The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Willard, NY

16 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Willard, New York centers primarily in the Finger Lakes National Forest, where several free primitive sites are available without reservations. Sugar Hill Recreation Area and Sugar Hill Fire Tower provide designated dispersed camping with minimal facilities. Foster Pond Camping Area offers additional free sites at the intersection of Potomac Road and Chicken Coop Road. Morgan Hill State Forest, located farther northeast, contains primitive backcountry camping along the Onondaga Trail and throughout the forest, where campers must follow Leave No Trace principles and state forest camping regulations.

Access varies significantly between sites, with most areas requiring vehicles to navigate unpaved forest roads. Sugar Hill sites feature gravel road access suitable for most passenger vehicles. Sites at Foster Pond include both drive-in and walk-in options, with a parking lot available at the intersection where primitive camping is permitted around the lake. Morgan Hill sites require either backpacking in from trailheads or driving to specific designated areas. No hookups or services exist at any of these locations, though Sugar Hill does provide vault toilets and some sites have picnic tables and fire rings. All areas require visitors to pack out trash and bring their own water.

These forested areas offer solitude and natural settings typical of Finger Lakes region dispersed camping. "Clean vault toilet. Nice hiking trails at the moment. Great free location between destinations," noted one visitor about Sugar Hill Recreation Area. Another camper remarked about Foster Pond, "My mom and I stayed just in the parking lot and had no issues and weren't bothered. NO AMENITIES." Sugar Hill Fire Tower sites receive praise for their spaciousness and amenities unusual for dispersed camping, with one camper noting "Free garbage service daily, water faucets placed all over the campground." Proximity to Watkins Glen (about 15 minutes from Sugar Hill) makes these sites convenient for exploring the region while maintaining the primitive camping experience. Weekdays typically see significantly fewer campers than weekends, especially during summer months.

Map showing campgrounds near Willard, New YorkExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Willard, New York (7)

    1. Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    13 Reviews
    Tyrone, NY
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 622-8282

    "We used the map on the state forest website. But most spots have a privy/port o potty. We found the map on the website helpful because there are spots all over."

    "We stayed here for 2 nights car camping. quiet and clean. spots had fire rings and picnic tables. Bathrooms were clean and had potable water. There were lots of horses."

    2. Foster Pond Camping Area

    1 Review
    Hector, NY
    13 miles

    "Right at the intersection of Potomac Road and Chicken Coop road in the Finger Lakes National Forest. If heading North on Potomac Road, turn left at the intersection and you’ll find a parking lot."

    3. Finger Lakes National Forest

    1 Review
    Hector, NY
    14 miles

    "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)."

    4. Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping

    5 Reviews
    Tyrone, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 622-8282

    "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. Clean bathrooms with flush toilets. Sign in near bathrooms on arrival."

    "The coordinates are wrong. Search for sugar hill fire tower and you’ll find it. 42.3868868, -77.0025425)

    The place itself is really great."

    5. South Slope Trail Head Dispersed Camp

    1 Review
    Burdett, NY
    16 miles

    "There is one campsite near trail. There was more traffic than I expected. Also there is no cell service. No real tires"

    6. Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed

    1 Review
    Apulia Station, NY
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 753-3095

    "This location has a set of 2 large trailhead parking lots for hikers and backpackers accessing the vast trail network of the Morgan Hill State Forest."

    7. Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground

    1 Review
    Truxton, NY
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 753-3095

    "This is a small state forest campground in the Morgan Hill forest from which you can directly access the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country scenic trail."

Show More
Showing results 1-7 of 7 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Willard Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Willard, NY

14 Photos of 7 Willard Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Willard, NY

16 Reviews of 7 Willard Campgrounds

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground

    Morgan Hill OT/NCST trailhead campground

    This is a small state forest campground in the Morgan Hill forest from which you can directly access the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country scenic trail. Although the campsites here are primitive and free, they are official developed campsites and not really “dispersed” campsites. 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 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 —but while I agree that the picnic tables and cement pad around the fireplace can certainly accomodate wheelchairs, and the tenting area is roomy, note that there are NO OTHER ADA amenities at these sites, eg no water source and NO toilet or outhouse right at the campground. While you can drive right up to your campsite location, which is accessible, you would actually have to hike quite a long ways west on the OnondagaTrail to access a pit toilet, or to have stream access for obtaining water to boil, so you DO need to come prepared to use the bushes by your campsite and leave no trace, plus bring your own water. (See attached map where I circled the campground area in orange) That being said, this location is peaceful and quiet with mature trees and plenty of distance between neighboring campers, and would be an ideal setting for a group campout. 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! You can best access this campground from the south side of the forest; the entrance is from state route 13 on Morgan Hill Rd south,  adjacent to a very nice farm stand that is a good stop  for supplies, and there is a DEC forest sign to mark the turn off from Rt 13.  After that, you are on your own and should bring a map to navigate as the hiking trails are marked with signs where they cross the roads, but the road to turn off from Morgan Hill Rd to the campground is not marked. You can set your driving directions on Google Maps beforehad, to this endpoint: https://www.google.com/maps/dir//42.767846,-75.997552/@42.7799792,-76.08097,12z?entry=ttu

    You might also want to download the free Avenza map of the forest which will allow you to navigate real time even if you don't have cell service, that link is here: https://store.avenza.com/products/morgan-hill-state-forest-nysdec-map?queryID=eb824498ff4125babc1c06655b111da4&objectID=42626406056092

     general info for this state forest is here: 

    https://dec.ny.gov/places/morgan-hill-state-forest

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed

    Primitive Dispersed camping at Morgan Hill

    This location has a set of 2 large trailhead parking lots for hikers and backpackers accessing the vast trail network of the Morgan Hill State Forest. (See area circled in image on map) You do not camp here at these parking lots, but from here can backpack in to the woods on the Onondaga Trail or connecting trails, and from there you can do LNT dispersed camping as long as you follow the state forest camping rules(see this link for more details: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/camping/state-land-rules) such as not setting up camp within 150 of a stream or other body or water, and not near an official campground (There are 2 official drive-in primitive camp grounds in the vicinty, for which you need permits from the local ranger; otherwise, elsewhere in the forest you can backpack the various trails and camp at your own site if you leave no trace). You need to bring your own water, there is none provided here, and be prepared to pack out your own garbage. 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. The woods are beautiful and the trails are well developed, but also be prepared for ticks and the need for repellent as they are thick in spring and early summer. Note: the trails going west from here enter the Labrador Hollow Unique area, which is part of the state forest but is a special preserve where camping is NOT allowed, so be aware of your lication

  • Jacob D.
    Sep. 13, 2024

    Foster Pond Camping Area

    Relaxed Free Dispersed Camping

    Right at the intersection of Potomac Road and Chicken Coop road in the Finger Lakes National Forest. 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. NO AMENITIES

  • Lylah H.
    May. 17, 2024

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Great spot, follow the map around

    I believe it’s still off season so the spot with all the facilities wasn’t open. We used the map on the state forest website. But most spots have a privy/port o potty. We found the map on the website helpful because there are spots all over. Site 28 did have a sign about not awaking “butch and big daddy” as two young women we decided we didn’t want to stick around and meet them. There was a privy at 35 which was nice. The site by the pond was really cute with a privy but a walk in (believe it was 37)!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Would Stay again

    We stayed here for 2 nights car camping. quiet and clean. spots had fire rings and picnic tables. Bathrooms were clean and had potable water. There were lots of horses. There are hiking trails right out of the site! would absolutely stay here again!

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Free camping with amenities!

    26 camp sites with bathrooms! That flush! Very quiet and the sites aren’t on top of each other. People bring their horses. You can drive to to your site and tent camp or camper camp. I would come back!

  • Brittany S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2022

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Great location

    We stayed here during an anniversary trip to the Finger Lakes. Easy proximity to Seneca Lake and Watkins Glen State Park. Nice wooded area kept us far enough away from other campers. Great location!

  • A
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Excellent Free Site

    No show but decent bathrooms. I spent a night at Watkins Glen the only advantage was the shower. But you can wash up well here. You can stay horses here, each site has a fire pit and it feels safe.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2023

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Well worth it

    I drove in from out of state and I absolutely adore this campground! Will be returning, I found a lovely spot tucked into a back corner and has the most relaxing weekend.

Guide to Willard

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Willard, New York, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. With a variety of options available, campers can enjoy the freedom of choosing their own sites while experiencing the stunning landscapes of the Finger Lakes region.

Scenic Views and Tranquility for Dispersed Campers

  • The Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite offers a peaceful atmosphere with spacious sites, allowing campers to enjoy the natural surroundings without feeling crowded.
  • Campers can take advantage of the nearby Forest Fire Lookout Tower, which adds a unique touch to the experience and provides great views of the area.
  • With amenities like free garbage service and water faucets scattered throughout, this site ensures a comfortable stay while embracing the beauty of nature.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Sugar Hill Recreation Area

  • The Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping features a mix of sunny and shaded sites, making it easy to find the perfect spot for your tent or RV.
  • This area is conveniently located just a short drive from Watkins Glen, making it an ideal base for exploring local attractions while enjoying a peaceful retreat.
  • With limited crowds during the week, visitors can relish the tranquility and privacy that this location offers, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Willard, New York

  • For those seeking a truly rustic experience, the Foster Pond Camping Area provides free dispersed camping with no amenities, allowing for a back-to-basics adventure.
  • Be prepared to pack out your own trash and bring your own water, as many dispersed sites, like the one at Morgan Hill State Forest, do not offer these facilities.
  • Always check local regulations and guidelines for dispersed camping to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, especially in areas like the Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground, where specific rules apply to protect the natural environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Willard, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Willard, NY is Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite with a 4.8-star rating from 13 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Willard, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Willard, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring