Best Dispersed Camping near Fillmore, NY
Dispersed camping near Fillmore, New York is available at several state forests, including Palmers Pond State Forest, Ossian State Forest, English Hill State Forest, and Boyce State Forest. Most sites are primitive with no amenities or services. Palmer's Pond State Forest, rated highly by visitors, offers grassy tent spots around a small pond with existing fire pits. Boyce State Forest provides hike-in and walk-in access with basic toilets but no water sources.
Access routes to many dispersed sites require careful navigation. Palmer's Pond State Forest visitors note that GPS directions can be unreliable, with multiple reviews warning against taking Palmer's Pond Road, which leads to a dead end. The correct approach is via Turnpike Road to South Road from Interstate 86. Roads throughout these areas are typically unpaved gravel or dirt, and some may become impassable during wet weather. Fire pits exist at some locations, but campers should verify current fire regulations before visiting.
These primitive camping areas provide peaceful seclusion with natural surroundings. Palmer's Pond State Forest features beaver activity and fishing opportunities in a wooded setting with pine trees. Sites are typically flat and grassy, making for comfortable tent camping. Some areas, like Ossian State Forest on Scoville Road, have reportedly deteriorated with blocked trails and fallen trees, according to recent visitor reports. A review noted that "only a couple of the primitive sites are accessible and most of the trails are choked with growth or blocked with fallen trees." Another camper described Palmers Pond as "beautiful grassy spots around the pond and along the road in."
