State forests surrounding Sherburne, New York offer dispersed camping options with varying terrain and accessibility. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,200-1,800 feet, creating cooler microclimates that provide relief during summer months. The region experiences seasonal restrictions during mud season (typically March-April) when forest roads may become impassable even for high-clearance vehicles.
What to do
Birdwatching at boardwalks: Round Pond in Pharsalia Woods features a raised boardwalk overlooking a unique bog ecosystem. According to Janet R., it's "an amazing place for birdwatching especially during spring migration" and provides "a beautiful vista over the bog." This accessible structure makes wildlife viewing possible for visitors with mobility limitations.
Fishing for multiple species: Long Pond Campground offers productive fishing opportunities with multiple access points. As Kevin C. notes, "About 100 yards away was the public fishing dock and another camp site. There were two young men fishing there at about 7 PM." The pond supports trout, bass, and tiger muskies according to local reports.
Kayaking on secluded ponds: Balsam Swamp State Forest includes paddle-in sites away from main camping areas. Janet R. mentions "one paddle-in site set away from the campground where you can Leave No Trace" for those seeking more solitude. The state recently built a "boat launch that can accommodate trailers for easy access."
Hiking interconnected trail networks: Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed provides extensive trails connecting to the North Country Scenic Trail system. "The woods are beautiful and the trails are well developed," writes Janet R., though she warns hikers to "download a copy of the forest map with the trails network marked, as the various trails... crisscross in a confusing network."
What campers like
Natural settings with minimal development: Campers appreciate the undisturbed wilderness characteristics at Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite. Janet R. describes it as "a primitive undeveloped campsite" with "riotous" shoreline wildflowers in summer and "breathtaking" changing leaves in fall. The pond offers both fishing and paddling opportunities.
Proximity to villages despite wilderness feel: Many dispersed camping areas are surprisingly close to towns for supply runs. At Round Pond Pharsalia Woods, Janet R. describes it as "a unique wilderness location for primitive camping, but only 15 minutes from the village of Norwich."
Mature forest canopy: Long Pond Campground offers heavily wooded sites that provide natural privacy and shade. As Kevin C. notes, "The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel." Another camper, Katelyn H., mentions "plenty of shade and access to downed firewood" at the sites.
Accessible campsites for diverse needs: Morgan Hill Forest's Onondaga Trailhead campground includes some sites designed for accessibility. Janet R. describes "two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits" that are "ADA accessible" though lacking other accessibility features like toilets or water.
What you should know
Variable site maintenance: Conditions at primitive campsites can vary significantly. At Balsam Pond, Janet reports that "some of the sites have new picnic tables, some have old tables that are falling apart, and some have none at all." She also noted that "some have official steel fire rings, some have stone fire rings that are crumbling."
Limited cell service: Connectivity is unreliable throughout the region's state forests. Kevin C. reported "no phone signal" at Long Pond Campground. Other areas have spotty reception depending on carrier and exact location.
Access road conditions: Whaupaunaucau State Forest requires navigational effort to locate. Janet R. notes "You have to work a bit to find info on the Whaupaunaucau state forest as a camping destination, but for primitive campers that is part of the appeal!" Some forest roads are minimally maintained, like those accessing Pharsalia Woods from Grover Brown Road, which Janet describes as "a low maintenance road...in pretty rough shape."
Tick prevention essential: Ticks are prevalent in these forests, particularly during spring and early summer. Janet R. warns visitors to Morgan Hill State Forest to "be prepared for ticks and the need for repellent as they are thick in spring and early summer." Another camper at Whaupaunaucau similarly cautions "beware of ticks, they are invading the region."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with fishing piers: For families with children, sites near accessible fishing areas provide ready-made activities. At Long Pond, Kevin C. notes the campground has a "public fishing dock" near some campsites, making it easy for kids to fish without hiking far.
Look for established fire rings: Bucks Brook State Forest has primitive sites with existing fire rings, making campfire management easier with children. Janet R. notes there's "a stone fire ring and you could easily build a new one of your own with stones from the brook," though she suggests the site "could be improved with at least a fire grate."
Bring portable toilet solutions: Most primitive sites lack facilities. Kevin C. mentions Long Pond has just "one potta potty in the park" with his site "within 40 yards" of it. For families camping elsewhere, portable toilet solutions are essential.
Consider site privacy levels: Some campsites offer better seclusion than others. At Long Pond, Kevin notes, "The other camping spaces we close enough to see their campfire at night but far enough away that it's still quiet." At Balsam Pond, sites are "strung out along the shoreline close to the highways, each with its own driveway right off the highway," which "creates a lack of privacy."
Tips from RVers
Length limitations for trailers: Most primitive sites accommodate only compact trailers or small RVs. At Long Pond Campground, Kevin C. notes campsites are "level and long enough for a very small trailer" but not suitable for larger rigs.
Solar power challenges: Dense forest canopy can limit solar charging options. Kevin C. mentions, "The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel" at Long Pond, suggesting RVers should plan alternative power solutions.
Accessible pads at select locations: Morgan Hill Forest's Onondaga Trailhead offers "two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad" that Janet R. describes as "ADA accessible," potentially accommodating small RVs better than tent-only areas.
Water access planning: With no hookups available, RVers need careful water management. Katelyn H. notes primitive camping at Long Pond is "a 'leave no trace' situation" requiring campers to bring their own water supplies, as there is "no water or garbage services at this site" according to Kevin C.
