Dispersed camping options surround Endicott, New York within the state forests and national forest lands of the Southern Tier region. Winter access can be challenging on unpaved forest roads, with several sites becoming inaccessible after snowfall. Most dispersed camping areas require self-sufficiency with no potable water sources beyond natural streams and ponds that require filtering.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Foster Pond Camping Area offers access to a small pond ideal for fishing. The site is "right at the intersection of Potomac Road and Chicken Coop road in the Finger Lakes National Forest," according to Jacob D.
Hiking trails: Access the Finger Lakes Trail from Bucks Brook State Forest where "Bucks Brook carves a beautiful gorge through Bucks Brook State Forest before it cascades into the Otselic River. There are both state forest roads and off road trails to hike on in the area."
Wildlife viewing: Round Pond Pharsalia Woods features "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."
Mountain biking: The network of state forest roads in Pharsalia Woods Game Refuge provides excellent mountain biking opportunities. A camper notes you can "go mountain biking on the network of state forest roads that are all part of the Pharsalia Woods Game Refuge."
What campers like
Secluded settings: Many campers appreciate the privacy at Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite which is described as "a peaceful pretty wooded spot not far from either Norwich or South Otselic for an easy overnight or weekend."
No fees: Free camping is consistently mentioned as a benefit across all sites. At Foster Pond Camping Area, a visitor noted they "stayed just in the parking lot and had no issues and weren't bothered."
Natural surroundings: Balsam Pond in Balsam Swamp State Forest is described as "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."
Access to water: At Long Pond Campground, a camper 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."
What you should know
Variable maintenance: Campsite conditions vary significantly. At Balsam Swamp State Forest, a visitor noted that "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."
Road conditions: Access to many sites requires driving on rough forest roads. For South Slope Trail Head Camp, a camper noted "there was more traffic than I expected. Also there is no cell service."
Winter limitations: Beals Pond State Forest is "beautiful but not easily accessible in the winter. After a certain point, the road is not maintained in the winter and I was unable to get cell reception with Verizon."
Trash issues: Some sites suffer from previous campers leaving garbage. At Finger Lakes National Forest, a visitor reported "the site was trashy so we picked up a lot of what we could."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For families with young children, sites with easier access are preferable. Round Pond Pharsalia Woods is "like a unique wilderness location for primitive camping, but only 15 minutes from the village of Norwich!"
Look for level spots: At Finger Lakes National Forest, a camper noted the site "once at the 'top' is quite level," making it easier to set up family-sized tents.
Verify cell service: Coverage varies significantly between sites. At Long Pond Campground, a visitor reported "T-Mobile service has been exceptional," which is useful for families needing to stay connected.
Plan for no facilities: Pack portable toilets for young children as most sites have minimal or no facilities. One camper at Bear Wallow Pond notes "this is a primitive undeveloped campsite, there is a clearing for tenting but no potable water or amenities of any kind."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate only 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."
Road clearance concerns: Access roads often require vehicles with adequate clearance. For Finger Lakes National Forest, a camper advised "a truck or vehicle with clearance would be helpful but you could also park at the bottom if you needed to."
Power considerations: Solar dependency may be challenging due to tree cover. A Long Pond camper noted "the trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel."
Limited turnaround space: Several forest access points have minimal space for larger vehicles to turn around. Consider scouting locations first before bringing an RV or trailer.
