The Chenango and Broome county regions around Lisle, New York sit at elevations between 800-1,500 feet in the northern foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. This area features a mix of deciduous forest and managed timber lands within the state forest system. Winter camping near Lisle requires careful preparation, as temperatures commonly drop below 20°F between December and February, with snowfall averaging 70-90 inches annually.
What to do
Fishing spots: Long Pond Campground provides excellent fishing access with three distinct entry points—a boat launch with dock, a kayak carry-in access, and a handicapped-accessible fishing pier. According to Kevin C., "While this is next to the road, it is also within 40 yards of the only potta potty in the park. About 100 yards away was the public fishing dock and another camp site."
Wildlife watching: Pharsalia Y Pond offers opportunities to spot local wildlife while exploring multiple ponds in the Wildlife Management area. One camper notes it's "deep and clear and stocked with brook trout," and mentions you can "walk or drive along various state forest roads to several other ponds in the Wildlife Management area for good birdwatching."
Kayaking: Jackson Pond Tent Sites provides "access from a small parking area and trailhead of the Finger Lakes Trail, or via canoe or non-motorized boats from a nearby boat launch." A reviewer mentions it's a "quiet, peaceful wooded location perfect for individual or group tenting" that's "great for hiking, fishing, wildlife watching."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tent camping at Long Pond Campground offers good separation between camping areas. Kevin C. mentions, "The camp sites I saw all seemed to be large and level spots all located beneath the tree canopy. Sites seemed disbursed enough to provide a modest level of privacy."
Extended stay options: Free dispersed camping appeals to those planning longer visits. One Long Pond camper shared: "I am planning on staying here for a week or more and I see no reason to find another location as there is no fee or permit needed and you can stay up to 14 days I believe."
Accessibility to trails: Pharsalia Woods Lean-To Campsite provides quick access to the Finger Lakes Trail. A reviewer appreciated the "short twenty minute hike from trailhead, great for short local camping trips or through hikers on the Finger Lakes Trail."
What you should know
Required permits: Some tent camping areas in Lisle have specific permit requirements. For Jackson Pond, campers must obtain permits from the DEC office: "Camping in this DEC Wildlife Management Area 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."
Limited facilities: Most tent sites lack standard amenities. Kevin C. noted about Long Pond: "There is no water or garbage services at this site. Most camping spots are ideal for tents or very small campers or trailers. Would rate 5 stars if it had water and a garbage dumpster."
Road conditions: Access to some areas can be challenging. A review of Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed warns: "The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintenance road... the whole road in is a tough ride."
Tips for camping with families
Pond-adjacent sites: For family tent camping near Lisle, choose sites with water access. Pharsalia Y Pond has "good camping, fishing (canoe or kayak only), and day hikes on the Finger Lakes Trail... This would be a nice family friendly weekend destination."
Group accommodations: Ludlow Creek Lean-To Campsite offers facilities suited for family outings: "The campsite is perfect for groups or individuals willing to hike in a short distance to this secluded spot. There is a large relatively new Adirondack-style lean-to in great condition."
Ease of access: Consider sites with shorter approach hikes for younger children. A camper notes Pharsalia Woods Lean-To has "firewood provided" and is maintained by volunteers, making it less work for families to set up camp.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed camping areas near Lisle accommodate only small RVs. At Long Pond, Kevin C. observed: "Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel."
Full hookup options: Belden Hill Campgrounds provides developed facilities for RVs requiring utilities. Tim W. reported: "Pull thru full hookup, level, spacious. Room for pop up canopy and games. Great views of the mts."
Off-grid considerations: Solar-dependent RVers should note tree cover impacts. One camper at Long Pond mentioned: "Site has no water, no garbage service and no phone signal," while another reported good "T-Mobile service," showing cellular coverage varies by carrier in the tent camping areas around Lisle.
