Earlville, New York sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation within the Central New York region, surrounded by hardwood forests and agricultural land. The state forests near Earlville feature primitive camping opportunities with minimal facilities that operate year-round. Winter temperatures commonly drop below 20°F, while summer highs average in the mid-70s with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Spruce Pond Camping Area offers accessible shoreline fishing. A camper noted, "There are fire grills and nicely developed tent sites, one nestled in the woods and three with their own pond access, and one is actually handicapped accessible with its own accessible fishing landing."
Mountain biking: State forest roads throughout the region provide interconnected routes for various skill levels. At Nature Lover's Paradise, a reviewer mentioned, "The tent site and the 70 acres of hiking trails sound like the perfect getaway for anyone looking to reconnect with nature."
Wildlife observation: Early morning and dusk offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities. "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," explains a camper about Pharsalia Y Pond, highlighting multiple access routes.
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: Many sites in the state forests have minimal usage Monday through Thursday. A visitor to Charles E. Baker State Forest shared, "Beautiful forest with miles of trails. I found this spot passing through on my bike and had no problem pitching a tent in a secluded spot in the woods."
Natural pond soundscape: The natural environment provides a distinctive audio experience. One camper at Spruce Pond noted, "This was a nice spot, but the animals at the pond are very active and made a lot of noise in the night."
Multiple site options: Flexibility for choosing the right campsite setup. At O Land, 15 sites are available with electric hookups and toilets, offering more amenities than typical dispersed sites in the region.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some Wildlife Management Areas require advance planning. 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 access limitations: Some forest access roads have seasonal or maintenance challenges. Regarding Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed sites, a camper warned, "The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintenance road."
Water filtration: Surface water sources require treatment for safe drinking. A reviewer at Ludlow Creek Lean-To advised, "If camping here, be sure to pack in water and plan to pack out garbage and leave no trace."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible site options: Some locations provide easier access for younger campers. At Spruce Pond, "There are fire grills and nicely developed tent sites...one is actually handicapped accessible with its own accessible fishing landing and an easy access to the parking lot."
Short hike-in options: Several sites offer wilderness experience without long treks. A visitor to Ludlow Creek Lean-To Campsite reported, "The campsite is perfect for groups or individuals willing to hike in a short distance to this secluded spot. There is a large relatively new Adirondack-style lean-to in great condition."
Multi-access locations: Sites with different entry points accommodate various family needs. For Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite, "You can get to the site from state highway 23 via the Benedict Hill Rd, or from the hamlet of Beaver Meadow going south and west of Cole Hill via Mud Lane. A peaceful pretty wooded spot not far from either Norwich or South Otselic for an easy overnight or weekend."
Tips from RVers
Small trailer access: Select forest roads can accommodate modest trailers with high clearance. At Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite, "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."
Seasonal road conditions: Winter and spring can make access difficult for larger vehicles. A camper at Pharsalia Woods advised, "The parking area is overgrown, the neighbors along the road en route seem frustrated with hikers coming into the forest via this route."
Backup site planning: Having secondary options is essential due to limited established sites. At Charles E. Baker State Forest, a camper reported, "Only found one designated campsite, which was available, but there's a lot of good space for dispersed camping right nearby. Access at the end of a long, but well maintained, dirt road."
