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Tent Camping near Truxton, NY

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    Tent campers near Truxton, New York have access to several primitive camping options within the surrounding state forests, including Morgan Hill State Forest and Pharsalia Woods State Forest. The area features both designated tent sites like Spruce Pond Camping Area with its ten established primitive campsites, and dispersed camping opportunities along the Onondaga Trail branch of the North Country Scenic Trail. Most primitive tent sites are set within mature forests and provide access to fishing ponds, hiking trails, and secluded woodland settings.

    Primitive tent camping in these state forests typically includes basic amenities like fire rings, but requires self-sufficiency for other needs. The Morgan Hill Forest Onondaga Trailhead campground offers two developed sites with cement pads, picnic tables, and fire pits, though campers must bring their own water and be prepared to use the forest for sanitation. At Spruce Pond, tent sites are nestled in the woods with some offering direct pond access, and the area includes a newly installed outhouse. Most backcountry tent sites require permits, which can be obtained from the regional DEC office, and campers should allow one week for processing. Roads leading to walk-in tent sites vary in quality, with some requiring navigation of low-maintenance forest roads.

    Backcountry tent camping in this region provides excellent access to the extensive Finger Lakes Trail network and connections to other regional hiking systems. Areas like Pharsalia Woods contain multiple primitive camping options, including designated tent sites near Bear Wallow Pond and Y Pond, where paddling and fishing opportunities complement the camping experience. The Pharsalia Woods Lean-To Campsite offers a maintained Adirondack-style shelter maintained by local volunteers, with a perennial spring nearby for water (requiring treatment). A review mentioned that "This would be a nice family friendly weekend destination, as well as a great stop for through hikers. Previous campers have left the site in great shape." These primitive tent sites remain relatively uncrowded throughout the year, offering a wilderness experience within a reasonable drive from nearby towns.

    Best Tent Campgrounds near Truxton (24)

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      1. Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest

      4.3(4)6mi from TruxtonTents

      "Toilet isn’t set up yet but will once the season opens. The first few campsites are the best the further down you go the worse the sites get for tent set up. Smaller tents would be best do here."

      "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."

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      2. Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground

      4.0(1)4mi from TruxtonTents

      "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 **"

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      3. Nature Lover's Paradise

      5.0(1)8mi from Truxton1 siteTents

      "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

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      4. Empire Haven Nudist Park

      5.0(1)17mi from TruxtonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "The campground is as quiet and peaceful as anyone would like, but the community enables campers the freedom to socialize and share meals whenever you want to reach beyond the family who came with you."

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      5. Pharsalia Y Pond

      5.0(1)17mi from TruxtonTents

      "This campsite is a hike in stop on the Finger Lakes Trail, but can also be accessed by a short walk-in from Elmer Jackson Rd, or by paddling in from the parking area in the west side of the pond."

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      6. Jackson Pond Tent Sites

      4.0(1)16mi from TruxtonTents

      "This is a great primitive campsite located close to Jackson Pond with access from a small parking area and trailhead of the Finger Lakes Trail, or via canoe or non-motorized boats from a nearby boat launch"

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      7. Long Pond Campground

      3.8(5)22mi from TruxtonTents

      "Aside from that this was a short drive in and I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock."

      "All the roads are gravel, so it might get a little muddy after a big rain but I had no issue with a low clearance car driving around to explore the sites available."

      8. Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods

      4.0(1)18mi from TruxtonTents

      "This is a primitive undeveloped campsite, there is a clearing for tenting but no potable water or amenities of any kind."

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      9. Pharsalia Woods Lean-To Campsite

      5.0(1)19mi from TruxtonTents

      "Beautifully maintained primitive group campsite with large Adirondack style lean-to, several picnic tables and fire rings, and firewood provided."

      10. Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed

      3.0(1)18mi from TruxtonTents
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    Recent Tent Camping Photos near Truxton, NY

    26 Photos of 24 Truxton Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Tent Camping Reviews near Truxton, NY

    498 Reviews of 24 Truxton Campgrounds

    • Nancy W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 31, 2026

      Robert H. Treman State Park Campground

      Beautiful waterfalls!

      This is a really great state park which has a nice campground, beautiful scenery, interesting attractions nearby, and great hiking trails. The biggest attraction are the 12 waterfalls in the park. Some are easy, short walks, and others are moderate and longer. The Rim and Gorge Trails make a loop which makes for a really good workout with lots of stairs and elevation change. Personally, I think the views from the Gorge Trail are better. Or, you can park in the upper lot and walk down (approximately 1/3 mile) to see Lucifer Falls and walk back. Fall is a great time to visit and enhances the views. 

      All campsites are back-in and have fire pits and picnic tables. Some are in the open(#49-72)with a scattering of trees, while others are tucked in the woods with lots of shade. The open sites are much easier for big rigs to navigate and back into. There is no water or sewer at sites but water spigots are located throughout the campground and the dump station is easy to access on your way out and has a dedicated water fill station away from the dump site. Our site (#52) was open which we appreciated in because the fall weather was cool and we had a clear sky for Dish satelitte. The pad was gravel and level. The patio is grass and there is nice distance between you and your neighbors Some sites are dry camping and other have electric that varies from 30 or 50-amp and the price reflects which you choose. Our site was electric only (50-amp which worked well) and we were close enough to a shared water spigot so we could add water. There are signs that say you can only hookup to the spigots for five minutes and “Y” connectors are not allowed. Swimming is allowed in the pools and river but has certain daily hours and is only open from late-June to Labor Day. Your receipt and park pass allow you access to other NY state parks in the area. Definitely check out Buttermilk Falls State Park which is just a couple of miles away and has nice hiking trails and more beautiful waterfalls. We visited the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (which is free) and has interesting exhibits, short films, and hiking trails.

    • Thomas B.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 12, 2026

      Tilden Hill Farm

      Perfect Overnight Stay

      Stopped here on my way from Maine to Ohio. I booked via Harvest Hosts and chose to boondock since they had a market (pay for food instead of a booking fee) and I was pleasantly surprised with the overall location. The entire farm is in great condition, the roads are marked well, there are several trails, plenty of wildlife, and just a generally pleasant experience. Loaded up on some goods at the market.

    • RThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 9, 2026

      Watkins Glen State Park Campground

      Great Car Camping Stay

      Spent a peaceful night car camping in site 151. Beautiful trees, nice shower houses, quiet neighbors. Just a beautiful and very affordable - $32 - stay. We’ll be back whenever we pass this way.

    • MJ W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 20, 2026

      Taughannock Falls State Park Campground

      Great Place to camp

      This was a great camping trip! We had site 29, nice spot with the North Rim trail right behind our site. Trails are beautiful. Restroom and shower close. You do need to be careful, lots of oaks trees and falling acorns! Easily dings you car hood, watch where you park. Close to down town for a visit to the awesome farmers market in Ithaca.

    • Dana M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 17, 2026

      Blueberry Patch Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

      Rustic and Quiet

      Nice small campground with only 9 sites. FF self pay station allows QR Code to recreation.gov to reserve online. Once you choose a site, just pay online and keep your cash tipping at the close by wineries!😉 The park is a bit neglected compared to the many other National Forrest we stay in. The potholes in the driving loop and gravel need repair. The Fire pits and pit toilets need attention. Overall, it has been quiet and convenient to the region around. We stayed 4 days so even the negatives were not a deterrent.

    • RThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 9, 2026

      Pleasant Lake Campground

      Nice Friendly Rv park

      Clean, safe RV park off a small lake. Functioning electric and water hookups as well as sewage. Very kind and helpful owners and friendly campers.

    • Judy W.
      Sep. 3, 2026

      Cayuga Lake State Park Campground

      Stay by the lake

      Pros: clean, good location,nice bathrooms,hot showers nice playground.

      Cons: this cabin was on main thoroughfare,so people and traffic, stiff mattresses, very large religious group singing and playing loud music.

    • Joshua G.
      Sep. 2, 2026

      Lake Chalet Motel and Campground

      One of my favorite campgrounds

      Always have a good time, staff is always friendly. Ive been coming here since i was a kid my grandparents always had a seasonal here.

    Guide to Truxton

    Primitive camping options surround Truxton, New York at elevations between 1,200-1,800 feet across the region's state forests. The area experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall and mild summers with temperatures rarely exceeding 85°F. Many dispersed sites require permits from the DEC office in Cortland with processing times of approximately one week.

    What to do

    Fishing at multiple ponds: Spruce Pond Camping Area offers accessible fishing opportunities with dedicated spots for anglers. "Lots of fisherman frequent the pond. Toilet isn't set up yet but will once the season opens," notes Neil L. The pond has active wildlife, as Rose S. mentions: "This was a nice spot, but the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night."

    Hiking access to Tinker Falls: Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground connects directly to the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country scenic trail. Janet R. describes: "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!"

    Paddling in quiet waters: Long Pond Campground provides direct water access from multiple sites. "I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock. People have driven in to fish and kayak so I don't feel isolated and afraid, and I am just a few steps away from sitting on the dock and admiring the scenery," reports Katelyn H.

    What campers like

    Accessible camping options: Several sites offer ADA-friendly features throughout the Truxton area. Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite provides parking adjacent to tent sites. Janet R. describes: "The site is adjacent to a small parking area and fishing access on a really beautiful pond, which is unnamed on the map but is an impoundment of Bear Wallow Creek."

    Diverse campsite layouts: Sites range from open areas to wooded enclaves. At Long Pond Campground, Kevin C. notes: "The camp sites I saw all seemed to be large and level spots all located beneath the tree canopy. Sites seemed disbursed enough to provide a modest level of privacy."

    Solitude and tranquility: Most sites maintain distance between campers. Nature Lover's Paradise offers dedicated space with extensive trail access. Carol L. comments: "The tent site and the 70 acres of hiking trails sound like the perfect getaway for anyone looking to reconnect with nature."

    What you should know

    Seasonal outhouse availability: Facilities open after winter closures. At Spruce Pond Camping Area, Neil L. notes: "Toilet isn't set up yet but will once the season opens." Rose S. confirms in a later review: "Port-a-potty was available."

    Road access challenges: Forest roads vary widely in quality and maintenance. Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed has limited access points. Janet R. cautions: "The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintanence road... the whole road in is a tough ride."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular tent campsite near Truxton, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Truxton, NY is Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

    What is the best site to find tent camping near Truxton, NY?

    TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Truxton, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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