U.S. National Forest Campground Guide

Finger Lake National Forest

New York



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Forest Information

The Finger Lakes National Forest is comprised of about 15,374 acres, which makes it one of (if not the smallest) National Forest in the system. It is located between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes in the Finger Lakes region of north-western New York. Two developed campgrounds meet the selection criteria.

The Finger Lakes National Forest is a forest often overlooked. Most people don't even realize there is a beautiful national forest adjacent to New York state's wine country. The rolling hills, healthy forest, and abundant wildlife of Finger Lakes National Forest are within a comfortable two-hour drive of the metropolitan areas of Rochester, Binghamton, and Syracuse, New York. Great camping locations, hiking, fishing, berry picking, auto touring, and observing the ever changing landscape are just a few of the recreation opportunities found here.

A young National Forest, as far as national forests go, the Finger Lakes National Forest began during the Great Depression of the 1930s with the Federal Government acquiring over 100 foreclosed farms. The land had been used for more than a century and the soil suffered a serious depletion of valuable nutrients making farming an unprofitable activity. In 1983 this patchwork of public lands became the Finger Lakes National Forests.

The Finger Lakes National Forest offers lots of "room-to-roam" with two developed campgrounds centrally located and convenient to the forest's network of trails. Blueberry Patch campground, well suited to car, tent, recreational vehicle (RV) and motorhome camping enthusiasts, is adjacent to a large patch of wild blueberries. This tiny, single loop campground is a special treat for campers. Looping through a stand of mature hardwoods, Blueberry Patch has a semi-wilderness feel without the inconvenience. Thirty miles of trails can be reached from Blueberry Patch campground as well as from the nearby Backbone Horse Camp campground. Also a single loop, Backbone Horse Camp has limited equestrian facilities and campsites more open and sunny. The nearby foot and horse trails wind through the forest past many old homesteads, over pastures, and through tranquil woodlands.

Finger Lakes National Forest is also well located for short trips to the area's many seasonal activities and attractions. Watkins Glen State Park, with its sculptured chasm and nineteen waterfalls, various glacier-carved lakes, Finger Lakes State Park, the Watkins Glen International Speedway, William H. Seward House, and Renaissance Festival are just a few of the outstanding day trips possible from the campgrounds. Of course, this is wine country. With over two dozen vineyards and wineries close by, touring this famous area will take more than a weekend.

Fisheries in the Finger Lakes National Forest provide both cold and warm water fishing. Many of the ponds in the Forest are stocked annually. Healthy populations of Rainbow and Brook trout, Largemouth bass, Yellow perch and Sunfish are available for anglers throughout the forest.

The Finger Lakes National Forest has grown from a need for soil stabilization to a diverse, multi-use piece of public land tucked between Cayuga and Seneca lakes. Finger Lakes National Forest may not be as well known as New York's State Parks or private campgrounds but that only means more room for those who have discovered this wonderful place. The beauty and solitude found in Finger Lakes National Forest brings visitors back time and time again.
ADDRESSES

SUPERVISOR ADDRESS 4387 US Route 4 East Mendon, Vermont 05701 802-747-6700 RANGER DISTRICT ADDRESSES Hector 5218 State Route 414 Hector, New York 14841 607-546-4470




Fred and Suzi Dow