Top Free Dispersed Camping near Newark Valley, NY

Want to go dispersed camping near Newark Valley? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Newark Valley, NY (13)

    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground

    1. Long Pond Campground

    4 Reviews
    68 Photos
    15 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area

    2. Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    39 Photos
    107 Saves

    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.

    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping

    3. Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping

    4 Reviews
    21 Photos
    122 Saves

    The Sugar Hill Recreation Area, located at 3360 Tower Hill Rd, Watkins Glen, NY, 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.

    The Lower Evergreen Parking Lot, located off of Evergreen Hill Rd, is smaller and has picnic tables, fire rings, open horse stalls and a pit privy. New for 2021, three campsites have been designated. No trash pickup is provided. This is a carry in-carry out facility.

    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.

    Lean To: Lean-to in the trees, benches and fire ring in front. Buck Settlement Lean-to

    Lean-to Camping :There are five Adirondack-style lean-tos at four different locations. Lean-tos must be shared to their capacity on a first-come, first-use basis, with no exclusive reservation allowed.

    Buck Settlement Lean-to on the Finger Lakes Trail north of Templar Road and near Glen Creek;
    Parks Hollow Lean-to on Mohawk Trail, north of Sugar Hill Road;
    the Twin Lean-to's (Sugar Hill Lean-to #1 and #2) - on Seneca Trail, south of the Sugar Hill Rec Area;
    and VanZandt Lean-to - on Seneca Trail, east of Tower Hill Road.
    September 14, 2021 to September 23, 2021 the VanZandt Lean-to will be undergoing maintenance, please plan accordingly.

    No trash pickup is provided. These are a carry in-carry out facilities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Balsam Swamp State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Balsam Swamp State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Balsam Swamp State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Balsam Swamp State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Balsam Swamp State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Balsam Swamp State Forest

    4. Balsam Swamp State Forest

    1 Review
    31 Photos
    41 Saves

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Foster Pond Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Foster Pond Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Foster Pond Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Foster Pond Camping Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods

    6. Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods

    1 Review
    25 Photos
    8 Saves

    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. More details here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/41282.html

    Primitive camping is allowed on many DEC lands, including Forest Preserve lands in the Catskills and Adirondacks, as well as on State Forest lands outside the Preserve. Primitive camping is prohibited on Unique Areas, Wildlife Management Areas, and a few other categories of state land.

    Where to Set Up Camp The best place to camp is at designated primitive tent sites. These sites are typically flatter than other areas and have deeper, harder soils more resistant to heavy use and erosion, minimizing the impacts of camping. Many sites have nearby pit privies and rock fire rings.

    Yellow and black camp here marker attached to a tree "Camp Here" marker Campers are encouraged to use designated tent sites. They are often close to trails and provide views of ponds, lakes, streams or rivers. These can be a source of water when properly treated.

    All designated primitive tent sites have yellow and black "Camp Here" markers. Many sites on lakes and ponds are identified by a yellow number against a dark brown wooden plaque typically attached to a tree near the water's edge.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site

    8. Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site

    1 Review
    10 Photos
    32 Saves

    Bucks Brook State Forest consists of 2,178 acres located between State highway 26 and County Highway 13 in the northwest corner of Chenango County. Popular recreational uses of this forest are hiking, nature observation and hunting. Camping 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. Hiking General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations. A portion of the Finger Lakes Trail (leaves DEC website) traverses the forest. The trail enters the forest on the northwest side along Ratville Road and traverses east and then south to where it exits the forest on Bucks Brook Road near its junction with Rt. 26 Fishing General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules & regulations. The Otselic River, which runs along Rt. 26, offers nearby trout fishing opportunities and is easily accessible due to the numerous DEC parking areas. Fishing Access information is available. Fishing Easement information is available. Hunting & Trapping General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules & regulations. Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on all hiking trails. Wildlife General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed

    9. Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed

    1 Review
    19 Photos
    1 Save

    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. More details here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/41282.html

    Primitive camping is allowed on many DEC lands, including Forest Preserve lands in the Catskills and Adirondacks, as well as on State Forest lands outside the Preserve. Primitive camping is prohibited on Unique Areas, Wildlife Management Areas, and a few other categories of state land.

    Where to Set Up Camp The best place to camp is at designated primitive tent sites. These sites are typically flatter than other areas and have deeper, harder soils more resistant to heavy use and erosion, minimizing the impacts of camping. Many sites have nearby pit privies and rock fire rings.

    Yellow and black camp here marker attached to a tree "Camp Here" marker Campers are encouraged to use designated tent sites. They are often close to trails and provide views of ponds, lakes, streams or rivers. These can be a source of water when properly treated.

    All designated primitive tent sites have yellow and black "Camp Here" markers. Many sites on lakes and ponds are identified by a yellow number against a dark brown wooden plaque typically attached to a tree near the water's edge.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed

    10. Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed

    1 Review
    39 Photos
    19 Saves

    This location is the parking area for the dispersed hike-in and backpacking camping; the established primitive campgrounds are elsewhere in the forest, at Spruce Pond and adjacent to the North Country Scenic Trail access for the trail to Tinkers Falls.

    Two additional drive-up, accessible camping sites are available on a first come, first served basis. The sites are located off of Morgan Hill Road, in close proximity to the forest's accessible trail. See map above and directions below.

    The Spruce Pond camping area and the two drive-up accessible camping sites are located on seasonal roads with no winter maintenance or available parking nearby. Accessing these sites from November through March is not recommended.

    Primitive camping is welcomed year-round throughout the forest, where safe and authorized access and parking allows. 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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Newark Valley

15 Reviews of 13 Newark Valley Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area

    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.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed

    Finger Lakes Trailhead off Grover Brown Rd

    The coordinates lead you to a small parking area at the end of Grover Brown Rd, which is accessed by going north from Rt 23. The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintanence road. But if you follow the road north to the end, you will come to a dead end and a parking circle that gives you the option of hiking north past a gate into the state forest on a hunting trail, or west onto the Finger Lakes Trail where dispersed camping is allowed within the state forest. However, the whole road in is a tough ride, it is posted extensively en route that you are passing private property with no trespassing allowed until you see the DEC sign announcing the border of the state forest. The parking area is overgrown, the neighbors aling the road en route seem frustrated with hikers coming into the forest via this route, and the Trailhead here for the Finger Lakes Trail is blocked by downed trees that seem to have been there for a while. While you might try to hike the trail for day use, I wonder if this may not be a great place to leave your car during a foray into the woods for dispersed camping. Although the Pharsalia Forest is beautiful throughout, and dispersed camping is allowed throughout, there are better places to access it. There are also designated primitive campsites in several locations in other areas of this state forest which are worthy of your camping adventures! You

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground

    Morgan Hill OT/NCST trailhead campground

    This is a small state forest campground in the Morgan Hill forest from which you can directly access the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country scenic trail. Although the campsites here are primitive and free, they are official developed campsites and not really “dispersed” campsites. There are several basic tent spots, which are just cleared grassy areas adjacent to the trailhead parking circle; BUT in addition, there are two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits. These are very nice roomy wooded campsites, and the  developed sites are supposedly ADA accessible —but while I agree that the picnic tables and cement pad around the fireplace can certainly accomodate wheelchairs, and the tenting area is roomy, note that there are NO OTHER ADA amenities at these sites, eg no water source and NO toilet or outhouse right at the campground. While you can drive right up to your campsite location, which is accessible, you would actually have to hike quite a long ways west on the OnondagaTrail to access a pit toilet, or to have stream access for obtaining water to boil, so you DO need to come prepared to use the bushes by your campsite and leave no trace, plus bring your own water. (See attached map where I circled the campground area in orange) That being said, this location is peaceful and quiet with mature trees and plenty of distance between neighboring campers, and would be an ideal setting for a group campout. Hiking the trail west on a day trip will bring you to the beautiful Tinker Falls, which may not be flowing during dry seasons but is still a gorge worth exploring! You can best access this campground from the south side of the forest; the entrance is from state route 13 on Morgan Hill Rd south,  adjacent to a very nice farm stand that is a good stop  for supplies, and there is a DEC forest sign to mark the turn off from Rt 13.  After that, you are on your own and should bring a map to navigate as the hiking trails are marked with signs where they cross the roads, but the road to turn off from Morgan Hill Rd to the campground is not marked. You can set your driving directions on Google Maps beforehad, to this endpoint: https://www.google.com/maps/dir//42.767846,-75.997552/@42.7799792,-76.08097,12z?entry=ttu

    You might also want to download the free Avenza map of the forest which will allow you to navigate real time even if you don't have cell service, that link is here: https://store.avenza.com/products/morgan-hill-state-forest-nysdec-map?queryID=eb824498ff4125babc1c06655b111da4&objectID=42626406056092

     general info for this state forest is here: 

    https://dec.ny.gov/places/morgan-hill-state-forest

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed

    Primitive Dispersed camping at Morgan Hill

    This location has a set of 2 large trailhead parking lots for hikers and backpackers accessing the vast trail network of the Morgan Hill State Forest. (See area circled in image on map) You do not camp here at these parking lots, but from here can backpack in to the woods on the Onondaga Trail or connecting trails, and from there you can do LNT dispersed camping as long as you follow the state forest camping rules(see this link for more details: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/camping/state-land-rules) such as not setting up camp within 150 of a stream or other body or water, and not near an official campground (There are 2 official drive-in primitive camp grounds in the vicinty, for which you need permits from the local ranger; otherwise, elsewhere in the forest you can backpack the various trails and camp at your own site if you leave no trace). You need to bring your own water, there is none provided here, and be prepared to pack out your own garbage. Be sure to download a copy of the forest map with the trails network marked, as the various trails are blazed and have occasional signs, but they crisscross in a confusing network and you can get easily turned around without a map. The woods are beautiful and the trails are well developed, but also be prepared for ticks and the need for repellent as they are thick in spring and early summer. Note: the trails going west from here enter the Labrador Hollow Unique area, which is part of the state forest but is a special preserve where camping is NOT allowed, so be aware of your lication

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods

    Bear Wallow Pond

    This is a primitive undeveloped campsite, there is a clearing for tenting but no potable water or amenities of any kind. The site is adjacent to a small parking area and fishing access on a really beautiful pond, which is unnamed on the map but is an impoundment of Bear Wallow Creek so it can be considered Bear Wallow Pond. I have been there in both summer, when the shoreline wildflowers are riotous, and in fall when the changing leaves are breathtaking. If you camp here, you can kayak or fish on the pond, go mountain biking on the network of state forest roads that are all part of the Pharsalia Woods Game Refuge, or access the Finger Lakes Trail or Canasawacta Creek Trail (see website for this listing for map of the refuge and more info at https://cnyhiking.com/FLT-PharsaliaWMA.htm)

    You can get to the site from state highway 23 via the Benedict Hill Rd, or from the hamlet of Beaver Meadow going south and west of Cole Hill via Mud Lane. A peaceful pretty wooded spot not far from either Norwich or South Otselic for an easy overnight or weekend. I give it 4 stars not for amenities but for being an idyllic example of a dispersed primitive site

  • Lylah H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area
    May. 17, 2024

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area

    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)!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area
    Sep. 26, 2023

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area

    Perfect Reprieve

    We pulled in just before dark to find 8 other campers already settled in. The sites were spacious. It was a cool and windy night, which made it perfect for sleeping. Highly recommend!

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area
    Oct. 22, 2022

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area

    Awesome!

    This site is great! There are only a few sites on the road but they have picnic tables, fire rings and lots of space! They are also free! We just pulled up and parked in an empty spot. We visited here in Oct 2022 so it was pretty empty. Great spot if you are passing through!

  • Cam F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area
    Aug. 23, 2022

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area

    Great quiet camping spot

    Lovely campground in a lush green clearing with plenty of bird life. Good facilities with flushing toilets and trash and recycling on site.

    The view from the tower is pretty nice too!

  • Brittany S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area
    Apr. 25, 2022

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area

    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!

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Whaupaunaucau State Forest
    Oct. 28, 2019

    Whaupaunaucau State Forest

    Hidden gem in Chenango County

    You have to work a bit to find info on the Whaupaunaucau state forest as a camping destination, but for primitive campers that is part of the appeal! This is a relatively unknown oasis outside of the county, but this state forest has a network of miles of trails for both hiking and criss country skiing. There is an offifical lean-to shelter and developed campsite on trail 20 (see map) but there are several primitive sites with tent site and stine fireplace, plus dispersed leave-no-trace camping is allowed anywhere in the state forest, and the possibilities are endless. Lovely hilly vistas, pondside glens, and lots of clearings near clear streams deep in this old stately forest. A great place to get away from it all for hiking and camping but it is also a fantastic place to go if you enjoy botanizing or birding, lots of unusual species to see. Just beware of ticks, they are invading the region

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site
    Dec. 1, 2017

    Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site

    Bucks Brook primitive camping

    Bucks Brook carves a beautiful gorge through Bucks Brook State Forest before it cascades into the Otselic River. There are both state forest roads and off road trails to hike on in the area; the Bucks Brook Forest Road follows a series of small waterfalls at the bottom of the gorge to the source of the creek near the top of the ridge above it, while the Finger Lakes trail follows the brook for a short while near its mouth before climbing offroad through the ridge high above the gorge, along steep cliffs above the Otselic and west along the crest of Bucks Brook Hill. There are several very primitive tent sites along the FTL, but dispersed camping is also allowed. Two sites on the ridge near the source of the Brook are accessible by the Finger Lakes trail either from Bucks Brook Rd or Ridge Rd.

    The setting is scenic and picturesque, and the winding trail can be quite a challenge if hiking the long way uphill on the FTL. An easier hike-in access is at Ridge Rd, about a 1/4 hike to the brook where there are several nice flat tent sites. The brook is beautiful and unspoiled, but this truly is primitive camping, no picnic tables, no lean-to shelter like at somecother area FTL campsites, no water source other than the brook (you should filter it even though the source is a spring near by), no latrines, no fire grates though there is a stone fire ring and you could easily build a new one of your own with stones from the brook.

    Although this is an idyllic and secluded spot for primitive camping, and the hike in (either via the long or short way) is well marked and enjoyable, the campsites are really nothing more than flat ground for basic tent-sites; this location could be improved with at least a fire grate, and preferably a lean-to. Also, the parking spot for access to the trail and tentsites really needs to be upgraded; it is just a muddy turnout off the forest road. Hence the four star rating d spite the five star brook and forest! However, it should be mentioned that the amenities at campsites along other segments if the FLT have been developed and maintained not by the DEC but by different volunteer chapters of the trail organization who have adopted certain local segments; this Bucks Brook section just hasnt been adopted yet! It has the potential for being a 5-star primitive camping experience if upgraded a bit; volunteers should feel free to step forth!

    For more on the Bucks Brook section if the Finger Lakes Trail, go to this link: http://www.cnyhiking.com/FLT-BucksBrookSF.htm

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Balsam Swamp State Forest
    Nov. 28, 2017

    Balsam Swamp State Forest

    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.



Guide to Newark Valley

Camping near Newark Valley, New York, offers a variety of beautiful spots to pitch your tent or park your RV. With stunning landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Watkins Glen State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “The access to Watkins Glen! My site was in Loop D which has a direct hiking trail to the trail along Watkins Glen!”
  • Water Activities: Enjoy swimming and kayaking at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground. A visitor shared, “There is a nice beach for swimming, the lake felt clean and wasn't too cold in July.”
  • Fishing: Cast a line at Keen Lake Resort Campground. One happy camper said, “Beautiful lake great fishing. Activities all day long for the children.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Green Lakes State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, “The bathrooms are great! Super modern and clean and hot, free showers!”
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Chenango Valley State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, “The sites were a nice size. We were there on a weeknight and basically had the primitive area to ourselves.”
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Sampson State Park Campground offer plenty for kids. A camper said, “Place is great for kids. Lots to do with a couple of playgrounds, guarded swimming area, kayak rentals, movie nights.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, such as Worlds End State Park Campground, have little to no cell service. One camper noted, “Awesome quiet campground with no cell phone service allowing you to really be in peace with nature.”
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots like Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground can fill up quickly. A visitor advised, “Book quickly because they fill up fast and then you’re waiting for cancellations.”
  • Rustic Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Ricketts Glen State Park Campground, offer rustic camping experiences. A reviewer mentioned, “The campground is mostly rustic with no hookups, but there are some electric and full hookup sites.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Choose campgrounds with plenty of activities, like Keen Lake Resort Campground. A camper said, “The amount of activities they had planned for all group ages was nothing short of amazing.”
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Keep kids entertained with outdoor games. One family at Watkins Glen State Park Campground enjoyed, “We spent every day hiking and biking.”
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Sampson State Park Campground mentioned, “There are 2 convenient stores on the campground property, one also serves hot food to order.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to confirm if your site has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Sampson State Park Campground said, “Electric service boxes are shared in-between sites. This could pose an issue if your power cord is not long enough.”
  • Use Extension Cords: Bring extension cords for your RV. One camper noted, “The power poles are between sites and are often more than 20’ away.”
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of local attractions. A visitor at Robert H. Treman State Park Campground mentioned, “Ithaca is also packed with wineries and the Finger Lakes.”

Camping near Newark Valley, New York, has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Newark Valley, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Newark Valley, NY is Long Pond Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Newark Valley, NY?

    TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Newark Valley, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.