Best Dispersed Camping near Belmont, NY

Several primitive camping areas exist in state forests surrounding Belmont, New York. Palmers Pond State Forest offers free dispersed camping opportunities with established sites around a small pond. Additional options include Ossian State Forest, Boyce State Forest, and Camp Seneca, all located within a 30-mile radius of Belmont. These areas typically feature designated primitive sites on public land managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Access roads to these dispersed camping areas vary considerably in quality. The route to Palmers Pond requires taking West Almond Road rather than Palmers Pond Road, which ends in a dead end according to multiple visitor reports. Many access routes consist of unpaved gravel roads that may become difficult during wet conditions. Most sites lack amenities like drinking water, showers, or electricity. Fire rings and picnic tables are available at some locations, though visitors should always check current fire regulations before camping.

These state forest camping areas provide secluded experiences amid natural surroundings. Palmers Pond offers grassy sites under pine trees near water, providing opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. "Abundant flat and grassy terrain under pines near a beautiful lake. Fire pits, a table, and parking area are in place but nothing else. Lots of beavers to watch throughout the day." Campers should note that some areas like Ossian State Forest have experienced maintenance issues, with visitors reporting blocked access due to fallen trees. Camp Seneca, though farther from Belmont, provides a quieter alternative with creek-side camping and basic amenities including portable toilets.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Belmont, New York (10)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Belmont, NY

6 Photos of 10 Belmont Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Belmont, NY

11 Reviews of 10 Belmont Campgrounds


  • Zack B.
    Apr. 8, 2024

    Boyce State Forest

    Wet n wild

    Trail was more of a stream than a trail. You’ll spend more time beside the trail then actually on it. The campsite was a shelter off the side of the trail. It came with some firewood and cardboard to burn as well as some emergency water. Campsite was clean and came with an “air conditioned loo”. Lots of room for tents, however, most sites are not flat. Would recommend to come in dryer season or to bring rubber boots.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2019

    Palmers Pond State Forest

    Favorite place to camp

    No electricity or water hook ups, very secluded, has a pond to fish in, by far my most favorite place to camp

  • Lizzy K.
    Oct. 29, 2021

    Palmers Pond State Forest

    Love this place!

    Beautiful grassy spots around the pond and along the road in. Google maps directed us to a dead end, go in through the north entrance and you’ll be good!

  • M
    Sep. 3, 2020

    Palmers Pond State Forest

    Perfect campsite

    Abundant flat and grassy terrain under pines near a beautiful lake. Fire pits, a table, and parking area are in place but nothing else. Lots of beavers to watch throughout the day.

  • Roger V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Palmers Pond State Forest

    beautiful spots near pond or in woods

    if the lake spots are busy check the woods, there are a bunch more nice spots. dispersed free LNT style. no services. would stay here again.

  • Sydney M.
    Oct. 22, 2022

    Palmers Pond State Forest

    Pretty but hard to find

    The directions took us to a dead end like the other reviews stated. Do not take Palmers pond road. When you get off of Interstate 86 you will want to take turnpike rd to south road. There are not any lights to show the sign so it’s kinda hard to find. The pond was dried up when we got there so that sad kind of a bummer. Lots of camping along the road and around the pond. Nice quiet spot

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2019

    Boyce State Forest

    If roughing it is your thing

    If roughing it is your thing this is primitive tent sites on a small pond.located on the Finger Lake Trail. If you walk/hike 1/2 mile you will find a lean-to with fire pit and privy.

  • Marjoe M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 5, 2024

    Palmers Pond State Forest

    May 5th

    The site was very nice. Clean and well maintained. I was able to set up next to the water with no problem. Definitely will be back.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Camp Seneca

    Quiet and secluded

    We came I to the area on a Monday and this camp was completely empty. We picked the biggest site next to the creek. The tree canopy over our site was dense enough that w3 did not get very wet when it rains.

    This campground had several designated sites and most have a fire ring and picnic table.

    There was a porti-poty on site that had plenty of paper was pretty clean.

    We had a few hikers come through and one other camper that chose not to stay.


Guide to Belmont

Dispersed camping near Belmont, New York offers primitive sites across several state forest areas within the western Finger Lakes region. The terrain features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,200 feet, creating varied microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Winter access requires four-wheel drive vehicles due to unmaintained seasonal roads, while spring brings muddy conditions that persist through early May.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: At Palmers Pond State Forest, anglers report success with bass and panfish during spring and summer months. "The pond was dried up when we got there so that sad kind of a bummer" notes Sydney M., indicating seasonal water level fluctuations affect fishing potential.

Wildlife observation: Early mornings provide optimal viewing conditions for local wildlife. "I drove out from Wisconsin and was the only one there... What a wonderful way to wake up" reports Mitch P. about his experience overlooking the pond. Dawn hours between 5:00-7:00 AM typically offer the best beaver sightings.

Hiking access: The Finger Lakes Trail crosses through several state forest properties including Boyce State Forest, connecting to longer trail networks. "If you walk/hike 1/2 mile you will find a lean-to with fire pit and privy," notes Alan C., highlighting trail-accessible backcountry amenities.

What campers like

Creek-side camping: Sites adjacent to running water provide ambient sounds and natural cooling during summer months. "We picked the biggest site next to the creek. The tree canopy over our site was dense enough that we did not get very wet when it rains," shares Kevin C. about his stay at Camp Seneca.

Privacy between sites: Many campers value the isolation available at dispersed sites. "The site was very nice. Clean and well maintained. I was able to set up next to the water with no problem," reports Marjoe M. regarding spacing between designated primitive sites.

Diverse terrain options: Campers appreciate having choices between waterfront or forested sites. "If the lake spots are busy check the woods, there are a bunch more nice spots," advises Roger V., noting the availability of alternative camping locations when preferred spots are occupied.

What you should know

Seasonal road closures: Access routes change significantly between seasons. "The directions took us to a dead end like the other reviews stated. Do not take Palmers pond road. When you get off of Interstate 86 you will want to take turnpike rd to south road," warns Sydney M., highlighting navigation challenges.

Trail conditions: Spring thaws create challenging ground conditions. "Trail was more of a stream than a trail. You'll spend more time beside the trail than actually on it," explains Zack B. about his experience in Ossian State Forest, recommending "rubber boots" for wet conditions.

Site maintenance variation: State forest camping areas receive different levels of upkeep. "I've camped here in the past and it was really nice. Obvious that the area has not been tended to in some time. Only a couple of the primitive sites are accessible and most of the trails are choked with growth or blocked with fallen trees," reports Daniel R. about changing conditions.

Tips for camping with families

Weather preparation: Temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night require layered clothing systems. "The tree canopy over our site was dense enough that we did not get very wet when it rains," notes Kevin C., suggesting that site selection impacts weather exposure.

Emergency supplies: Remote locations require self-sufficiency. "It came with some firewood and cardboard to burn as well as some emergency water," reports Zack B. about the lean-to shelter at Boyce State Forest, though supplies cannot be guaranteed.

Tent site selection: Identifying suitable tent placement requires careful assessment. "Lots of room for tents, however, most sites are not flat," warns Zack B., advising families to arrive with daylight hours remaining for proper setup.

Tips from RVers

Road quality assessment: Unpaved access roads require advanced planning and vehicle assessment. "The road was gravel but pretty easy to drive," reports Caitlyn R. about her visit to Palmers Pond State Forest, providing insight for smaller RV access.

Site dimensions: Available clearings vary considerably between locations. "Beautiful grassy spots around the pond and along the road in," notes Lizzy K., indicating where larger vehicles can more easily maneuver and park.

Limited amenities: Dispersed camping areas near Belmont lack hookups and services. "No electricity or water hook ups, very secluded, has a pond to fish in," states Casaundra H., emphasizing the need for self-contained systems when RV camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Belmont, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Belmont, NY is Palmers Pond State Forest with a 4.9-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Belmont, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Belmont, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.