Dispersed camping options near Sherburne, New York include several state forests within a 20-mile radius where primitive camping is permitted. The region sits at elevations between 1,000-1,800 feet with summer humidity levels often exceeding 70% and frequent afternoon thunderstorms between June and August. Cell service remains spotty throughout most state forests, with signal strength decreasing significantly in low-lying areas and valleys.
What to do
Fishing for brook trout: Y Pond in Pharsalia Woods offers a secluded fishing experience. "The pond is deep and clear and stocked with brook trout, and the campsite on the east side of the pond is in an idyllic setting with good camping, fishing (canoe or kayak only), and day hikes on the Finger Lakes Trail."
Kayaking on calm waters: Lebanon Reservoir provides excellent flatwater paddling opportunities. As one camper noted at Lebanon Reservoir Campground, "The facilities are very nice. Bathrooms are new and clean, and well kept. Showers were great... they have a nice little store for the basic supplies and treats, as well as fire wood and boat rentals."
Birdwatching at Round Pond: The boardwalk at Round Pond in Pharsalia Woods offers excellent spring migration viewing. "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."
What campers like
Private wooded campsites: Bowman Lake State Park offers secluded sites among mature trees. "This campsite was beautiful. It was very secluded and in the woods, right next to the lake as well. I enjoyed how spread out this campground is compared to most and the location is beautiful."
Access to multiple water features: Gilbert Lake State Park provides well-maintained facilities near water. "There's miles of hiking trails including one around the lake. Multiple really nice pavilions, disc golf course and a nice beach with lifeguards for swimming. I would definitely recommend."
Free primitive camping options: Many dispersed campsites near Sherburne require no fees. At Charles E. Baker State Forest, one camper reported: "Beautiful forest with miles of trails. I found this spot passing through on my bike and had no problem pitching a tent in a secluded spot in the woods. There are official camp spots with water access which are also free to use."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some dispersed sites need advance permits. At Pharsalia Y Pond, "Camping in this DEC Wildlife Management Area campsite is limited, and requires a permit. Visit the regional DEC office at 1285 Fisher Ave., Cortland NY or call 607-753-3095... allow one week for permit to be processed."
Limited facilities: Most state forests lack basic amenities. At Hunts Pond State Forest, "The campground was created several decades ago as part of Hunts Pond State Park. It has now been decommissioned as a state park... the former park buildings, restroom facilities and water taps have all been removed."
Dispersed camping regulations: State land requires following specific rules. In Whaupaunaucau State Forest, "There is an official lean-to shelter and developed campsite on trail 20 (see map) but there are several primitive sites with tent site and stone fireplace, plus dispersed leave-no-trace camping is allowed anywhere in the state forest."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible nature viewing: Round Pond has family-friendly wildlife observation. "The parking lot has an info kiosk with a map of the trail network and info about the unique bog ecosystem. You need to sign in at the kiosk, but otherwise there are no permits needed and no fees."
Swimming beaches: Gilbert Lake State Park provides supervised swimming. "The park is very well maintained. The lake is gorgeous. We almost had the place to ourselves."
Cabin options for less experienced campers: Bear Wallow Pond offers primitive camping near vehicle access. "This is a primitive undeveloped campsite, there is a clearing for tenting but no potable water or amenities of any kind. The site is adjacent to a small parking area and fishing access on a really beautiful pond."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Only select campgrounds offer RV services. At Bowman Lake, "No hookups but that means people have generators, though the campsites are big and you won't necessarily hear your neighbor running theirs."
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. One Bowman Lake camper noted: "We had a back in site with a fire pit, picnic table, and no hook ups. It was gravel and not super level, but we made it work. There was a potable water spigot a few sites over and a bathroom with showers a short walk away."
Seasonal considerations: RV sites may need early reservations. Lebanon Reservoir Campground operates "May 15 - Oct 15" with "big sites, lots of activities, beautiful boating... The sites themselves are all in the open, imagine parallel parking your rig off the side of a road, with a nice forest behind you."
