Best Dispersed Camping near Salamanca, NY

Dispersed camping can be found at several locations around Salamanca, New York, primarily in state forests and public lands. Camp Seneca offers designated dispersed sites with fire rings and picnic tables, while Boyce State Forest provides primitive camping opportunities including a lean-to accessible via hiking trails. Additional options include Palmers Pond State Forest, with multiple camping spots around a small pond, and several sites in nearby Pennsylvania including Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite areas.

Most access roads to these camping areas are unpaved and may present challenges during wet weather. Camp Seneca features a vault toilet but most sites provide no amenities beyond fire rings and occasional picnic tables. Vehicles can reach many sites, though some areas like Boyce State Forest require hiking in. Most locations permit campfires except during seasonal fire bans. Camping is free at most sites, though time limits likely apply. No drinking water is available at any dispersed camping location near Salamanca, requiring visitors to bring their own supplies.

The dispersed camping areas around Salamanca offer varying experiences based on location and season. Palmers Pond provides lakeside camping with opportunities to observe wildlife. According to one visitor, "Abundant flat and grassy terrain under pines near a beautiful lake. Lots of beavers to watch throughout the day." Boyce State Forest presents more challenging access, with one camper noting "Trail was more of a stream than a trail. You'll spend more time beside the trail than actually on it." Camp Seneca provides a more secluded experience, with a visitor commenting that sites have "a fire ring and picnic table" with "a porti-poty on site that had plenty of paper was pretty clean." Many sites remain relatively uncrowded except during peak summer weekends.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Salamanca, New York (12)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Salamanca, NY

7 Photos of 12 Salamanca Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Salamanca, NY

28 Reviews of 12 Salamanca Campgrounds


  • Mieszko M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2023

    Red Mill Pond

    Good place for one night

    Been there with camper van No facilities, only some fireplaces. Good for a short stay, quiet

  • Matt J.
    Aug. 20, 2021

    Red Mill Pond

    Dispersed, remote...and ill-kept

    Missed the words "dispersed" and "no facilities" on the USFS website... Fire circles are falling apart, there's effectively no signage, and I had the bad luck to show up after a substantial rainstorm rolled through, and both ground and grass were soaked. I bailed on this camp. If your liking for EXTREMELY rustic car camping, there's a mood for it, but it doesn't seem to be worth backpacking in, and I wouldn't recommend car camping under most circumstances. The fishing looks pretty good, but i don't fish.

  • Aliza  N.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Free dispersed camping in the Allegheny

    We camp in a lot of primitive dispersed camping, but finding a spot like this in the east is challenging! So for that…YAY, we love it. But, it’s not perfect. The road is behind the town of Ludlow (or Sheffield depending on which direction you are coming from). From Ludlow take the “Scenic Dr” and it turns into the forestry road. Lots of pull offs off this main road and you could prob find some more private ones if you explored the smaller dirt roads off the main forestry road. No services here obvi since it’s primitive camping. Road is in good condition and most any car would have no problem driving down it.

  • Zack B.
    Apr. 8, 2024

    Boyce State Forest

    Wet n wild

    Trail was more of a stream than a trail. You’ll spend more time beside the trail then actually on it. The campsite was a shelter off the side of the trail. It came with some firewood and cardboard to burn as well as some emergency water. Campsite was clean and came with an “air conditioned loo”. Lots of room for tents, however, most sites are not flat. Would recommend to come in dryer season or to bring rubber boots.

  • Ian B.
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Nice, peaceful and free

    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. Which is a nice little 2 mile hike. Some good exploring. Bring tick/bug spray. Found several on my boys and me.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2019

    Palmers Pond State Forest

    Favorite place to camp

    No electricity or water hook ups, very secluded, has a pond to fish in, by far my most favorite place to camp

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2023

    Red Mill Pond

    Plenty of space for a van

    Pro: There was a pond, campfire rings, and a big spot to maneuver a van. Neutral: No amenities Con: the road in was bumpy with a lot of pot holes

  • Ian H.
    May. 23, 2022

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    A slice of Allegheny Heaven

    This spot is 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. The road is definitely hidden behind the town of Ludlow but we were able to find it at 2am after a long drive from cape cod.

  • Bob J.
    Sep. 1, 2021

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Comes as advertised! Really nice spot!

    The spot I stayed is right on the marker.  There are multiple spots along the main forest road. Some you can drive your car in and tuck it back. Other spots you cant take your car at all.   There are tons of logging roads that split off the main forest road. They mostly have gates that say "Logging road, no public motor vehicles allowed" but they also say "Foot travel is welcome" I went down a few of these roads and almost always found a few spots that would be great places to set up camp if you are willing to walk a little bit from your car. There is a really cool place called Hector Falls. The trailhead is about a mile down the road from this spot. 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. Other than that this spot is not a bad spot at all. Fire wood can be found all around.


Guide to Salamanca

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Salamanca, New York, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll be able to enjoy the great outdoors in peace.

Dispersed campers should check out Boyce State Forest

  • This area features a primitive camping experience with no reservations required, allowing for spontaneous adventures. Check it out at Boyce State Forest.
  • Expect a rugged environment where you can enjoy campfires and the company of your pets, making it a great choice for families and friends alike.
  • Be prepared for a hike-in experience, as access is primarily on foot, which adds to the adventure of reaching your campsite.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Salamanca, New York

  • Always carry your own water, as many sites, including Camp Seneca, do not provide drinking water or other amenities.
  • Bring your own firewood, as some locations do not offer this service, ensuring you have everything you need for a cozy evening by the fire.
  • Keep an eye out for seasonal access; some roads may be closed during certain times of the year, so plan your trip accordingly.

Windfall Ponds: A hidden gem for dispersed campers

  • Located in a tranquil setting, Windfall Ponds offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • This site is accessible by driving, making it convenient for those who prefer not to hike in with heavy gear.
  • With no permits required, you can enjoy a spontaneous camping trip without the hassle of reservations or fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Salamanca, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Salamanca, NY is Camp Seneca with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Salamanca, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Salamanca, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.