State forests surrounding Milford, New York offer primitive camping experiences with varied terrain including wetlands, ponds, and mixed hardwood forests. Elevations range between 1,200-2,000 feet with seasonal temperature fluctuations that impact accessibility. Roads to dispersed sites remain unpaved, with several requiring high-clearance vehicles during spring and fall when seasonal precipitation can create challenging conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite provides access to productive fishing waters. As one visitor noted, "The site is adjacent to a small parking area and fishing access on a really beautiful pond... I have been there in both summer, when the shoreline wildflowers are riotous, and in fall when the changing leaves are breathtaking."
Wildlife viewing: Explore the unique ecosystem at Round Pond Pharsalia Woods, which features an elevated boardwalk for birding. A camper explains, "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."
Hiking network: The region contains extensive trail systems connecting multiple forest parcels. Whaupaunaucau State Forest offers "a network of miles of trails for both hiking and cross country skiing. There is an official lean-to shelter and developed campsite on trail 20," according to a regular visitor.
What campers like
Rustic seclusion: Visitors appreciate the remote nature of dispersed camping near Milford. At Betty Brook Camp, a frequent camper reports, "Love to camp here all year long have been coming to the area for a couple of decades now. Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream."
Winter camping options: Unlike some areas, certain sites remain accessible during colder months. A camper at Burnt Rossman State Forest shared, "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"
Botanical diversity: The ecological variety attracts nature enthusiasts. A reviewer noted that Whaupaunaucau State Forest is "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."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many access roads deteriorate after rainfall. At Duck Pond Campsite, a visitor warned, "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse... Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads."
Winter access limitations: Some sites become completely inaccessible during snow season. A reviewer at Beals Pond State Forest observed, "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."
Parking considerations: Many sites have limited parking areas that can become problematic in wet conditions. At Burnt Rossman State Forest, a camper advised, "There is enough room for 2 to 3 campers. Parking across the street if it's wet. Entrance is soft."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection priorities: Choose locations with amenities when camping with children. Long Pond Campground offers slightly more developed options, as a visitor noted: "We stayed in the space across from the port-a-pottie. The other camping spaces were close enough to see their campfire at night but far enough away that it's still quiet."
Water activities: Several ponds offer safe recreation opportunities. A Long Pond visitor shared, "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."
Accessibility factors: Some areas provide limited accommodations for mobility challenges. A camper observed at Long Pond: "Campsite 1 is adjacent to the handicapped fishing pier, and is supposedly an accessible campsite. Though an all terrain wheelchair could navigate from car to campsite, a regular one could not due to gravel."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most dispersed sites accommodate only small rigs. A visitor to Fort Plain Lock 15 explained, "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)."
Self-sufficiency requirements: Prepare to be completely self-contained when visiting. According to a Long Pond camper, "There is no water or garbage services at this site. Most camping spots are ideal for tents or very small campers or trailers."
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks as most sites have uneven terrain. As one RVer noted, "Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel."
