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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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."
