Rustic camping near St. Bonaventure, New York centers primarily around state forest lands within the northern reaches of the Allegheny Plateau. Most dispersed sites sit at elevations between 1,800-2,400 feet, experiencing more rainfall and cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Seasonal access varies significantly, with many forest roads becoming difficult or impassable during spring thaws or after heavy rainfall.
What to do
Hiking to Hector Falls: Visit Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite where campers can access the Hector Falls trail. "It's about 3/4 a mile hike into the woods. The falls are really cool to look at, and has some cool rock formations. Be careful the cliffs are about a 20 ft straight drop," notes Bob J.
Wildlife observation: Set up at dawn near Palmer's Pond State Forest for beaver watching. "Lots of beavers to watch throughout the day," writes Matt M. The early morning hours provide the best viewing opportunities when wildlife is most active.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can try their luck at Red Mill Pond for a peaceful fishing experience. "The fishing looks pretty good," notes Matt J., though specifics on fish species aren't provided. Fishing licenses required for both New York and Pennsylvania waters.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront spots: Campers appreciate the quiet locations by water. At Camp Seneca, Kevin C. found "the biggest site next to the creek. The tree canopy over our site was dense enough that w3 did not get very wet when it rains."
Natural surroundings: The undeveloped nature of these camping areas attracts those seeking primitive camping near St. Bonaventure. Ian H. describes Forestry Road Dispersed as "a boondocker's delight! Big open spots with established fire rings. Quiet except for the distant rumble of a train passing the town down in the valley."
Seasonal beauty: Fall camping receives particular praise. Mark M. notes the "beautiful fall" and describes the forest as "enchanting" with "site seeing second to none." Weather patterns shift dramatically with seasons, with spring bringing wet conditions and fall offering more stable camping weather.
What you should know
Navigation challenges: GPS and mapping apps frequently provide incorrect directions to these sites. For Boyce State Forest, access can be particularly challenging as "trail was more of a stream than a trail. You'll spend more time beside the trail then actually on it," according to Zack B.
Limited or no facilities: Most sites have no amenities beyond fire rings. Georgia R. notes at Red Mill Pond: "Pro: There was a pond, campfire rings, and a big spot to maneuver a van. Neutral: No amenities."
Road conditions: Access roads may be rough or unmaintained. Mieszko M. warns about Red Mill Pond having a road that was "bumpy with a lot of pot holes." Several forest roads close seasonally or become impassable after rainfall.
Tips for camping with families
Finding suitable sites: Camp Seneca offers more established options for families. "This campground had several designated sites and most have a fire ring and picnic table. There was a porti-poty on site that had plenty of paper was pretty clean," notes Kevin C.
Safety precautions: Be aware of wildlife, particularly in Pennsylvania sites. Mystic S. warns, "there's black bears that live in the several caves in the area... a bear stood up and pushed against my window. Definitely be sure to pack up all food and trash at night."
Weather preparation: Ian B. recommends proper gear for changing conditions: "If you don't mind roughing it a bit, it's really quite nice. Sites are first come first serve and there is a bit of day traffic to get to Hector Falls. Bring tick/bug spray. Found several on my boys and me."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Some areas can accommodate RVs despite being primitive. Mark M. notes, "I have a 25 foot travel trailer. I found numerous spots on SF-160." Look for wider forest roads and established pull-offs.
Road awareness: RVers should research access routes carefully. Some roads become progressively narrower or have low-hanging branches. Matt J. cautions that at some sites, "there's effectively no signage" which can make navigation challenging for larger vehicles.
Weather considerations: Seasonal moisture impacts sites significantly. "It rains a lot so keep your slip-ons near the door," advises Mark M., highlighting the importance of planning for wet conditions when RV camping in this region.
