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Dispersed Camping

Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail is located near the Mohawk River in New York. The area features flat terrain with river views and experiences temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 80°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the Fort Plain Museum & Historical Park.

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Location

Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail is located in New York

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

42.93900134 N
74.62250496 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
    Last on 6/27/25
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
    Last on 6/27/25
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

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 Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail needs a permit.


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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 9, 2025

High season

Well, I’m back, it’s June, and there are 3 other groups here. 1 boat, and 2 tent camping. The parking lot is still empty. The water was significantly lower last time I was here. They have dropped the gates, and the lock is in operation. The resident peacock has been keeping me company. Tried fishing, without any luck, it had been raining a lot lately, so maybe that was the reason. It still has the highway noise and of course the train noise going by, but I love that. I anticipate another lovely sleep. It’s quite breezy, so the windows will be open. I’m in my happy place!!!

SiteParking Lot
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail by The L., June 9, 2025
  • Review photo of Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail by The L., June 9, 2025
  • Review photo of Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail by The L., June 9, 2025
  • (16) View All
Reviewed May. 16, 2025

Just Passed Lock 15

Continue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area. The parking lot is large, rocky, and uneven, situated right on the Mohawk River. It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and fishing (with a valid license). Verizon cell service is good here. At the lock parking area, you'll find pit toilets, a dumpster, and potable water available on the side of the building as you enter.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail by Mona M., May 16, 2025
Reviewed Apr. 10, 2025

Great overnight.

Simply it’s a parking lot with a view. The parking area is right on the water. It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving. There are grills in the grassy area for tent camping, also a potable water tap.

Month of VisitApril
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail by The L., April 10, 2025
  • Review photo of Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail by The L., April 10, 2025
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Lock 15 campground near Fort Plain, NY?

To reach Lock 15 campground, drive until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You'll see signs saying "No Vehicles Past This Point" - these only apply to the grassy picnic area, not the parking lot. The parking area is large, rocky, and somewhat uneven, situated right on the Mohawk River. Look for the Empire Trail markers as the campground is located along this trail. The camping area includes both the parking lot area for vehicles and a grassy picnic area for tent camping.

How far is Lock 15 campground in Fort Plain from Albany, NY?

Lock 15 campground in Fort Plain is approximately 50 miles west of Albany, NY. The drive typically takes about an hour via I-90 W and NY-5 W. The campground is situated along the Mohawk River and Empire Trail, making it a convenient stopover when traveling between Albany and points west in New York State. If you're planning a visit, allow extra time as the access road to the campground is a dirt road that leads to the parking lot.

Are fires allowed at Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is excellent coverage for AT&T, some coverage for T-Mobile, and excellent coverage for Verizon.