Best Dispersed Camping near Bloomville, NY
Several dispersed camping areas can be found in the forests surrounding Bloomville, New York, with options concentrated in the nearby state forests. Burnt Rossman State Forest offers primitive sites at Westkill Camp, while Betty Brook Camp and Duck Pond Campsite provide additional backcountry camping locations. Beals Pond State Forest and Pharsalia Woods State Forest also permit dispersed camping with no reservation requirements. These primitive sites typically feature minimal amenities and follow standard New York State Forest regulations allowing camping at least 150 feet from water sources and away from developed areas.
Many access roads to these dispersed sites require careful navigation, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Reviews indicate that Duck Pond Campsite requires traveling on "unpaved dirt road for a while" and Old Cemetery Road is described as "pretty rough" with limited cell service. Winter access to some areas like Beals Pond State Forest becomes challenging as roads are not maintained during snowy months. Most sites have fire rings or pits where fires are permitted, though some locations like Beals Pond prohibit fires. Few sites offer drinking water, with Betty Brook Camp being a notable exception. Campers should come prepared with supplies as amenities are sparse or nonexistent.
The dispersed sites in this region provide varied camping experiences based on their natural settings. Betty Brook Camp features streamside camping with good privacy, making it popular year-round. According to one frequent visitor, "Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream." Duck Pond Campsite offers a serene environment with minimal mosquito activity despite its pond setting, with one camper noting it consists of "surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites." Winter camping opportunities exist at locations like Burnt Rossman State Forest, where a camper reported it was "a great location for winter camping" with sites "easily accessible from road." The varied terrain throughout these forests supports activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing depending on the specific location.
