New York
Finger Lakes National Forest South Hill Road Dispersed Sites
Dispersed Camping
Pull-offs along South Hill Road offer primitive camping in mixed hardwood forest with decent spacing between sites. Some have old fire rings, most are just cleared spots big enough for a tent or small RV. Popular with hunters in fall and hikers year-round. No facilities but generally clean — the National Forest crowd respects Leave No Trace better than most.
Standard forest road, fine for any vehicle when dry but muddy ruts develop in spring and after heavy rain. Road can be gated in winter. Cell service spotty but sometimes catches towers from nearby towns. Good base camp for exploring the Finger Lakes Trail system.
Forest camping in New York's hidden National Forest
Place Details
| Type | Dispersed Camping |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Watkins Glen, New York |
| Miles from pavement | 3.2 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Gravel |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 8 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | April-November |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Fire ring |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |