The Ossian State Forest is a gorgeous forest located in Livingston County. This 1303-acre parcel of forest features a rustic camping area that surrounds a small pond. Rustic camping isn’t on everyone’s bucket list, but if decide you want to give it a try, you can’t find a more picturesque location. I found this little piece of heaven, the perfect place to try backcountry camping for the first time.
Rustic Camping
Backcountry camping is something I’ve always really wanted to try, but we felt we needed to wait until our kids were the right age to deal with the “limitations” so to speak. We found this backcountry camping area quite by accident. We were taking a drive through the numerous state forests in the area and stumbled upon this gem.
This is a walk-in camping area only as there is a barrier that keeps vehicles from driving to the campsites. The narrow trail from the parking area leads from campsite to campsite.
There are 5 fire rings placed around Evergreen Pond. These are tent camping-only sites. There are two sites perched directly on the pond, these sites have a concrete slab. These sites are quite large and can easily fit several tents.
In addition to the fire rings, there are picnic tables at the campsites. However, this is rustic camping so there is no running water or bathroom facilities. This is also a carry-in/carry-out campground, all garbage must be taken with you when you leave.
These campsites are free and do not require reservations. They are on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, it is worth mentioning that these sites tend to be empty during the week. You will need a DEC permit if you plan to stay longer than 3 days. The DEC has rules for primitive camping in New York State. Click here to view the DEC information.
Evergreen Pond
Evergreen Pond is a 7-acre pond perfect for paddling and fishing. The pond is surrounded by woods on all sides but one. Scoville Road runs along the one side of the pond. There is a hand boat launch on Scoville Road and people have had good luck catching fish from this pond. Campers on the pond can fish right from their site.
Wildlife
This is a state forest and a primitive area where you are likely to run into all sorts of wildlife. Everything from black bears, coyotes, white-tail deer, beavers, fox, skunks, minks, opossums, squirrels, bobcats, porcupines, weasels, and of course, the camper’s “best friend” raccoons. Seeing wildlife in the heart of nature is an incredible experience, but they should be viewed from a distance and never fed. Making sure to keep food in containers and closed up so as to not attract animals is crucial.
Directions
To reach the camping area take State Route 436 near the village of Dansville, head west on Ossian Hill Road to the hamlet of Ossian. Continue west on Linzy Road. Turn left (south) onto Scoville Road.
Camper’s Paradise
This primitive camping area is truly a camper’s paradise. You can’t get much closer to nature than this. This is a beautiful spot to experience real back-country camping yet not too far off the beaten track. Also, if you find that these sites have been taken, you are legally permitted to camp in the state forest as long as you are more than 150 from the road.