Best Dispersed Camping near Sherman, NY

Dispersed camping opportunities can be found in several wilderness areas surrounding Sherman, New York, with North Harmony State Forest providing primitive roadside sites along Warner Road. The region also includes Camp Seneca, which offers primitive camping experiences in a more natural setting. Most dispersed sites in the area are located on state forest land with minimal or no amenities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient. Additional options extend into nearby Pennsylvania, where Allegheny National Forest provides several dispersed camping locations along forest roads.

Access roads to dispersed camping areas vary significantly in quality and maintenance. Warner Road in North Harmony State Forest features primitive pull-offs suitable for tent camping, though some visitors note navigation can be challenging after dark. In Pennsylvania, Forestry Road Dispersed sites accommodate a range of vehicles including some travel trailers up to 25 feet, though rain frequently affects road conditions. Camp Seneca provides more established primitive sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Most dispersed areas lack drinking water, electricity, and waste disposal facilities, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all trash.

The camping experience varies across these primitive sites. North Harmony State Forest camping is convenient but sometimes affected by litter and unclear overnight policies. Camp Seneca provides a more secluded experience with sites positioned along a creek under dense tree canopy that offers natural protection during rainfall. Forestry Road Dispersed in Pennsylvania provides access to Hector Falls via a two-mile hiking trail. Wildlife is abundant throughout the region, with bears present in the Pennsylvania sections. "The site was fine, fire pit, primitive spot so no services," noted one Warner Road camper. Another visitor at Camp Seneca mentioned, "The tree canopy over our site was dense enough that we did not get very wet when it rains."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Sherman, New York (7)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Sherman, NY

1 Photos of 7 Sherman Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Sherman, NY

16 Reviews of 7 Sherman Campgrounds


  • Aliza  N.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Free dispersed camping in the Allegheny

    We 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.

  • Ian B.
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Nice, peaceful and free

    If 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.

  • Ian H.
    May. 23, 2022

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    A slice of Allegheny Heaven

    This 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.

  • Bob J.
    Sep. 1, 2021

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Comes as advertised! Really nice spot!

    The 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.

  • Rose S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Warner Road Dispersed Camping in North Harmony State Forest

    fine site, messy

    The 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.

  • Mystic S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2023

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Pretty goof spot! Easy to find

    Sometimes 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!!

  • Scott C.
    Jul. 1, 2023

    Salmon Creek Dispersed

    Salmon Creek

    Theres a few dispersed spots back here. Its pretty nice area. The road is out tho so dont take a big rig

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Don’t recommend

    Apple Maps brings you way far away, follow the pin and it will bring you. Way too grown in as of August . Didn’t end up staying here. May be a good spot in the fall once the grass dies. Secluded spot though


Guide to Sherman

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.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Sherman, New York

Dispersed campers should check out Camp Seneca

  • Located in a quiet area, Camp Seneca offers a peaceful retreat with designated sites and a nearby creek for a refreshing experience.
  • This spot features a port-a-potty, which is a rare find in dispersed camping, making it a more comfortable option for those who prefer some basic facilities.
  • The tree canopy provides excellent shelter from rain, ensuring a dry camping experience even during wet weather.

Exploring the natural beauty at Salmon Creek Dispersed

  • The Salmon Creek Dispersed area is known for its scenic surroundings, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
  • Access to several dispersed spots makes it easy to find a secluded area to set up camp, although larger vehicles may struggle due to road conditions.
  • This location is ideal for hiking enthusiasts, offering trails that lead to beautiful views and wildlife sightings.

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.