Best Dispersed Camping near Dansville, NY

Several state forests offer free dispersed camping within a 30-minute drive of Dansville, New York. Palmers Pond State Forest provides primitive camping with grassy sites around a small pond and along access roads. The forest has designated fire rings and picnic tables but no drinking water, showers, or toilets. Access requires careful navigation, as reviews consistently mention incorrect GPS directions. "Do not take Palmers Pond Road. When you get off Interstate 86, take Turnpike Road to South Road," advised one camper.

Ossian State Forest offers additional primitive sites, though recent visitors report maintenance issues. "Obvious that the area has not been tended to in some time. Only a couple of primitive sites are accessible and most trails are choked with growth," noted one review. For more amenities, Sugar Hill Fire Tower Recreation Area provides free dispersed camping with flush toilets, trash service, and drinking water. Located approximately 25 miles southeast of Dansville near Watkins Glen, this area offers spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables. According to reviews, "The sites are spacious. Sites are disbursed so you don't feel crowded or squeezed for space."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Dansville, New York (12)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Dansville, NY

12 Photos of 12 Dansville Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Dansville, NY

24 Reviews of 12 Dansville Campgrounds


  • Jacob D.
    Sep. 13, 2024

    Foster Pond Camping Area

    Relaxed Free Dispersed Camping

    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. Into the woods around the Lake you’ll find free dispersed camping.

    My mom and I stayed just in the parking lot and had no issues and weren’t bothered. NO AMENITIES

  • Zack B.
    Apr. 8, 2024

    Boyce State Forest

    Wet n wild

    Trail was more of a stream than a trail. You’ll spend more time beside the trail then actually on it. The campsite was a shelter off the side of the trail. It came with some firewood and cardboard to burn as well as some emergency water. Campsite was clean and came with an “air conditioned loo”. Lots of room for tents, however, most sites are not flat. Would recommend to come in dryer season or to bring rubber boots.

  • Lylah H.
    May. 17, 2024

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Great spot, follow the map around

    I believe it’s still off season so the spot with all the facilities wasn’t open. We used the map on the state forest website. But most spots have a privy/port o potty. We found the map on the website helpful because there are spots all over. Site 28 did have a sign about not awaking “butch and big daddy” as two young women we decided we didn’t want to stick around and meet them. There was a privy at 35 which was nice. The site by the pond was really cute with a privy but a walk in (believe it was 37)!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2019

    Palmers Pond State Forest

    Favorite place to camp

    No electricity or water hook ups, very secluded, has a pond to fish in, by far my most favorite place to camp

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Would Stay again

    We stayed here for 2 nights car camping. quiet and clean. spots had fire rings and picnic tables. Bathrooms were clean and had potable water. There were lots of horses. There are hiking trails right out of the site! would absolutely stay here again!

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Free camping with amenities!

    26 camp sites with bathrooms! That flush! Very quiet and the sites aren’t on top of each other. People bring their horses. You can drive to to your site and tent camp or camper camp. I would come back!

  • Brittany S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2022

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Great location

    We stayed here during an anniversary trip to the Finger Lakes. Easy proximity to Seneca Lake and Watkins Glen State Park. Nice wooded area kept us far enough away from other campers. Great location!

  • Lizzy K.
    Oct. 29, 2021

    Palmers Pond State Forest

    Love this place!

    Beautiful grassy spots around the pond and along the road in. Google maps directed us to a dead end, go in through the north entrance and you’ll be good!

  • M
    Sep. 3, 2020

    Palmers Pond State Forest

    Perfect campsite

    Abundant flat and grassy terrain under pines near a beautiful lake. Fire pits, a table, and parking area are in place but nothing else. Lots of beavers to watch throughout the day.


Guide to Dansville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Dansville, New York, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, there's something for everyone.

Dispersed campers should check out Palmers Pond State Forest

  • Nestled in West Almond, Palmers Pond State Forest offers a peaceful environment with beautiful grassy spots and a tranquil pond, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
  • The area is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for the adventure, making it a great choice for families.
  • Visitors have praised the easy access and well-maintained sites, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst nature.

Top activities while free camping near Dansville

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the scenic trails around Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping, where you can find a mix of sun and shade for a perfect day outdoors.
  • Horseback riding is a delightful activity at Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite, where you can often see riders passing through, adding to the charm of your camping experience.
  • Fishing and picnicking are popular at Foster Pond Camping Area, providing a relaxing way to spend your days surrounded by nature.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Dansville, New York

  • Be prepared for a more primitive experience at Ossian State Forest on Scoville Road, where amenities are limited, but the natural beauty is abundant.
  • Always check the directions before heading out, as some areas like English Hill State Forest can be tricky to find without proper guidance.
  • Bring your own water and supplies when visiting places like Boyce State Forest, as there are no drinking water sources available on-site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Dansville, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Dansville, NY is Ossian State Forest on Scoville Road with a 1.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Dansville, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.