Bowman Lake State Park Campground allows pets in all accommodation types including tent sites, RV spots, and cabins. The campsites feature spacious, wooded settings with gravel pads that may require leveling, and each includes a fire pit surrounded by cinder blocks for cooking. Pharsalia Woods State Forest offers several pet-friendly dispersed camping options with Round Pond, Bear Wallow Pond, and Jackson Pond providing peaceful settings for primitive camping with dogs. Most sites in Pharsalia Woods require a short hike in, though some areas like Bear Wallow Pond can be accessed via a small parking area with a clearing for tenting. The surrounding forests maintain a network of trails ideal for hiking with pets. Campsites throughout the area are typically spaced 20-30 feet apart, offering reasonable privacy despite being in somewhat open settings.
Primitive campsite options near Long Pond and Whaupaunaucau State Forest provide additional pet-friendly alternatives with varying access types. Hunts Pond State Forest features eight drive-in campsites on the north side of the pond and four scattered sites on the east end, though visitors should note the former restroom facilities and water taps have been removed. The Finger Lakes Trail passes through several state forests in the area, providing access to pet-friendly lean-to shelters at Ludlow Creek and Pharsalia Woods. These shelters are maintained by volunteers from the local Bullthistle Hikers Club and serve as excellent destinations for hikers with dogs. Most primitive sites require campers to filter water from nearby streams or ponds, and all enforce pack-in, pack-out garbage policies. Winter visitors should be aware that Bowman Lake State Park remains open for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling with pets.
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $21 - $65 / night
"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."
"Trail advocate Ed Sidote."
"This is a relatively new location for primitive camping in the Pharsalia Woods State Forest."
"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."
ScoutReally enjoyed the atmosphere here. It felt relaxed without being boring, and there was plenty around the area to explore. We went for a drive one afternoon and found some great little spots nearby.
ScoutWe ended up extending our stay by another night because we werent ready to leave. The weather was perfect and it was just nice being outside all day. Definitely worth the trip.
ScoutThe location worked out really well for us. We were able to explore during the day and come back to camp in the evening. The area is beautiful, especially around the river.
ScoutGreat spot for anyone who just wants to camp and enjoy the outdoors. We spent the day exploring and came back to cook dinner at the site. No complaints here.
ScoutThe river was gorgeous and there were some really nice spots to sit and enjoy it. We took our coffee down there every morning. Small things like that made the trip.
ScoutHad a really fun weekend here with the kids. They spent most of the day outside while we relaxed around the fire at night. Exactly what we needed.
RangerStopped here on my way from Maine to Ohio. I booked via Harvest Hosts and chose to boondock since they had a market (pay for food instead of a booking fee) and I was pleasantly surprised with the overall location. The entire farm is in great condition, the roads are marked well, there are several trails, plenty of wildlife, and just a generally pleasant experience. Loaded up on some goods at the market.
ScoutWe stopped here on our way through and ended up wishing we had booked a longer stay. Really enjoyed the area and the campsite was comfortable.
ScoutLoved waking up to the sound of the water. Such a nice place to unplug for a few days.
Dispersed camping options near South Plymouth, New York accommodate pets at multiple locations throughout the surrounding state forests. The region's mixed hardwood forests sit at elevations between 1,200-1,800 feet with moderate summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during peak camping season. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, with significant snowfall making some dispersed sites inaccessible from November through April.
Fishing at multiple ponds: Pharsalia Woods State Forest contains several fishing spots including Jackson Pond and Y Pond where brook trout are stocked. "The pond is deep and clear and stocked with brook trout, and the campsite on the east side of the pond is in an idyllic setting with good camping, fishing (canoe or kayak only), and day hikes on the Finger Lakes Trail," notes a reviewer of Jackson Pond Tent Sites.
Birdwatching at Round Pond: The unique bog ecosystem provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "One amazing aspect at this site is 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," according to a review of Round Pond Pharsalia Woods Dispersed.
Hiking to waterfalls: Several creeks in the area feature scenic cascades. "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," mentions a camper at Hunts Pond State Forest.
Private, wooded sites: Most campers appreciate the secluded nature of camping in this region. "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 we visited," notes a review of Bowman Lake State Park Campground.
Accessible primitive camping: Several locations offer easy access to dispersed sites. "This is a primitive undeveloped campsite, there is a clearing for tenting but no potable water or amenities of any kind. The site is adjacent to a small parking area and fishing access on a really beautiful pond," explains a camper at Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite.
Volunteer-maintained shelters: The Finger Lakes Trail features well-kept lean-tos. "This is a beautiful primitive hike-in campsite alongside the Ludlow Creek section of the Finger Lakes Trail in Chenango County, New York. It is located in a beautiful, unspoiled and seldom visited region of state forest, providing a wilderness type experience fairly close to several nearby villages," reports a hiker at Ludlow Creek Lean-To Campsite.
Permits required at some sites: Certain camping areas need advance planning. "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, or email at Info.R7@dec.ny.gov; allow one week for permit to be processed," advises a reviewer of Pharsalia Y Pond.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near South Plymouth, NY is Bowman Lake State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 8 reviews.
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