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Established Camping

Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest

3 Reviews

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Spruce Pond Camping Area in Morgan Hill State Forest is surrounded by forested terrain with trails and a pond nearby. Temperatures range from 20°F in winter to 80°F in summer, offering varied seasonal experiences. Campers can explore nearby attractions like Labrador Hollow Unique Area and Tinker Falls.

Description

From the Spruce Pond Camping Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

Primitive campsite (Site 1); and
Portable toilet (seasonal)

The campsite is approx. 75 feet from the parking area.

Primitive camping at Spruce Pond, from May 1 through September 30, requires a permit from the Lands and Forests office. Please call (607) 674-4036 ext. 600, M-F 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM to obtain a permit. For the remainder of the year, sites are available on a first come, first served basis.

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Location

Spruce Pond Camping Area - Morgan Hill State Forest is located in New York

Coordinates

42.79923707730575 N
76.02564099255696 W

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Nature Lover's Paradise

9 min away

Shady Pines Camp at CBG Farm - CLOSED

24 min away

Drive Time

Presented by

21 min from Syracuse
51 min from Ithaca
52 min from Binghamton
1 hr 4 min from Utica

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Phone Service
Fires

Contact

General Info

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Neil L.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 25, 2025

Solid camp spot

Lots of fisherman frequent the pond. 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.

Great trees for hammock camping though.

Site4

Month of VisitApril

Rose S.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 6, 2024

loud frogs

This was a nice spot, but the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night. Port-a-potty was available.

Site4

Month of VisitJuly

Janet R.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 16, 2024

Morgan Hill Spruce Pond campsites

This review is for the Morgan Hill primitve campsites at Spruce Pond. Although dispersed primitive camping is allowed elsewhere throughout the state forest, this is a group of ten established and well maintained primitive campsites right on Spruce Pond with fishing available and an amazing network of hiking and cross country ski trails along with mountain biking along the forest roads. There are fire grills and nicely developed tents sites, one nestled in the woods and three with their own pond access, and one is actually handicapped accessible with its own accessible fishing landing and an easy access to the parking lot. There is a brand new outhouse with wide accessible doorway as well. The setting is scenic and peaceful, and you can easily paddle or fish on the pond. You can also easily hike from here to the Labrador Hollow overlook where area hang-gliders launch, you might see some in action or at least get an amazing view of the Labrador Valley!

Note: a detailed map of the campground is here: https://extapps.dec.ny.gov/docs/regions_pdf/sprucepond.pdf

You may camp at this campground for free, but you do need a permit and should review the campground map to select your preferred site

Month of VisitJune

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Spruce Pond Campground located in New York?

Spruce Pond Camping Area is located within Morgan Hill State Forest in New York. This primitive camping destination features ten established campsites situated right on Spruce Pond. The state forest offers both these designated sites at Spruce Pond and dispersed primitive camping opportunities throughout the broader forest area. It's relatively close to Syracuse, making it a convenient getaway for those in central New York looking for a nature experience without traveling too far.

Is fishing allowed at Spruce Pond Campground?

Yes, fishing is allowed and popular at Spruce Pond Campground. The pond attracts many fishermen throughout the season, making it a great destination for anglers looking to combine camping with fishing. The pond supports active wildlife, which contributes to the natural fishing environment. For specific regulations regarding fishing licenses, catch limits, or seasonal restrictions, visitors should check with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation before their trip.

What amenities are available at Spruce Pond camping area?

Spruce Pond Camping Area offers primitive camping with minimal amenities. The site provides a port-a-potty during the regular camping season, though it may not be available in the early spring before the official season opens. The ten established campsites are well-maintained and situated along Spruce Pond. The sites have plenty of trees suitable for hammock camping, though the terrain varies—the first few campsites are considered the best for tent setup, while sites further down may require smaller tents due to less ideal ground conditions.

Are there hiking trails near Spruce Pond Campground?

Yes, Spruce Pond Campground is surrounded by an amazing network of hiking trails within Morgan Hill State Forest. These trails provide excellent opportunities for day hikes directly from your campsite. The state forest's extensive trail system allows visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area while staying at the campground. Trail difficulty varies, making the area suitable for different hiking experience levels. The combination of primitive camping and accessible hiking makes this location particularly appealing for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a complete nature experience near Syracuse.

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