Dispersed tent camping around Herkimer, New York offers adventurous campers access to the Adirondack foothills and Central New York forests. The region features several primitive camping areas situated between 1,200-1,800 feet elevation, with seasonal temperatures ranging from summer highs around 80°F to winter lows below freezing. Most primitive sites in this region require vehicles with adequate ground clearance to navigate unpaved access roads.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: E16 Canal Lock provides unique tent camping along the historic Erie Canal system. According to one camper, "The Canal Corporation provides designated spots for tent and van camping along the canal. Stays are limited to a maximum of 48 hours. Upon arrival, campers must scan the QR code at the entrance and complete a brief survey." E16 Canal Lock has good Verizon cell service, making it easier to check local fishing regulations while enjoying canal access.
Hiking trails: Tent camping at Pharsalia Y Pond connects directly to the Finger Lakes Trail system. One visitor notes, "This campsite is a hike in stop on the Finger Lakes Trail, but can also be accessed by a short walk-in from Elmer Jackson Rd, or by paddling in from the parking area in the west side of the pond." Hikers need to secure permits with at least one week advance notice from the DEC office in Cortland.
Winter recreation: Several camping areas near Herkimer maintain limited winter accessibility. Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park offers specialized winter accommodations, with one visitor noting, "you can cross country ski here in winter—in fact, reserve one of the winterized cabins and come for a long weekend of cozy cabin time and quiet time outdoors on the winter trails." Winter camping requires additional preparation with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing.
What campers like
Clear water access: Tent campers consistently mention the exceptional water quality at many sites. At North Lake Reservoir Campground, a camper observed, "32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean. Make sure to take a left at the start of the lake, the right is all private road and you will have to turn around." The lake is particularly known for its clarity and fishing potential.
Free camping options: Charles E. Baker State Forest provides no-cost tent camping with basic amenities. A camper shared, "Beautiful forest with miles of trails. I found this spot passing through on my bike and had no problem pitching a tent in a secluded spot in the woods. There are official camp spots with water access which are also free to use." The forest contains several unmarked but usable dispersed camping locations beyond the designated sites.
Unexpected amenities: Despite the primitive nature of most sites, some areas provide surprising facilities. At Duck Pond Campsite, a visitor reported, "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived at surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad." Several sites feature established fire rings even without other infrastructure present.
What you should know
Access road conditions: Many primitive camping sites require navigating challenging terrain. At Duck Pond Campsite, a camper warned, "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse... Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads." Small vehicles with higher clearance often perform better than large trucks or SUVs on these forest roads.
Permit requirements: Several camping areas require advance paperwork. For Pharsalia Y Pond, "Camping in this DEC Wildlife Management Area campsite is limited, and requires a permit. Visit the regional DEC office at 1285 Fisher Ave., Cortland NY or call 607-753-3095, or email at Info.R7@dec.ny.gov; allow one week for permit to be processed." Always check current permit requirements before departing.
Limited facilities: Most tent sites provide minimal infrastructure. Even at popular locations like Charles E. Baker State Forest, campers note, "Campsite consists of a fire pit and picnic table. Some litter, not too bad. No toilets." Visitors must pack in all necessary supplies including toilet paper, water treatment, and food storage containers.
Tips for camping with families
Glamping alternatives: For families with young children, Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park offers cabin camping with enhanced comfort. A visitor notes, "This is a small hidden gem of a state park where the only camping available is in camper cabins—and pretty amazing glamping for camper cabins! The cabins are beautifully built with lovely settings, and well appointed though you need to bring your own linens." The park includes playground facilities and nearby swimming options at Otsego Lake.
Pond safety: Several camping areas feature small ponds suitable for supervised children. At Duck Pond Campsite, "The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience." Small ponds typically have gentler shorelines than larger lakes but may contain underwater hazards requiring water shoes.
Wildlife education opportunities: Many tent sites near Herkimer provide excellent wildlife observation for children. Pharsalia Y Pond area includes a Wildlife Management Area where "You can also walk or drive along various state forest roads to several other ponds in the Wildlife Management area for good birdwatching." Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Most primitive tent camping areas near Herkimer have severe limitations for larger vehicles. At North Lake Reservoir Campground, campers report the access roads become progressively narrower closer to the water. One RVer noted, "Car camped, but there was enough room for a tent. Fire pit at the site and a bathroom across the way from the first site." Small campervans under 20 feet typically navigate these roads most successfully.
Seasonal road closures: Access to many tent camping areas becomes restricted during winter and spring thaw conditions. Travelers should contact the DEC regional office for current road status before attempting access between November and April. Several forest roads remain unmaintained during winter months regardless of weather conditions.
