Dispersed camping opportunities near Cherry Valley, New York include several primitive sites in state forests and along waterways. Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail offers a convenient overnight option with basic amenities including potable water, pit toilets, and a dumpster. Betty Brook Camp provides streamside camping with fire rings but limited facilities. Duck Pond Campsite features quiet, secluded sites but requires navigation on rough dirt roads. Burnt Rossman State Forest's Westkill Camp accommodates both tent and RV camping with sites directly accessible from the road.
Most dispersed sites in this region require self-sufficiency as amenities are minimal. According to reviews, Fort Plain Lock 15 features "a parking lot right on the water" with "grills in the grassy area for tent camping." Cell service varies significantly; Fort Plain maintains reliable Verizon coverage while more remote sites have intermittent or no service. Vehicle access to Duck Pond Campsite requires caution as several campers noted the roads are "pretty rough" and potentially challenging for larger vehicles. Fire rings are available at most sites, but visitors must bring their own firewood.
New York State Forest camping regulations apply throughout the region. Campers must follow the 150-foot rule, keeping sites at least 150 feet from water sources, trails, and roads. No permits are required for most locations, though some sites like those in Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest are numbered and designated. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, particularly at water-adjacent sites. Tick prevention is essential, especially during warmer months. Winter camping is possible at several locations, with Burnt Rossman State Forest specifically noted for being "a great location for winter camping" with sites "easily accessible from road."
"Continue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area."
"Shaded areas and picnic tables. It is located on the Mohawk River. It is a busy train location across the river."
"I live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road."
"Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots"
"After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad."
"Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads"
"Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"
"Entrance is soft"
"Only con which wasn’t that big of an issue was that you are close to the road, so any vehicles going by which wasn’t many you would hear. Besides that you are in dark and quiet state forest."
"Site 4 is magical, it is road side, but the view, and access to the river is great. There is a path right from the site."
"The road is in good condition. No AT&T cell service in this area."
"You have to work a bit to find info on the Whaupaunaucau state forest as a camping destination, but for primitive campers that is part of the appeal!"
"This is a relatively new location for primitive camping in the Pharsalia Woods State Forest."
GuideLock 15 is big area with varied places to park. There is a port a potty and potable water and All free. Shaded areas and picnic tables. It is located on the Mohawk River. It is a busy train location across the river. A boat did not enter the lock during our visit but it is an active lock on the Erie Canal. There is ample parking for a dozen or more campervans. It’s only 25 miles from Copperstown, NY. Felt very safe here.
TravelerGreat spot, great location. FYI to anyone who comes in the winter, it's not plowed, so you may need to adjust your plans accordingly.
GuideThis was a quiet overnight stay, just as the other reviewers say, a gravel parking lot that is easy to find a level spot in. This is on the river with a nice view. Lots of trains rolling through across the river but the noise wasn't an issue for me. There was a police officer that drove through the lot and drove around my campervan and continued on his way so I know that it is okay to overnight there.
GuideSite 4 is magical, it is road side, but the view, and access to the river is great. There is a path right from the site. Occasionally you will get the yahoo that speeds by and makes a dust cloud but otherwise it’s great. There is zero Verizon cell service in the whole area. So plan accordingly,
GuideWell, I’m back, it’s June, and there are 3 other groups here. 1 boat, and 2 tent camping. The parking lot is still empty. The water was significantly lower last time I was here. They have dropped the gates, and the lock is in operation. The resident peacock has been keeping me company. Tried fishing, without any luck, it had been raining a lot lately, so maybe that was the reason. It still has the highway noise and of course the train noise going by, but I love that. I anticipate another lovely sleep. It’s quite breezy, so the windows will be open. I’m in my happy place!!!
GuideContinue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area. The parking lot is large, rocky, and uneven, situated right on the Mohawk River. It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and fishing (with a valid license). Verizon cell service is good here. At the lock parking area, you'll find pit toilets, a dumpster, and potable water available on the side of the building as you enter.
GuideThis spot is right off the road. Nice and quiet. There is enough room for 2 to 3 campers. Parking across the street if it’s wet. Entrance is soft
GuideThe road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse. The site itself, was pretty nice, Fire pit, trickling stream, but the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it. Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads
GuideSimply it’s a parking lot with a view. The parking area is right on the water. It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving. There are grills in the grassy area for tent camping, also a potable water tap.
Dispersed camping options around Cherry Valley, New York provide rustic experiences in the Mohawk Valley and southern Adirondack foothills. This region features elevation ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 feet with mixed hardwood forests and numerous streams. Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences, with spring bringing muddy conditions and fall offering prime wildlife viewing opportunities.
Fishing opportunities: At Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail, the parking area provides direct river access. "It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and fishing (with a valid license)," notes camper Mona M. Bring appropriate gear and check local regulations.
Birdwatching excursions: The Round Pond Pharsalia Woods area offers exceptional bird habitat. "One amazing aspect at this site is a beautiful and accessible raised boardwalk to a unique overlook that has a beautiful vista over the bog and is an amazing place for birdwatching especially during spring migration," writes Janet R.
Trail exploration: Whaupaunaucau State Forest contains extensive trail networks suitable for day hikes. "This state forest has a network of miles of trails for both hiking and cross country skiing," according to Janet R., who adds it's "a great place to get away from it all for hiking and camping but it is also a fantastic place to go if you enjoy botanizing or birding."
Waterside camping: Many sites feature streamside access for cooling off. At Betty Brook Camp, "You camp on the stream," states Robert B., who has frequented the area for "a couple of decades." The proximity to water provides both recreational opportunities and ambient sounds.
Quiet seclusion: Duck Pond Campsite earns praise for its peaceful environment despite challenging access. "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived at surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quiet and we just loved the experience," reports Yae U.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple sites offer wildlife encounters in natural settings. At Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest, "Site 4 is magical, it is road side, but the view, and access to the river is great. There is a path right from the site," according to The L.
Road conditions: Access to several sites requires careful navigation. Duck Pond Campsite reviewers caution about access challenges: "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse," warns one camper, adding there was "intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically between sites. At Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest, "There is zero Verizon cell service in the whole area. So plan accordingly," warns The L. Similarly, Meghan B. notes "No AT&T cell service in this area."
Water availability: Most sites lack potable water sources. While Fort Plain Lock 15 offers "potable water available on the side of the building as you enter," according to Mona M., most other sites require campers to bring all water needed for drinking, cooking and cleaning.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites with additional space for children to explore safely. Betty Brook Camp offers accessibility with natural features: "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," notes Peter, making it suitable for family outings.
Noise considerations: Some sites have consistent ambient noise. Fort Plain Lock 15 "offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by," according to The L., who adds "If you need quiet, keep on moving."
Off-season advantages: Burnt Rossman State Forest offers year-round camping options. "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!" reports Felix R., suggesting families consider non-summer months when fewer campers compete for sites.
Size limitations: Most sites accommodate only smaller RVs due to road conditions and site size constraints. Betty Brook Camp has limited room: "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small," explains Peter.
Surface conditions: Several sites feature soft entrance areas that may challenge RVs. The L. notes about Burnt Rossman State Forest's Westkill Camp: "This spot is right off the road. Nice and quiet. There is enough room for 2 to 3 campers. Parking across the street if it's wet. Entrance is soft."
Group camping opportunities: Some locations can accommodate multiple vehicles. According to The L., Burnt Rossman has "enough room for 2 to 3 campers," making it suitable for small RV groups traveling together who seek primitive camping near Cherry Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cherry Valley, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cherry Valley, NY is Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cherry Valley, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Cherry Valley, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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