Dispersed camping near Cincinnatus, New York offers primitive overnight options in the rolling hills of central New York, where elevations range from 1,000 to 1,800 feet. The region features a mix of deciduous forest with maple, beech, and oak trees interspersed with managed conifer plantations. Winter camping is possible but challenging, with average January temperatures dropping to 15°F and seasonal roads often closed from December through April.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Long Pond Campground provides excellent fishing access with multiple options including a regular boat launch, carry-in kayak access, and a handicapped accessible fishing pier. "The pond is quite large compared to other area ponds, and there are three accesses for fishing: a regular boat launch with parking lot and dock, a carry-in kayak access near campsite 6, and a handicapped accessible fishing pier near campsite 1," notes one Long Pond Campground visitor.
Hiking network: Access miles of connected trails through the Morgan Hill State Forest, where hikers can connect to the Onondaga Trail branch of the North Country Scenic Trail. "You can backpack in to the woods on the Onondaga Trail or connecting trails, and from there you can do LNT dispersed camping as long as you follow the state forest camping rules," explains a reviewer. The forest features multiple trail networks requiring navigation awareness.
Wildlife watching: Round Pond in Pharsalia Woods State Forest offers a unique bog ecosystem viewing experience. "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," reports a visitor.
What campers like
Lakeside sites: Multiple campers appreciate the pond-side camping options at Long Pond. "I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock. People have driven in to fish and kayak so I don't feel isolated and afraid, and I am just a few steps away from sitting on the dock and admiring the scenery," shares one camper.
Seclusion: The primitive sites at Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite offer a genuine wilderness feel despite being relatively accessible. "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," notes one reviewer.
Spacious campsites: Sites at many locations provide ample room between neighbors. "The camp sites I saw all seemed to be large and level spots all located beneath the tree canopy. Sites seemed disbursed enough to provide a modest level of privacy," explains a camper at Long Pond Campground.
What you should know
Road conditions: Some access roads to primitive camping areas have challenging conditions. Accessing Pharsalia Woods State Forest can be difficult: "The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintanence road," warns one camper, adding that "the whole road in is a tough ride, it is posted extensively en route that you are passing private property."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping locations have minimal or no facilities. "There is no water or garbage services at this site. Most camping spots are ideal for tents or very small campers or trailers," notes a Long Pond camper. Another adds, "Site has no water, no garbage service and no phone signal."
Navigation challenges: Some areas require careful navigation. For Morgan Hill State Forest, one camper advises, "Be sure to download a copy of the forest map with the trails network marked, as the various trails are blazed and have occasional signs, but they crisscross in a confusing network and you can get easily turned around without a map."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible options: Morgan Hill Forest Onondaga Trailhead offers more developed primitive camping suitable for families. "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, and the developed sites are supposedly ADA accessible," notes a reviewer.
Educational experiences: Round Pond offers learning opportunities for children through its unique ecosystem. A visitor mentioned the area 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."
Seasonal considerations: Be prepared for weather and insects. "The woods are beautiful and the trails are well developed, but also be prepared for ticks and the need for repellent as they are thick in spring and early summer," warns one camper about Morgan Hill.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most primitive sites can only accommodate small RVs or trailers. At Long Pond Campground, "Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel," reports one RV camper from Whaupaunaucau State Forest.
Solar challenges: Dense tree cover limits solar charging capabilities. One camper notes, "The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel," emphasizing the need for alternative power sources when staying at heavily wooded sites.
Turnaround space: Check parking area dimensions before attempting access with any trailer. "The campsites I saw all seemed to be large and level spots all located beneath the tree canopy," mentions one camper, but also notes that access is primarily designed for tent camping or very compact RVs.
