Stoney Pond State Forest

The 1,469 acres offers visitors an opportunity to view a range of different flora and fauna.

The 44 acre Stoney Pond was constructed in the late 1950’s to provide wildlife habitat. Populated with largemouth bass and panfish, it is home to blue herons, Canada geese, mallard ducks and other waterfowl. A parking area and boat launching site is located on the pond. No gas powered motors are permitted. A day use area is located adjacent to the ramp.

Camping is allowed at 17 designated campsites and requires a camping permit between May 1 and September 30. These sites are varied. Two sites are accessible only by foot and are for tent camping. Most of the sites are nestled among a white pine plantation at the south end of Stoney Pond. Each site contains a fire ring. A latrine services the camping area. There is no water well.

13 mile-long Stoney Pond Nordic Ski Trail is an important part of multiple use management of the forest. The trails wind through both natural forests and plantations and around Stoney Pond. Most trails are designed for skiers with a beginner or intermediate skill level. Caution must be used for safe, enjoyable skiing. Snow covered trails may contain hidden obstacles or hazards. Skiers are responsible to ski safely and under control at all times.

http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/8111.html

Camping at Stoney Pond

Stoney Pond State Forest is located in the highlands between Morrisonville and Cazenovia, and includes a camping area that requires a free permit in the summer. I camped there on November 7, 2010 on a very cold morning.

Sunrise

Waking up truck camping in November meant morning came real early, especially because I had to get going with night approaching fast. This was campsite number eight under the morning light. All of the campsites at Stoney Pond had these great round fire rings.

Camping in the Morning

Walking Through The Woods. There isn’t much in the way of leaves on the trees right now.

Percent of Population that Works in Construction

Frost on the Leaves.

Frost on the Leaves

Truck Camping. In the morning, having my cup of coffee and getting ready to face the day’s adventures. I need to get a table, so I don’t have so much clutter on my tailgate β€” there are no picnic tables at Stoney Pond.

Truck Camping

Icy Ruts. It was that cold in the morning that muddy ruts up there iced up.

Frosty Morning

Outhouse. In the summer months they also have port-a-poties down by other campsites.

Outhouse

Campsite 8. This is where I camped at, as seen from the road. I liked this site a lot because it was well set back.

Campsite 8

Campsite 4. Another really nice campsite, although a bit closely spaced.

Coldest Day of the Year in NY State

Path Down to Stoney Pond. There is a road that goes down to Stoney Pond for those wanting to launch a boat into it.

Path Down to Stoney Pond

Stoney Pond. On on side, there is a sandy beach/boat launch.

Riding along the Old Chenango Canal

Campground Roads. There is no charge to camp here, although they want you to call the forest ranger for a free permit in the summer to control usage.

Campground Roads

Campsite 1. Not a very nice campsite, but I guess if you want a drive to place where you can camp, and other 15 sites are full, it can be used.

Icy River Road

Maps.

Here is a map of the Stoney Pond Camping Area.

Riding along the Old Chenango Canal

Here is the State Forest Map.

Stoney Pond

Arterial photo of the area.