Dispersed camping in Morgan Hill State Forest allows travelers 150 feet of distance from trails, water sources, and roads. The terrain around Tully consists of wooded hills ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 feet elevation with seasonal temperature variations that can drop below freezing at night, even in summer months. Most primitive camping areas don't have trash collection facilities, so campers need to pack out everything they carry in.
What to do
Hiking through glacier-formed landscapes: The trail system at Taughannock Falls State Park Campground offers easy to moderate paths suitable for all skill levels. "The gorge hikes are also moderate and invigorating," notes Ashley B., while Steve W. shares that the "falls trails were all well defined and excellent for a beginner, moderate hiker. More advanced trails were also offered as well as biking trails, so plenty for any level of adventurer!"
Swimming in natural waters: The swimming area at Taughannock Falls extends to 12 feet deep with a jumping dock. Barbara S. mentions, "The campground is very walkable to the swimming area, which goes to 12 feet deep and has a dock to jump off of." At Green Lakes State Park Campground, Kenneth S. describes water that's "Crystal clear and very blue, you will think you are in the Caribbean Islands. We visit this park very frequently to rent a boat or to hike the trails."
Seasonal produce shopping: Local farm stands near camping areas provide fresh provisions during summer months. The entrance to Morgan Hill Forest's Onondaga Trailhead campground sits "adjacent to a very nice farm stand that is a good stop for supplies," according to Janet R., making it convenient to stock up on local food while camping.
What campers like
Diverse bathroom facilities: Campground bathrooms vary significantly across the region. At Fillmore Glen State Park Campground, Charyssa G. notes "Bathrooms are very clean and close to all campsites." Green Lakes features recently updated facilities, with Sheri S. reporting, "The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground."
Private camping options: For those seeking seclusion beyond typical dog friendly campgrounds near Tully, Woonton Family Farms offers just two pet-friendly sites. Willemien V. describes it as "a cozy and beautiful campsite with personal attention of the owner. We had a great campfire, fresh blackberries and the option of canoeing... It was a welcome difference from the common/look-alike campgrounds everywhere else."
Well-maintained trails: Trail conditions receive consistent praise from campers. At Taughannock Falls, Steve W. appreciated the "lots of educational posters along the way to keep you informed of what you were seeing and the history about how it was created." Janet R. notes that at Morgan Hill Forest, "the trails are blazed and have occasional signs, but they crisscross in a confusing network and you can get easily turned around without a map."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Campground noise levels vary significantly by location and timing. At Watkins Glen State Park Campground, Lori F. mentioned "good patrols at night to keep people from being too noisy," while Taughannock Falls can get louder on weekends with Janet B. noting, "I stayed on a Saturday night so the crowd was definitely loud and nosy."
Seasonal availability: Many facilities operate seasonally. Green Lakes State Park's swimming beach doesn't open until late June according to Sara H., who notes "Fun hiking area the water is gorgeous. Great playgrounds. Bathrooms and showers were very clean." Taughannock Falls runs from April 15 to October 16, while Fillmore Glen operates May 6 to October 9.
Water access limitations: Many pet-friendly campsites near Tully have restrictions on personal watercraft. Kenneth S. points out at Green Lakes, "You cannot bring your own kayaks you have to rent," which costs around $7 per hour according to reviewers. At Morgan Hill's dispersed sites, Janet R. warns campers to "be prepared to pack out your own garbage. You need to bring your own water, there is none provided here."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Tully feature play areas for children. At Fillmore Glen State Park, Charyssa G. reports, "Kids loved the park and swimming in the waterfall beach." Green Lakes offers extensive recreational facilities with Kelly J. sharing: "If you want something for everyone, this is the place. Beach for swimming with concession stand with quite a full menu. Beach also has a great playground for kids that is perfect for play and swim."
Educational opportunities: Many sites incorporate learning experiences into camping. At Taughannock Falls, Steve W. appreciated the "lots of educational posters along the way to keep you informed of what you were seeing and the history about how it was created." For more interactive options, Jennifer W. mentions, "Also a short Drive away is a Farm Sanctuary that my son very much enjoyed."
Safe water features: Swimming areas vary in depth and safety features. Barbara S. notes Taughannock Falls "swimming area, which goes to 12 feet deep and has a dock to jump off of." At Fillmore Glen, Kim B. warns, "Swimming is only allowed in certain parts and there are some pretty steep drop offs so watch the kids close."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV campers should research specific site configurations. At Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground, Janet R. explains 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."
Hookup variations: Electric and water services differ between pet-friendly campgrounds. At Green Lakes, Cindy H. reports "There are many sites with electric available at every site. There are some sites with full hook-up available and also specific areas that allow pets." At Taughannock Falls, Beth notes "Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you'll need extra long cords."
Road navigation: Larger vehicles face challenges at some locations. Laura L. cautions about Watkins Glen: "We stayed in a 30 ft. motorhome, and the roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves." At Taughannock Falls, Steve W. notes the campground is "cozy, clean, and just right for a little off the grid fun. No electricity or water hook ups available, but nice big public baths and plenty of water access all around the camp ground."
Legend
