Charles E. Baker State Forest offers free primitive camping near Burlington Flats, New York. Located in the central New York region at an elevation of approximately 1,200 feet, the area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Dispersed camping sites provide basic accommodations with minimal facilities, requiring self-sufficiency from visitors.
What to do
Hiking trail exploration: Charles E. Baker State Forest features "miles of trails" through densely wooded areas. Matt A. reports, "Beautiful forest with miles of trails. I found this spot passing through on my bike and had no problem pitching a tent in a secluded spot in the woods."
Pond activities: Access nearby water features for recreation during warmer months. Cameron notes at Charles E. Baker State Forest, "Water access at a lovely nearby pond. Highly recommended. Only giving 4 stars because the best free sites have water pumps and vault toilets, but this is a great camping experience."
Wildlife observation: The natural setting supports diverse wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the region. One camper at Bear Spring Mountain mentions, "Lots of wildlife! There are two areas for camping, check out both though one smells kind of like a barn."
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Betty Brook Camp provides stream-side camping with limited traffic. Robert B. shares, "Love to camp here all year long have been coming to the area for a couple of decades now. Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream."
Natural water sources: Betty Brook Camp features stream access directly adjacent to camping areas. According to local resident Peter, "It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road. There's a stream alongside it, a fire pit, and a town about 8 mi away."
Clean mountain water: The Catskills region offers natural springs and water sources. Kimberly S. enthusiastically reports about Bear Spring Mountain, "Nothing but woods all around! Endless hiking and beautiful steams - you can drink straight from the pipes!"
What you should know
Limited facilities: Many camping areas near Burlington Flats offer minimal amenities. Cameron describes Charles E. Baker State Forest, "Campsite consists of a fire pit and picnic table. Some litter, not too bad. No toilets. Bugs aren't an issue."
Terrain challenges: The mountainous topography creates steep roads in certain areas. One camper at Bear Spring Mountain notes, "Brought bikes but the roads were way too steep. Small playground was nice for the kids."
Seasonal considerations: Campgrounds operate on different schedules, with some open year-round and others seasonally. The Villages RV Park operates from "May - October" while Bear Spring Mountain runs from "mid May-late Aug."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds provide recreational facilities specifically for children. A visitor to Bear Spring Mountain mentions, "Small playground was nice for the kids."
Water activities: Launt Pond at Bear Spring Mountain offers family-friendly recreation options. J G. explains, "There is an area for day use where you can rent a paddle boat or kayak to go out on the water. Highly recommended if you like hiking."
Private accommodations: For families seeking quieter experiences, timing matters. Mayra D. shares, "Cute and friendly campground by Launt pond. We were there in May and there were plenty of empty sites so it was nice and quiet."
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: The Villages RV Park accommodates various RV sizes with full hookups. Boomer B. states, "Spacious FHU sites. Pull thru and back ins."
Leveling considerations: Look for campgrounds with level pads for easier setup. Jen O. reports, "We scheduled a pull through for 1 night last minute due to an unexpected change in plans. We have a Class A motorhome and flat tow a Jeep. The campground was beautiful and easy to get in and out of. The sites were level and great size with nice spacing in between."
Size restrictions: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. Peter notes about Betty Brook Camp, "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small, but it's in state park, and there's tons of walking that can be done."
Ranger
