Planning a dispersed camping trip near Springfield Center? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Acquired during the 1960s, Hunts Pond State Forest is the most recently established State Forest in Chenango County. Its 1,397 acres traverse the valley of a feeder stream to the Unadilla River, giving way to a very diverse landscape of open fields, softwood plantations, hardwood forests, and beaver meadows.
Views of the Unadilla River valley are spectacular from the large open field on the western part of the forest. For those who want to see a beaver family hard at work, be sure to visit the beaver meadow in the south-central area, just off of Buttermilk Falls Road.
Various unmarked trails and logging lanes crisscross the forest; they can be used for hiking and cross-country skiing. Whether you are a hunter, hiker, camper, skier or just a general outdoor enthusiast, Hunts Pond State Forest is sure to provide the recreational opportunity you are looking for.
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.
Acquired during the 1960s, Hunts Pond State Forest is the most recently established State Forest in Chenango County. Its 1,397 acres traverse the valley of a feeder stream to the Unadilla River, giving way to a very diverse landscape of open fields, softwood plantations, hardwood forests, and beaver meadows.
Views of the Unadilla River valley are spectacular from the large open field on the western part of the forest. For those who want to see a beaver family hard at work, be sure to visit the beaver meadow in the south-central area, just off of Buttermilk Falls Road.
Various unmarked trails and logging lanes crisscross the forest; they can be used for hiking and cross-country skiing. Whether you are a hunter, hiker, camper, skier or just a general outdoor enthusiast, Hunts Pond State Forest is sure to provide the recreational opportunity you are looking for.
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.
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.
