Several free primitive camping options exist in state forests surrounding Hamilton, New York. Bucks Brook State Forest offers hike-in tent sites along the Finger Lakes Trail with dispersed camping permitted throughout. The area features a gorge with small waterfalls, though amenities are minimal. Bear Wallow Pond in Pharsalia Woods provides both drive-in and hike-in options adjacent to a fishing pond with mountain biking trails nearby. According to one visitor, "This is a primitive undeveloped campsite, there is a clearing for tenting but no potable water or amenities of any kind."
Morgan Hill State Forest contains free dispersed campsites accessible from trailhead parking areas, with specific camping spots at the Onondaga Trailhead featuring picnic tables and fire pits. Whaupaunaucau State Forest includes an official lean-to shelter plus several primitive sites with stone fireplaces. Round Pond in Pharsalia Woods allows camping anywhere 150 feet from water, offering unique bog ecosystem access. Most sites require visitors bring their own water, pack out trash, and follow leave-no-trace principles. Ticks are prevalent in spring and early summer, with most forest roads requiring careful navigation during wet conditions.
"There are both state forest roads and off road trails to hike on in the area; the Bucks Brook Forest Road follows a series of small waterfalls at the bottom of the gorge to the source of the creek near"
"This is a primitive undeveloped campsite, there is a clearing for tenting but no potable water or amenities of any kind."
"You have to work a bit to find info on the Whaupaunaucau state forest as a camping destination, but for primitive campers that is part of the appeal!"
"This is a relatively new location for primitive camping in the Pharsalia Woods State Forest."
"This is a small state forest campground in the Morgan Hill forest from which you can directly access the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country scenic trail."
"This location has a set of 2 large trailhead parking lots for hikers and backpackers accessing the vast trail network of the Morgan Hill State Forest."
"Aside from that this was a short drive in and I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock."
"Campground was easy to locate and the road was in good shape. We stayed in the space across from the port-a-pottie."
GuideLock 15 is big area with varied places to park. There is a port a potty and potable water and All free. Shaded areas and picnic tables. It is located on the Mohawk River. It is a busy train location across the river. A boat did not enter the lock during our visit but it is an active lock on the Erie Canal. There is ample parking for a dozen or more campervans. It’s only 25 miles from Copperstown, NY. Felt very safe here.
TravelerGreat spot, great location. FYI to anyone who comes in the winter, it's not plowed, so you may need to adjust your plans accordingly.
GuideThis was a quiet overnight stay, just as the other reviewers say, a gravel parking lot that is easy to find a level spot in. This is on the river with a nice view. Lots of trains rolling through across the river but the noise wasn't an issue for me. There was a police officer that drove through the lot and drove around my campervan and continued on his way so I know that it is okay to overnight there.
GuideWell, I’m back, it’s June, and there are 3 other groups here. 1 boat, and 2 tent camping. The parking lot is still empty. The water was significantly lower last time I was here. They have dropped the gates, and the lock is in operation. The resident peacock has been keeping me company. Tried fishing, without any luck, it had been raining a lot lately, so maybe that was the reason. It still has the highway noise and of course the train noise going by, but I love that. I anticipate another lovely sleep. It’s quite breezy, so the windows will be open. I’m in my happy place!!!
GuideContinue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area. The parking lot is large, rocky, and uneven, situated right on the Mohawk River. It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and fishing (with a valid license). Verizon cell service is good here. At the lock parking area, you'll find pit toilets, a dumpster, and potable water available on the side of the building as you enter.
GuideSimply it’s a parking lot with a view. The parking area is right on the water. It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving. There are grills in the grassy area for tent camping, also a potable water tap.
LegendThis is a relatively new location for primitive camping in the Pharsalia Woods State Forest. There is a parking area just off the Plymouth Reservoir Rd that allows you to access a network of trails that traverse the state preserve around the unique Round Pond and adjacent bog. Primitive camping is allowed anywhere in the vicinity as long as you are 150 feet from the waters edge and away from the parking lot. The parking lot has an info kiosk with a map of the trail network and info about the unique bog ecosystem. You need to sign in at the kiosk, but otherwise there are no permits needed and no fees. One amazing aspect at this site is a beautiful and accessible raised boardwalk to a unique overlook that has a beautiful vista over the bog and is an amazing place for birdwatching especially during spring migration. You can also access the bog pond here if using kayaks or canoes. It is like a unique wilderness location fir primitive camping, but only 15 minutes from the village of Norwich!
For more info on the Pharsalia Woods in general, and the Round Pond in particular, visit this link on the DEC website: https://dec.ny.gov/places/pharsalia-woods-state-forest Be sure to also click on the link on that page regarding primitive camping at this site
ScoutThis state forest is beautiful but not easily accessible in the winter. After a certain point, the road is not maintained in the winter and I was unable to get cell reception with Verizon.
LegendThe coordinates lead you to a small parking area at the end of Grover Brown Rd, which is accessed by going north from Rt 23. The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintanence road. But if you follow the road north to the end, you will come to a dead end and a parking circle that gives you the option of hiking north past a gate into the state forest on a hunting trail, or west onto the Finger Lakes Trail where dispersed camping is allowed within the state forest. However, the whole road in is a tough ride, it is posted extensively en route that you are passing private property with no trespassing allowed until you see the DEC sign announcing the border of the state forest. The parking area is overgrown, the neighbors aling the road en route seem frustrated with hikers coming into the forest via this route, and the Trailhead here for the Finger Lakes Trail is blocked by downed trees that seem to have been there for a while. While you might try to hike the trail for day use, I wonder if this may not be a great place to leave your car during a foray into the woods for dispersed camping. Although the Pharsalia Forest is beautiful throughout, and dispersed camping is allowed throughout, there are better places to access it. There are also designated primitive campsites in several locations in other areas of this state forest which are worthy of your camping adventures! You
Free camping near Hamilton, New York centers on several state forests with distinctive geological features. The area sits within the Allegheny Plateau region where elevations range from 1,200-1,800 feet, creating varied terrain from rolling hills to steep valleys. Winter conditions often make forest roads impassable without 4WD vehicles, while summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Kayaking at Long Pond: Launch from one of three access points including a boat launch with parking lot and dock. "People have driven in to fish and kayak so I don't feel isolated and afraid, and I am just a few steps away from sitting on the dock and admiring the scenery," notes Katelyn H. about Long Pond Campground.
Birdwatching at Round Pond: Visit the raised boardwalk overlooking the bog ecosystem. "One amazing aspect at this site is a beautiful and accessible raised boardwalk to a unique overlook that has a beautiful vista over the bog and is an amazing place for birdwatching especially during spring migration," writes Janet R. about Round Pond Pharsalia Woods Dispersed.
Hiking the Onondaga Trail: Access the National North Country Scenic Trail directly from Morgan Hill Forest campsites. "You can set your driving directions on Google Maps beforehad... You might also want to download the free Avenza map of the forest which will allow you to navigate real time even if you don't have cell service," advises Janet R., highlighting the connectivity challenges of the area.
Natural isolation: Find peace in undeveloped forests and secluded sites. "The pond is quite large compared to other area pinds [sic], and three are three accesses for fishing: a regular boat launch with parking lot and dock, a carry-in kayak access near campsite 6, and a handicapped accessible fishing puer near campsite 1," shares a reviewer about Long Pond.
Unique ecosystems: Explore bogs, ponds and forest terrain within short distances. "Bucks Brook carves a beautiful gorge through Bucks Brook State Forest before it cascades into the Otselic River. There are both state forest roads and off road trails to hike on in the area," writes Janet R. about Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site.
Fishing opportunities: Cast for various species in multiple ponds and streams. "Long Pond is located in a state forest west of Smithfield Flats and Greene NY, and many locals come to Long Pond for fishing. The pond is quite large compared to other area pinds, and three are three accesses for fishing," explains a camper, noting the popularity among anglers.
Limited amenities: Bring everything you need including drinking water. "The camp sites I saw all seemed to be large and level spots all located beneath the tree canopy. Sites seemed disbursed enough to provide a modest level of privacy. Would rate 5 stars if it had water and a garbage dumpster," says Kevin C. about free camping near Hamilton.
Navigation challenges: Download offline maps before arrival. "Be sure to download a copy of the forest map with the trails network marked, as the various trails are blazed and have occasional signs, but they crisscross in a confusing network and you can get easily turned around without a map," advises Janet R. about Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed.
Accessibility limitations: Most sites require good mobility. "Though an all terrain wheelchair could navigate from car to campsite, a regular one could not due to gravel. In addition, there is no outhouse by the site, only one quite a ways down the lake," explains a reviewer describing the accessibility challenges at Long Pond.
Fire safety precautions: Bring your own containment system. "Some have official steel fire rings, some have stone fire rings that are crumbling. All are drive in sites, some meant for trailers and others with green space for tents," notes Janet R. about Balsam Swamp State Forest.
Road condition awareness: Check weather forecasts before arrival. "The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintanence road. But if you follow the road north to the end, you will come to a dead end and a parking circle," explains a camper about Pharsalia Woods State Forest access.
Wildlife education opportunities: Learn about bog ecosystems at dedicated sites. "You can also access the bog pond here if using kayaks or canoes. It is like a unique wilderness location fir primitive camping, but only 15 minutes from the village of Norwich!" explains a visitor to Round Pond.
Size limitations: Small trailers only at most locations. "Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel," notes Kevin C. about the camping conditions at Long Pond.
Solar power challenges: Expect limited sun exposure in wooded sites. "Site has no water, no garbage service and no phone signal," reports a camper about the difficulties of camping with power-dependent equipment in the region.
Alternative locations: Consider Whaupaunaucau State Forest for more RV-friendly options. "This is a relatively unknown oasis outside of the county, but this state forest has a network of miles of trails for both hiking and criss country skiing," says Janet R., noting the diverse recreational options for campers bringing vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hamilton, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hamilton, NY is Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Hamilton, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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