Dispersed camping areas around Cato, New York provide free camping options throughout the Finger Lakes region. Sites range from trailhead locations to forest clearings along rural roads, most situated between 400-600 feet elevation with mixed hardwood forest coverage. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F while spring and fall bring cooler 40-65°F conditions with increased precipitation.
What to do
Wildlife observation opportunities: At Winona State Forest, primitive sites offer access to diverse habitats. "The campsite was quiet and peaceful," notes Kevin C., who stayed on a Thursday and found the area's limited development preserved its natural setting.
Hiking trail connections: The trail system at Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed provides extensive hiking opportunities. "The woods are beautiful and the trails are well developed," according to Janet R., who advises visitors to "download a copy of the forest map with the trails network marked" before arrival.
Stream fishing access: Several state forests include stream access points within walking distance of camping areas. Seasonal fishing opportunities vary, with spring offering the best conditions. Check current regulations as some waterways have catch-and-release requirements during specific seasons.
What campers like
Quick road access: Towsley Road Dispersed Camping provides convenient sites for travelers. Noah D. describes it as a "nice place to sleep" that's "good for someone who doesn't want something too off the road," noting the location is marked by "a sign and a sand patch on the side of the road."
Open pond views: Campers appreciate water features at Foster Pond Camping Area, where sites surround a small pond. Jacob D. explains the access: "Right at the intersection of Potomac Road and Chicken Coop road in the Finger Lakes National Forest. If heading North on Potomac Road, turn left at the intersection and you'll find a parking lot."
Established camping clearings: State forests typically provide small but functional clearings for tent setup. Thomas E. noted at Winona State Forest that sites are marked with "a tiny black and yellow placard that shows you where you can camp," though he found wet firewood during his visit.
What you should know
Site identification challenges: Finding designated camping spots requires attention to small markers. Thomas E. notes that at Winona State Forest, "The primitive campsite was a little difficult to find there's a tiny black and yellow placard that shows you where you can camp."
Trail navigation complexities: Forest trail networks can be disorienting without proper maps. The Avenza app provides offline navigation capabilities for most state forests in the region.
Campsite conditions vary: Finger Lakes National Forest sites may require cleanup. Sarah M. reported: "The site was trashy so we picked up a lot of what we could. A bonus—the site was quiet, roomy and once at the 'top' is quite level."
Road access considerations: Some access roads present challenges. Sarah M. noted about Finger Lakes National Forest: "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 for camping with families
Access bathroom planning: No dispersed camping areas near Cato provide toilet facilities. When camping with children, bring portable toilet solutions and establish clear protocols for bathroom breaks.
Campsite security options: For families concerned about site privacy, Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground offers more developed options. Janet R. describes: "there are two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits. These are very nice roomy wooded campsites."
Water supply requirements: All dispersed camping requires carrying sufficient water. Janet R. notes at Morgan Hill Forest that "you would actually have to hike quite a long ways west on the OnondagaTrail to access a pit toilet, or to have stream access for obtaining water to boil, so you DO need to come prepared."
Educational opportunities: The Finger Lakes National Forest contains interpretive signage about forest management along several trails, creating learning opportunities for school-age children about sustainable forestry practices.
Tips from RVers
Parking limitations: Free camping near Cato accommodates smaller RVs at select locations. Jacob D. mentions at Foster Pond Camping Area: "My mom and I stayed just in the parking lot and had no issues and weren't bothered."
Access road clearance: High-clearance vehicles provide advantages when accessing primitive sites. Clearance of at least 6-8 inches helps navigate unimproved forest roads, particularly after rainfall.
Leveling challenges: Site preparation may be necessary. Kevin C. notes that at Winona State Forest, the "campsite was just feet off of Bargy Road" with minimal improvements.
Forest road navigation: Forest service roads vary in quality and often lack signage. Pre-downloading maps or using offline navigation tools provides critical guidance when cell service disappears.
