Beaver Creek State Forest
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 6 Potsdam Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM), (315) 265-3090; information.r6@dec.ny.gov
- Backcountry Emergencies: (518) 891-0235 (24/7) or 911
- 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: Towns of Gouverneur, Depeyster, Macomb in St. Lawrence County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 6A
- Map: Beaver Creek Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Beaver Creek State Forest is a large complex of three reforestation areas covering 3,694 acres. The topography is very hilly with thin soils and rocky exposed ridge tops. The northernmost boundary of the forest includes more than a mile of frontage on Mud Lake.
There are several unusual plant communities which occur across this area, including approximately 50 acres of silver maple dominated swamp hardwoods. Upland areas also include locally abundant populations of butternut and cork elm.
Featured Activities
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.
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Hiking is allowed on the property but there are no developed trails.
Paddling
General information on paddling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Canoeing is allowed in nearby Beaver Creek and Mud Lake.
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 in accordance with state laws and regulations.
Follow all hunting safety guidelines and be prepared before going into the woods.
Fishing
General information on fishing. Includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are allowed on the property but there are no developed trails.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
The wildlife that may be present in the Beaver Creek State Forest includes deer, turkey, ruffed grouse, mink, raccoon, black bear, fox, and migratory songbirds. Smooth green snake, eastern garter snake, wood turtle and painted turtle may also be present.
Beaver Creek
Directions
This forest can be accessed from the Gilbert, Lead Mine, Little Bow, and Morrison Roads in the town of Gouverneur, the Lead Mine Road in Macomb, and St. Lawrence County Route 10 in DePeyster.
- Morrison Road: (44.4386°N, 75.4851°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Route 10: (44.4887°N, 75.4842°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 Beaver Creek State Forests must follow all State Forest Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.
Follow the NYS firewood regulation to help protect the forests you love from invasive pests and diseases.
Planning and Management
DEC developed the draft St. Lawrence Rock Ridge Unit Management Plan that describes proposed management activities for this and several other state forests in the area. DEC accepted public comments on the draft until April 30, 2022. Questions about this draft UMP may be sent to r6.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Timber Management
Upland areas support a mixture of northern hardwood, hemlock, and white pine forests. Lower quality upland sites are dominated by red oak, eastern hophornbeam, hickories, and other species adapted to droughty and nutrient poor soils. Pine and spruce plantations were established on what were formerly farm fields and pastures. Open fields were planted with a variety of species including white spruce, Scotch pine, red pine, and white pine. A total of over 513,000 trees were planted on 743 acres of this state forest between 1955 and 1981. Flatter ground supports open wetlands and shrub swamps, which gradually transition to swamp hardwoods and white cedar in seasonal flooded areas.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Hickory Lake State Forest
- Pleasant Lake State Forest
- Yellow Lake State Forest
- Lonesome Bay State Forest
- Fish Creek WMA
- South Hammond State Forest
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Lodging, dining opportunities, gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Hammond, Gouverneur, Heuvelton and Morristown.
The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce (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.
