Best Tent Camping near Tully, NY
State forests surrounding Tully, New York offer numerous primitive tent camping opportunities within a short drive. Morgan Hill State Forest features the Spruce Pond Camping Area with ten established tent sites situated along the water, making it popular with fishermen and paddlers. The Onondaga Trailhead campground in the same forest provides both basic tent spots and two developed campsites with cement pads and picnic tables. For backcountry tent camping experiences, Pharsalia Woods State Forest, located southwest of Tully, contains several primitive tent sites including Bear Wallow Pond and Jackson Pond, which are accessible via the Finger Lakes Trail network.
Most tent campsites in the region require campers to bring their own water and supplies. The Spruce Pond area has a seasonal port-a-potty but no drinking water facilities. Sites typically feature fire rings or grills, with some offering picnic tables. Tent pads are generally level but unimproved, set on natural forest surfaces. According to a recent visitor at Morgan Hill's Onondaga Trailhead, "You need to come prepared to use the bushes by your campsite and leave no trace, plus bring your own water." Many sites require permits from the DEC office in Cortland, with applications processed within one week. A 14-day stay limit applies at most locations.
The tent-only experience in these forests provides excellent access to trail networks and water features. At Spruce Pond, one camper noted that "the first few campsites are the best for tent setup, with smaller tents working better in some locations." The sites offer good hammock camping opportunities with mature trees providing ample shade. Fall visitors experience vibrant foliage, particularly at Bear Wallow Pond where "the changing leaves are breathtaking." Most primitive tent sites remain peaceful even on weekends, with campsites spaced far enough apart to maintain privacy while still being within sight of neighboring campfires. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with active pond life including vocal frogs that some campers report can be quite noisy at night.
