Camping areas in Chenango County range from 1,000 to 1,800 feet in elevation with hardwood forests dominating the landscape. The region receives approximately 40 inches of annual precipitation, with heaviest rainfall occurring during summer months when camping is most popular. Winter camping opportunities exist but many forest roads close seasonally from December through April.
What to do
Fishing at stocked ponds: Access multiple fishing spots throughout state forests near Sherburne, including Pharsalia Y Pond where "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."
Trail exploration beyond the campsite: The extensive trail network in Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods connects to larger systems. "You can kayak or fish on the pond, go mountain biking on the network of state forest roads that are all part of the Pharsalia Woods Game Refuge, or access the Finger Lakes Trail or Canasawacta Creek Trail."
Bird watching at wetland areas: Several locations offer excellent bird watching, particularly during migration seasons. At Round Pond Pharsalia Woods, visitors can enjoy "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
Secluded sites away from crowds: Charles E. Baker State Forest offers true isolation according to visitors: "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."
Well-maintained group shelters: For organized groups or through-hikers, Pharsalia Woods Lean-To Campsite provides "beautifully maintained primitive group campsite with large Adirondack style lean-to, several picnic tables and fire rings, and firewood provided. Maintained by volunteers of the local Bullthistle Hikers Club."
Lake access for summer recreation: Many sites offer water activities during warm months. At Gilbert Lake State Park Campground, visitors appreciate the facilities: "There's a disc golf course, many pavilions, a decent beach with concessions, a walking trail all the way are the lake and it's accessible from multiple points."
What you should know
Permit requirements vary by location: Some dispersed camping areas require advance paperwork. For 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 at primitive sites: Most state forest sites have minimal infrastructure. At Hunts Pond State Forest, "the campground is still being minimally maintained as a group of 8 drive-in campsites on the north side, and 4 other scattered sites on the east and of the pond. However, the former park buildings, restroom facilities and water taps have all been removed."
Water treatment necessary: Natural water sources require filtration. At Pharsalia Woods Lean-To, "there is a perennial spring nearby, but campers should be prepared to filter or treat their water. Privvy nearby, pack out garbage."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with swimming access: During summer months, lake access can be essential. One camper noted about 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."
Scout cabin options for mixed-age groups: Some parks offer cabin alternatives to tent camping. At Gilbert Lake, one visitor reported: "Spacious cabin was clean and comfortable. Two bedrooms, one with bunk beds and another with a full. There were dressers in each room. Also in the main room with a fireplace, futon, and table with benches. Screened-in porch that had a toilet area."
Look for dog friendly campgrounds near Sherburne: Most state forests welcome pets with proper restraints. At Whaupaunaucau State Forest, camping is primitive but pet-friendly, with trails for both humans and canine companions to explore together. The forest features "lovely hilly vistas, pondside glens, and lots of clearings near clear streams deep in this old stately forest."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Few dispersed sites accommodate large RVs, but Bowman Lake State Park Campground offers designated spaces: "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."
Consider site accessibility: Off-road access varies by location and season. Another Bowman Lake visitor noted: "Campground is a maze of campsites through densely wooded forests so it's pretty private and shady even though it's full no matter what season we visited. No hookups but that means people have generators, though the campsites are big and you won't necessarily hear your neighbor running theirs."
Prepare for tree cover: Most camping areas near Sherburne feature dense forest which affects solar panels and satellite connectivity. One pet-friendly campground visitor observed: "We had a lot of tree cover so we didn't even need our air conditioning on during an 85 degree day. There are a lot of mosquitoes, but with some bug spray and a couple thermacell mosquito repellents, we were comfortable the whole time."
Legend
