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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites

Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites are located in a region characterized by dense forests and numerous lakes. Temperatures range from lows of 10°F in winter to highs of 80°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Cranberry Lake Wild Forest and the Five Ponds Wilderness Area, offering hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Description

State Park

  • Primitive tent sites and lean-tos are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved. If you find a tent site or lean-to with no people or gear, then you can camp there.
  • If not using a designated primitive tent site, your tent must be at least 150 feet from a water body, road, or trail. Do not camp in areas posted with "Camping Prohibited."
  • Camping for more than three nights or with 10 or more people requires a permit from a Forest Ranger. Call 518-897-1300 to get the name and contact information for the local ranger. Please observe all State Land Camping and Hiking Rules.
  • Black bears are present throughout the Adirondacks and Catskills. Campers should store all food, garbage and toiletries in a bear-resistant canister or food hang. Bear-resistant canisters are required in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness.
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Location

Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites is located in New York

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

44.17163088 N
74.7939824 W

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Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites needs a permit.

Contact

General Info

Reservations


Reviews

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4.5

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2 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 28, 2018

Your Own Private Island for FREE!

We spent 3 nights backcountry camping on Catamount Island in Cranberry Lake and absolutely loved it! The sunsets from the island were truly incredible. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Ours had an extensive pile of dry wood, too. There is a decent privy tucked back in the woods. Bring your own TP though! Also, you will either need to bring your own potable water or filter from the lake, so don’t forget your water filter.

In addition to many cool places to kayak from the island, there are a few hiking trails where you can land your boat and hike for a few hours. The Curtis Pond hike was our favorite and there are some incredible beaver dams along the way. While the mosquitoes weren’t bad at the campsite itself or while kayaking, they are terrible on the trails this time of year; so bring your bug spray, or better yet, bug shirts! The millions upon millions of dragonflies help make up for the mosquitoes!

The Village of Cranberry Lake (which is accessible from the lake) has some supplies, but not much except the very basics at the general store.  You’ll need to head to Star Lake or Tupper Lake for anything of significance.

Backcountry camping is first come, first served…no reservations necessary or even possible. No permit is needed. The only fee is if you want to park your vehicle in the state park while you are camping on the island, it is $8 per day.

Site11 on Catamount Island
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites by Shari  G., June 28, 2018
  • A quick look around our own private island!
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  • Review photo of Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites by Shari  G., June 28, 2018
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites?

    Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites is located at 1489 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.