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.

The 79,487-acre Moose River Plains Complex is part of the Adirondack Forest Preserve and includes the 64,322-acre Moose River Plains Wild Forest, the 2,907-acre Moose River Plains Camping Corridor and the 12,258-acre Little Moose Wilderness.

The Limekiln Lake-Cedar River Road (a.k.a. the Moose River Plains Road) is a seasonal access road which extends 23 miles through the Moose River Plains from the Limekiln Gate in the west (near the community of Inlet) to the Wakely Dam Gate at the end of the Cedar River Road in the east (near the community of Indian Lake). The road serves as the main access to the lands and waters of this Complex and the intensive use Camping Corridor. The road is a primary snowmobile route in winter.

View of a waterbody and some trees
The area contains low‐lying river valleys, hills and low mountains and a couple of 3,500-foot high mountain summits - Little Moose Mountain and Manbury Mountain in the Little Moose Wilderness. The lands are a transitional zone between the high mountain country to the east and north and the foothills to the west and south.

More than 65 ponds and lakes border or are located within the unit, totaling approximately 3,500 acres. About 100 miles of brooks, streams and rivers drain into three major watersheds - the Raquette River, the Hudson River and the South Branch Moose River. Sections of the South Branch Moose River, Otter Brook, Red River and Cedar River are designated scenic rivers.

The area features more than 100 primitive roadside campsites, miles of marked trails and numerous lakes and ponds. The Moose River Plains are an ideal destination for visitors with varied interests and abilities.

Backcountry Information for the West Central Adirondacks provides general information regarding backcountry and seasonal conditions; specific notices regarding closures and conditions of trails, roads, bridges and other infrastructure; and links to weather, state land use regulations, low impact recreation and more.

All designated primitive tents sites, campsites and lean-tos are available on a first come - first served basis and cannot be reserved. Designated campsites are marked with a yellow "Camp Here" disc. Designated tent sites are for tents only. Tents or small campers can use designated campsites. There are no hook-ups for water or electricity at campsites.

Campers who desire more amenities may camp at the nearby Eighth Lake Campground, Brown Tract Pond Campground or Limekiln Lake Campground and take day trips into the Moose River Plains Complex.

Camping is a very popular activity in the Moose River Plains Complex.

There are 116 primitive roadside campsites located along the Limekiln Lake-Cedar River Road, Otter Brook Road, Rock Dam Road and short spur roads off of them. Roadside campsites are numbered and most have a picnic table, fireplace and privy.

Eight of the roadside campsites are accessible with accessible designed picnic tables, fireplaces and privies. Campers without disabilities are encouraged to use other campsites to ensure the accessible campsites are available to people who require them.

Numerous designated interior primitive tent sites are located in the Moose River Plains, most of them on the shores of various water bodies. The location of these campsites can be identified by the presence of a yellow "Camp Here" disc. Most these campsites are accessed via hiking trails and have only a fire ring and a pit privy.

At-large backcountry camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping, including at designated sites, for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

Moose River Plains

Searching for the best camping near Raquette Lake, NY? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Raquette Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Raquette Lake

The Best Camping Near Raquette Lake, New York

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.    

Moose River Plains, NY

Well spread out sites. Privy, fire pit, and picnic table at most sites. 

Please travel slow on gravel road 

Remote DEC sites along forest road

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

Great weekend

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. 

Amazing in the Fall!

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.

DEC Designated Dispersed Sites

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 &amp; incredible ravens flying by!

Remote & Beautiful Wild Forest!

 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

Great boondocking - free

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.

nice spot above a river

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. 

Photos of Moose River Plains

Real photos from real campers