Eldridge Swamp State Forest

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• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 5 Warrensburg Office (M-F, 8:30 AM to 4:45 PM), (518) 623-1200; info.r5@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 Jackson, Washington County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 5S
• Map: Eldridge Swamp State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Eldridge Swamp is fantastic for wildlife viewing and hunting. Forests, grassy areas and wetlands, in combination with the adjoining forested and farm landscapes, provide valuable wildlife habitat for this area. Although there are no official trails marked yet on this property, there is a network of old farm paths and logging trails. The property is open to hiking and other non-motorized recreation. The Batten Kill flows along the northern border of the state forest, however, there are no formalized trails to access the river from this property.

Eldridge Swamp contains the southernmost known population of white spruce in NY that may be the third or fourth southernmost population globally. The swamp forest is a rare boreal ecosystem in the Hudson Valley lowlands.

Private properties adjoin Eldridge Swamp State Forest - please respect private lands.

Featured Activities

Camping

General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

There are no designated campsites; but primitive camping is allowed. Camping must be at least 150 feet away from a water body, road, or trail. Camping for more than three nights or in a group of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

Hunting & Trapping

Wildlife Management Unit: 5S

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 during appropriate seasons. The main furbearers and game species found within the property include white tail deer, grouse, woodcock, turkey and pheasant. Private properties adjoin Eldridge Swamp State Forest - please respect private lands.

Wildlife

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

There is an abundance of wildlife found within Eldridge Swamp State Forest's unique ecosystem. In addition to the notable furbearers and game species, a wide variety of song birds, hawks, owls, moles, mice, raccoon, woodchuck, squirrels, fisher and porcupine can all be found within the property.

Directions

Parking Areas North to South

• Northern Eldridge Swamp Parking Lot (43.06308°N, 73.336551°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• State Route 313 Parking Lot (43.058833°N, 73.338131°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
• Southern Eldridge Swamp Parking Lot (43.05684°N, 73.340721°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.

All users of Eldridge Swamp State Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

Specific Rules

Hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Northern Piedmont Unit Management Plan (PDF). In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains 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 r5.ump@dec.ny.gov.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Chestnut Woods State Forest
• Mount Tom State Forest
• Batten Kill State Forest & Goose Egg State Forest

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Lodging and dining opportunities as well as gas, food and other supplies can be found in the Towns of Jackson and White Creek and the nearby Village of Cambridge.

Washington County Tourism Office (leaves DEC website) and the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council (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 from 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 (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.