Dispersed camping near Richfield Springs, New York offers primitive outdoor experiences in the rolling hills of Central New York's Leatherstocking Region. The area sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 feet, with numerous state forests containing secluded campsites accessible via unpaved forest roads. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and less crowded rustic camping conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Mohawk River at Fort Plain Lock 15 provides accessible shoreline fishing. "It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and fishing (with a valid license)," notes Mona M. "I tried fishing, without any luck, it had been raining a lot lately, so maybe that was the reason," adds another visitor to Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail.
Seasonal outdoor activities: Winter camping is available at some locations when roads remain passable. Felix R. describes Burnt Rossman State Forest as "a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!" Bear Wallow Pond offers multi-season options as Janet R. explains: "I have been there in both summer, when the shoreline wildflowers are riotous, and in fall when the changing leaves are breathtaking."
Water recreation: Several sites provide pond and stream access for paddling. At Bear Wallow Pond, "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."
What campers like
Riverside camping: Streamside sites are popular at several locations. Robert B. says of Betty Brook Camp: "You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots," while another local camper adds it's "rather remote, but it is right along West kill road. There's a stream alongside it, a fire pit, and a town about 8 mi away."
Seclusion and quiet: Many campers appreciate the remote nature of these sites. "This spot is right off the road. Nice and quiet. There is enough room for 2 to 3 campers," says a reviewer about Burnt Rossman State Forest. At Duck Pond, one camper reported: "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived at surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience."
Easy roadside access: Some rustic camping near Richfield Springs provides convenient access while maintaining a natural setting. The Lumberman describes Fort Plain Lock 15: "Simply 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."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access roads to dispersed sites are unpaved and challenging. Regarding Duck Pond, one camper warned: "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse." Another advised: "Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions."
Cell coverage varies: Connectivity is inconsistent across the region. At Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest, campers report "zero Verizon cell service in the whole area. So plan accordingly." Similarly, Meghan B. noted "No AT&T cell service in this area" during her October stay.
Water sources limited: Most sites require filtering natural water sources. Round Pond offers primitive camping "anywhere in the vicinity as long as you are 150 feet from the waters edge and away from the parking lot," according to Janet R.
Site availability: Campsites operate on first-come basis. The Lumberman noted at Powley Road: "Site 4 is magical, it is road side, but the view, and access to the river is great. There is a path right from the site."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible wildlife viewing: Fort Plain Lock 15 provides easier access for families with young children. "The resident peacock has been keeping me company," reported one camper, highlighting the unexpected wildlife encounters possible.
Educational opportunities: Round Pond Pharsalia Woods offers nature education options. "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," notes Janet R.
Proximity to supplies: Some sites offer relative convenience to nearby towns. At Betty Brook Camp, a local notes it has "a town about 8 mi away. It's a small town, with just a gas station store."
Space considerations: Assess site size before arrival. At Burnt Rossman State Forest, a camper reported: "There is enough room for 2 to 3 campers. Parking across the street if it's wet."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites restrict larger RVs. At Duck Pond Campsite, a camper emphasized "Small vehicle only" and explained: "The site itself, was pretty nice, Fire pit, trickling stream, but the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it."
Parking surfaces: Uneven terrain affects RV positioning. At Fort Plain Lock 15, Mona M. notes: "The parking lot is large, rocky, and uneven, situated right on the Mohawk River."
Seasonal access: Winter conditions may limit larger vehicle access. While "site easily accessible from road" at Burnt Rossman State Forest during winter, other locations become impassable.
Limited hookups: No dispersed sites offer electric, water, or sewer connections. Prepare for self-contained camping without facilities.
