Dispersed camping near Fort Hunter, New York provides access to multiple state forests and public lands across Schoharie, Montgomery, and Fulton counties. Sites range in elevation from 350 feet at riverfront locations to over 1,800 feet in surrounding forested highlands. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, with summer daytime highs averaging 75-85°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail, campers can fish the Mohawk River with a valid license. "It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and fishing," reports Mona M., who recommends bringing appropriate gear for rocky terrain.
Winter activities: Winter camping remains viable at many sites despite seasonal conditions. Felix R. noted about Burnt Rossman State Forest: "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"
Hiking network: State forests offer extensive trail systems for day hiking. At Ushers Road State Forest, trails accommodate various activities. "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side," writes one visitor who discovered multiple potential camping spots 150+ feet off main trails.
What campers like
River proximity: Many campers appreciate streamside sites for ambient sound and recreation. "Site 4 is magical, it is road side, but the view, and access to the river is great. There is a path right from the site," notes a reviewer about Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest.
Privacy levels: Some sites offer excellent seclusion despite proximity to forest roads. At Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, one camper described: "The site has its own private road... You can hear cars from the site but the cars can't see you-loved this! The sound of the cars from the main highway is something I got used to quick."
Year-round accessibility: Multiple locations allow camping throughout all seasons. A regular at Betty Brook Camp stated: "Love to camp here all year long have been coming to the area for a couple of decades now. Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between sites. "There is zero Verizon cell service in the whole area. So plan accordingly," warns a visitor to Powley Road. Another camper at Duck Pond Campsite mentioned "Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads."
Road conditions: Access roads to many sites require appropriate vehicles. "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse," reports a Duck Pond visitor, adding that "the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it."
Seasonal fluctuations: Water levels and site conditions change throughout the year. A return visitor to Fort Plain Lock 15 noted: "The water was significantly lower last time I was here. They have dropped the gates, and the lock is in operation."
Tips for camping with families
Noise considerations: Some sites experience consistent ambient noise. At Fort Plain Lock 15, a camper explained: "It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving."
Established fire rings: Most sites feature basic stone fire rings for controlled cooking and campfires. "The site includes a stone fire ring, indicating prior use," notes a visitor to Ushers Road State Forest when describing a potential camping spot.
Wildlife viewing: Several locations offer good wildlife observation opportunities without requiring long hikes. A Fort Plain Lock 15 camper mentioned: "The resident peacock has been keeping me company," demonstrating the sometimes unexpected wildlife encounters possible.
Tips from RVers
Limited turnaround space: Several sites have restricted maneuvering room for larger vehicles. At Cod Pond, a camper warned: "Site was big enough to pull our mid-size SUV down and unfold rooftop-tent, but we did have to back out in the morning; not enough room to turn around."
Small trailer considerations: State forest sites generally accommodate smaller RVs only. For Betty Brook Camp, a local resident advised: "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small, but it's in state park, and there's tons of walking that can be done."
Ground conditions: Be prepared for variable parking surfaces that change with weather. "Entrance is soft," noted a Burnt Rossman State Forest camper, while another mentioned "Parking across the street if it's wet," indicating the need for awareness of seasonal ground conditions.
