Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Sherman? We've got you covered. Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your New York camping adventure.
For specific campsites look for yellow "camp here" signs. At-large primitive camping is also allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.
Dispersed foot traffic and primitive tent camping within the Forests is allowed almost anywhere, unless otherwise posted closed and/or "No Camping". Downloadable Guidelines (pdf): https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd503142.pdf
Occupancy and Use All dispersed sites are available on a first come, first served basis. At least one person must occupy a campsite during the first night Equipment left unattended for more than 24 hours is subject to removal by the Forest Service Camping or leaving camping equipment (such as, but not limited to tents, camper trailers and/or tarps) is allowed in the same location for up to 14 days. After 14 days the camp and equipment MUST be moved off of Forest Service System lands. Excavations are limited to those required to make safe campfire rings and sanitary pit toilets. Any excavation will be re-leveled prior to vacating your campsite. Do not put nails in picnic tables, or other government property.
Scout
I have a 25-foot travel trailer and found several suitable spots on SF-160. Since it rains frequently here, keep your slip-on shoes handy near the door. This area offers great hiking and biking opportunities. The campsite next to the hiking trail has WiFi about 70% of the time. Experience duck life right now!
GuideIf 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.
Ranger
We came I to the area on a Monday and this camp was completely empty. We picked the biggest site next to the creek. The tree canopy over our site was dense enough that w3 did not get very wet when it rains.
This campground had several designated sites and most have a fire ring and picnic table.
There was a porti-poty on site that had plenty of paper was pretty clean.
We had a few hikers come through and one other camper that chose not to stay.
Guidenice little hideaway , it is however right across from where people have made a make shift shooting rang, which I thought to bea bonus.
Traveler
Like the other review, this site has a lot of litter. Clearly people are camping here at times but there are posted signs that say Day Use Only. It was quiet and dark.
TravelerThe site was fine, fire pit, primitive spot so no services. We arrived late at night so couldn’t see so well but stopped in a clearing on the road toward the coordinates.
Kind of a gross site, the previous people who stayed at our site were messy and left litter, but it served its purpose as a free place to sleep along a longer trip.
TravelerTheres a few dispersed spots back here. Its pretty nice area. The road is out tho so dont take a big rig
GuideSometimes I read other people's reviews, and I just don't understand how we went to the same spot. This place is fine. Easy enough to find (found it first try without ever once wondering where am i).
Apparently the entire area is a natural gas reserve, so there are these blue and orange posts signifying gas lines, those are actually the hiking trails. They don't look like normal trail heads. There is spotty cell service through the forest, usually you can walk around for a couple minutes and find some. I managed to get an average of 3-4 bars of 5g every day.
So!! My car battery died while I was out there, the company that helped me jump start found me with no problems, they do it a lot. So that's cool!
Also... there's black bears that live in the several caves in the area. I was meditating in my car one evening and a bear stood up and pushed against my window. Definitely be sure to pack up all food and trash at night. The bears are skittish, but they will find you if there's food in you camp!!
LegendWe 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.
TravelerThis 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.
ScoutThe 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.
TravelerI have a 25 foot travel trailer. I found numerous spots on SF-160. It rains a lot so keep your slip-ons near the door. Great hiking/biking. The spot next to the hiking trail has WiFi 70% of the time. I would give this a 5 star if it didn’t rain so much. Howe’s ace hardware is about 10 miles away with a dollar general across the street. The site seeing is second to none. The forest is enchanting. To get here, take Hwy 6 just east of Warren. Turn left on Kinzua road. Go about 8 miles. Stop at the Kinzua dam about 5 miles in. Turn right. Go about a mile and a half, turn right towards Jakes Rocks. When you come to a T, turn left (Jakes Rocks turn right). Start looking for a site. The last site on SF 160 has weekend partiers. They knock off at 11pm and are far enough away from the next site that they aren’t a nuisance. I know, I stayed there a week. Once set up, make sure you hike and drive back to Jakes Rocks. Beautiful views and drive.
TravelerA few dispersed spots on this road a bit overgrown but fine for setting up a tent
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Sherman, New York, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll enjoy the freedom of camping in the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Sherman, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sherman, NY is Warner Road Dispersed Camping in North Harmony State Forest with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Sherman, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Sherman, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
