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Best Dispersed Camping near Cherry Valley, NY

15 Reviews

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."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Cherry Valley, New York (14)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Cherry Valley, NY

10 Photos of 14 Cherry Valley Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cherry Valley, NY

15 Reviews of 14 Cherry Valley Campgrounds

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2019

    Whaupaunaucau State Forest

    Hidden gem in Chenango County

    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 unknown oasis outside of the county, but this state forest has a network of miles of trails for both hiking and criss country skiing. There is an offifical lean-to shelter and developed campsite on trail 20 (see map) but there are several primitive sites with tent site and stine fireplace, plus dispersed leave-no-trace camping is allowed anywhere in the state forest, and the possibilities are endless. Lovely hilly vistas, pondside glens, and lots of clearings near clear streams deep in this old stately forest. 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, lots of unusual species to see. Just beware of ticks, they are invading the region

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed

    Finger Lakes Trailhead off Grover Brown Rd

    The coordinates lead you to a small parking area at the end of Grover Brown Rd, which is accessed by going north from Rt 23. The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintanence road. But if you follow the road north to the end, you will come to a dead end and a parking circle that gives you the option of hiking north past a gate into the state forest on a hunting trail, or west onto the Finger Lakes Trail where dispersed camping is allowed within the state forest. However, the whole road in is a tough ride, it is posted extensively en route that you are passing private property with no trespassing allowed until you see the DEC sign announcing the border of the state forest. The parking area is overgrown, the neighbors aling the road en route seem frustrated with hikers coming into the forest via this route, and the Trailhead here for the Finger Lakes Trail is blocked by downed trees that seem to have been there for a while. While you might try to hike the trail for day use, I wonder if this may not be a great place to leave your car during a foray into the woods for dispersed camping. Although the Pharsalia Forest is beautiful throughout, and dispersed camping is allowed throughout, there are better places to access it. There are also designated primitive campsites in several locations in other areas of this state forest which are worthy of your camping adventures! You

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 31, 2025

    Round Pond Pharsalia Woods Dispersed

    Primitive camping at Round Pound

    This is a relatively new location for primitive camping in the Pharsalia Woods State Forest. There is a parking area just off the Plymouth Reservoir Rd that allows you to access a network of trails that traverse the state preserve around the unique Round Pond and adjacent bog. Primitive camping is allowed anywhere in the vicinity as long as you are 150 feet from the waters edge and away from the parking lot. The parking lot has an info kiosk with a map of the trail network and info about the unique bog ecosystem. You need to sign in at the kiosk, but otherwise there are no permits needed and no fees. 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. You can also access the bog pond here if using kayaks or canoes. It is like a unique wilderness location fir primitive camping, but only 15 minutes from the village of Norwich!

    For more info on the Pharsalia Woods in general, and the Round Pond in particular, visit this link on the DEC website: https://dec.ny.gov/places/pharsalia-woods-state-forest Be sure to also click on the link on that page regarding primitive camping at this site

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods

    Bear Wallow Pond

    This is a primitive undeveloped campsite, there is a clearing for tenting but no potable water or amenities of any kind. The site is adjacent to a small parking area and fishing access on a really beautiful pond, which is unnamed on the map but is an impoundment of Bear Wallow Creek so it can be considered Bear Wallow Pond. I have been there in both summer, when the shoreline wildflowers are riotous, and in fall when the changing leaves are breathtaking. If you camp here, you can kayak or fish on the pond, go mountain biking on the network of state forest roads that are all part of the Pharsalia Woods Game Refuge, or access the Finger Lakes Trail or Canasawacta Creek Trail (see website for this listing for map of the refuge and more info at https://cnyhiking.com/FLT-PharsaliaWMA.htm)

    You can get to the site from state highway 23 via the Benedict Hill Rd, or from the hamlet of Beaver Meadow going south and west of Cole Hill via Mud Lane. A peaceful pretty wooded spot not far from either Norwich or South Otselic for an easy overnight or weekend. I give it 4 stars not for amenities but for being an idyllic example of a dispersed primitive site

  • YThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Open quite campsites

    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. So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience. Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Small vehicle only

    The 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

  • Mona M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    Just Passed Lock 15

    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. 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.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    Great overnight.

    Simply 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.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    High season

    Well, 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!!!

Guide to Cherry Valley

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cherry Valley, New York, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Hidden Gems for Dispersed Campers

  • Betty Brook Camp offers a remote experience along a stream, making it a favorite for those who enjoy solitude and the sounds of nature.
  • For a peaceful retreat, Duck Pond Campsite features well-maintained sites and minimal mosquito activity, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp is ideal for winter camping, providing easy access and a beautiful, tranquil environment.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Cherry Valley, New York

  • When visiting Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest, be sure to camp at a numbered site for a more organized experience, as some sites even offer outhouses.
  • If you're looking for a less-traveled area, Whaupaunaucau State Forest provides a network of trails for hiking and skiing, along with opportunities for primitive camping.
  • For those who enjoy fishing, Rensselaerville State Forest is a great spot to explore, although it’s essential to be prepared for a more rugged experience.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Westkill Road

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 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cherry Valley, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Cherry Valley, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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