New York’s Chenango County Pond Park — 50-Acre Hunts Pond, 12 Primitive Campsites, Bass & Pickerel Fishing, Electric-Motor-Only Boating & Hardwood Forest Trails Near New Berlin
Hunts Pond State Park is a primitive lakeside recreation area surrounding 50-acre Hunts Pond in the Town of New Berlin, Chenango County, New York. The park features 12 designated primitive campsites around the pond perimeter, fishing for largemouth bass, chain pickerel, bluegill, crappie, and perch, a boat launch (electric motors only), hiking trails and logging lanes through hardwood forest, and cross-country skiing in winter.
Formerly a developed New York state park, Hunts Pond transitioned to Hunts Pond State Forest management under the New York State DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) in 2011. While formal park amenities (buildings, water taps, restrooms) have been removed, the 12 shoreline campsites remain popular with anglers and campers seeking a rustic, backcountry-style experience on a quiet, electric-motor-only pond in the heart of Chenango County’s rolling hills. A free DEC camping permit is required for campsite use from May 1 through September 30.
Things to Do
Fishing
- Species: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, black crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead, golden shiner
- Access: Shore fishing and boat fishing on 50-acre Hunts Pond
- Boat launch: Available for non-motorized watercraft
- ⚠️ Electric motors only — no gas motors
- New York fishing license required
Camping
- 12 designated primitive campsites: Along the Hunts Pond shoreline
- Free permit required: May 1 – September 30
- Contact: DEC Region 7 Sherburne Office — (607) 371-7268 or [email protected]
- Carry-in, carry-out: No trash receptacles
- No water or restroom facilities
Hiking
- Forest trails and logging lanes: Through hardwood forest terrain
- Cross-country skiing: In winter
- Snowmobiling: Seasonal use of designated routes
Hunting
- Seasonal deer hunting: Permitted in designated areas
- New York hunting license required
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pond Size | 50 acres |
| Campsites | 12 primitive shoreline sites (free permit required May–Sep) |
| Facilities | NONE — no water, no restrooms, no trash cans |
| Boats | Electric motors only — no gas motors |
| Management | NYS DEC — Hunts Pond State Forest |
| Admission | Free |
Directions
From the north: Take NY Route 8 south through the village of New Berlin. Continue approximately 4.1 miles south, then turn right onto Buttermilk Falls Road (look for the sign pointing to Hunts Pond). The state forest begins less than a mile up the road. Turn right onto Hunts Pond Road to reach the northern end of the forest and the pond.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Camping; bass + bluegill fishing; warm water; kayaking/canoeing; long days | Mosquitoes; humid; thunderstorms; permit required for camping |
| Spring (May–Jun) | ⭐ Bass spawning; wildflowers; birding; green-up; uncrowded; camping season opens May 1 | Muddy trails; blackflies (May); cool water; variable weather |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Fall foliage; pickerel + perch active; quiet; deer season begins; photography | Camping permit season ends Sep 30; cooling; shorter days |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Cross-country skiing; snowmobiling; ice fishing; solitude; winter forest | No camping; cold; snow; limited access; check road conditions |
Visitor Tips
- Free permit: A free DEC camping permit is required from May 1 through September 30. Contact the DEC Region 7 Sherburne Office at (607) 371-7268.
- Primitive only: There are NO facilities — no water, no restrooms, no trash cans. Bring everything you need and practice carry-in, carry-out.
- Electric motors only: Hunts Pond is restricted to electric motors — ensuring a peaceful, quiet fishing and paddling experience.
- Backcountry feel: This is not a developed state park — expect a rustic, primitive experience. Perfect for experienced campers and anglers who prefer solitude.
- Road conditions: Buttermilk Falls Road and Hunts Pond Road are rural — conditions vary with weather. Avoid during mud season.
- Fishing diversity: Hunts Pond supports 9+ fish species — bring a variety of tackle for different techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Hunts Pond SP — in the Tug Hill Plateau — provides quiet recreation in one of the snowiest regions east of the Rocky Mountains (300+ inches annually). The area’s spruce-fir and northern hardwood forest supports snowshoe hares, American martens, and black bears. Spruce grouse (rare in NY) may be found. Boreal chickadees inhabit the conifers.
Nearby Attractions
Tug Hill Plateau — surrounding — has exceptional snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Watertown — nearby. Oswego — to the south — has Fort Ontario.
Do you need a permit to camp at Hunts Pond?
Yes — a free camping permit is required from May 1 through September 30 for the 12 designated primitive campsites at Hunts Pond. Contact the DEC Region 7 Sherburne Office at (607) 371-7268 or email [email protected] to obtain a permit. The campsites are located along the shoreline of the 50-acre pond. There are no facilities (no water, restrooms, or trash cans), so bring all supplies and practice carry-in, carry-out. Outside of the permit season, dispersed camping follows standard NYS DEC state forest rules.
What fish are in Hunts Pond?
Hunts Pond in Chenango County, New York, supports a diverse warm-water fishery with 9+ species. These include largemouth bass, chain pickerel, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, black crappie, yellow perch, brown bullhead, and golden shiner. The 50-acre pond is restricted to electric motors only, ensuring quiet conditions. A boat launch is available for non-motorized watercraft and electric-motor boats. Shore fishing is also accessible from multiple points around the pond. A valid New York fishing license is required.
Last updated: May 2026
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Hunt Pond State Forest (a short drive away) or Gilbert Lake State Park (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for New York state parks online at newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com.
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