State forests surrounding Hubbardsville, New York feature predominantly primitive and dispersed camping options, with Whaupaunaucau State Forest and Pharsalia Woods State Forest offering the most accessible dispersed campsites within a 30-minute drive. The landscape consists primarily of wooded areas with numerous ponds and small lakes, creating opportunities for both secluded forest camping and waterfront sites. Most locations are managed by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and follow state forest camping regulations, requiring campers to position sites at least 150 feet from water sources. Tent camping dominates the region, though some areas like Round Pond and Long Pond Campground can accommodate small trailers or RVs.
Road conditions vary significantly across the region's state forests, with many access points requiring navigation on seasonal or minimally maintained roads. As one camper noted about Pharsalia Woods, "The road itself is in pretty rough shape and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintenance road." Winter access becomes particularly challenging, with several forest roads not maintained during snow season. Cell service is unreliable throughout most camping areas, making offline maps essential. Ticks present a seasonal concern, especially in spring and early summer. Most sites lack amenities, with campers required to bring their own water and pack out all waste. The standard stay limit for dispersed camping is 14 days.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly at locations like Bear Wallow Pond and Round Pond. Fishing opportunities are plentiful, with several ponds stocked with trout, bass, and other species. Campers frequently mention the region's wildlife viewing and birding opportunities. One reviewer described Whaupaunaucau State Forest as having "lovely hilly vistas, pondside glens, and lots of clearings near clear streams deep in this old stately forest." While most sites maintain good separation between campers, some locations like Long Pond have experienced issues with litter and vandalism. The Finger Lakes Trail passes through several state forests, providing hiking opportunities directly from campsites, though trail maintenance varies by location and season.
"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 primitive undeveloped campsite, there is a clearing for tenting but no potable water or amenities of any kind."
"This is a relatively new location for primitive camping in the Pharsalia Woods State Forest."
"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 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
Rustic camping near Hubbardsville, New York largely centers around the region's glaciated terrain, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 feet throughout nearby state forests. The area receives approximately 48 inches of precipitation annually, creating lush forests and numerous small waterways for camping. Most state forest roads in the region close from December through April due to snow conditions and minimal maintenance.
Fishing opportunities: At Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods, anglers can access stocked waters in a peaceful setting. "This is a primitive undeveloped campsite... adjacent to a small parking area and fishing access on a really beautiful pond," notes Janet R., who adds you can "kayak or fish on the pond" during your stay.
Hiking network: The extensive trail system at Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed provides multiple options for day hikes. "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," warns Janet R.
Wildlife watching: Spring and fall offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities at multiple forest locations. "I have been there in both summer, when the shoreline wildflowers are riotous, and in fall when the changing leaves are breathtaking," writes one camper about Bear Wallow Pond. Bring binoculars as several ponds attract migratory waterfowl.
Accessible fishing platforms: The handicapped fishing pier at Long Pond Campground offers inclusive angling opportunities. Kevin C. notes, "About 100 yards away was the public fishing dock and another camp site. There were two young men fishing there at about 7 PM."
Solitude with safety: Many dispersed sites balance isolation with occasional visitors. At Long Pond, Katelyn H. explains, "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."
Boardwalk access: Round Pond Pharsalia Woods Dispersed features a unique bog viewing area. "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.
Road conditions: Access to primitive camping around Hubbardsville often requires navigating rough forest roads. At Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed, one camper reports, "The coordinates lead you to a small parking area at the end of Grover Brown Rd... The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintanence road."
Limited amenities: Most primitive sites lack basic facilities. At Long Pond, Kevin C. reports, "There is no water or garbage services at this site. Most camping spots are ideal for tents or very small campers or trailers." Campers must bring all water and pack out all waste.
Tick prevention: Ticks pose a significant hazard throughout camping areas near Hubbardsville. As one camper notes about Morgan Hill State Forest, "Be prepared for ticks and the need for repellent as they are thick in spring and early summer." Proper repellent and daily tick checks are essential.
Accessible sites: Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground offers developed options for families. "There are two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits. These are very nice roomy wooded campsites, and the developed sites are supposedly ADA accessible," explains Janet R.
Bring entertainment: With minimal established recreation facilities, families should pack games and activities. Long Pond campers note the thick tree cover limits solar charging, so bring non-electronic entertainment options.
Choose waterfront: Sites near water provide natural entertainment for children. At Round Pond, a visitor notes, "You can also access the bog pond here if using kayaks or canoes. It is like a unique wilderness location for primitive camping, but only 15 minutes from the village of Norwich!"
Site limitations: Most dispersed camping areas have restrictions on RV size and access. At Long Pond Campground, Kevin C. observes, "Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel."
Pack extra supplies: With no hookups or services available, self-sufficiency is crucial. "Site has no water, no garbage service and no phone signal," reports an RVer at Long Pond. Plan for at least 3-4 days of complete water and power independence.
Advance scouting: Before bringing an RV to primitive sites near Hubbardsville, check road conditions. Several forest roads have seasonal closures or deteriorate quickly after rain, making access difficult for trailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Hubbardsville, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hubbardsville, NY is Whaupaunaucau State Forest with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Hubbardsville, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Hubbardsville, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
