Dispersed camping areas near Delmar, New York are scattered throughout the region's state forests and public lands. The northeastern woodland environment features elevations ranging from 200 to 1,500 feet across the camping areas, with mixed hardwood forests dominating the landscape. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer highs typically reach the 80s with moderate humidity and occasional thunderstorms affecting camping conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Multiple dispersed campsites provide access to freshwater fishing. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, campers note it's a "short drive to pond and stores" with nearby lakes for fishing within 15 minutes of the sites, as one reviewer mentioned that "brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites."
Hiking trails: State forests contain various hiking paths accessible from camping areas. At Ushers Road State Forest, "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week."
Wildlife observation: The forested settings provide habitat for diverse wildlife. One camper at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot noted their site was "peaceful and quiet" and that "very few vehicles pass, some days none," creating ideal conditions for wildlife watching during early morning or evening hours.
What campers like
Solitude and privacy: Many dispersed sites offer considerable separation from other campers. A visitor at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp described it as a "great little spot" that's "nice and quiet" with "enough room for 2 to 3 campers."
Fire rings: Many sites feature established fire rings for safer campfires. At Duck Pond Campsite, a camper found "surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites" with fire pits, adding that "so few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience."
Seasonal flexibility: Some sites remain accessible year-round for different camping experiences. One camper at Burnt Rossman State Forest noted it "was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access routes require careful driving, especially after precipitation. At Duck Pond Campsite, a reviewer warned "the road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse," adding that "intermittent cell service was frightening while driving on these rough roads."
Site variability: Primitive camping spots range from streamside locations to hilltop settings. At Echo Lake, a camper noted sites are "scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails (wear pants)" and that they "camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze."
Occupancy fluctuations: Site availability varies by season and day of week. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, one camper observed it was "beautiful but surprisingly crowded" and had to "drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot" even on a Wednesday night in October.
Tips for camping with families
Water access consideration: Streamside sites provide natural water features for children to explore. At Betty Brook Camp, "You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots" according to a regular visitor, though water must be filtered or brought in for drinking purposes.
Proximity to facilities: Research the nearest towns for supplies and emergency services. Betty Brook Camp is "rather remote, but it is right along West kill road" with "a town about 8 mi away. It's a small town, with just a gas station store."
Site selection for children: Choose sites with adequate space for safe play. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed offers "large, well organized camping spots along the road" with "different size sites" suitable for families with varying space needs.
Tips from RVers
Clearance requirements: Many forest roads have limited clearance for larger vehicles. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot has "many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck. The road itself was in great condition though."
Site limitations: Most primitive sites accommodate smaller RVs only. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, "it had rained a lot prior to our arrival, and several sites were damp. We found a perfect site off the road on the right side. It was large and flat. We were off the road by 100 feet or so."
Seasonal access: Weather conditions significantly impact RV access to dispersed sites. At Burnt Rossman State Forest, a visitor noted the "entrance is soft" and suggested "parking across the street if it's wet," indicating potential challenges for RVs during rainy periods.
