Dispersed camping near Camillus, New York offers backcountry experiences within several state forests across central New York. These areas typically sit at elevations between 1,200-2,000 feet, creating cooler microclimates than surrounding lowlands. During summer months, forest camping spots can remain 5-10°F cooler than city temperatures, but dirt access roads often become impassable after heavy rainfall.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Bear Wallow Pond in Pharsalia Woods State Forest provides a secluded fishing spot with abundant shoreline wildflowers during summer months. One camper notes, "I have been there in both summer, when the shoreline wildflowers are riotous, and in fall when the changing leaves are breathtaking."
Trail exploration: Bucks Brook State Forest features both forest roads and hiking trails. The Finger Lakes Trail follows Bucks 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."
Mountain biking: The network of state forest roads throughout Pharsalia Woods Game Refuge offers excellent mountain biking terrain. These roads connect various camping areas and provide access to the Finger Lakes Trail and Canasawacta Creek Trail.
What campers like
Pond-side camping: Long Pond Campground offers sites with direct water access. A camper shares, "I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock. People have driven in to fish and kayak so I don't feel isolated and afraid, and I am just a few steps away from sitting on the dock and admiring the scenery."
Cell service: Unlike many remote camping areas, some dispersed sites maintain surprisingly good connectivity. At Long Pond, one camper reported, "T-Mobile service has been exceptional as well. I am planning on staying here for a week or more and I see no reason to find another location."
Free camping: Foster Pond Camping Area in the Finger Lakes National Forest provides no-cost camping options. As one visitor describes, "Right at the intersection of Potomac Road and Chicken Coop road in the Finger Lakes National Forest... Into the woods around the Lake you'll find free dispersed camping."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to many dispersed camping areas can be challenging. At Winona State Forest, one camper noted the campsite "was a little difficult to find there's a tiny black and yellow placard that shows you where you can camp."
Minimal facilities: Long Pond sites provide more amenities than most, but still remain basic. One visitor explained, "Would rate 5 stars if it had water and a garbage dumpster." Another noted, "Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel."
Local maintenance: State forest staff occasionally improve camping areas. At Winona State Forest, one camper "talked to a state forest maintenance guy. He said there were currently two camping sites and that more might be added."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose established sites with easier access for family camping. At Finger Lakes National Forest, "The site was quiet, roomy and once at the 'top' is quite level. Not vehicles came in or out all night (and it was a Saturday!)."
Trash awareness: Unfortunately, some sites require cleanup before use. One family noted about their Finger Lakes National Forest site: "The site was trashy so we picked up a lot of what we could."
Road challenges: Family vehicles may struggle with some access roads. One camper warned, "The road in (a loop) is steep on both sides (a truck or vehicle with clearance would be helpful but you could also park at the bottom if you needed to)."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Most dispersed sites accommodate only small trailers. At Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed, the designated camping area features "several basic tent spots, which are just cleared grassy areas adjacent to the trailhead parking circle."
Accessing remote sites: RVers should scout locations before attempting access. As one camper noted about the Pharsalia Woods trailhead, "The whole road in is a tough ride... The parking area is overgrown... and the Trailhead here for the Finger Lakes Trail is blocked by downed trees."
Weather impacts: Rain significantly affects road conditions. One RVer at Winona State Forest shared: "It rained while we were here but overall the campsite was quiet and peaceful," suggesting even in poor weather, the basic site remained usable for smaller rigs.
