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General Camping Information

Description:

Free camping is allowed throughout the Forest with the exception of pastures. No camping in pastures May 15^th through October 31^st. You must camp at least 50 feet from roads, trails, streams and ponds. These areas provide a place to camp and enjoy nature’s solitude at no charge. Some dispersed sites may have a stone fire ring. Note: There is a 14-day camping limit.

Notes:

Boil water taken from any stream or pond for at least five minutes before using it for cooking or drinking.
Always use toilets if they are available in this area. If not, dig a 6-8” deep “cat hole” at least 75 feet away from the site and any surface water. Cover your hole when you are done. For sanitary reasons, do not leave body waste or toilet paper lying on the ground.
Pack out all trash and leave the site looking the way you would like to find it.
Use caution with campfires. Scrape away leaves and twigs down to the bare mineral soil in a 6 foot wide circle. Keep campfires small and water handy. Never leave campfires unattended. Please use only dead or fallen down branches for firewood. Make sure your campfire is dead out when you leave.
Do not cut vegetation.

Directions:

From the South, take State Route 17 (I-86 in some areas) to exit 52 (Watkins Glen exit/State Route 14 North). In Watkins Glen, turn right on State Route 414 North, at the Fourth St. intersection go approximately 9 miles north, on the right is the Hector Ranger Station of the Finger Lakes National Forest.

From the North, take I-90 to exit 41 (414 south) to Hector, NY. One mile beyond the gas station on the left is the Hector Ranger Station of the Finger Lakes National Forest.

Area Services:

Food and Services:Hector shops and fuel stations

For all Emergencies: 911
Police: (607) 535-6642 or 911
Fire: (607) 535-6642 or 911
Rescue: (607) 535-6642 or 911