Primitive camping near Johnson City, New York provides access to numerous state forests within a 30-40 mile radius. The region sits at the northern edge of the Appalachian Plateau with elevations ranging from 800-2,000 feet, creating varied terrain for backcountry camping. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, with heavier snowfall on higher elevations that can make forest road access challenging.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Long Pond Campground offers productive fishing from multiple access points. "The pond is quite large compared to other area ponds, and there 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 pier near campsite 1," notes reviewer Janet R.
Wildlife observation: Round Pond Pharsalia Woods Dispersed features a unique bog ecosystem with excellent birdwatching. "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," according to a visitor.
Hiking network: The region offers interconnected trail systems linking various state forests. At Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site, "The Bucks Brook Forest Road follows a series of small waterfalls at the bottom of the gorge to the source of the creek near the top of the ridge above it, while the Finger Lakes trail follows the brook for a short while near its mouth before climbing offroad through the ridge."
What campers like
Pond-side camping: Many dispersed sites offer direct water access. At Long Pond Campground, one camper reported, "I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a 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."
Solitude and spacing: Campsites throughout the region provide good separation between users. At Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground, visitors appreciate that "this location is peaceful and quiet with mature trees and plenty of distance between neighboring campers, and would be an ideal setting for a group campout."
Natural surroundings: The undeveloped character of these areas appeals to many campers. Whaupaunaucau State Forest is described as "a relatively unknown oasis outside of the county" with "lovely hilly vistas, pondside glens, and lots of clearings near clear streams deep in this old stately forest."
What you should know
Variable road conditions: Access can be challenging on less-maintained roads. At Beals Pond State Forest, "After a certain point, the road is not maintained in the winter and I was unable to get cell reception with Verizon."
Need for self-sufficiency: Most sites lack facilities. At Morgan Hill Forest, "you DO need to come prepared to use the bushes by your campsite and leave no trace, plus bring your own water."
Maintenance issues: Site upkeep varies significantly across locations. At Balsam Swamp State Forest, "Some of the sites have new picnic tables, some have old tables that are falling apart, and some have none at all. Some have official steel fire rings, some have stone fire rings that are crumbling."
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility options: Some locations have ADA features but remain primitive. Morgan Hill Forest has "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."
Educational opportunities: Many sites feature unique ecological areas for learning. Round Pond in Pharsalia Woods has "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. The parking lot has an info kiosk with a map of the trail network and info about the unique bog ecosystem."
Safety considerations: Remote locations require planning. At Bear Wallow Pond, "This is a primitive undeveloped campsite, there is a clearing for tenting but no potable water or amenities of any kind. The site is adjacent to a small parking area and fishing access on a really beautiful pond."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate only small vehicles. At Long Pond Campground, "Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel."
Alternative parking: For larger vehicles, some areas offer overnight parking lot options. At Foster Pond Camping Area, one camper shared, "My mom and I stayed just in the parking lot and had no issues and weren't bothered."
Power considerations: No hookups are available, and solar can be challenging. At Long Pond, campsites are "large and level spots all located beneath the tree canopy" which limits solar charging capabilities.
