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Tent Camping near Tully, NY

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    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.

    Best Tent Campgrounds near Tully (20)

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      1. Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest

      4.3(4)4mi from TullyTents

      "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. Nature Lover's Paradise

      5.0(1)9mi from Tully1 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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      3. Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground

      4.0(1)6mi from TullyTents

      "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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      4. Empire Haven Nudist Park

      5.0(1)15mi from TullyRVs, 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. Lakeshore Grocery & Otisco Lake Campground

      Be the first to review8mi from TullyRVs, Tents

      from $35 - $139 / night

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      6. Pharsalia Y Pond

      5.0(1)23mi from TullyTents

      "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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      7. Jackson Pond Tent Sites

      4.0(1)23mi from TullyTents

      "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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      8. Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods

      4.0(1)24mi from TullyTents

      "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)26mi from TullyTents

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

      10. Long Pond Campground

      3.8(5)30mi from TullyTents

      "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."

    View all 20 campgrounds

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    Recent Tent Camping Photos near Tully, NY

    20 Photos of 20 Tully Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Tent Camping Reviews near Tully, NY

    541 Reviews of 20 Tully 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.

    • Haley C.
      Sep. 27, 2026

      Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp Resort at Mexico

      Run down, arrogant and disrespectful ownership, severe safety concerns

      I would never return to this campground. We rented a golf cart, and while going downhill, the rear wheel came completely off because the lug nuts were not secured. My 1-year-old and 6-year-old were on the cart, and we were extremely fortunate that no one was injured. When I expressed how serious and upsetting this was and how close my children were to being injured the owner’s response was,“But were they?” When I explained that my children were thankfully not injured but were shaken up by the incident, he sarcastically questioned whether my 1-year-old could be traumatized. They did provide us with another golf cart afterward, but I consider that the bare minimum after being given an unsafe rental. After the apparent lack of proper inspection of the cart and the ill-mannered response to such a serious safety issue, I would never recommend this campground.

    • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 23, 2026

      Delta Lake State Park Campground

      Nice Park!

      Had an overnight stay here and it was really peaceful. The reservoir had been drained but it was still lovely to look out across the property. You definitely can’t beat $30 for an electric site! Restrooms were a bit dated but clean. Staff was very friendly. Our site was spacious and next to a short walking trail through the trees.

    • 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.

    Guide to Tully

    Dispersed camping options near Tully, New York extend beyond established areas into several additional state forests within a 30-mile radius. Camping in these forests requires adherence to DEC regulations, including maintaining sites at least 150 feet from water bodies, roads, or trails. Most primitive sites accommodate 3-4 small tents on natural, uneven surfaces that may become muddy after rainfall.

    What to do

    Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds throughout the region offer trout fishing experiences. At Bear Wallow Pond, campers enjoy both fishing and paddling, with one visitor noting that "in summer, the shoreline wildflowers are riotous" while fall brings exceptional color.

    Trail exploration: The extensive Finger Lakes Trail network connects several camping areas. Pharsalia Woods Lean-To Campsite offers hikers "a perennial spring nearby, but campers should be prepared to filter or treat their water," according to an experienced visitor.

    Wildlife observation: Ponds in the region support diverse animal communities, particularly amphibians. A camper at Spruce Pond observed that "the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night," highlighting the vibrant ecosystem present.

    What campers like

    Lean-to structures: Some campsites feature Adirondack-style shelters maintained by volunteer groups. At Pharsalia Woods, campers appreciate that the site includes "several picnic tables and fire rings, and firewood provided" by local hiking clubs.

    Private waterfront access: Spruce Pond Camping Area features sites with individual water access. A camper detailed that "there are fire grills and nicely developed tent sites, one nestled in the woods and three with their own pond access."

    Accessible options: Several sites accommodate visitors with mobility limitations. One reviewer highlighted that at Spruce Pond "one is actually handicapped accessible with its own accessible fishing landing and an easy access to the parking lot."

    What you should know

    Permit requirements: Most primitive sites in state forests require advance registration. Permits for Jackson Pond Tent Sites and similar locations must be obtained from "the regional DEC office at 1285 Fisher Ave., Cortland NY" with applications processed within a week.

    Road conditions: Access to some dispersed sites requires traveling on unmaintained roads. One camper reported that the route to Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed camping "is a tough ride" with the road "in pretty rough shape" and marked as a low maintenance road.

    Limited amenities: Most sites lack basic facilities. Even at more developed sites like Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground, visitors "need to come prepared to use the bushes by your campsite and leave no trace, plus bring your own water."

    Tips for camping with families

    Best tent camping near Tully, New York for kids: Choose pond-adjacent sites for water-based activities. Nature Lover's Paradise provides "70 acres of hiking trails" that are suitable for families seeking shorter nature walks.

    Plan for wildlife encounters: Ponds host active wildlife that may disturb light sleepers. Bring earplugs for sensitive family members, especially during spring and early summer when frogs are most vocal.

    Hygiene preparations: With no toilet facilities at most sites, families should bring portable toilet systems, hand sanitizer, and waste disposal bags. Plan to pack out all waste and garbage according to DEC regulations.

    Tips from RVers

    Size restrictions: Most forest roads leading to tent camping areas near Tully have limited clearance for larger vehicles. A small trailer or pop-up camper may access Morgan Hill's developed sites, which feature "two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits."

    Alternative established campgrounds: For RVers seeking hook-ups, Empire Haven offers full-service sites within driving distance of hiking trails. A visitor described it as having "cabins over the years" in a setting that is "quiet and peaceful."

    Seasonal considerations: Spring access is often limited by mud and seasonal road closures. Most forest roads remain unplowed in winter, making sites accessible only by snowshoe or cross-country skiing from December through March.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tully, 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 Tully, NY?

    TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Tully, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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