State forests surrounding Deansboro, New York offer primitive camping experiences requiring basic outdoor skills and preparation. Situated in the central New York region with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,800 feet, these forests experience significant seasonal temperature variations with winter lows below freezing and summer highs averaging 75-85°F. Spring camping often requires mud-ready vehicles while fall brings vibrant foliage but cooler overnight temperatures.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Round Pond Pharsalia Woods Dispersed, visitors can access a unique bog ecosystem. "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," notes a camper.
Fishing access points: Several forest ponds provide fishing opportunities throughout the camping season. At Balsam Swamp State Forest, "the pond itself is beautiful and is one of the larger state forest ponds in the area preserved in a natural state with no shoreline development other than the small campground and the public boat launch."
Trail system exploration: The interconnected network of trails offers various difficulty levels. "You can backpack the various trails and camp at your own site if you leave no trace. 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."
What campers like
Secluded paddle-in options: For those seeking extra solitude, certain forest ponds offer alternatives to established sites. "If you would like to camp at Balsam Pond but prefer a better option than the campground, there is one paddle-in site set away from the campground where you can Leave No Trace."
Accessibility improvements: Some forests have added features for disabled visitors. At Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground, "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."
Waterfront proximity: Campsites near water bodies are particularly valued. At Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods, "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."
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Many forest roads are unmarked and poorly maintained. "The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintenance road. But if you follow the road north to the end, you will come to a dead end and a parking circle."
Variable site conditions: Campsite quality differs substantially across locations. "Some of the sites have new picnic tables, some have old tables that are falling apart, and some have none at all. Some have official steel fire rings, some have stone fire rings that are crumbling."
Self-sufficiency requirements: Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed camping requires proper preparation. "You need to bring your own water, there is none provided here, and be prepared to pack out your own garbage."
Tips for camping with families
Reduced-hike options: For families with younger children, look for sites with minimal walking distance. "There are several basic tent spots, which are just cleared grassy areas adjacent to the trailhead parking circle; BUT in addition, there are two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits."
Educational opportunities: Some areas offer ecological learning experiences. "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."
Proximity to towns: For family camping, sites near towns provide backup options. Morgan Hill State Forest offers rustic camping near Deansboro with easy access to supplies. "It is like a unique wilderness location for primitive camping, but only 15 minutes from the village of Norwich!"
Tips from RVers
Parking area limitations: For rustic camping near Deansboro with RVs, site accessibility varies significantly. At Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail, "the parking lot is large, rocky, and uneven, situated right on the Mohawk River. It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and fishing."
Road conditions: Access roads often require higher clearance vehicles. "The entrance is from state route 13 on Morgan Hill Rd south, adjacent to a very nice farm stand that is a good stop for supplies, and there is a DEC forest sign to mark the turn off from Rt 13. After that, you are on your own."
Noise considerations: Some primitive sites have surprising noise levels. "It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving."
