Best Dispersed Camping near Castile, NY
Several state forests surrounding Castile, New York offer primitive camping options with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. Palmers Pond State Forest provides free, dispersed camping with grassy terrain under pine trees near a small lake. The area features fire pits and picnic tables at some sites but no drinking water, toilets, or other facilities. Access can be challenging, as many visitors note navigation difficulties. According to reviews on The Dyrt, "Do not take Palmers Pond Road. When you get off Interstate 86, take Turnpike Road to South Road."
Ossian State Forest offers additional primitive sites but recent visitor reports indicate deteriorating conditions. Several reviews mention blocked access due to fallen trees and overgrown trails. "Only a couple of the primitive sites are accessible and most of the trails are choked with growth or blocked with fallen trees. The roads are a little rough also," notes one camper. Boyce State Forest provides more rustic options with tent sites on a small pond along the Finger Lake Trail, including a lean-to with fire pit and privy approximately half a mile from the main area. Camp Seneca offers a slightly more developed experience with designated sites featuring fire rings, picnic tables, and a maintained portable toilet.
