Best Dispersed Camping near Great Valley, NY

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Great Valley, NY is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Great Valley. Find the best campgrounds near Great Valley, NY. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Great Valley, New York (13)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Great Valley, NY

6 Photos of 13 Great Valley Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Great Valley, NY

24 Reviews of 13 Great Valley Campgrounds


  • Aliza  N.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Free dispersed camping in the Allegheny

    We camp in a lot of primitive dispersed camping, but finding a spot like this in the east is challenging! So for that…YAY, we love it. But, it’s not perfect. The road is behind the town of Ludlow (or Sheffield depending on which direction you are coming from). From Ludlow take the “Scenic Dr” and it turns into the forestry road. Lots of pull offs off this main road and you could prob find some more private ones if you explored the smaller dirt roads off the main forestry road. No services here obvi since it’s primitive camping. Road is in good condition and most any car would have no problem driving down it.

  • Zack B.
    Apr. 8, 2024

    Boyce State Forest

    Wet n wild

    Trail was more of a stream than a trail. You’ll spend more time beside the trail then actually on it. The campsite was a shelter off the side of the trail. It came with some firewood and cardboard to burn as well as some emergency water. Campsite was clean and came with an “air conditioned loo”. Lots of room for tents, however, most sites are not flat. Would recommend to come in dryer season or to bring rubber boots.

  • Ian B.
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Nice, peaceful and free

    If you don’t mind roughing it a bit, it’s really quite nice. Sites are first come first serve and there is a bit of day traffic to get to Hector Falls. Which is a nice little 2 mile hike. Some good exploring. Bring tick/bug spray. Found several on my boys and me.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2019

    Palmers Pond State Forest

    Favorite place to camp

    No electricity or water hook ups, very secluded, has a pond to fish in, by far my most favorite place to camp

  • Ian H.
    May. 23, 2022

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    A slice of Allegheny Heaven

    This spot is a boondocker’s delight! Big open spots with established fire rings. Quiet except for the distant rumble of a train passing the town down in the valley. The road is definitely hidden behind the town of Ludlow but we were able to find it at 2am after a long drive from cape cod.

  • Bob J.
    Sep. 1, 2021

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Comes as advertised! Really nice spot!

    The spot I stayed is right on the marker.  There are multiple spots along the main forest road. Some you can drive your car in and tuck it back. Other spots you cant take your car at all.   There are tons of logging roads that split off the main forest road. They mostly have gates that say "Logging road, no public motor vehicles allowed" but they also say "Foot travel is welcome" I went down a few of these roads and almost always found a few spots that would be great places to set up camp if you are willing to walk a little bit from your car. There is a really cool place called Hector Falls. The trailhead is about a mile down the road from this spot. It's about 3/4 a mile hike into the woods. The falls are really cool to look at, and has some cool rock formations. Be careful the cliffs are about a 20 ft straight drop. Other than that this spot is not a bad spot at all. Fire wood can be found all around.

  • Lizzy K.
    Oct. 29, 2021

    Palmers Pond State Forest

    Love this place!

    Beautiful grassy spots around the pond and along the road in. Google maps directed us to a dead end, go in through the north entrance and you’ll be good!

  • Rose S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Warner Road Dispersed Camping in North Harmony State Forest

    fine site, messy

    The site was fine, fire pit, primitive spot so no services. We arrived late at night so couldn’t see so well but stopped in a clearing on the road toward the coordinates.

    Kind of a gross site, the previous people who stayed at our site were messy and left litter, but it served its purpose as a free place to sleep along a longer trip.

  • M
    Sep. 3, 2020

    Palmers Pond State Forest

    Perfect campsite

    Abundant flat and grassy terrain under pines near a beautiful lake. Fire pits, a table, and parking area are in place but nothing else. Lots of beavers to watch throughout the day.


Guide to Great Valley

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Great Valley, New York, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Great Valley, New York

  • Many sites, like Boyce State Forest, allow for a truly primitive experience, so be prepared to bring your own supplies, including water and firewood.
  • If you're seeking a quiet retreat, Camp Seneca offers secluded spots next to a creek, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy tranquility in nature.
  • Always check the accessibility of roads leading to your chosen site; for instance, the road to Palmers Pond State Forest is gravel but manageable for most vehicles.

Unique features for dispersed campers

  • At Windfall Ponds, you can enjoy a drive-in experience, making it easy to set up camp and explore the surrounding nature.
  • For those who appreciate a bit of adventure, McCarthy Hills Forest provides a rugged environment perfect for hiking and discovering hidden gems.
  • If you’re traveling with pets, FR437 dispersed campsite welcomes furry friends, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors together.

Dispersed campers should check out Palmers Pond State Forest

  • The picturesque setting of Palmers Pond State Forest features grassy spots that are perfect for pitching a tent and enjoying the natural surroundings.
  • While some areas may be challenging to find, the effort is worth it for the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery.
  • This location is known for its well-maintained sites, making it a great choice for those who appreciate cleanliness in their camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Great Valley, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Great Valley, NY is Camp Seneca with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Great Valley, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Great Valley, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.