Shay S.
Traveler
TravelerSpruce Row Campsite
Great Family campground
They are super family friendly, its very quiet and peaceful. The pool is beautiful and a cool and unique shape. They have activities on the weekends and its very safe for kids.
Camping near Truxton, NY
147 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping areas around Truxton, New York range from primitive dispersed sites to established campgrounds within several nearby state forests. Morgan Hill State Forest and Pharsalia Woods offer multiple free dispersed camping locations, while Spruce Pond Camping Area provides designated primitive sites with fire rings and tent pads. Green Lakes State Park Campground, approximately 20 miles northeast of Truxton, accommodates tents, RVs, and cabins with electrical hookups. The mixed-use campgrounds in this region typically feature wooded settings with varying levels of amenities and water access.
The camping season generally runs from May through October, with most established campgrounds closed during winter months. Most dispersed camping in state forests requires adherence to New York DEC regulations, including camping at least 150 feet from water sources and following Leave No Trace principles. According to one visitor, "Spruce Pond has ten established and well maintained primitive campsites right on the pond with fishing available and an amazing network of hiking and cross country ski trails along with mountain biking along the forest roads." Permits are required for some primitive sites, particularly in Wildlife Management Areas, and should be arranged through the DEC office in Cortland. Roads leading to remote camping areas can be challenging, with several reviewers noting rough, low-maintenance access routes to trailheads.
Campground options throughout the region provide varied experiences based on proximity to water and available amenities. The developed campgrounds at Green Lakes and Fillmore Glen State Parks receive high ratings for their clean facilities and family-friendly environments. Nature Lover's Paradise offers private tent camping with access to 70 acres of hiking trails. Several visitors highlighted the Morgan Hill Forest area for its peaceful setting and trail connectivity. A review noted that "Although the campsites here are primitive and free, they are official developed campsites... with lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits." Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with ponds supporting fishing and paddling activities. Campers seeking more isolation can explore the numerous dispersed sites throughout Morgan Hill and Bucks Brook State Forests.
Best Campgrounds near Truxton (147)
1. Green Lakes State Park Campground
"The lake is a fascinating meromictic lake with clear calcium-rich waters that are not only pristine and beautiful to look at, but also great for swimming and snorkeling as the waters are crystal clear"
"The sites are nice, some are little close to each other but nice for group camping. A short distance (walk or by car) to the beach. The lake is a little chilly sometimes but very refreshing."
from $24 - $116 / night
Check Availability2. Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest
"throughout the state forest, this is a group of ten established and well maintained primitive campsites right on Spruce Pond with fishing available and an amazing network of hiking and cross country ski trails"
"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."
3. Fillmore Glen State Park Campground
"region of Upstate New York."
"Awesome little park in the Finger Lakes region with nature on site and lots more to do and explore nearby (wine trails!)."
from $21 - $67 / night
Check Availability4. Yellow Lantern Kampground
5. Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga 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."
6. Nature Lover's Paradise
"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
Check Availability7. Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed
"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."
8. Lighthouse Landing Campground
9. Cortlands Country Music Park and Campground
10. Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site
"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"
Drive Time
- 27 min from Syracuse, NY
- 44 min from Ithaca, NY
- 45 min from Binghamton, NY
- 1 hr 11 min from Utica, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Truxton, NY
187 Photos of 147 Truxton Campgrounds
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Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest
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Yellow Lantern Kampground
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Stoney Pond State Forest Camping Area
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Fillmore Glen State Park Campground
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Long Pond Campground
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Recent Reviews near Truxton, NY
531 Reviews of 147 Truxton Campgrounds
Pam R.
GuideOneida Shores County Park
Beautiful and peaceful
We had a great stay at Oneida Shores Campground. Over the weekend it was nearly full, but it never felt crowded. The other campers were friendly and there were no issues. At 10 pm, it got very quiet, no issues. The newly paved sites are level. The grounds are well kept. I wouldn't say the sites were too close together. We had plenty of room. The tent area is shaded by trees, the rv section is not. We encountered several park employees, all were very friendly and helpful. Never saw any geese. The only negative is that the showers and restrooms need a deep clean and upgrade, but they were serviceable.
What E.TravelerLake Chalet Motel and Campground
Clean, Quiet & Beautiful!!
This campground is beautiful. The lake is good sized and clean. The property has beautiful fields and a creek that runs along the back. This is not a party campground and people are not packed in on top of each other. The little store is cute & affordable and the owners are on site 24/7.
Elizabeth D.
ScoutThe Villages RV Park at Turning Stone
Excellent park
Space was adequate with both shade and some sun, trash service and shuttle service was a plus . Pool and walking paths were well kept. Dog waste stations were available but the park didn't have a dog park. Bummer for fino.
- HHeather B.Traveler
Tall Pines Campground & Canoeing
Sweetest Campground Around
This was the sweetest campground around!! They deliver fire wood right to your site along with anything else you need. Free delivery of amazing pizza on Friday nights(delivered by a 1969 pink beetle!!). There is a giant river, a dog park and the camp ground is close to town, but far enough away so that you still feel like your camping! Amazing bathroom/shower facilities and a clean swimming pool:)
Lisa S.ScoutSpruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest
Peaceful forest site
Stayed at this very serene camping spot with abundant fireflies and no biting insects on June 26, 2026 for a quick overnight on a roadtrip. Arriving after dark, it was very difficult to find the sites. 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. I loved the sounds of the frogs at night and the birds at dawn, but if you're a very light sleeper, you might want ear plugs. Short hike up to the hang glider launch site was worthwhile. Nice, clean, accessible port-a-potty in the parking lot. Had spotty but mostly okay cell service (AT&T).
Howard S.ScoutGilbert Lake State Park Campground
Staff is great as well as the campgrounds
Gilbert Lake State Park is located about 11 miles north of Oneonta, New York. I have camped here for a number of summers at their Hilltop Section, never dissapointed. There are a few trails that traverse the park for a few miles that are always green and shady. The lake offers swimming and kayaking. There is a concession stand and even a small museum that chronicles the efforts of the national CCC program under Roosevelt that constructed the park in the 1930's. After a long day of hiking, the campgrounds hot showers offer a great reprieve.
April S.ScoutPleasant Lake Campground
The worst campground I've ever experienced.
The problems started before we even arrived. When I called to make a reservation, the owner was rude and impatient, repeatedly complaining that he couldn't hear me, despite me having full service. I discovered cell service at the campground was spotty, which made his attitude even more frustrating in hindsight. I told him it would be us and our dog, his immediate response was,"IT'S NOT A PIT BULL, IS IT?" in a hostile tone. I said no, she's an American Staffordshire, and my husband's service dog. He rudely replied that it was"THE SAME THING" and that they have breed restrictions. When I asked whether he was denying us, he avoided answering and demanded"legal paperwork" for her. I told him that no such paperwork exists, but she is trained to perform a task. He completed the reservation, took my payment, gave us a site number, and hung up. Since the office was closed and we had already been assigned a site number and paid, we assumed we could go directly to our site and finish any details in the morning. While setting up, the owner drove over and confronted us for not reporting to the office first. He then demanded proof of rabies vaccination, which is reasonable. We apologized that we had forgotten the paperwork and said we'd email it to him first thing in the morning. We were extremely annoyed that we saw multiple pit bulls as soon as we pulled in the campground. The next morning, we emailed the records to the campground around 10:10 AM, exactly as promised, as soon as our vet's office had opened. About 11:00, the owner left a voicemail demanding that we leave the property immediately because he had not received the paperwork. I called back and asked him to check his email again, he accused me of sending it to the wrong address. I told him that if he still couldn't find it after checking again, I would come to the office once I was dressed. 30 minutes later, he left another voicemail saying he had escalated it to the sheriff's office because we had not complied. Meanwhile, my husband was already walking to the office to handle things and the owner informed him that we were no longer welcome and that he had called the sheriff's office. Again, my husband told them to check their spam folder, and the email had been there all along. We communicated throughout the entire process and did exactly what we said we would do. The owner's son was far more reasonable and they did apologize, but it didn't make the situation right. The sites were tight, muddy, unlevel, and had awkwardly placed hookups. We were packed so close together that the row behind us overlapped the rear of our camper by a few feet. We had to share water with the neighboring site through a splitter at the spigot. We didn't use the restrooms or amenities because after our interactions with management, we felt completely unwelcome. We only stayed because we were in town for our grandson's first birthday and couldn't find another campground on such short notice.
- TTed D.Traveler
Watkins Glen State Park Campground
Watkins Glen worth the trip
Campground is quiet, bathrooms are OK. Some sites have power, some don’t, none have water or sewer. Lots of things to do here. Been here 5 days and still haven’t done it all.
Guide to Truxton
Campgrounds near Truxton, New York range from basic dispersed sites to facilities with electrical hookups and cabin rentals. Located in central New York at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, Truxton experiences humid summer camping conditions with daytime temperatures typically between 75-85°F from June through August. Winter camping options are limited due to significant snowfall averaging over 100 inches annually, with most primitive sites requiring high-clearance vehicles during wet conditions.
What to do
Fishing at multiple ponds: The Spruce Pond Camping Area offers accessible fishing opportunities on a peaceful pond. "This is a nice spot, but the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night," notes one visitor, adding unexpected wildlife encounters to the fishing experience.
Hiking trail networks: State forests surrounding campsites near Truxton, New York connect to extensive trail systems. At Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground, visitors can "directly access the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country scenic trail." One camper recommends: "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!"
Water recreation: Lakes within 20-30 minutes of Truxton provide swimming and boating. "The swimming area is wide and shallow in most areas," says a camper about Green Lakes. For river activities, "Tubing, kayaking and canoeing right on the river that leads to the campground" are highlights at Lighthouse Landing according to visitors.
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: Some campsites offer more privacy than others. At Nature Lover's Paradise, campers appreciate "access to a vast network of trails in upstate New York" and the "70 acres of hiking trails" that create a more isolated camping experience.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds with maintained amenities receive consistent positive feedback. "Bathrooms are very clean and close to all campsites," reports one family about Fillmore Glen State Park Campground. Another visitor adds: "Camp facilities were clean and well maintained."
Unique water features: The distinctive color of Green Lakes stands out to visitors. One camper described it as "Crystal clear and very blue, you will think you are in the Caribbean Islands," making it a surprising feature in central New York.
Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds catering to families offer additional recreation options. "Tons of activities for kids to do," notes a visitor about Yellow Lantern Kampground, adding "Clean and fun activities to keep kids busy."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some primitive sites require permits despite being free. For Morgan Hill dispersed camping, "you do need a permit and should review the campground map to select your preferred site." Check with the DEC office before setting up at primitive sites.
Road conditions: Access to remote camping areas can be challenging. Forest roads leading to trailheads are often unmarked. One visitor to Morgan Hill advised: "The road to turn off from Morgan Hill Rd to the campground is not marked. You can set your driving directions on Google Maps beforehand."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate between May and October. At Green Lakes State Park Campground, the season runs "May 13 to October 9." Winter access is severely limited, though some areas permit winter activities like cross-country skiing.
Facility variations: Amenities differ significantly between established and dispersed sites. "You need to bring your own water, there is none provided here, and be prepared to pack out your own garbage," explains a Morgan Hill State Forest visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "Kids loved the park and swimming in the waterfall beach," says a visitor to Fillmore Glen. Another notes: "The beach also has a great playground for kids that is perfect for play and swim."
Swimming options: Lighthouse Landing Campground offers river recreation that appeals to families. "Highlight is the tubing, kayaking and canoeing right on the river that leads to the campground," making it convenient for families with children who enjoy water activities.
Wildlife education: Ponds and forests provide natural learning opportunities. At Spruce Pond, "the animals at the pond are very active," creating chances for wildlife observation. Parents should note that ticks are prevalent in spring and early summer, requiring appropriate protection.
Accessibility considerations: Some sites accommodate mobility needs. Morgan Hill features "two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits" that are "supposedly ADA accessible," though visitors note limited additional accessible amenities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Cortlands Country Music Park and Campground provides "Electric and water at site" according to reviews, though it's described as a "Small campground near NY finger lakes."
Shower facilities: RVers report varying shower quality. At Green Lakes, some visitors note, "as clean as the bathrooms are, the showers still suck. I'll never understand why parks use the misting shower heads." Many recommend using "the ADA bathrooms because those shower heads are normal and have wands."
Site spacing: Several campgrounds feature open layouts without much separation. As one Fillmore Glen visitor reports, "We were the only tent campers around and the RV groups were loud late and early." RVers seeking more privacy should consider less developed options.
Seasonal maintenance issues: During peak season, some campgrounds perform extensive maintenance. One RVer reported landscaping crews "spent at least 5-6 hours the Monday we were here mowing around our campsite, coming within inches of our power cords."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Truxton, NY?
What camping is available near Truxton, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Truxton, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 147 campgrounds and RV parks near Truxton, NY and 15 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Truxton, NY?
Which is the most popular campground near Truxton, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Truxton, NY is Green Lakes State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 42 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Truxton, NY?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Truxton, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Truxton, NY.
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