Top Free Dispersed Camping near Delhi, NY

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Delhi, NY (16)

Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Delhi

8 Reviews of 16 Delhi Campgrounds


  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed
    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods
    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

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Betty Brook Camp
    Mar. 24, 2024

    Betty Brook Camp

    One of my favorite

    Love to camp here all year long have been coming to the area for a couple of decades now. Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Betty Brook Camp
    Dec. 17, 2023

    Betty Brook Camp

    Pretty good place

    I live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. 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. It's a small town, with just a gas station store. I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small, but it's in state park, and there's tons of walking that can be done.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Echo Lake

    Lovely Camping in the Catskills

    This campground was my first backpacking trip and it was perfect!  There are tent sites around the whole lake with fire pits and 1 lean-to site at the end of the trail when you first arrive at the lake.  The sites are relatively flat and well shaded with trees.  Note, it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray.  Make sure you practice leave no trace principles and pack out what you bring in!  It does get a little crowded later in the day so you may have to share space with others and it can be a little noisy at night.

  • Ali B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    Dispersed primitive camping

    Great camping spots about 1.5 mile hike in from Denning Trailhead. A lot of spots right by the river. Great spot to camp and then wake up to hike to tabletop/ peekamoose mountain. (near the top of tabletop there is also a lean-to for camping).

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Whaupaunaucau State Forest
    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Balsam Swamp State Forest
    Nov. 28, 2017

    Balsam Swamp State Forest

    Balsam Pond campsites

    Update: since my original visit, there have been some good upgrades including new portapotty. Some of the campsites are still in need of some TLC. The location is beautiful, but the campground seems to get heavy use and has some wear and tear. Balsam Pond has a reputation as a good local fishing spot featuring trout, bass, and even tiger muskies. 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. If you are coming for a good fishing or boating experience, you wont be disappointed as the newly built boat launch can accommodate trailers for easy access and also has a well built handicapped accessible fishing pier. Once out on the water you will enjoy good fishing or wildlife watching or paddling.

    However, if you are coming here primarily for the camping experience you may be disappointed. Though the natural setting is picturesque and secluded, the campground is not well maintained. 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. All are drive in sites, some meant for trailers and others with green space for tents. A few sites are much too close to the entrance road, most are set back further in the woods, and a few are right by the lake. Unfortunately, when we were there, previous campers had strewn garbage around most of the sites; it seemed to have been there for a while so it seems there is not regular maintanence by the DEC. There is also supposed to be an outhouse at the campground, but there isnt one now. Hence my low ranking of the campground despite its nice setting.

    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 and hopefully other like-minded campers have done the same. You are also allowed to make your own dispersed campsite at any location of your choice within the Balsam Swamp State Firest, as long as you are more than 150 feet from the lakeshore.



Guide to Delhi

Camping near Delhi, New York, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "The Catskills are very scenic & we enjoyed our time there!" at North-South Lake Campground.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Keen Lake Resort Campground, offer great fishing spots. A visitor shared, "Beautiful lake great fishing. Activities all day long for the children."
  • Swimming: Enjoy the lakes and pools available at various campgrounds. One camper at Glimmerglass State Park Campground noted, "There is a pretty covered bridge and historic home. Places to play for the kids at the lake."

What campers like:

  • Natural Beauty: Campers appreciate the stunning views and natural surroundings. A reviewer at Woodland Valley Campground said, "The campsites all have fire pits with grills and picnic tables. There's a full-time campsite host, showers, bathrooms, and a trash room."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds have activities for kids. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner, a parent mentioned, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often highlight the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One visitor at Keen Lake Resort Campground remarked, "Keen lake is the most cleanest friendliest family environment campsite you will ever find."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Little Pond - DEC noted, "No Verizon service and Starlink was spotty."
  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some sites can get busy, especially during peak season. A visitor at Kittatinny Campground mentioned, "I have noticed that the campground has progressively gotten more urbanized as the years pass."
  • Site Size: Campsites can vary in size, and some may feel cramped. A reviewer at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds said, "The lots are large and nicely wooded with working full hookups and good water pressure."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids. One parent at Keen Lake Resort Campground said, "Activities all day long for the children."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise, especially during the night. A camper at Kittatinny Campground wished for better enforcement of quiet hours.
  • Pack for Activities: Bring along games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner mentioned, "My kids enjoyed themselves a lot, and that is what matters."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A reviewer at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds noted, "We were within 2 inches or less of trees on 4 or 5 instances getting in and out of our site."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Chenango Valley State Park Campground appreciated the "clean bath houses" and "level sites with plenty of trees."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity: Many campgrounds have poor Wi-Fi and cell service. A visitor at Little Pond - DEC mentioned, "No cell service, however, if you hike to a mountain top can have fun joking with those you call about that's what it took to be able to get a signal."

Camping near Delhi, New York, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Delhi, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Delhi, NY is Betty Brook Camp with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Delhi, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.