The fire tower rising above this dispersed camping area marks a departure from typical state forest sites. Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite spreads across an open field surrounded by forest within Sugar Hill State Forest, where the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation maintains 26 individual sites at no charge to campers.
Horses arrive regularly throughout the day, as the campground doubles as an equestrian staging area with dedicated stalls. "Seeing horses coming and going on trail rides is a daily occurrence," notes Kevin C.. The dispersed layout prevents sites from feeling crowded, even during busy weekend periods when most of the 26 spots fill up. Weekdays see significantly fewer campers, with typically fewer than eight sites occupied.
Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, while the central bathroom facility provides flush toilets and running water year-round. Water spigots appear throughout the camping area, and daily garbage collection eliminates the need to pack out trash. The bathroom building also houses the self-registration kiosk where overnight visitors sign in, while day users simply sign a logbook.
Access requires navigating a gravel road that some reviewers describe as rough, particularly after wet weather. The campground sits about three miles from camping near Tyrone and provides convenient access to Watkins Glen State Park and the Finger Lakes region. Hiking trails connect directly from the camping area into the surrounding forest. For campers seeking additional options in the area, Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping operates less than a mile away.
The combination of free camping, full facilities, and equestrian activity creates an atmosphere unlike most state forest sites, where the sound of hoofbeats mixes with typical camping sounds throughout the day.
Description
Starting May 17, 2021 the Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area has been re-opened for camping and day use. In an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 camping is limited to 26 designated sites. A self-issued permit must be filled out when you arrive. There is no reservation system, if you arrive and all campsites are full you will have to find another location to camp.
The Sugar Hill Recreation Area, located off of Tower Hill Rd, is the largest designated camping area on Sugar Hill State Forest. Available on a first-come first-serve basis, the area is a nine-acre open field for camping, with a limited number of fire rings and picnic tables. New for 2021 (in order to limit the spread of COVID-19) 26 campsites have been designated in the open field area. Upon arrival, campers must fill out a self-issued camping permit. There is no reservation system, if you arrive and it is full you will have to find another location to camp.
Other facilities in the Rec Area include; a picnic area with picnic tables and pavilion, an accessible horse-mounting platform, open horse stalls, during summer months a restroom with potable water are available, and access to the Six Nations Trail System, as well as the Sugar Hill Fire Tower. The gate is opened to vehicle traffic, and the water turned on, from the 3rd Monday in May through the 3rd Monday in October of each year.
Individual campsites are located throughout the State Forest. These 19 additional primitive designated camping sites are semi-flat spots, some are graveled parking areas, others are small openings set back in the woods on topsoil, most with no other facilities provided.
Primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water.
Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger. No trash pickup is provided. These are carry-in, carry-out facilities.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite is located in New York near Tyrone
Coordinates
42.38708647 N
77.00259774 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/4/26
Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 6/4/26- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/4/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/4/26
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 6/4/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/4/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 35 min from Elmira, NY
- 40 min from Ithaca, NY
- 1 hr 23 min from Binghamton, NY
- 1 hr 35 min from Syracuse, NY
