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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
