Dispersed camping areas around Schenevus, New York provide no-cost overnight options in the western Catskill region, where elevations range from 1,200 to 2,000 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below 20°F while summer days typically reach the 70s with cooler nights. State forests in Chenango and Delaware counties offer primitive camping with seasonal road access limitations.
What to do
Fishing access points: Allaben Primitive Campsites connects directly to fishing access trails across the main road. "Trails to the fishing access across the road," notes one visitor to this Allaben Primitive Campsites, who also mentioned the site features "a fire pit with cooking griddle" for preparing your catch.
Winter recreation: Cold months bring unique opportunities in several state forests, though road conditions can limit access. According to a winter visitor at Beals Pond State Forest, "This state forest is beautiful but not easily accessible in the winter. After a certain point, the road is not maintained in the winter and I was unable to get cell reception with Verizon."
Boardwalk exploration: Observe unique wetland ecosystems on accessible walkways at certain sites. One camper describes 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" at Round Pond in Pharsalia Woods.
What campers like
Stream proximity: Multiple campsites feature water access for ambient sound and recreation. At Betty Brook Camp, one regular visitor explains, "Love to camp here all year long have been coming to the area for a couple of decades now. Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream."
Solitude: Many sites remain relatively undiscovered despite their proximity to towns. "This is a relatively unknown oasis outside of the county," writes one camper about Round Pond Pharsalia Woods, adding it's "like a unique wilderness location for primitive camping, but only 15 minutes from the village of Norwich!"
Water views: Waterfront camping creates distinctive experiences throughout the region. At Echo Lake, campers appreciate elevated perspectives: "We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze." Another notes the lake "is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean-to with a few campfire spots."
What you should know
Vehicle considerations: Road conditions vary significantly across dispersed camping areas. One camper at Duck Pond Campsite warned about difficult access: "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived at surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites... Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions."
Site rules: Most state forests require campers stay 150 feet from water sources. At Pharsalia Woods, "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." Many sites require signing in at information kiosks.
Winter access: Roads to remote sites often close during winter months. Westkill Camp provides a better winter option, with one visitor noting it "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Some sites offer manageable hiking distances ideal for first-time backpackers. One camper shared about Echo Lake: "This campground was my first backpacking trip and it was perfect! There are tent sites around the whole lake with fire pits and 1 lean-to site at the end of the trail when you first arrive at the lake."
Botany education: Several state forests contain diverse plant species for nature study. "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," writes a visitor about Whaupaunaucau State Forest.
Bug preparation: Low-lying areas near water often harbor insects. At Echo Lake, one visitor advises: "Note, it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray."
Tips from RVers
Small RVs only: Most dispersed sites accommodate compact camper vans rather than large rigs. Betty Brook Camp has one local resident who advises, "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small, but it's in state park, and there's tons of walking that can be done."
Level parking challenges: Finding level ground for overnight parking can be difficult on forest roads. At Fort Plain Lock 15, one RVer appreciated the "gravel parking lot that is easy to find a level spot in. This is on the river with a nice view."
Law enforcement comfort: Some free camping sites receive regular patrol checks, providing security. A Fort Plain Lock 15 visitor reported, "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."
