Burnt-Rossman State Forest

Burnt-Rossman Hills State Forest, spanning an impressive 10,588 acres, proudly holds the distinction of being Schoharie County’s largest state forest. This natural haven has garnered immense popularity among enthusiasts of outdoor pursuits such as hiking, camping, and various recreational activities.

Traversing a segment of this expansive landscape is the Long Path, a trail adorned with aqua blazes, stretching over 350 miles. Within this forest, the Eminence Lean To stands as a notable point of interest along the Long Path, positioned roughly 0.5 miles to the east of Old Cemetery Road. A crossing of Old Cemetery Road can be spotted just to the south of an ancient burial ground.

Among the captivating features of the forest are the campsites discreetly nestled along Betty Brook Road, as well as the inviting spots found at Duck Pond, situated along Burnt Hill Road.

For those with a penchant for angling and boating, Looking Glass Pond, located along Rossman Hill Road, offers an inviting prospect. This charming pond not only facilitates fishing and boating but also boasts well-maintained fishing platforms courtesy of the Fulton Fish and Game Club.

Duck Pond Campsite

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There is a campsite located at Duck Pond, near the berm that keeps this swampy pond with a little bit of water. It is located next to a marker honoring one of the first forest rangers in the area, Charles Hopkins. At one point, there was a dam that raised the water level at Duck Pond, but in later years, it was reduced to about a 1 foot deep throughout the pond.

Bubb And Sis Lakes Trail

The road to Duck Pond from the north is in good condition, however to the south coming from Blenhium, the road is quite rough and bumpy, and can be muddy. From the north, the road is stone dust and well maintained.

Rough Lower Section of Burnt Hill Road

Rankings: Campsites are ranked from 0 to 10, based on the described attributes.

Overall 7 Lack of Enforcement Presence 7
Scenic Beauty 7 Facilities 5
Cleanliness 8 On-Site Attractions 3
Privacy 6 Nearby Attractions 5
Layout 6 Cellphone and Data Services 8

Duck Pond

Location:
  • Roughly 2.5 miles south of Rossman Hill Road, Fulton, NY on Burnt Hill Road.
  • Second left, heading east from Looking Glass Pond. Head south past trailers and across Long Path, swing left at the “Y”. Continue on road, as it winds and crosses a small brook, until you reach the clearing and Duck Pond.
  • You can also take Burnt Hill Road north from West Kill Road, but a short section of that road is quite rough.
  • 19 miles south-east of Cobelskill
  • 6 miles north-west of Blenhium
  • N 42.51020 W 74.48359
Cost:
  • No charge
  • 3-nights maximum stay at this site except by FREE camping permit for up to 2-weeks which can be obtained from Forest Ranger Tom Edmunds 518-827-6565, Cell: 518-505-4070 (more info).
Facilities:
  • 1 large campsite
  • Stone fire ring
  • No outhouses
  • Cellphone service/3G data service
Vehicles:
  • Medium-sized trailer or tent
Attractions on Site:
  • Burnt-Rossman State Forest
  • Swampy Duck Pond.
Attractions Nearby:
  • Looking Glass Pond – Fishing – 2 miles north on Burnt Hill Road, then 1/2 mile east on Rossman Hill Road
  • NY Power Authority Visitors Center – 8 miles south-west on NY 30 in Blenhium
  • Mine Kill State Park (fee) – 9 miles south-west on NY 30 in Blenhium
  • Mine Kill Falls (south of the park – FREE) – 10 miles south-west on NY 30 in Blenhium
  • Max Shaul Farm Market – 10 miles north-east on NY 30 in Fultonham
Sanitation:
  • Water can be obtained from creek 1 mile north on Duck Pond Road
  • No outhouses – Dig hole in woods away from lake, burn toilet paper
  • Burn combustible garbage, take cans home for recycling
  • Make sure firepits and campsite are clean before leaving
Restrictions on Use:
  • 3-nights maximum stay at this site.
  • Except by FREE camping permit for up to 2-weeks which can be obtained from Ranger Tom Edmunds 518-827-6565, Cell: 518-505-4070 (more info).
  • Seasonal use road – neither Burnt Hill Road or Rossman Hill Road is plowed in the winter.

Campsite at Duck Pond

Betty Brook North Campsites

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There are two campsites on the northern portion of Betty Brook Road, along the Betty Brook. They are usually accessed via Rossman Hill Road, although you can access them from southern end of Betty Brook Road where it hits West Kill Road, if you take a rough truck trail several miles.

Located on a small stream known as Betty Brook, they are located in a fairly deep valley, with private in-holdings on both sides of the valley.

Rankings: Campsites are ranked from 0 to 10, based on the described attributes.

Overall 9 Lack of Enforcement Presence 8
Scenic Beauty 8 Facilities 5
Cleanliness 8 On-Site Attractions 3
Privacy 9 Nearby Attractions 5
Layout 9 Cellphone and Data Services 0

Campsite

Location:
  • Roughly 1.3 miles south of Rossman Hill Road, Fulton, NY on Betty Brook Road.
  • When you proceed down Betty Brook Rd, hang a right at the split where the arrow signs point you away from the “Posted” driveway.
  • 15.7 miles south-east of Cobelskill
  • 6.4 miles north-west of Blenhium
  • N 42.52809 W 74.51415
Cost:
  • No charge
  • 3-nights maximum stay at this site except by FREE camping permit for up to 2-weeks which can be obtained from Forest Ranger Tom Edmunds 518-827-6565, Cell: 518-505-4070 (more info).
Facilities:
  • 1 small campsite, big enough for small car and a tent
  • 1 large campsite in a field with trees, good for mid-size campers
  • Large campsite – large stone ring fireplace, Small campsite – stone fireplace
  • Stone tables at both campsite
  • No outhouses.
  • No cellphone service
  • Limited radio reception
Vehicles:
  • Large trailer or tent (southern site)
  • Tent or small truck with camper stop (north site)
Attractions on Site:
  • Betty Brook for water
Attractions Nearby:
  • Looking Glass Pond – Fishing – 3 miles north-east on Rossman Hill Road in Fulton
  • NY Power Authority Visitors Center – 8 miles south-west on NY 30 in Blenhium
  • Mine Kill State Park (fee) – 9 miles south-west on NY 30 in Blenhium
  • Mine Kill Falls (south of the park – FREE) – 10 miles south-west on NY 30 in Blenhium
  • Max Shaul Farm Market – 10 miles north-east on NY 30 in Fultonham
Sanitation:
  • Water from Betty Brook – Boil before drinking or cooking
  • No outhouses – Dig hole in woods away from creek, burn toilet paper
  • Burn combustible garbage, take cans home for recycling
  • Make sure firepits and campsite are clean before leaving
Restrictions on Use:
  • 3-nights maximum stay at this site.
  • Except by FREE camping permit for up to 2-weeks which can be obtained from Ranger Tom Edmunds 518-827-6565, Cell: 518-505-4070 (more info).
  • Seasonal use road, the last 1/8 mile from Number Four Road.

Betty Brook Road

New York State Population Density