C
Christopher S.
Traveler
TravelerPalmers Pond State Forest
Great location
Great location, quiet, not busy, very relaxing.
Dispersed Camping near Wyoming, NY
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Several dispersed camping options exist within the state forests surrounding Wyoming, New York. Palmer's Pond State Forest offers free primitive camping with drive-in access and accommodations for both tents and RVs. Additional dispersed camping locations include Ossian State Forest on Scoville Road, Ossian State Forest West Camp, English Hill State Forest, and Boyce State Forest. These state-managed public lands provide backcountry camping opportunities without designated campgrounds or developed facilities.
Access varies significantly between locations. Palmer's Pond State Forest features gravel roads that most vehicles can navigate, though visitors should note Google Maps directions sometimes lead to dead ends—access via West Almond Road or South Road from Interstate 86 is recommended. Ossian State Forest access has been compromised by fallen trees blocking some primitive sites and trails according to recent reports. Most dispersed sites lack drinking water, hookups, and sanitary facilities, though some areas like Ossian State Forest and Boyce State Forest do offer basic toilet facilities. Fires are permitted at Palmer's Pond, Ossian State Forest (Scoville Road), and Boyce State Forest.
The camping experience varies across these locations, with Palmer's Pond State Forest receiving consistently positive reviews for its flat, grassy sites under pine trees near water. This location provides some established fire pits and picnic tables despite being primitive. Boyce State Forest offers more challenging access with a lean-to shelter approximately half a mile from the trailhead and includes a fire pit and privy. Recent visitors noted, "The trail was more of a stream than a trail. You'll spend more time beside the trail than actually on it," suggesting visiting during drier seasons. For Palmer's Pond, reviewers highlight its seclusion and natural setting: "Beautiful grassy spots around the pond and along the road in," and "Abundant flat and grassy terrain under pines near a beautiful lake."
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Wyoming (8)
1. Palmers Pond State Forest
"No electricity or water hook ups, very secluded, has a pond to fish in, by far my most favorite place to camp"
"Beautiful grassy spots around the pond and along the road in. Google maps directed us to a dead end, go in through the north entrance and you’ll be good!"
2. Canasaraga SF1
"Canaseraga SF1 is a great spot for anyone looking to get away from crowded campgrounds and enjoy a more primitive camping experience."
3. Ossian State Forest on Scoville Road
4. English Hill State Forest
5. Ossian State Forest West Camp
6. Boyce State Forest
7. Palmer's Pond State Forest
8. Stewart Road Horse Camp
Drive Time
- 46 min from Rochester, NY
- 58 min from Buffalo, NY
- 1 hr 36 min from Elmira, NY
- 2 hrs 5 min from Ithaca, NY
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Wyoming, NY
6 Photos of 8 Wyoming Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Wyoming, NY
12 Reviews of 8 Wyoming Campgrounds
Ashlee C.TravelerPalmers Pond State Forest
Beautiful spot!
Will absolutely be back here. Easy to find with multiple spots around the pond. Stayed in the furthest spot, just past the parking lot. Fire pit and pond access. Cleaned up a bunch of diapers and some socks though (shame!). Please leave it better than you found it.
Roger V.TravelerPalmers Pond State Forest
beautiful spots near pond or in woods
if the lake spots are busy check the woods, there are a bunch more nice spots. dispersed free LNT style. no services. would stay here again.
- CCaitlyn R.
GuidePalmers Pond State Forest
Quiet and beautiful
The written directions from other reviews were easy to follow. The road was gravel but pretty easy to drive. I found one of the first spots and was very comfortable. Beautiful space, some people drove past but not much noise aside from that. Loved this spot!
Marjoe M.
ScoutPalmers Pond State Forest
May 5th
The site was very nice. Clean and well maintained. I was able to set up next to the water with no problem. Definitely will be back.
Zack B.TravelerBoyce State Forest
Wet n wild
Trail was more of a stream than a trail. You’ll spend more time beside the trail then actually on it. The campsite was a shelter off the side of the trail. It came with some firewood and cardboard to burn as well as some emergency water. Campsite was clean and came with an “air conditioned loo”. Lots of room for tents, however, most sites are not flat. Would recommend to come in dryer season or to bring rubber boots.
- Sydney M.Scout
Palmers Pond State Forest
Pretty but hard to find
The directions took us to a dead end like the other reviews stated. Do not take Palmers pond road. When you get off of Interstate 86 you will want to take turnpike rd to south road. There are not any lights to show the sign so it’s kinda hard to find. The pond was dried up when we got there so that sad kind of a bummer. Lots of camping along the road and around the pond. Nice quiet spot
Lizzy K.GuidePalmers Pond State Forest
Love this place!
Beautiful grassy spots around the pond and along the road in. Google maps directed us to a dead end, go in through the north entrance and you’ll be good!
- Mitch P.Scout
Palmers Pond State Forest
Incredible mornings
Place was incredible! I drove out from Wisconsin and was the only on there. Threw up the tentsile tent over looking the pond on the south side. What a wonderful way to wake up..
⚠️Side note TAKE WEST ALMOND road as the other road is blocked off⚠️
Guide to Wyoming
Several free dispersed camping areas can be found in the state forests surrounding Wyoming, New York. Palmers Pond State Forest ranks highest among campers with grassy, flat terrain under pine trees near a scenic pond. The area offers primitive sites with fire pits and picnic tables but no water, electricity, or toilets. Access requires careful navigation, as Google Maps directions sometimes lead to dead ends. Visitors should use West Almond Road or take Turnpike Road to South Road rather than attempting Palmers Pond Road.
Ossian State Forest provides additional dispersed camping options, though recent reviews indicate maintenance issues. Fallen trees have blocked access to many sites, with trails described as "choked with growth" and roads in rough condition. Boyce State Forest offers more remote dispersed camping along the Finger Lakes Trail, including a lean-to with a fire pit and privy approximately half a mile from the trailhead. The area features a small pond but trails can become extremely wet and muddy during rainy periods. The 14-day camping limit applies throughout these forests, and visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed
campsite near Wyoming, NY?
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Wyoming, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Wyoming, NY is Palmers Pond State Forest with a 4.9-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dispersed camping near
Wyoming, NY?
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Wyoming, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Wyoming, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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