Primitive camping opportunities surround Hubbardsville, New York, within several undeveloped state forests across Chenango and Madison counties. The terrain features rolling hills with elevations between 1,200-1,800 feet and mixed hardwood forests dominated by maple, beech, and hemlock. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that regularly drop below 15°F, while summer nights often cool to the 50s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s.
What to do
Fishing access points: Spruce Pond in Morgan Hill State Forest provides shoreline fishing opportunities with several campsites featuring their own pond access. "This was a nice spot, but the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night," notes one camper about the active wildlife.
Trail networks: The National North Country Scenic Trail runs through Morgan Hill Forest with direct access from designated tent sites. "You can best access this campground from the south side of the forest; the entrance is from state route 13 on Morgan Hill Rd south, adjacent to a very nice farm stand that is a good stop for supplies," explains a visitor who recommends downloading the free Avenza map for navigation without cell service.
Paddle sports: Bear Wallow Pond offers paddling opportunities directly from its primitive campsite. "You can kayak or fish on the pond, go mountain biking on the network of state forest roads that are all part of the Pharsalia Woods Game Refuge, or access the Finger Lakes Trail or Canasawacta Creek Trail," according to a camper who visited in multiple seasons.
What campers like
Handicap accessible options: Spruce Pond camping area features accommodations for visitors with mobility needs. "There are fire grills and nicely developed tent sites...and one is actually handicapped accessible with its own accessible fishing landing and an easy access to the parking lot. There is a brand new outhouse with wide accessible doorway as well."
Lean-to shelters: The Pharsalia Woods Lean-To Campsite provides a substantial shelter option for hikers. "Beautifully maintained primitive group campsite with large Adirondack style lean-to, several picnic tables and fire rings, and firewood provided. Maintained by volunteers of the local Bullthistle Hikers Club," writes a visitor who appreciates the perennial spring nearby.
Free camping options: Charles E. Baker State Forest offers no-cost tent camping with minimal facilities. "Camped here on a Thursday night in late September. Only found one designated campsite, which was available, but there's a lot of good space for dispersed camping right nearby. Access at the end of a long, but well maintained, dirt road," reports a camper who found the fire pit and picnic table adequate.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some tent camping areas near Hubbardsville require advance planning. Pharsalia Y Pond primitive campsite requires permits obtained through the regional DEC office. "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... allow one week for permit to be processed."
Water sources: Most primitive sites lack potable water. At Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite, "This is a primitive undeveloped campsite, there is a clearing for tenting but no potable water or amenities of any kind." Campers should plan to bring all drinking water or water treatment supplies.
Road conditions: Access to many tent camping areas around Hubbardsville involves unpaved forest roads of varying quality. "The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintenance road," warns one visitor about the Pharsalia Woods Trailhead off Grover Brown Road, suggesting high clearance vehicles for some locations.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategies: For family tent camping, look for the more developed primitive sites with tables. "The first few campsites are the best—the further down you go the worse the sites get for tent set up. Smaller tents would be best here. Great trees for hammock camping though," advises a visitor to Spruce Pond regarding site choices.
Educational opportunities: Jackson Pond Tent Sites provide wildlife viewing opportunities for children. "Quiet, peaceful wooded location perfect for individual or group tenting, such as scout groups, fishermen, backpackers and hikers," notes a camper who recommends the site for organized youth activities.
Weather preparedness: Families should pack for temperature swings in all seasons at these higher elevation campsites. Even summer nights can drop into the 50s, while spring and fall camping often means overnight temperatures near freezing.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed tent camping sites near Hubbardsville cannot accommodate large RVs. "The parking area is overgrown, the neighbors along 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," cautions a visitor about accessing Pharsalia Woods via smaller forest roads.
Leveling challenges: RV campers should scout sites before committing, as few primitive areas offer level parking. The cement pads at Morgan Hill Forest's Onondaga Trailhead campground provide the rare exception with "two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits."
Water and waste management: No dump stations or hookups exist in any of the primitive camping areas surrounding Hubbardsville. RV campers must be self-contained and prepared to pack out all waste.
