This free dispersed camping area sits within Pharsalia Woods State Forest, accessible via Grover Brown Road north from Route 23. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation manages this walk-in camping spot where campfires and pets are allowed. One camper notes the access road is rough and marked as low maintenance, ending at an overgrown parking area with a gate leading to hunting trails and the Finger Lakes Trail where dispersed camping is permitted.
The forested terrain includes creek and river access, though recent visitors report downed trees blocking some trail access points and frustrated neighbors along the approach route. For easier forest access, Pharsalia Y Pond offers designated primitive sites one mile northwest.
Description
Primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger. More details here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/41282.html
Primitive camping is allowed on many DEC lands, including Forest Preserve lands in the Catskills and Adirondacks, as well as on State Forest lands outside the Preserve. Primitive camping is prohibited on Unique Areas, Wildlife Management Areas, and a few other categories of state land.
Where to Set Up Camp The best place to camp is at designated primitive tent sites. These sites are typically flatter than other areas and have deeper, harder soils more resistant to heavy use and erosion, minimizing the impacts of camping. Many sites have nearby pit privies and rock fire rings.
Yellow and black camp here marker attached to a tree "Camp Here" marker Campers are encouraged to use designated tent sites. They are often close to trails and provide views of ponds, lakes, streams or rivers. These can be a source of water when properly treated.
All designated primitive tent sites have yellow and black "Camp Here" markers. Many sites on lakes and ponds are identified by a yellow number against a dark brown wooden plaque typically attached to a tree near the water's edge.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingPharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed is located in New York
Coordinates
42.6194511172317 N
75.69634299377452 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Pets
- Fires
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.
Drive Time
- 46 min from Binghamton, NY
- 59 min from Syracuse, NY
- 1 hr 3 min from Utica, NY
- 1 hr 4 min from Ithaca, NY
