Several state forests surrounding New Berlin, New York offer primitive dispersed camping opportunities on public land. The Whaupaunaucau State Forest, Pharsalia Woods State Forest, Balsam Swamp State Forest, and Bucks Brook State Forest all permit free backcountry camping with no reservation requirements. These areas include designated primitive tent sites along with true dispersed camping options where visitors can select their own sites following Leave No Trace principles. Most locations require campers to set up at least 150 feet from water bodies and away from official trailheads.
Access roads to many dispersed camping areas require careful navigation, particularly in wet conditions. Grover Brown Road leading to Pharsalia Woods sites is described as "in pretty rough shape" and designated as a "low maintenance road." Similarly, Beals Pond State Forest becomes difficult to access in winter when roads are not maintained. Most sites lack amenities—no drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire rings are present at some locations, and fires are permitted except during dry season bans. A recent review noted, "You need to bring your own water, there is none provided here, and be prepared to pack out your own garbage."
These primitive camping areas feature diverse natural settings including forests, ponds, and streams. Bear Wallow Pond in Pharsalia Woods offers "a primitive undeveloped campsite adjacent to a small parking area and fishing access on a really beautiful pond." Round Pond provides opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, with a reviewer highlighting "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." Bucks Brook State Forest features a stream that "carves a beautiful gorge" with "several very primitive tent sites." Cell service varies significantly across these locations—while some areas maintain coverage, others have no signal, which a camper warned "was frightening while driving on these rough roads."
"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 new location for primitive camping in the Pharsalia Woods State Forest."
"This is a primitive undeveloped campsite, there is a clearing for tenting but no potable water or amenities of any kind."
"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"
"Aside from that this was a short drive in and I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock."
"Campground was easy to locate and the road was in good shape. We stayed in the space across from the port-a-pottie."
"Continue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area."
"Shaded areas and picnic tables. It is located on the Mohawk River. It is a busy train location across the river."
GuideLock 15 is big area with varied places to park. There is a port a potty and potable water and All free. Shaded areas and picnic tables. It is located on the Mohawk River. It is a busy train location across the river. A boat did not enter the lock during our visit but it is an active lock on the Erie Canal. There is ample parking for a dozen or more campervans. It’s only 25 miles from Copperstown, NY. Felt very safe here.
TravelerGreat spot, great location. FYI to anyone who comes in the winter, it's not plowed, so you may need to adjust your plans accordingly.
GuideThis was a quiet overnight stay, just as the other reviewers say, a gravel parking lot that is easy to find a level spot in. This is on the river with a nice view. Lots of trains rolling through across the river but the noise wasn't an issue for me. There was a police officer that drove through the lot and drove around my campervan and continued on his way so I know that it is okay to overnight there.
GuideWell, I’m back, it’s June, and there are 3 other groups here. 1 boat, and 2 tent camping. The parking lot is still empty. The water was significantly lower last time I was here. They have dropped the gates, and the lock is in operation. The resident peacock has been keeping me company. Tried fishing, without any luck, it had been raining a lot lately, so maybe that was the reason. It still has the highway noise and of course the train noise going by, but I love that. I anticipate another lovely sleep. It’s quite breezy, so the windows will be open. I’m in my happy place!!!
GuideContinue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area. 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). Verizon cell service is good here. At the lock parking area, you'll find pit toilets, a dumpster, and potable water available on the side of the building as you enter.
GuideThis spot is right off the road. Nice and quiet. There is enough room for 2 to 3 campers. Parking across the street if it’s wet. Entrance is soft
GuideThe road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse. The site itself, was pretty nice, Fire pit, trickling stream, but the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it. Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads
GuideSimply it’s a parking lot with a view. The parking area is right on the water. It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving. There are grills in the grassy area for tent camping, also a potable water tap.
LegendThis 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
The state forests near New Berlin, New York offer primitive camping opportunities across nearly 30,000 acres of public land. Elevations range from 1,100 to 1,900 feet, creating diverse microclimates throughout the region. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March, with summer highs typically reaching the mid-70s.
Fishing opportunities: Bear Wallow Pond provides access to multiple fishing spots within Pharsalia Woods. "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," notes one visitor.
Birdwatching: Round Pond Pharsalia Woods features an accessible boardwalk perfect for wildlife observation. A camper highlights it as "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 networks: State forests contain interconnected trail systems ranging from easy walks to challenging terrain. At Morgan Hill Forest, "you can directly access the Onondaga Trail branch of the National North Country scenic trail. Hiking the trail west on a day trip will bring you to the beautiful Tinker Falls, which may not be flowing during dry seasons but is still a gorge worth exploring!"
Natural isolation: The remoteness of these areas appeals to those seeking free camping near New Berlin without crowds. In Whaupaunaucau State Forest, a camper notes, "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."
Wildlife encounters: The varied ecosystems support diverse animal species. "You might try to hike the trail for day use... the brook is beautiful and unspoiled," shares a visitor to Bucks Brook State Forest, where the stream "carves a beautiful gorge through Bucks Brook State Forest before it cascades into the Otselic River."
Flexibility: No reservation requirements means spontaneous trips are possible. At Long Pond Campground, a camper reports, "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."
Limited amenities: These primitive sites lack basic facilities. "You need to come prepared to use the bushes by your campsite and leave no trace, plus bring your own water," warns a camper at Morgan Hill Forest. Similarly, at Long Pond: "There is no water or garbage services at this site."
Road conditions: Access varies significantly by season and recent weather. 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."
Campsite variations: Quality and amenities differ between 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."
Choose accessible options: Some sites offer easier access for families with young children. "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," notes a camper at Long Pond Campground.
Wildlife education: The diverse ecosystems provide learning opportunities. At Whaupaunaucau State 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."
Water activities: Several ponds offer family-friendly paddling opportunities. At Round Pond, "You can also access the bog pond here if using kayaks or canoes. It is like a unique wilderness location for primitive camping, but only 15 minutes from the village of Norwich!"
Size limitations: Most free camping near New Berlin accommodates only small rigs. At Long Pond, campsites are "level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel."
Power considerations: No hookups means planning for self-sufficiency. "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."
Cell service: Connectivity varies dramatically between locations. "Site has no water, no garbage service and no phone signal," reports an RVer at Long Pond, while Pharsalia Woods has similar constraints where the "Trailhead here for the Finger Lakes Trail is blocked by downed trees that seem to have been there for a while."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near New Berlin, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near New Berlin, NY is Whaupaunaucau State Forest with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 19 dispersed camping locations near New Berlin, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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