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Best Dispersed Camping near Kirkwood, NY

7 Reviews

Several state forests around Kirkwood, New York accommodate primitive dispersed camping with minimal amenities. Pharsalia Woods State Forest offers multiple primitive camping locations including Bear Wallow Pond and Round Pond areas, while nearby Whaupaunaucau, Balsam Swamp, and Beals Pond state forests provide additional dispersed camping options. Long Pond in McDonough State Forest features more established primitive sites with some basic amenities. These areas typically follow New York State DEC regulations for backcountry camping on state forest lands, allowing camping at designated primitive sites or at self-selected locations at least 150 feet from water sources, roads, or trails.

Access to most dispersed sites requires careful navigation on unpaved forest roads that vary significantly in condition. Many roads become difficult or impassable during winter months, with Beals Pond State Forest specifically noted for winter inaccessibility. Most sites lack drinking water, established toilets, and other amenities, though Long Pond has a portable toilet. Camping is generally free and permits are not required, though campers must follow standard state forest regulations including the 14-day stay limit. Fires are permitted at most locations except Beals Pond, but campers must use existing fire rings where available.

These state forests provide secluded camping experiences with opportunities for fishing, hiking, paddling, and wildlife observation. "This is a relatively new location for primitive camping in the Pharsalia Woods State Forest," notes one visitor about the Round Pond area, highlighting "a beautiful and accessible raised boardwalk to a unique overlook that has a beautiful vista over the bog." Long Pond receives moderate use from anglers accessing its "very scenic and very productive" fishing. While most areas maintain a wilderness feel, some locations show signs of overuse or improper care. A visitor to Long Pond mentioned that "previous campers had strewn garbage around most of the sites," though others report finding quiet, clean camping experiences. Cell phone reception varies significantly throughout these remote areas.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Kirkwood, New York (9)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Kirkwood, NY

18 Photos of 9 Kirkwood Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Kirkwood, NY

7 Reviews of 9 Kirkwood Campgrounds

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2019

    Whaupaunaucau State Forest

    Hidden gem in Chenango County

    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 unknown oasis outside of the county, but this state forest has a network of miles of trails for both hiking and criss country skiing. There is an offifical lean-to shelter and developed campsite on trail 20 (see map) but there are several primitive sites with tent site and stine fireplace, plus dispersed leave-no-trace camping is allowed anywhere in the state forest, and the possibilities are endless. Lovely hilly vistas, pondside glens, and lots of clearings near clear streams deep in this old stately forest. A great place to get away from it all for hiking and camping but it is also a fantastic place to go if you enjoy botanizing or birding, lots of unusual species to see. Just beware of ticks, they are invading the region

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 1, 2017

    Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site

    Bucks Brook primitive camping

    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; 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 high above the gorge, along steep cliffs above the Otselic and west along the crest of Bucks Brook Hill. There are several very primitive tent sites along the FTL, but dispersed camping is also allowed. Two sites on the ridge near the source of the Brook are accessible by the Finger Lakes trail either from Bucks Brook Rd or Ridge Rd.

    The setting is scenic and picturesque, and the winding trail can be quite a challenge if hiking the long way uphill on the FTL. An easier hike-in access is at Ridge Rd, about a 1/4 hike to the brook where there are several nice flat tent sites. The brook is beautiful and unspoiled, but this truly is primitive camping, no picnic tables, no lean-to shelter like at somecother area FTL campsites, no water source other than the brook (you should filter it even though the source is a spring near by), no latrines, no fire grates though there is a stone fire ring and you could easily build a new one of your own with stones from the brook.

    Although this is an idyllic and secluded spot for primitive camping, and the hike in (either via the long or short way) is well marked and enjoyable, the campsites are really nothing more than flat ground for basic tent-sites; this location could be improved with at least a fire grate, and preferably a lean-to. Also, the parking spot for access to the trail and tentsites really needs to be upgraded; it is just a muddy turnout off the forest road. Hence the four star rating d spite the five star brook and forest! However, it should be mentioned that the amenities at campsites along other segments if the FLT have been developed and maintained not by the DEC but by different volunteer chapters of the trail organization who have adopted certain local segments; this Bucks Brook section just hasnt been adopted yet! It has the potential for being a 5-star primitive camping experience if upgraded a bit; volunteers should feel free to step forth!

    For more on the Bucks Brook section if the Finger Lakes Trail, go to this link: http://www.cnyhiking.com/FLT-BucksBrookSF.htm

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed

    Finger Lakes Trailhead off Grover Brown Rd

    The 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

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 31, 2025

    Round Pond Pharsalia Woods Dispersed

    Primitive camping at Round Pound

    This 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

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 28, 2017

    Balsam Swamp State Forest

    Balsam Pond campsites

    Update: since my original visit, there have been some good upgrades including new portapotty. Some of the campsites are still in need of some TLC. The location is beautiful, but the campground seems to get heavy use and has some wear and tear. Balsam Pond has a reputation as a good local fishing spot featuring trout, bass, and even tiger muskies. The pond itself is beautiful and Is one of the larger state forest ponds in the area preserved in a natural state with no shoreline development other than the small campground and the public boat launch. If you are coming for a good fishing or boating experience, you wont be disappointed as the newly built boat launch can accommodate trailers for easy access and also has a well built handicapped accessible fishing pier. Once out on the water you will enjoy good fishing or wildlife watching or paddling.

    However, if you are coming here primarily for the camping experience you may be disappointed. Though the natural setting is picturesque and secluded, the campground is not well maintained. 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. All are drive in sites, some meant for trailers and others with green space for tents. A few sites are much too close to the entrance road, most are set back further in the woods, and a few are right by the lake. Unfortunately, when we were there, previous campers had strewn garbage around most of the sites; it seemed to have been there for a while so it seems there is not regular maintanence by the DEC. There is also supposed to be an outhouse at the campground, but there isnt one now. Hence my low ranking of the campground despite its nice setting.

    if you would like to camp at Balsam Pond but prefer a better option than the campground, there is one paddle-in site set away from the campground where you can Leave No Trace and hopefully other like-minded campers have done the same. You are also allowed to make your own dispersed campsite at any location of your choice within the Balsam Swamp State Firest, as long as you are more than 150 feet from the lakeshore.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods

    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, which is unnamed on the map but is an impoundment of Bear Wallow Creek so it can be considered Bear Wallow Pond. I have been there in both summer, when the shoreline wildflowers are riotous, and in fall when the changing leaves are breathtaking. If you camp here, 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 (see website for this listing for map of the refuge and more info at https://cnyhiking.com/FLT-PharsaliaWMA.htm)

    You can get to the site from state highway 23 via the Benedict Hill Rd, or from the hamlet of Beaver Meadow going south and west of Cole Hill via Mud Lane. A peaceful pretty wooded spot not far from either Norwich or South Otselic for an easy overnight or weekend. I give it 4 stars not for amenities but for being an idyllic example of a dispersed primitive site

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 27, 2024

    Beals Pond State Forest

    Not easily accessible in winter

    This 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.

Guide to Kirkwood

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Kirkwood, New York, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll be able to immerse yourself in the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Kirkwood, New York

  • Many dispersed camping areas, like Beals Pond State Forest, offer free camping options, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious adventurers.
  • It's essential to be prepared for a primitive experience, as sites such as Long Pond Campground do not provide amenities like drinking water or trash disposal.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to maintain the natural beauty of areas like Balsam Swamp State Forest, ensuring that future visitors can enjoy the same pristine environment.

Dispersed campers should check out Bear Wallow Pond

  • The Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods is perfect for those looking to fish or kayak, with beautiful scenery surrounding the area.
  • This site offers a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and wildlife watching, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • With no amenities available, campers can truly disconnect and enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors, just like at Whaupaunaucau State Forest.

Scenic views and activities at Bucks Brook State Forest

  • The picturesque setting of Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site features a beautiful gorge and small waterfalls, perfect for hiking and exploring.
  • Campers can enjoy the serenity of the brook while taking advantage of the nearby Finger Lakes Trail for additional hiking opportunities.
  • This area is ideal for those seeking a secluded experience, as it allows for dispersed camping away from the hustle and bustle of more developed sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Kirkwood, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Kirkwood, NY is Long Pond Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Kirkwood, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Kirkwood, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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