Windfall Ponds

Remote and undeveloped, Windfall Ponds operates as dispersed camping within Windfall Creek State Forest under New York State Department of Environmental Conservation management. Campers drive directly to sites scattered throughout this state forest land near Salamanca. The dispersed format means no designated campsites, restrooms, or water hookups exist.

Sites accommodate various camping setups across the forest's natural terrain. Visitors must practice Leave No Trace principles and follow state forest regulations for camping duration and fire restrictions. The area serves campers comfortable with primitive conditions and self-sufficient outdoor experiences, particularly those exploring campgrounds around Salamanca or seeking backcountry-style camping accessible by vehicle.

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Location

Dispersed Camping

Windfall Ponds is located in New York

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

42.11985484 N
78.63206579 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 4/19/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 4/19/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Features

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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 Windfall Ponds needs a permit.

Drive Time


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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Apr. 18, 2026

Calm, peaceful and out of the way

This place is beautiful and secluded. We stayed 2 nights caught in some storm weather but the storm barely shook us. There are 2 ponds with room for large tents near them and plenty of wood around. The nearest stores are at the rez, and the people who work there are delightful.

Site conditions: not trashed, but littered with spent ammunition and some trees are damaged. A little bit of broken glass around some boulders. We picked up what we could fit in the trash.

Signal notes: 0/5 for AT&T. You have to go up the road a bit to call out.

Wildlife notes: signs of deer, raccoon and wild dog. We saw falcons, frogs, a skunk and red eft newts. In the pond are bluegill and red efts. !!! RED EFTS !!! (Eastern Newts) do secrete toxin so DO NOT TOUCH. Pests: ticks, mayfly, mosquitos

Sitelefthand pond
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Windfall Ponds by Marlena R., April 18, 2026
  • Review photo of Windfall Ponds by Marlena R., April 18, 2026
  • Review photo of Windfall Ponds by Marlena R., April 18, 2026
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there cell phone reception at Windfall Ponds?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is some coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.