Rustic camping near Sherman, New York revolves around primitive sites scattered throughout state forests and nearby Allegheny National Forest across the Pennsylvania border. The region features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 1,800 feet and mixed hardwood forests dominated by maple, beech, and hemlock trees. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-80°F with increased precipitation in spring and fall, making site selection important for weather protection.
What to do
Hiking to Hector Falls: Access this natural attraction via a 2-mile trail from Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite. "There is a really cool place called Hector Falls. The trailhead is about a mile down the road from this spot. 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," shares Bob J.
Creek exploration: Several primitive sites are positioned near water features. At Camp Seneca, campers can select sites adjacent to the creek. "We picked the biggest site next to the creek. The tree canopy over our site was dense enough that we did not get very wet when it rains," notes Kevin C.
Target practice: Some dispersed camping areas accommodate recreational shooting. FR437 dispersed campsite offers a unique advantage for those interested. "Nice little hideaway, it is however right across from where people have made a make shift shooting rang, which I thought to be a bonus," explains SomadNomad M.
What campers like
Winter solitude: Offseason camping provides a different wilderness experience in the Sherman area. "Super peaceful. It was freezing, quite literally, with nights in the low teens. The melting and refreezing had made the roads and surrounding trails a little slippery so I would be cautious if traveling alone," reports Ian B. about Forestry Road Dispersed.
Dark night skies: The minimal light pollution in these primitive areas creates excellent stargazing conditions. "It was quiet and dark," notes Denise D. when describing her experience at Warner Road Dispersed Camping.
Privacy from established sites: Many campers appreciate the scattered nature of primitive spots. "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," shares Ian H. about his experience at Forestry Road.
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Finding these primitive sites often requires extra planning. "A little hard to find, decided not to stay. On the same road as hector falls," mentions Evan about their attempted stay at Forestry Road. Similarly, at Salmon Creek Dispersed, Scott C. warns, "The road is out tho so dont take a big rig."
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in parts of the region, particularly in Pennsylvania sections. "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," cautions Mystic S.
Site conditions vary seasonally: Vegetation management affects site usability throughout the year. "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," notes David B.
Tips for camping with families
Bug protection essential: Tick awareness is particularly important when camping with children. "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," advises Ian B.
Check facilities beforehand: Some primitive sites near Sherman offer basic amenities that make family camping more manageable. At Camp Seneca, "There was a porti-poty on site that had plenty of paper was pretty clean," mentions Kevin C., which can be important when camping with children.
Pack cleaning supplies: Previous campers sometimes leave sites untidy. "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," explains Rose S. about Warner Road Dispersed Camping, suggesting families bring supplies to clean sites upon arrival.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions apply: Most primitive camping areas near Sherman have limitations for larger vehicles. "I 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," shares Mark M. about FR437 dispersed campsite.
Weather affects road conditions: Rain frequently impacts access roads to primitive camping areas. "Since it rains frequently here, keep your slip-on shoes handy near the door," advises Eliezera M., highlighting the importance of planning for muddy conditions when traveling with RVs.
Plan for no hookups: All primitive camping around Sherman requires self-sufficiency. "If you don't mind roughing it a bit, it's really quite nice. Sites are first come first serve," explains Ian B., emphasizing the need for water storage and power alternatives when RV camping in these areas.
