Dispersed camping options near West Danby, New York extend beyond the Finger Lakes National Forest into several state forests and recreation areas within 30 miles of town. The region sits at approximately 1,300 feet elevation with heavily wooded terrain characterized by rolling hills and small ponds. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F, with cooler nights even during July and August when camping traffic increases.
What to do
Fishing at multiple ponds: Foster Pond and Long Pond Campground offer different fishing experiences. Long Pond is particularly productive for anglers, with one visitor noting, "The pond is quite large compared to other area ponds, and there are three accesses for fishing: a regular boat launch with parking lot and dock, a carry-in kayak access near campsite 6, and a handicapped accessible fishing pier near campsite 1."
Horseback riding trails: Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping maintains dedicated horse trails and facilities. A visitor explained, "The horse stalls were used regularly and seeing horses coming and going on trail rides is a daily occurrence."
Hiking interconnected trails: The Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed area provides extensive backpacking options. A camper advises, "Be sure to download a copy of the forest map with the trails network marked, as the various 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 campers like
Clean facilities: Many rustic camping areas near West Danby maintain basic but well-kept amenities. At Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite, a camper reported, "Bathrooms were clean and had potable water. There were lots of horses. There are hiking trails right out of the site!"
Secluded sites: Finger Lakes National Forest offers camping spots with privacy. One visitor described their experience: "The site was quiet, roomy and once at the 'top' is quite level. Not vehicles came in or out all night (and it was a Saturday!)."
Wildlife viewing: Long Pond Campground provides excellent wildlife observation opportunities. A visitor commented, "I don't feel isolated and afraid, and I am just a few steps away from sitting on the dock and admiring the scenery...if I had a rod and reel I wouldn't need to worry for food at all."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Some forest routes require high-clearance vehicles. At Finger Lakes National Forest, a camper warned, "The road in (a loop) is steep on both sides (a truck or vehicle with clearance would be helpful but you could also park at the bottom if you needed to)."
Limited amenities: Many primitive camping areas near West Danby lack basic facilities. At Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site, a camper explained, "This truly is primitive camping, no picnic tables, no lean-to shelter like at some other area FTL campsites, no water source other than the brook (you should filter it even though the source is a spring near by), no latrines, no fire grates."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies across camping areas. A Long Pond visitor shared, "T-Mobile service has been exceptional as well," while at Sugar Hill Recreation Area, another noted "WiFi and phone service are pretty limited, typically ranging between 1-2 bars."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible options: Some sites accommodate various needs. At Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground, a visitor explained, "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."
Campsite selection timing: Family-friendly spots fill up differently depending on the day. At Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite, a camper noted, "Weekends are very busy but weekdays there were no more than 7 or 8 campsites occupied each night."
Water access for kids: Several campgrounds offer safe water entry points. At Long Pond, a visitor mentioned, "Some of the campsites closest to the road had evidence of driveby garbage dumpers who popped in and dumped household garbage right in a couple of the campsites...otherwise the campsites are large and shaded and well spaced from each other and close to the pond."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Most rustic camping near West Danby has space limitations. At Long Pond, a camper advised, "Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel."
Solar charging considerations: Tree cover affects power generation. At Sugar Hill Recreation Area, a camper shared, "Some sites are close and some are spread out. About half of them are in the sun and half get shade all day. I switched sites after a day to get some solar charging."
Parking locations: Some areas offer overflow options when sites are full. At Foster Pond Camping Area, a visitor noted, "If heading North on Potomac Road, turn left at the intersection and you'll find a parking lot. Into the woods around the Lake you'll find free dispersed camping. My mom and I stayed just in the parking lot and had no issues and weren't bothered."
