138 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
State forests dominate the camping landscape around South Plymouth, New York, where primitive and dispersed camping options are abundant. Pharsalia Woods State Forest offers several free dispersed camping areas including Round Pond and Bear Wallow Pond, while Bowman Lake State Park Campground provides more developed sites with electric hookups, showers, and toilets. The region includes both established campgrounds with amenities and primitive sites that require hikers to pack in all necessities, creating a range of experiences from RV camping with hookups to remote tent camping in secluded forest settings.
Mixed-use campgrounds are common throughout the area, with most state forests permitting camping at least 150 feet from water sources and trails. Road access varies significantly between developed and dispersed sites, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles while others are easily accessible by passenger car. Weather conditions are best from May through October, with Bowman Lake State Park officially operating from May 13 to October 9. Many of the primitive camping areas in state forests remain open year-round but become difficult to access during winter months. Hunting seasons in fall can affect camping availability in some areas. Most dispersed camping in state forests allows stays up to 14 days without permits. A camper noted: "Long Pond is located in a state forest west of Smithfield Flats and Greene NY, and many locals come to Long Pond for fishing."
Camping areas near water receive consistently positive reviews, with fishing opportunities being a major draw. The region's numerous ponds and small lakes support both shore fishing and small watercraft, with Round Pond, Long Pond, and Hunts Pond being popular destinations. Several visitors mentioned unique natural features that enhance the camping experience, including old-growth forests and scenic trails. One reviewer described Round Pond as "a unique wilderness location for primitive camping, but only 15 minutes from the village of Norwich." Primitive campsites often include basic fire rings but lack amenities, while developed campgrounds provide picnic tables, fire pits, and sometimes electrical hookups. Campers seeking solitude should consider the more remote dispersed sites in Pharsalia Woods, where several tent sites can be accessed via hiking trails, providing greater privacy than the established campgrounds.
"We had never been to site before so when we booked, we thought we were next to a bathroom. Turns out you had to walk through woods to get there in the mud."
"There was a potable water spigot a few sites over and a bathroom with showers a short walk away. This is a great spot for tent camping, so if that’s your vibe this place is perfect."
from $21 - $65 / night
Check Availability"Trail advocate Ed Sidote."
"This is a relatively new location for primitive camping in the Pharsalia Woods 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."
"This is a relatively unknown oasis outside of the county, but this state forest has a network of miles of trails for both hiking and criss country skiing."
"This campsite is a hike in stop on the Finger Lakes Trail, but can also be accessed by a short walk-in from Elmer Jackson Rd, or by paddling in from the parking area in the west side of the pond."
"The site is adjacent to a small parking area and fishing access on a really beautiful pond, which is unnamed on the map but is an impoundment of Bear Wallow Creek so it can be considered Bear Wallow Pond"
"This is a great primitive campsite located close to Jackson Pond with access from a small parking area and trailhead of the Finger Lakes Trail, or via canoe or non-motorized boats from a nearby boat launch"
"This is a beautiful primitive hike-in campsite alongside the Ludlow Creek section of the Finger Lakes Trail in Chenango County, New York."
TravelerThis campground is beautiful. The lake is good sized and clean. The property has beautiful fields and a creek that runs along the back. This is not a party campground and people are not packed in on top of each other. The little store is cute & affordable and the owners are on site 24/7.
ScoutSpace was adequate with both shade and some sun, trash service and shuttle service was a plus . Pool and walking paths were well kept. Dog waste stations were available but the park didn't have a dog park. Bummer for fino.
TravelerThis was the sweetest campground around!! They deliver fire wood right to your site along with anything else you need. Free delivery of amazing pizza on Friday nights(delivered by a 1969 pink beetle!!). There is a giant river, a dog park and the camp ground is close to town, but far enough away so that you still feel like your camping! Amazing bathroom/shower facilities and a clean swimming pool:)
GuideOnly one spot as far as we could tell. We arrived 5.30PM and no one was there. There was quite a deep dip in the beginning of the side road, so higher clearance needed to get there. Nice spot between the trees, lots of shade, clean. Felt safe. There was a firepit. Bring bug repellent!
ScoutStayed at this very serene camping spot with abundant fireflies and no biting insects on June 26, 2026 for a quick overnight on a roadtrip. Arriving after dark, it was very difficult to find the sites. Campsite 5 was very overgrown, but site 6 had a nice flat area of pine needles with a path to the road once you see it. However, I couldn't locate the fire ring for site 6. I loved the sounds of the frogs at night and the birds at dawn, but if you're a very light sleeper, you might want ear plugs. Short hike up to the hang glider launch site was worthwhile. Nice, clean, accessible port-a-potty in the parking lot. Had spotty but mostly okay cell service (AT&T).
TravelerThe campground facilities are very outdated. That's most likely due to the majority of "campers" having RV's and not needing to use the facilities. The restrooms/dish sink area Only having Cold water to wash up hands & dishes, the 1 and Only shower area for All 3 Loops reminded me of being in a horror film...full of dead insects everywhere, ther are signs posted letting you know its gonna take about 5 minutes to semi-heat up, and the shower spray directly on the floor vs staying contained withvh
ScoutGilbert Lake State Park is located about 11 miles north of Oneonta, New York. I have camped here for a number of summers at their Hilltop Section, never dissapointed. There are a few trails that traverse the park for a few miles that are always green and shady. The lake offers swimming and kayaking. There is a concession stand and even a small museum that chronicles the efforts of the national CCC program under Roosevelt that constructed the park in the 1930's. After a long day of hiking, the campgrounds hot showers offer a great reprieve.
ScoutNow that All Star Baseball purchased this Oneonta campground this year, don't expect to stay here if you are not a baseball family. I went there in person yesterday for two nights at their"primitive" tent sites. After Hanna checked her computer, my dates were all cleared...great, then let me pay the $70... but no... she had to check with management first. I thought that was strange since that never happened to me before when getting any campsites elsewhere. I was told I'd be called later that day but nobody called me. I went back the next day only to be told all sites for the summer were rented out. Clearly that was not true based on her computer check the day before. BOTTOMLINE: if you are not a baseball family spending $1000's here, don't expect to even get the time of day. Therefore, they do not deserve anyone's business.
GuideWe've stayed here half a dozen times, usually for an evening along our camping trips. We did stay an extra day once to do some of the activities available.
It's a bit of a haul to get to the campground and the first time we were sure that we had missed a turn as we left Herkimer and headed up smaller and more winding roads to the campground. The turn off to the campground comes up fast and is quite sharp so be on the lookout for it.
The campground has many sites including back in and pull through. Not the largest of sites, but lots of green space to give the campground a park like feel. Some camp sites are right along the West Canada Creek. You can swim/wade in it, in addition to riding rafts along it.
There is a working "diamond" mine at the campground where you can try your hand at mining, or just buy some of the crystals that someone else did the work to get. There is a nice restaurant open most days (we have always managed to miss the days that it's open) in addition to stands near the mine that sell hot dogs and burgers.
There is a nice, large pool. In the park like area around it they have stands that sell mixed drinks, and others that sell ice cream and other deserts. The camp store is medium-large and has supplies, food, souvenirs (including Herkimer Diamond), etc.
The South Plymouth, New York camping region sits within the central New York plateau, characterized by rolling hills, mixed hardwood forests, and numerous small ponds and streams at elevations between 1,200-1,800 feet. State forests dominate the landscape, featuring both designated primitive sites and dispersed camping opportunities with varying accessibility. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through April, making late spring through early fall the primary camping season.
Fishing opportunities: The numerous ponds throughout the Pharsalia Woods State Forest offer excellent fishing. At Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite, you'll find "a small parking area and fishing access on a really beautiful pond" where "you can kayak or fish on the pond" according to campers.
Hiking network: Trails connect many camping areas to larger networks. The Pharsalia Woods Lean-To Campsite offers access to the Finger Lakes Trail with "a short twenty minute hike from trailhead, great for short local camping trips or through hikers on the Finger Lakes Trail."
Swimming beaches: Some developed campgrounds maintain swimming areas with lifeguards. At Bowman Lake State Park Campground, visitors enjoy "the swimming beach soaking up the sun and cool refreshing water" and note that "the lake is beautiful and has a good small boat access."
Mountain biking: The region's state forest roads provide mountain biking terrain. At Bear Wallow Pond, campers can "go mountain biking on the network of state forest roads that are all part of the Pharsalia Woods Game Refuge."
Privacy between sites: Many camping spots near South Plymouth offer good separation between campsites. At Bowman Lake State Park Campground, campers appreciate that "the 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."
Secluded forest settings: State forest campsites provide true forest immersion. One reviewer described Whaupaunaucau State Forest as "a relatively unknown oasis outside of the county" with "lovely hilly vistas, pondside glens, and lots of clearings near clear streams deep in this old stately forest."
Clean facilities: The developed campgrounds maintain good amenities. A Bowman Lake visitor mentioned "Very clean facilities! Really enjoyed the kayaking and beach area," while another noted "very hot water even after waiting which was good."
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse bird and animal populations. Whaupaunaucau State Forest is described as "a fantastic place to go if you enjoy botanizing or birding, lots of unusual species to see."
Permit requirements: Some sites require advance permits. For Jackson Pond Tent Sites, "Camping in this DEC Wildlife Management Area 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."
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. At Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed, one camper warns "the road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintenance road."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites have minimal or no amenities. Round Pond Pharsalia Woods Dispersed is described as "primitive camping... allowed anywhere in the vicinity as long as you are 150 feet from the waters edge and away from the parking lot."
Ticks present: Be prepared for insects in warmer months. A reviewer at Whaupaunaucau State Forest warns visitors to "just beware of ticks, they are invading the region."
Kayaking access: Several ponds offer non-motorized boating opportunities. At Hunts Pond State Forest, "the pond is beautiful and has a good small boat access, and there is a nice hiking trail to a beautiful waterfall downstream on Buttermilk Creek Falls."
Short hiking options: Trails suited for younger hikers can be found throughout the area. Round Pond features "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."
Camping shelter options: Some sites include lean-to shelters for easier family camping. The Ludlow Creek Lean-To Campsite has "a large relatively new Adirondack-style lean-to in great condition, perched on a heavily wooded overlook above Ludlow Creek."
Swimming opportunities: Several sites offer swimming options for kids. At Bowman Lake, there is "a little 'beach' there for swimming, but know that it's a soft lake bottom further out."
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require work to level. At Bowman Lake State Park Campground, an RVer reported "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."
Generator considerations: Some campgrounds have restrictions or camper expectations regarding generator use. At Bowman Lake, "No hookups but that means people have generators, though the campsites are big and you won't necessarily hear your neighbor running theirs."
Tree coverage benefits: The forested nature of sites provides natural cooling. One camper at Bowman Lake noted "We had a lot of tree cover so we didn't even need our air conditioning on during an 85 degree day."
Water availability: Know where to access water at primitive sites. At Bowman Lake, "There was a potable water spigot a few sites over and a bathroom with showers a short walk away."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near South Plymouth, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, South Plymouth, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 138 campgrounds and RV parks near South Plymouth, NY and 13 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near South Plymouth, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near South Plymouth, NY is Bowman Lake State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 8 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near South Plymouth, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near South Plymouth, NY.
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