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Best Dispersed Camping near Athens, PA

16 Reviews

Old Logger's Path near Athens, Pennsylvania offers free dispersed camping with excellent hiking trails through forested terrain. This primitive camping area requires hike-in or walk-in access only, with no vehicle accommodations. The area permits pets and provides basic toilet facilities and picnic tables. Fires are not allowed, and visitors should pack out all trash as no collection services exist.

Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area, located approximately 70 miles northwest in New York, provides free drive-in dispersed camping with more amenities. The campground features flush toilets, drinking water, shower facilities, picnic tables, and designated fire rings. According to one visitor, "The sites were spacious. It was a cool and windy night, which made it perfect for sleeping." Another noted, "Each site has a table with benches and a fire place. You can drive your car in here (gravel road)." The area accommodates both tent and RV camping, though most sites are best suited for smaller vehicles and rigs.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Athens, Pennsylvania (7)

    1. Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    13 Reviews
    Tyrone, NY
    39 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. Old Logger's Path

    2 Reviews
    Shunk, PA
    34 miles
    Website

    3. Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping

    5 Reviews
    Tyrone, NY
    40 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."

    4. South Slope Trail Head Dispersed Camp

    1 Review
    Burdett, NY
    38 miles

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

    5. Foster Pond Camping Area

    1 Review
    Hector, NY
    41 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."

    6. Long Pond Campground

    4 Reviews
    Georgetown, NY
    48 miles

    "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."

    "Campground was easy to locate and the road was in good shape. We stayed in the space across from the port-a-pottie."

    7. Finger Lakes National Forest

    1 Review
    Hector, NY
    40 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)."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Athens, PA

14 Photos of 7 Athens Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Athens, PA

16 Reviews of 7 Athens Campgrounds

  • Jacob D.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Amazing campsite!!

    Stopped in to "ride out a rain storm." After surviving the night, we discovered all the amenities. Free garbage service daily, Water faucets were placed all over the campground. There is a Forest Fire Lookout Tower next to the bathrooms.

    Camp sites are disbursed so you don't feel crowded or squeezed for space.

    Weekends are very busy but weekdays there were no more than 7 or 8 campsites occupied each night.

    The horse stalls were used regularly and seeing horses coming and going on trail rides is a daily occurrence.

  • Joel M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2025

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Free campround with Toiletts

    This campground is basically a big field surrounded by the forest. The sites are really nice, each one has a table with benches and a fire place. You can drive your car in here (gravel road). It has a toilet house.

Guide to Athens

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Athens, Pennsylvania, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure without the crowds. This area offers a variety of options for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Athens

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the scenic trails available at Old Logger's Path, which features beautiful views and a peaceful forest atmosphere.
  • For those who enjoy horseback riding, the Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite provides ample opportunities to see horses on trail rides, adding a unique touch to your camping experience.
  • Fishing is a popular activity at Long Pond Campground, where visitors can enjoy the scenic pond and its productive fishing spots.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Sugar Hill Recreation Area

  • The Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping is known for its well-maintained sites, offering a mix of sunny and shaded areas perfect for setting up camp.
  • With clean bathrooms and a variety of site options, this area is ideal for families and groups looking for a comfortable yet rustic experience.
  • The campground's proximity to Watkins Glen makes it a convenient base for exploring local attractions while enjoying the tranquility of nature.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Athens, Pennsylvania

  • When visiting Foster Pond Camping Area, be prepared for a no-amenities experience, which allows for a true back-to-nature feel.
  • Always check the local regulations and guidelines, as some areas like the South Slope Trail Head Dispersed Camp do not offer amenities such as toilets or trash disposal.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider exploring the various dispersed sites available at Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite, where you can find plenty of space to enjoy your surroundings without feeling crowded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Athens, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Athens, PA 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 Athens, PA?

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

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