State forests near South Plymouth, New York offer numerous no-fee camping options throughout Chenango and Madison counties. These forests sit in the rolling hills of central New York's southern tier at elevations ranging from 1,200-1,800 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, while summer nights typically cool to the 50s even when days are warm.
What to do
Fishing at Long Pond: Drive to Long Pond Campground for productive fishing opportunities with bass and trout. "Long Pond is quite large compared to other area ponds, and there are three accesses for fishing: a regular boat launch with parking lot and dock, a carry-in kayak access near campsite 6, and a handicapped accessible fishing pier near campsite 1," notes one reviewer.
Hiking on connected trails: The Morgan Hill State Forest Dispersed area provides access to extensive interconnected trails. "You can backpack the various trails and camp at your own site if you leave no trace. Be sure to download a copy of the forest map with the trails network marked, as the various trails are blazed and have occasional signs, but they crisscross in a confusing network."
Paddle sports: Many ponds in these state forests allow non-motorized boating. At Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods, "you can kayak or fish on the pond, go mountain biking on the network of state forest roads that are all part of the Pharsalia Woods Game Refuge, or access the Finger Lakes Trail or Canasawacta Creek Trail."
What campers like
Accessibility and privacy: Several sites provide options for different mobility needs. The Morgan Hill Forest—Onondaga Trailhead campground features "two lovely developed campsites with parking spot right next to a cement pad with picnic tables and fire pits. These are very nice roomy wooded campsites, and the developed sites are supposedly ADA accessible."
Proximity to water: Many free campsites are situated near ponds or streams. At Long Pond Campground, one camper notes, "I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock. People have driven in to fish and kayak so I don't feel isolated and afraid, and I am just a few steps away from sitting on the dock and admiring the scenery."
Shade and firewood access: Most sites feature established campfire rings and adequate firewood. "Each spot seems to have plenty of shade and access to downed firewood, and it looks like there are fire pits at each site. Lots of good tinder left over from previous guests which has been helpful," reports a Long Pond camper.
What you should know
Amenity limitations: Free camping in these forests means very few facilities. "Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel. Site has no water, no garbage service and no phone signal," notes a Long Pond reviewer.
Road conditions: Access roads vary greatly in quality throughout these forests. The Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed site has challenging access: "The coordinates lead you to a small parking area at the end of Grover Brown Rd, which is accessed by going north from Rt 23. The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintenance road."
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings bugs while winter can make roads impassable. "Be prepared for ticks and the need for repellent as they are thick in spring and early summer," cautions a Morgan Hill State Forest visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for safety: Choose more developed sites for family camping. "We stayed in the space across from the port-a-pottie. The other camping spaces were close enough to see their campfire at night but far enough away that it's still quiet," shares a Long Pond camper.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several areas feature boardwalks and observation points. Whaupaunaucau State Forest is "a great place to get away from it all for hiking and camping but it is also a fantastic place to go if you enjoy botanizing or birding, lots of unusual species to see."
Navigation preparation: Download or print maps before arrival. For Morgan Hill Forest, "be sure to download the free Avenza map of the forest which will allow you to navigate real time even if you don't have cell service."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most dispersed camping areas can only accommodate small RVs or trailers. For Long Pond Campground, "campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer" but most sites in these state forests are best suited for tents.
Self-sufficient camping: No hookups are available at any free camping sites near South Plymouth. At Bucks Brook State Forest Primitive Tent Site, "this truly is primitive camping... no water source other than the brook (you should filter it even though the source is a spring near by), no latrines, no fire grates though there is a stone fire ring."
Alternative parking options: Some areas have designated RV-friendly parking. Long Pond offers "a regular boat launch with parking lot and dock" which provides easier access for larger vehicles when conditions permit.