Palmer's Pond State Forest, managed by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, holds a cluster of dispersed campsites set among pines along a gravel road that loops near the pond's edge. Camping here is free, with no hookups and no services beyond fire pits and picnic tables at some spots. Multiple sites spread along the road and around the water, giving campers room to spread out even on busier weekends.
Water access is a consistent draw. Campers set up directly alongside the pond, and reviewers have noted beavers active throughout the day. One seasonal caveat worth knowing: the pond has been reported dry during late fall visits, so water levels can vary. The wooded sites offer flat, grassy ground under the pines, and Stewart Road Horse Camp sits roughly two miles east for those looking to combine trips in the area.
Navigation requires attention. Google Maps and Palmers Pond Road itself have sent multiple visitors to dead ends. The reliable route comes in through the north entrance via West Almond Road, with Turnpike Road to South Road as an alternate approach from Interstate 86. The entrance sign has no lighting, so arriving before dark helps. Matt M. describes the terrain as "abundant flat and grassy terrain under pines," which holds up across multiple visits. Campers who find the pond-side spots occupied can check the woods, where additional sites sit away from the main road. Pack out all trash; past visitors have found litter left behind by others.
Description
Palmer's Pond State Forest totals 3,645 acres. This area provides opportunities for outdoor recreational activities like snowshoeing, hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, camping, hunting, fishing, bird watching, and nature photography.
The state forest is also a source of raw material for New York's forest products industry which provides employment and income for many New Yorkers and provides various habitats for many wildlife species such as deer, rabbit, grouse, and turkey.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPalmers Pond State Forest is located in New York near Alfred
Directions
To reach Palmer's Pond: From Interstate 86, take exit 32 (West Almond) and head west on Karr Valley Road towards village of West Almond. By the town barns, make a sharpleft onto Turnpike Road and then an immediate right onto South Road, continue for 1.6 miles, then turn right onto Palmers Pond road, go 1 mile to the pond day use and parking area. To reach the parking areas on Miller Road: From Interstate 86, take exit 32 (West Almond) and head west on Karr Valley Road for 0.2 miles, then turn right onto Miller Road. After 1.8 miles the parking areas and trailheads will be on the right and left, opposite each other.
Coordinates
42.28324477 N
77.89764518 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/25/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/25/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Palmers Pond State Forest needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 3 min from Elmira, NY
- 1 hr 19 min from Rochester, NY
- 1 hr 29 min from Buffalo, NY
- 1 hr 32 min from Ithaca, NY
