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Balsam Swamp State Forest

Balsam Swamp State Forest in New York features forested terrain with a mix of hardwoods and conifers. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby, visitors can explore Bowman Lake State Park and the Finger Lakes Trail for additional outdoor activities.

Description

State Park

Camping primitive camping General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations At large 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. A small rustic camp ground is also located at Balsam Pond. Camping spaces are available at no cost on a first-come, first-serve basis and there is no running water or electricity. A fire ring, outhouse, and picnic table are provided for each camping space.

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Location

Balsam Swamp State Forest is located in New York

Detail location of campground

Directions

Access to Balsam Swamp State Forest is gained from numerous town roads off of County Routes 23, 7, and 10. Balsam Pond is located on Balsam-Tyler Road. Balsam Tyler Road (42.549064°N, 75.758419°W) North End Road (42.530423°N, 75.824057°W)

Coordinates

42.54906417 N
75.75841497 W

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Access

  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Pets
  • Fires

Reviews

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3.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Nov. 28, 2017

Balsam Pond campsites

Update: since my original visit, there have been some good upgrades including new portapotty. Some of the campsites are still in need of some TLC. The location is beautiful, but the campground seems to get heavy use and has some wear and tear. Balsam Pond has a reputation as a good local fishing spot featuring trout, bass, and even tiger muskies. The pond itself is beautiful and Is one of the larger state forest ponds in the area preserved in a natural state with no shoreline development other than the small campground and the public boat launch. If you are coming for a good fishing or boating experience, you wont be disappointed as the newly built boat launch can accommodate trailers for easy access and also has a well built handicapped accessible fishing pier. Once out on the water you will enjoy good fishing or wildlife watching or paddling.

However, if you are coming here primarily for the camping experience you may be disappointed. Though the natural setting is picturesque and secluded, the campground is not well maintained. Some of the sites have new picnic tables, some have old tables that are falling apart, and some have none at all. Some have official steel fire rings, some have stone fire rings that are crumbling. All are drive in sites, some meant for trailers and others with green space for tents. A few sites are much too close to the entrance road, most are set back further in the woods, and a few are right by the lake. Unfortunately, when we were there, previous campers had strewn garbage around most of the sites; it seemed to have been there for a while so it seems there is not regular maintanence by the DEC. There is also supposed to be an outhouse at the campground, but there isnt one now. Hence my low ranking of the campground despite its nice setting.

if you would like to camp at Balsam Pond but prefer a better option than the campground, there is one paddle-in site set away from the campground where you can Leave No Trace and hopefully other like-minded campers have done the same. You are also allowed to make your own dispersed campsite at any location of your choice within the Balsam Swamp State Firest, as long as you are more than 150 feet from the lakeshore.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Balsam Swamp State Forest by Janet R., November 28, 2017
  • Review photo of Balsam Swamp State Forest by Janet R., November 28, 2017
  • Review photo of Balsam Swamp State Forest by Janet R., November 28, 2017
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Balsam Swamp State Forest?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Balsam Swamp State Forest, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Balsam Swamp State Forest have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Balsam Swamp State Forest does not have wifi.