Cameron State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 8 Bath Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM), (607) 622-8282; region8@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 Cameron, Steuben County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 8T
- Map: Cameron State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 1,990-acre Cameron State Forest includes Cameron Pond, two smaller ponds, a gas pipeline down the middle and a native grassland field near the southern end. Today, Cameron and all state forests in New York are managed for multiple benefits to serve the needs of the people of New York. Sustainable management practices will ensure a perpetual supply of timber, a diversity of wildlife habitats, compatible recreational opportunities and clean water.
Featured Activities
Hunting & Trapping
General information on hunting and general information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Paddling
General information on paddling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Fishing
General information on fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Cameron Pond
Cameron Pond is near the center of the forest and provides day use and fishing opportunities during both winter and summer seasons.
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Cameron State Forest does not have any designated hiking trails, however there are numerous animal trails, old roads and pipelines to explore. None of these are currently marked and few are mapped.
Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Cameron State Forest does not include any designated skiing or snowshoe trails, however there are numerous animal trails, old roads and pipelines to explore. None of these are currently marked and few are mapped.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Five individual designated primitive campsites are available on a first come first serve basis. The sites are semi-flat spots, some are graveled, others are small openings set back in the woods on topsoil, all have no other facilities provided.
Primitive backcountry 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.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
New York's Southern Tier encompasses a wide variety of habitats and landscapes made up of mountainous hills, forests, grasslands and wetlands. Everything from black bear to black-throated blue warblers and brook trout to wild turkey call the Southern Tier home. The grasslands are home to a variety of bird species including northern harrier and state endangered Henslow's sparrow. White-tailed deer and fisher thrive in the forested hills, while beaver and mink flourish in the wetlands. Visitors from across New York State flock to this area year round for its exquisite wildlife watching and unbeatable hunting.
Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD)
General information on MAPPWD includes information on the program and links to the application and instructions.
The following routes are available for use by people with qualifying disabilities and a current permit: Cameron Pond, and Gasline CP3 trail with a view of Canisteo River Valley or native grassland habitat.
Accessible Features
Pedestrian Accessible Features: The following features are designed to be wheelchair accessible and can be accessed via a pedestrian path from the public parking area:
Cameron Pond - view over Cameron Pond.
Directions
To gain access to this state forest, from Bath, take County Route #10 heading south. To gain access to this forest from Addison, travel west on County Route 119, make a right turn (north) onto County Route #10. The state forest can be accessed by turning to the west on either Stone House Road or West Cameron Road. Cameron Pond is located off of West Cameron Road, with room for about 6 cars.
- West Cameron Road Parking: (42.242250°N, 77.403538°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 Cameron 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 has developed a Draft Canisteo River Basin Unit Management Plan (UMP) which describes the proposed management activities for these lands. 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 r8.ump@dec.ny.gov
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Land and Facilities
- Cameron Mills State Forest
- Tracy Creek State Forest
- West Cameron Wildlife Management Area
- Helmer Creek Wildlife Management Area
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Cameron Mills, Bath or Addison.
- Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Bath or Addison
- Lodging may be found in the nearby community of Bath.
Steuben County Conference & Visitors Bureau (leaves DEC website) and Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance (leaves DEC website) can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.
Numerous guide books 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.
