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Established Camping

Moose River Plains

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Moose River Plains, near Inlet, New York, is a fantastic spot for those seeking a free camping experience in the heart of the Adirondacks. With a variety of sites that offer both privacy and proximity to nature, it’s a great place to unwind and soak in the beauty of the wild.

This area features well-spaced sites, each equipped with a fire ring and a pit house, making it easy to enjoy a campfire under the stars. Visitors have noted the unique vibes of the woods, with one camper mentioning, “these woods definitely have a strange energy about them.” The road leading in can be a bit rough, so take it slow, especially if you're in a smaller vehicle, but it’s manageable for most.

For those looking to explore, there are numerous trails nearby, although some campers have pointed out that the trailheads might not have parking. Keep an eye out for the stunning wildlife, including impressive ravens soaring overhead. As one reviewer said, “The forest is vast and inviting,” making it a perfect backdrop for hiking and nature walks.

While amenities are minimal—no drinking water or showers—this remote location offers a true escape into nature. Campers appreciate the solitude and the chance to connect with the outdoors, making Moose River Plains a solid choice for anyone looking to get away from it all.

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Location

Moose River Plains is located in New York

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

43.7423138 N
74.68123618 W

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Access

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

Connectivity

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews

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out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 14, 2024

Great for free

Easy drive and nice for a free spot in the Adirondacks. Super private sites, we’ll spaced. Gave us some weird vibes though, these woods definitely have a strange energy about them.

Reviewed Jan. 18, 2024

nice spot above a river

Moose River Plains is an amazing place to camp.  there are so many sites. the only issue is it is getting a little overused and people need to clean up after themselves more.

The main road through is a little rough, take it slow and you should get through with any vehicle, but I would recommend only high clearance 8" plus vehicles.  Every site has a pit house and fire ring.

Site82
Month of VisitSeptember
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  • Review photo of Moose River Plains by Miccal  M., January 18, 2024
  • Review photo of Moose River Plains by Miccal  M., January 18, 2024
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Dec. 28, 2023

Great boondocking - free

 Cool, free camping in the Adirondacks. The road to get here is ok, definitely manageable in a smaller RV, you’d just have to take it slow. We did fine in our 26ft class c. There’s a sign-in box at the entrance, for purposes of gauging usage and also for emergencies. 

Each site is marked with a little yellow number placard. Each site has such a different layout, but each one has a picnic table, fire pit, and your very own, surprisingly clean, outhouse. We only stayed here one night, in site 121A, but I’d recommend staying longer than that, if only because the road to the camp sites is so long. 

There isn’t much hiking or walking paths around here, but the roads aren’t very busy so you can walk along those to get to the hiking trails that are here. I don’t believe the trailheads had any parking space, so watch for that on your way in if you want to drive to the hike. 

No cell service

Site121A
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Moose River Plains by Laura M., December 28, 2023
  • Review photo of Moose River Plains by Laura M., December 28, 2023
  • Review photo of Moose River Plains by Laura M., December 28, 2023
  • (17) View All
Reviewed Aug. 18, 2023

Remote & Beautiful Wild Forest!

Plenty of campsites available, ranging from exposed/near the road to secluded/tucked away. All seemed to include an outhouse. The forest is vast and inviting… only wish there were more connecting trails from the campsites. Expect a slow and bumpy ride in - but keep your eyes peeled for the massive & incredible ravens flying by!

Site50
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Moose River Plains by Dave N., August 18, 2023
  • Review photo of Moose River Plains by Dave N., August 18, 2023
  • Review photo of Moose River Plains by Dave N., August 18, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2022

DEC Designated Dispersed Sites

Over 100 designated dispersed sites along the 22 mile long Limekiln Lake-Cedar Lake Road. Sites are numbered, flat, and contain a picnic table, fire ring, and privy. Road through has had some work, making the drive nice and easy. Stayed at site #72 and then #22 for our stay because they were a little more open. Terrible bug season at the moment (6/12-6/15) with the black flies. Great that you can collect dead, downed wood for a fire to keep the bugs at bay. Great, quiet free site. Could see how it gets busy during the height of the season.

Site72 and 22
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Moose River Plains by Ann M., June 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Moose River Plains by Ann M., June 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Moose River Plains by Ann M., June 15, 2022
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2021

Amazing in the Fall!

Stayed at site 51. It's elevated, clear, has a newer outhouse with toilet seat. The old outhouse was left to the side and we used it to store our firewood (to keep dry). We hammered a nail on the inside of the outhouse to hang the shower bladder. It got cold at night, around 30-40. It was fine though in just warm clothes, sleeping bags and an extra blanket. There a path to the river straight across the lane from the site, for water or swimming. We always use the limekiln entrance which is a bit rocky. I have a Chevy spark though and as long as we go super slow, it's passable. The other entrance (which is super long) does have a smoother pass though. While on this trip, we hiked the lost ponds trail, just down a ways from our site. It's worth the time and effort, full of amazing views! Of you have a lightweight or inflatable kayak, take it because the pond is quite large and there's lots to explore. Just a note if you've never been, be sure to stop at an entrance to sign in - the rangers aren't always around but you're so far in that if anything were to ever happen, you'd want them to have your information. This is a pretty remote area to camp and explore.

Site51
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Sep. 9, 2021

Great weekend

Great spot for solitude. Slow going on the road in but worth it. Will go back often.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Feb. 14, 2021

Moose River Plains, NY

Located in the Moose River Plains complex as part of the Adirondack Forest preserve, a remote beautiful place to camp. First come first serve near road campsites (60 total). It’s accessible by a 23 mile access Moose River Plains rd. Located near Inlet, NY where you can visit small shops, restaurants and even a hardware store. There are 130 miles of marked and maintained trails within the moose River plains complex. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Make sure you’re prepared for dispersement camping as this location does not provide amenities other than Mother Nature itself.

  • Review photo of Moose River Plains by Carlyne F., February 14, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the elevation of Moose River Plains?

Moose River Plains is located at 2087 feet.

Are fires allowed at Moose River Plains?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Moose River Plains, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Is there cell phone reception at Moose River Plains?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is no coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.