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Dispersed Camping

Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed

Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed is located near rolling hills and dense forests in New York. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s Fahrenheit in summer. Nearby, campers can explore Bowman Lake State Park and the Finger Lakes Trail for hiking and outdoor activities.

Description

State Park

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.

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Location

Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed is located in New York

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

42.6194511172317 N
75.69634299377452 W

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

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.


Reviews

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1 Review

Reviewed Jun. 23, 2024

Finger Lakes Trailhead off Grover Brown Rd

The coordinates lead you to a small parking area at the end of Grover Brown Rd, which is accessed by going north from Rt 23. The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintanence road. But if you follow the road north to the end, you will come to a dead end and a parking circle that gives you the option of hiking north past a gate into the state forest on a hunting trail, or west onto the Finger Lakes Trail where dispersed camping is allowed within the state forest. However, the whole road in is a tough ride, it is posted extensively en route that you are passing private property with no trespassing allowed until you see the DEC sign announcing the border of the state forest. The parking area is overgrown, the neighbors aling the road en route seem frustrated with hikers coming into the forest via this route, and the Trailhead here for the Finger Lakes Trail is blocked by downed trees that seem to have been there for a while. While you might try to hike the trail for day use, I wonder if this may not be a great place to leave your car during a foray into the woods for dispersed camping. Although the Pharsalia Forest is beautiful throughout, and dispersed camping is allowed throughout, there are better places to access it. There are also designated primitive campsites in several locations in other areas of this state forest which are worthy of your camping adventures! You

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed by Janet R., June 23, 2024
  • Review photo of Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed by Janet R., June 23, 2024
  • Review photo of Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed by Janet R., June 23, 2024
  • (10) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed does not have wifi.