Dispersed camping near Hartwick, New York largely occurs in state forests scattered throughout Chenango and Otselic counties, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,800 feet. Winter temperatures commonly drop below 10°F while summer days typically reach 70-80°F with frequent rainfall. Most primitive sites remain accessible from May through October, though several forest roads become impassable during spring thaw or after heavy rain.
What to do
Fishing access points: Long Pond Campground offers multiple fishing spots including a boat launch with parking lot and dock, a carry-in kayak access near campsite 6, and a handicapped accessible fishing pier near campsite 1. According to Kevin C., "There were two young men fishing there at about 7 PM" and the pond is "very productive for fishermen."
Boardwalk exploration: Round Pond Pharsalia Woods Dispersed 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," notes Janet R., who adds, "You can also access the bog pond here if using kayaks or canoes."
Cross-country skiing: Winter visitors can access trail networks in several state forests when conditions permit. Joshua M. warns about Beals Pond State Forest: "This 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."
Mountain biking: State forest roads provide routes for cyclists seeking rustic terrain. The Bear Wallow Pond area connects to the larger Pharsalia Woods trail system where 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
Stream-side camping: Betty Brook Camp offers waterfront primitive sites. Robert B. notes, "Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots." Local camper Peter confirms, "It's a small town, with just a gas station store... the site is fairly small, but it's in state park, and there's tons of walking that can be done."
Secluded pond locations: Duck Pond Campsite provides a quiet camping experience near water. One visitor describes, "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived at surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience."
Off-grid forest settings: State forests throughout the region offer true wilderness camping. Katelyn H. found Long Pond Campground ideal for extended stays: "Each spot seems to have plenty of shade and access to downed firewood, and it looks like there are fire pits at each site. Lots of good tinder left over from previous guests which has been helpful."
Easy access canal camping: Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail provides waterfront parking with minimal competition. Mona M. advises, "Continue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You'll see signs that say 'No Vehicles Past This Point' — those apply only to the grassy picnic area."
What you should know
Road conditions vary drastically: Many primitive sites require travel on unmaintained roads. The L. warns about Duck Pond Campsite: "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse... Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads."
Amenities differ between sites: Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp offers basic sites with variable facilities. The L. notes, "This spot is right off the road. Nice and quiet. There is enough room for 2 to 3 campers. Parking across the street if it's wet. Entrance is soft."
Limited services: Prepare for self-sufficiency at most sites. Kevin C. observed at Long Pond Campground: "There is no water or garbage services at this site. Most camping spots are ideal for tents or very small campers or trailers... Would rate 5 stars if it had water and a garbage dumpster."
Site conditions fluctuate seasonally: Fall and spring camping present different challenges. According to felix R., Burnt Rossman State Forest "was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road."
Tips for camping with families
Easy-access sites: Long Pond offers kid-friendly camping with less hiking required. "Campgrounds was easy to locate and the road was in good shape. We stayed in the space across from the port-a-pottie. The other camping spaces we close enough to see their campfire at night but far enough away that it's still quiet."
Educational opportunities: Natural features provide learning experiences. Janet R. notes that Round Pond in Pharsalia Woods has "a unique bog ecosystem" with "an info kiosk with a map of the trail network and info about the unique bog ecosystem." This location is ideal for families interested in nature education.
Safety considerations: Plan for limited emergency services. Katelyn H. shares this perspective on Long Pond: "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."
Winter camping: Assess conditions carefully before bringing children in colder months. Weather can change quickly, and as noted about one location, "the road is not maintained in the winter" making emergency exits potentially difficult.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most primitive sites accommodate only small trailers or camper vans. Kevin C. notes about Long Pond: "Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel."
Parking logistics: The L. advises at Fort Plain Lock 15, "Simply it's a parking lot with a view. The parking area is right on the water. It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving."
Seasonal access: Spring thaw creates challenging conditions. Check road conditions before attempting access with any RV. Peter from Betty Brook Camp notes, "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small."
Power considerations: No hookups exist at any primitive sites. Solar dependency requires careful site selection, and generators may be prohibited. As one camper noted about Long Pond, "The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel."
