Best Dispersed Camping near Georgetown, NY

Looking for the best campgrounds near Georgetown, NY? Georgetown is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Georgetown camping trip.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Georgetown, New York (12)

    1. Long Pond Campground

    4 Reviews
    68 Photos
    18 Saves
    Georgetown, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    2. Balsam Swamp State Forest

    1 Review
    31 Photos
    42 Saves
    Cincinnatus, New York

    Camping primitive camping

    General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations

    At large primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

    A small rustic camp ground is also located at Balsam Pond. Camping spaces are available at no cost on a first-come, first-serve basis and there is no running water or electricity. A fire ring, outhouse, and picnic table are provided for each camping space.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table

    3. Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods

    1 Review
    25 Photos
    8 Saves
    South Plymouth, New York

    Primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger. More details here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/41282.html

    Primitive camping is allowed on many DEC lands, including Forest Preserve lands in the Catskills and Adirondacks, as well as on State Forest lands outside the Preserve. Primitive camping is prohibited on Unique Areas, Wildlife Management Areas, and a few other categories of state land.

    Where to Set Up Camp The best place to camp is at designated primitive tent sites. These sites are typically flatter than other areas and have deeper, harder soils more resistant to heavy use and erosion, minimizing the impacts of camping. Many sites have nearby pit privies and rock fire rings.

    Yellow and black camp here marker attached to a tree "Camp Here" marker Campers are encouraged to use designated tent sites. They are often close to trails and provide views of ponds, lakes, streams or rivers. These can be a source of water when properly treated.

    All designated primitive tent sites have yellow and black "Camp Here" markers. Many sites on lakes and ponds are identified by a yellow number against a dark brown wooden plaque typically attached to a tree near the water's edge.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed

    4. Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site

    1 Review
    10 Photos
    33 Saves
    DeRuyter, New York

    Bucks Brook State Forest consists of 2,178 acres located between State highway 26 and County Highway 13 in the northwest corner of Chenango County. Popular recreational uses of this forest are hiking, nature observation and hunting.

    Camping At-large primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

    Hiking General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.

    A portion of the Finger Lakes Trail (leaves DEC website) traverses the forest. The trail enters the forest on the northwest side along Ratville Road and traverses east and then south to where it exits the forest on Bucks Brook Road near its junction with Rt. 26

    Fishing General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules & regulations.

    The Otselic River, which runs along Rt. 26, offers nearby trout fishing opportunities and is easily accessible due to the numerous DEC parking areas.

    Fishing Access information is available. Fishing Easement information is available.

    Hunting & Trapping General Information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules & regulations.

    Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations.

    Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on all hiking trails.

    Wildlife General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed

    5. Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed

    1 Review
    19 Photos
    1 Save
    South Plymouth, New York

    Primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger. More details here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/41282.html

    Primitive camping is allowed on many DEC lands, including Forest Preserve lands in the Catskills and Adirondacks, as well as on State Forest lands outside the Preserve. Primitive camping is prohibited on Unique Areas, Wildlife Management Areas, and a few other categories of state land.

    Where to Set Up Camp The best place to camp is at designated primitive tent sites. These sites are typically flatter than other areas and have deeper, harder soils more resistant to heavy use and erosion, minimizing the impacts of camping. Many sites have nearby pit privies and rock fire rings.

    Yellow and black camp here marker attached to a tree "Camp Here" marker Campers are encouraged to use designated tent sites. They are often close to trails and provide views of ponds, lakes, streams or rivers. These can be a source of water when properly treated.

    All designated primitive tent sites have yellow and black "Camp Here" markers. Many sites on lakes and ponds are identified by a yellow number against a dark brown wooden plaque typically attached to a tree near the water's edge.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed

    6. Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground

    1 Review
    37 Photos
    11 Saves
    Truxton, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    7. Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed

    1 Review
    39 Photos
    20 Saves
    Apulia Station, New York

    This location is the parking area for the dispersed hike-in and backpacking camping; the established primitive campgrounds are elsewhere in the forest, at Spruce Pond and adjacent to the North Country Scenic Trail access for the trail to Tinkers Falls.

    Two additional drive-up, accessible camping sites are available on a first come, first served basis. The sites are located off of Morgan Hill Road, in close proximity to the forest's accessible trail. See map above and directions below.

    The Spruce Pond camping area and the two drive-up accessible camping sites are located on seasonal roads with no winter maintenance or available parking nearby. Accessing these sites from November through March is not recommended.

    Primitive camping is welcomed year-round throughout the forest, where safe and authorized access and parking allows. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed

    9. Beals Pond State Forest

    1 Review
    2 Saves
    Trout Creek, New York
    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed

    10. Foster Pond Camping Area

    1 Review
    4 Photos
    6 Saves
    Hector, New York
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
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Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Georgetown, NY

9 Reviews of 12 Georgetown Campgrounds



Guide to Georgetown

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Georgetown, New York, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy everything from fishing to hiking.

Dispersed campers should check out Long Pond Campground

  • Located in a secluded area, Long Pond Campground offers a peaceful environment ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
  • The campground features ample shade from thick trees, making it a great spot for tent camping, although solar panel users may find it challenging due to limited sunlight.
  • With no water or garbage services available, campers are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles to maintain the natural beauty of the area.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Georgetown, New York

  • When visiting Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site, be prepared for a truly primitive experience, as there are no amenities like toilets or water sources.
  • It's advisable to bring your own water and a filtration system, especially since the only water source is the brook, which requires treatment before consumption.
  • The scenic trails in the area provide excellent hiking opportunities, allowing campers to explore the natural beauty surrounding the forest.

Fishing and outdoor activities while free camping near Georgetown

  • For those interested in fishing, Balsam Swamp State Forest is known for its trout and bass, making it a popular spot for anglers.
  • The pond at Balsam Swamp is one of the larger state forest ponds, providing ample space for boating and wildlife watching, enhancing the outdoor experience.
  • Campers can also enjoy hiking in the area, although it's important to note that some sites may require a bit of maintenance to fully enjoy the natural surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Georgetown, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Georgetown, NY is Long Pond Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Georgetown, NY?

    TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Georgetown, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.