Camping - Youth Groups

Who Can Book the Campsites?
Highland's rustic cabins are a primary destination for scouting and other youth events. The cabins are available for all types of organized minor (18 & under) youth group outings with adult (21 & up) supervision. In addition to scout groups, the groups may be youth school groups, youth religious groups or youth community groups. One adult must be with the group at all times and is responsible for group conduct and safety. Adult groups are not permitted to use the sites.

What Types of Facilities are Available?
There are rustic cabins and tenting areas. There are warming huts, wood stoves & other amenities at the various sites. Click here for details about each camp/building or tent section.

When are the Campsites Available
Year Round - Overnight Use - Click here for specific availability.
Check-In 4:00-9:00pm / Check-Out 2:00pm

Making a Reservation
Reservations can be made online or by phone at (315) 451-6249, up to 11 months in advance.
Please note: As of 4/1/2024, we are using a new reservation system. You will need to set up a new account to book online. Hint: To search for Youth Group Camping availability choose Highland Forest under Location & Youth Group Camping under Type.

Payment 
Full payment is due when placing a reservation. MasterCard, Visa, Discover & American Express are accepted. Phone reservations require payment at the time of placing the reservation. Checks, money orders & cash are accepted only when making the reservation in person at the Reservations Office at Onondaga Lake Park, 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool NY.

For more information, click here for the Youth Group Camping Rules & Regulations.

QUESTIONS?
Reservations: (315) 451-6249 or email reservations@ongov.net
Camping Amenities/Facility Information: Contact Highland Forest (315) 683-5550 or highland@ongov.net

Cross-Country Skiing

Highland boasts 40 miles of cross-country ski trails, 20 of which are groomed and track-set for all ability levels, and 3 skate ski loops. It is the ideal place for skiers, snowshoers and hikers who are looking to experience the pristine nature that Southern Onondaga County has to offer. Ski, boot & pole rentals are available. 

Click here to download the Highland Forest Trail Maps.

Click here for the latest condition report.

Cross Country Ski Day Pass: $10; $5 child (15 & under)

Cross Country Ski Season Pass: $30; $20 child (15 & under)

Cross Country Ski Season Passes can be purchased AND paid for online beginning November 1. Click here for more information.

Dogs Allowed

Dogs must be a 6 ft. leash and remain on hiking trails. They must be under control at all times, inoculated for rabies and never left unattended.

Food

The Skyline Lodge Cafe will be open winter weekends beginning mid-December from 11:00am-3:00pm. Run by our exclusive caterer, Bull & Bear Roadhouse, hearty fare will be featured on the menu. The cafe will open weather permitting, when the trails are skiable.

Historic Sites

Pioneer Museum
Discover the unique history of Highland Forest and Fabius through an array of photographs and artifacts. Open June - August, Saturday & Sunday, 1-4pm. Free admission.  The museum is operated by the Fabius Historical Society. 

Horseback Riding

BYOH...Bring Your Own Horse!

Horseback trails are open May 1 - October 31. Explore Highland Forest on specially designated horseback trails. All riders must register in the Skyline Lodge, complete an equestrian permit, and be prepared to show Coggins Papers. All riders must use the Highland Forest Horseback Riding Map. For details, parking and gate information, call the office at (315) 683-5550.

Please note: Guided horseback rides are not available at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Hunting

Bow/Deer Hunting is permitted in the Fall while Turkey Hunting is allowed in the Spring at Highland Forest. Purchase of a season hunting pass is required.

Highland Forest Hunting Passes can be purchased online beginning one month before season opening date. Click here for more information.

All passes purchased will need to be picked up at Highland Forest's Skyline Lodge. Lodge hours are 8:30-4:00pm, daily.. Hunters will need to supply vehicle information and present hunting license. 

Click here for Bow/Deer Hunting Map & Rules. Click here for Turkey Hunting Rules & Map.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking trails are open May 1 - September 30. There is no better place to give your bike a workout than on the 20 miles of trails at the "Adirondacks of Central New York." Highland offers a mix of country road, mountain trail and backwoods adventure while opportunities for Off-Road Bicycling can be found on park roads and on fire lanes. All bikers must park in the Skyline Lodge lot and register inside the lodge. Click here to download the Highland Forest Trail Maps or pick one up at the park office.

Picnic Areas

Highland Forest features two outdoor shelters, Community and Torbert (available May-October) perfect for your next casual family function or group outing.

Rentals: Skis

Package (includes skis, Boots and Poles) $15 for Adults, $10 for Children ( 15 and under). 
Individual items, Skis, Boots and Poles all $7 each. 

Rentals: Snowshoes

Snowshoe rentals are available daily, weather permitting. Adults $10, Child $5 (15 & under). 

Sleighrides

Enjoy a classic, horse-drawn sleigh/wagon ride through the woods at beautiful Highland Forest Park. Rides are approximately twenty minutes long, run with or without snow, and reservations are required.

Saturdays & Sundays, December 16 - mid-March, weather permitting
11:00am-3:30pm (last ride leaves at 3:30pm)
Additional days of operation: Tuesday-Friday, December 26-29 & Monday, January 1

$10 per person, under 5 free.

Click here to reserve online. For more information, contact CNY Carriage Company at (315) 225-3343.

Private group rides available, ask about that when you call.

Sledding

There is no charge to use the sledding hill which is 300'. Please note: The sledding hill is not supervised.

Snowshoeing

Highland Forest trails offers all levels of snowshoers a chance to enjoy the forest on 6 trails of varying lengths: .5 miles to 8. 7 miles. Snowshoes are rented daily during park hours, conditions permitting, for $10; $5 (15 & under.) 

Click here to download the Highland Forest Trail Map.

Trails (Walking/Hiking)

The best way to experience the great outdoors is to explore the wooded trails of Highland. Click here to download the Highland Forest Trails Map. Some of the trails at Highland Forest are part of the Finger Lakes Trail which begins at the Pennsylvania -New York border in Allegany State Park and continues to the Long Path in the Catskill Preserve.