Stoney Pond Campground

- Stony Pond Rd, Erieville, NY 13061

For New York residents looking for a true, primitive escape into the Central New York wilderness, the Stoney Pond Campground—located within the 1,469-acre Stoney Pond State Forest—offers a unique and essential public land experience. Administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), this destination provides an authentic, rustic camping environment centered around the beautiful 44-acre Stoney Pond.

Unlike many commercial resorts, Stoney Pond Campground maintains a primitive style, appealing to campers who prefer simplicity, self-sufficiency, and minimal amenities. The setting is a stunning blend of natural hardwoods and soft pine plantations, offering a rich habitat for wildlife, including blue herons, Canada geese, and various waterfowl. The focus here is not on luxury hookups, but on immersion in nature, with a robust trail system winding through the entire state forest.

While the campground is highly popular—requiring reservations during peak season due to high demand—it represents one of the best opportunities for free, designated camping in the state. Prospective visitors should be aware that, as a DEC State Forest area, the experience is rugged. While the location is beautiful year-round, accessibility during the winter months requires vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive and appropriate tires, as the back roads and campground loop are often not plowed and can become icy and deeply rutted.

Visitors should also note that as a public, free facility, the camping experience can occasionally be unpredictable. The DEC has worked to streamline the reservation process, but instances of confusion or overcrowding can occur, necessitating communication with local Forest Rangers. The management is committed to providing a peaceful natural area, enforcing quiet hours between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM, and strictly regulating vehicle use to preserve the forest's tranquility.

The Stoney Pond Campground is situated in the scenic Madison County region of Central New York, approximately 40 minutes from Syracuse and a little over an hour from Utica. Its address is Stony Pond Rd, Erieville, NY 13061, USA, though the campground itself is nestled deep within the Stoney Pond State Forest in the Town of Nelson. This location makes it a manageable drive for many upstate New York residents looking for a quick nature fix.

Accessing the area requires navigating a series of county and rural roads. From the Village of Cazenovia, one travels East on NYS Route 20 before turning onto Erieville Road, then Old State Road, and finally Jones Road, leading to the Stoney Pond Road entrance. The final stretches of road, including the campground loop, are gravel and seasonal, meaning they are not always maintained during the winter. Campers should be prepared for varying road conditions depending on the season, with winter camping strictly recommended only for high-clearance, 4x4 vehicles.

Once inside the forest, the 17 designated campsites are mostly nestled among a white pine plantation on the south end of the pond, accessible via a gravel loop road. The location provides easy access to the boat launch and the extensive network of hiking trails that traverse the 1,469 acres of state forest land.

As a primitive DEC-managed State Forest campground, Stoney Pond offers essential facilities focused on minimal impact and maximum outdoor enjoyment. It is important for campers to arrive prepared, as many modern conveniences are intentionally omitted.

• Campsite Reservations: Mandatory reservation is required for the 17 designated sites from May 1 to September 30. Reservations are free of charge and must be made through the New York State Parks online reservation system.

• Off-Season Camping: From October 1 to April 30, campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, though a permit is required for stays of four or more nights or groups of nine or more people.

• Waste Management: Primitive sanitation is provided by two chemical latrines (Port-a-Johns) available during the prime camping season (May 1st through September 30th). Campers are expected to practice a carry-in/carry-out policy for all rubbish.

• Fire Rings: Each designated site is equipped with a fire ring, and campers are permitted to use only dead and downed wood from the forest for campfires.

• Pet Policy: Pets are allowed, provided they are kept on a leash at all times, and owners must have proof of current rabies vaccination.

• Accessibility: Three campsites are designated as handicapped accessible, which are held open for people with disabilities until Wednesday noon each week.

The core appeal of Stoney Pond Campground lies in its unspoiled natural features and multi-use recreational opportunities, making it a favorite for hikers, anglers, and cross-country skiers.

• Stoney Pond (44 Acres): A pristine, non-motorized body of water ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and hand launching small boats. Swimming and bathing are strictly prohibited.

• Fishing Opportunities: The pond is stocked with largemouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie, and panfish. It is highly regarded as one of the first local lakes to ice-up, making it a good location for early ice fishing, though access in deep snow can be challenging.

• Extensive Trail System: The forest boasts over 13 miles of multi-use trails, including the popular Stoney Pond Nordic Ski Trail System. These trails wind through the forest and around the pond, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding (outside of the camping area) in warm months, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

• Primitive, Wooded Sites: The 17 campsites are widely spaced and nestled among the white pine trees, offering a genuine, secluded tenting experience. Two sites are designated as walk-in, accessible only by a short hike, enhancing the rustic feel.

• Seasonal Experience: The campground offers a distinct experience in all four seasons, from vibrant summer paddling to challenging winter camping, appealing to year-round outdoor enthusiasts.

As a state forest campground, direct inquiries are handled by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Address: Stony Pond Rd, Erieville, NY 13061, USA (Stoney Pond State Forest)

DEC Regional Office (Sherburne): (607) 674-4036 (General Forest Information)

Emergency Contact (Forest Ranger Dispatch): 1-833-697-7264

Stoney Pond Campground is perfectly suited for New York State residents who prioritize affordable, authentic, and rugged outdoor recreation. For those in the Central and Eastern NY regions, it offers a quick escape to a state forest setting without the higher costs and crowds often associated with more developed DEC campgrounds. It provides a unique opportunity for both a primitive camping and extensive trail-based adventure.

The campground is an ideal destination for residents who own a canoe or kayak, enjoy non-motorized fishing, and seek challenging multi-use trails for hiking or mountain biking. Furthermore, its free camping status (requiring only a free online reservation in peak season) makes it a highly accessible and economically friendly option for families and seasoned campers alike. Visitors must be prepared for the primitive nature of the site—bringing their own water, managing waste, and being self-sufficient—but the reward is access to a beautiful, protected state forest environment and a true wilderness experience right in their backyard.

Stoney Pond Campground

Stony Pond Rd, Erieville, NY 13061, USA