Columbia Lake State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 4 Stamford Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM), (607) 652-7365; r4.ump@dec.ny.gov
- Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911- or - 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264)
A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit.
- Location: Town of Deposit, Delaware County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 4W
- Map: Columbia Lake State Forest (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
This 700-acre state forest sits on a hilltop and is named for the nearby Columbia Lake, but provides no access to this private waterbody. Columbia Lake State Forest is nearly completely forested with both plantations and natural stands in various stages of succession. The variety of forest types on the property create great hunting opportunities.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations. 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.
Hunting & Trapping
General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations. Hunting and trapping are allowed on this property.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Directions
- Columbia Lake State Forest is located at the intersection of Columbia Lake Road and McCabe Hollow Road. Columbia Lake Road is three-tenths of one mile north of exit 84 From NYS Route 17 (Future Interstate 86). (42.054258°N, 75.3931611°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website).
All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.
Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety
Practice Leave No Trace Principles (leaves DEC website) when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.
All users of Columbia Lake State Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follows all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.
Planning and Management
DEC is developing a unit management plan (UMP) which will describe the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP will contain detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.
If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at r4.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Michigan Hill State Forest
- Steam Mill State Forest
- Barbour Brook State Forest
- Arctic-China State Forest
- Oquaga Creek State Park (leaves DEC website)
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, supplies, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby community of Deposit.
Delaware County Tourism Webpage (link leaves DEC website) can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.
Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores and on-line booksellers
Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained form outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.
Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association (link leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.
