewood set out except it was wet. Overall a good free quiet place to camp.

  • Noah D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2023

    Towsley Road Dispersed Camping

    great little spot

    nice place to sleep. good for someone who doesn’t want something too off the road. when you get to the destination you have to go a little more up the road until you see a sign and a sand patch on the side of the road.


Guide to Phoenix

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Phoenix, New York, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness.

Dispersed campers should check out Towsley Road Dispersed Camping

  • This spot is perfect for those who prefer a location that’s not too far off the beaten path, making it accessible for both tents and RVs. Check it out at Towsley Road Dispersed Camping.
  • Campers have noted the convenience of a nearby sign and sand patch, which makes finding the site easier after a drive along the road.
  • With no reservations required, this free camping area allows for spontaneous trips into nature.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Phoenix, New York

Tinker Falls for dispersed campers

  • Hiking the trails from Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed leads to the stunning Tinker Falls, a great day trip for those looking to explore the area.
  • The trails are well-marked, but having a map handy is crucial to navigate the various paths leading to the falls.
  • Be prepared for a scenic adventure, as the journey to Tinker Falls offers breathtaking views and a chance to experience the natural beauty of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Phoenix, NY is Towsley Road Dispersed Camping with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Phoenix, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.