Best Dispersed Camping near Pittsford, NY

Dispersed camping near Pittsford, New York is primarily available in several state forests, with Ossian State Forest providing the main opportunities for primitive camping. The forest includes designated dispersed sites along Scoville Road where campers can set up in undeveloped areas. These sites offer basic primitive camping with minimal management and no established facilities beyond rudimentary amenities at some locations.

Access to Ossian State Forest camping areas requires careful navigation of forest roads that may be in varying states of maintenance. Recent reports indicate some roads and trails have deteriorated, with fallen trees blocking certain areas. Vehicle accessibility appears limited, with some sites requiring walk-in access. The forest permits fires at the Scoville Road sites where picnic tables are available, but toilets are primitive. No drinking water, trash service, or hookups are provided at any of these locations. Campers must pack out all waste and bring their own water supplies.

Primitive camping in these forests provides a no-frills backcountry experience, though recent conditions suggest maintenance challenges. "Area is blocked off due to fallen trees," noted one camper in a 2023 review of Ossian State Forest on Scoville Road. Another review mentioned that "only a couple of the primitive sites are accessible and most of the trails are choked with growth or blocked with fallen trees." English Hill State Forest represents another dispersed camping option in the region, though it appears to have fewer amenities than Ossian, with no reported facilities. These state forests require self-sufficiency from campers and preparedness for rough conditions. The remote nature of these sites means visitors should bring all necessary supplies and be prepared for limited or no cell service.