Dispersed camping near Fishers, New York centers around the nearby Finger Lakes National Forest and surrounding state lands. Most primitive campsites lie between 1,300-2,000 feet elevation, providing seasonal temperature variations with summer highs averaging 80°F and winter lows frequently below 20°F. Camping areas remain open year-round but access becomes challenging during winter months when secondary forest roads receive limited maintenance.
What to do
Hiking trails accessibility: Sugar Hill Recreation Area connects to multiple hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. A camper noted, "Nice hiking trails at the moment (pretty close to overgrown at this point in the season)," indicating trail conditions can change seasonally, particularly in late summer.
Horseback riding opportunities: The Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite accommodates equestrian visitors with dedicated facilities. According to a recent visitor, "The horse stalls were used regularly and seeing horses coming and going on trail rides is a daily occurrence."
Stargazing conditions: Minimal light pollution creates favorable stargazing conditions at most primitive sites. One visitor at Sugar Hill mentioned, "It was a cool and windy night, which made it perfect for sleeping," referencing the clear night skies that typically accompany cooler evenings.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas provide adequate spacing between campsites. A Sugar Hill Recreation Area visitor shared, "The campground offers a variety of great options for various rig sizes, accommodating different needs comfortably. For those seeking more privacy, there are numerous secluded spots along the side roads throughout the park."
Quiet weekday camping: Weekday visitors often experience significantly less crowding. One camper observed, "Weekends are very busy but weekdays there were no more than 7 or 8 campsites occupied each night," making mid-week visits preferable for those seeking solitude.
Proximity to regional attractions: Several camping areas provide strategic positioning for regional exploration. A camper stated, "Easy proximity to Seneca Lake and Watkins Glen State Park. Nice wooded area kept us far enough away from other campers. Great location!"
What you should know
Registration procedures: Most dispersed sites require self-registration upon arrival. One visitor explained, "Register for overnight at bathroom building kiosk. Day visits just sign log," clarifying the different processes for overnight versus day-use visitors.
Seasonal variations in facilities: Available amenities can change seasonally at some locations. A camper at Finger Lakes National Forest reported, "I believe it's still off season so the spot with all the facilities wasn't open. We used the map on the state forest website."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity remains limited throughout the region. A visitor noted, "WiFi and phone service are pretty limited, typically ranging between 1-2 bars," making it advisable to download offline maps and information before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom facilities: Select sites offer improved restroom facilities suitable for families. A camper reported, "26 camp sites with bathrooms! That flush! Very quiet and the sites aren't on top of each other," making these locations more comfortable for families with young children.
Water availability: Water sources vary significantly between sites. At Foster Pond Camping Area, a visitor cautioned, "NO AMENITIES," while another site review mentioned, "Water faucets were placed all over the campground," highlighting the importance of researching water access before arrival.
Safety considerations: Some remote areas receive limited maintenance. One visitor warned about an unmanaged site, "The site was trashy so we picked up a lot of what we could," indicating the need to inspect sites upon arrival and potentially clean up before setting up camp.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive sites vary significantly in quality. A visitor reported, "The road in (a loop) is steep on both sides (a truck or vehicle with clearance would be helpful but you could also park at the bottom if you needed to)," suggesting caution when navigating to remote sites.
Solar charging options: Site selection can impact power generation capabilities. One RVer noted, "About half of them are in the sun and half get shade all day. I switched sites after a day to get some solar charging," highlighting the importance of considering sun exposure when selecting sites for longer stays.
Site levelness: Ground conditions vary across dispersed camping areas. A camper observed their site was "quiet, roomy and once at the 'top' is quite level," indicating the need to arrive with leveling equipment for less ideal locations.
