Best Dispersed Camping near Adams, NY
Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Adams? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Adams just for you.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Adams, NY (7)
2. Towsley Road Dispersed Camping
Richland, New York1 Review•14 SavesPrimitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
3. Stillwater Reservoir
Old Forge, New York9 Reviews•75 Photos•268 SavesThe 6,700-acre Stillwater Reservoir is located in the western Adirondacks, and provides undeveloped, remote camping on both islands and along the shoreline. The Reservoir offers a multitude of recreational possibilities including remote wilderness camping, canoeing, boating, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. The area receives considerable use during each of the four seasons.
During recent years, popularity of the Stillwater Reservoir has greatly increased. In an effort to alleviate some of the problems and preserve remote camping opportunities, campers are now required to use only designated sites, along the shoreline or to camp at least 150 feet inland from high-water mark. The high-water mark is generally that point where the sand beaches end and the forested or vegetative area begins.
Camping on sand beaches is no longer permitted. Camping within 150 feet of the high-water mark is limited to 46 sites designated and marked by the department. Camping beyond the 150 feet limit, as in past years, is relatively unrestricted. The intention here is to move camper use back from the water's edge to less fragile sites. The only exception is to the north of the Reservoir, which is in the Five Ponds Wilderness, where group sizes are limited to nine people or less.
Camping beyond the 150-foot perimeter remains relatively unrestricted, except for five Ponds Wilderness. That is, persons may use any site or open area for camping, provided it is more than 150 feet from the high-water mark, roads, trails or any other body of water. Furthermore, campers must comply with department regulations governing the use of state lands. These regulations will be posted at the registration booth at the Forest Ranger Headquarters and may also be found on the reverse side of the Interior Use Camping Permit. As the designated sites become filled, users are urged to camp within the Independence River Wild Forest Area on the south.
Campfires are allowed, but only dead and downed fuel may be used. The use of trail stoves is encouraged because of limited supplies of wood.
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
5. Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping
Thendara, New York1 Review•5 Photos•41 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
7. Blue Lagoon Primitive Dispersed Camping
Old Forge, New York1 Review•7 Photos•11 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Adams
13 Reviews of 7 Adams Campgrounds
Kevin C.
Ranger
Winona State Forest
Small but quiet campsite
Pulled in on a Thursday afternoon and found a single camp site. While there I talked to a state forest maintenance guy. He said there were currently two camping sites and that more might be added.
The campsite was just feet off of Bargy Road. The only amenity was a fire ring made of rocks. The campsite appears to be the trailhead for a man-made trail.
It rained while we were here but overall the campsite was quiet and peaceful.
Debbie T.
Scout
Stillwater Reservoir
Camped overnight
Took me five hours to drive there but finally made it. It was nice and peaceful. I will go there again
Dane P.ScoutStillwater Reservoir
Excellent place! Went for Solar Eclipse
a 20 mile ride of just woods on a bumpy road. Pretty cool! Surprisingly the place wasn't that populated as I expected it to be. I went to a accessible campsite near the dam so I can pull stuff i needed from my car. The restaurant in the town had great food, the staff were nice, and had two cute dogs!
Noah D.
TravelerTowsley Road Dispersed Camping
great little spot
nice place to sleep. good for someone who doesn’t want something too off the road. when you get to the destination you have to go a little more up the road until you see a sign and a sand patch on the side of the road.
- JJoseph S.Traveler
Stillwater Reservoir
An island paradise
Having both camped, and trained with my SAR Unit, on Stillwater Reserve, I must say it's a wonderful place to "get lost" (voluntarily at least)!
sam T.
GuideStillwater Reservoir
Only car accessible campsite
Was a great camp site very big and had a trail that lead down to the water. This campsite is right down the road from the fire tower trail.
- sam T.Guide
Stillwater Reservoir
Nice kayaking spot
My wife and I kayaked to Long Island and stayed for a weekend. It was quiet and had the whole island to our self. Would recommend if you want to break away from technology because you get zero service out there
- KKaneScout
Stillwater Reservoir
Need a boat
I came here a couple days ago only to realize that all except one campsite needs a boat to be reached. It's first come first serve so best to find another place if you intend to drive up to your campsite. The drive up campsite had an outhouse though so that was nice
- Elizabeth B.Ranger
Blue Lagoon Primitive Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping on stillwater reservoir
Primitive site on the beautiful south eastern end of Stillwater. A short hike in to a great beach for swimming or paddling.
We’ve stayed here many times in tents and hammock tents. The swimming is fantastic- water is clean and clear.
Because you can’t make a reservation here sometimes there’s competition for a spot. There is a good fire circle with space all around. The trail down to the beach is only about a hundred feet, but it is downhill.
This site is close to the trailhead for the Stillwater firetower, an original Adirondack firetower.
- Elizabeth B.Ranger
Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping
Primitive dispersed camping. 1/4 mile walk in, lovely quiet lake
This is a small primitive site. No services, but a very beautiful spot. There’s a small fire ring, and access to the lake for swimming or fishing.
Sunday lake has always been lovely and quiet and a great place to take youth campers.
Take Stillwater rd. to McCarty road, the trail is 0.3 miles To Sunday lake. Space to park two cars or a small RV off the road.
- Elizabeth B.Ranger
Stillwater Reservoir
Your own private adventure beach
Even in cold rainy weather we had a phenomenal time at Stillwater. Our spot had gorgeous waterfront to it, a stone fire circle where someone had left extra fire wood, and ample trees. The season had had unusually low water all over and it left a really unusual landscape on the beach to explore. We can’t wait to come back!
- Christie M.Traveler
Stillwater Reservoir
Unplugged but recharged!
just returned from our annual week at the reservoir, such beauty! We saw Bald Eagles and Loons, enjoyed swimming, canoing and paddleboarding with the family. It was so peaceful with our site #37 accomodating 20 members of tge family plus 3 dogs!
Geoff W.GuideStillwater Reservoir
Another great trip
This was my 3rd trip to Stillwater in 3 yrs and it gets better each time!
Our first trip was an overnight to test some backpacking gear, it was September and the weather was perfect! We hiked into our site, not easy because almost everything is meant to be accessed by boat so we were guessing our course! Cooler weather meant no bugs to contend with
Next year we took a canoe to our site, it was July, warm weather, warm water and the bugs were not terrible, we were at Site 1, secluded in a cove, not a lot of traffic but there is a hiking trailhead near the site so there is potential for visitors.
Our latest trip was to site 10, an island site with a large sandy beachfront, we borrowed a motor boat to get there this year and brought plenty of gear for 4 days. Weather was great again, some rain each day but we had time to get setup and get shelters to keep dry.
Camping if free here but it is first come first serve but with 40+ sites you can almost always get something. There is a small store at the boat launch to get provisions if you need, public restrooms and wifi. Very limited cell service.
You should bring water or something to filter it from the reservoir. I believe all the site have privy boxes on them.
There are opportunities for fishing, a few local attractions, a nice restaurant at the launch.
Guide to Adams
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Adams, New York, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure away from the crowds.
Scenic Spots for Dispersed Campers
- Winona State Forest offers a peaceful retreat just off Bargy Road, featuring a simple campsite with a fire ring and access to a man-made trail.
- Stillwater Reservoir is known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, making it an ideal location for those looking to escape into nature.
- Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping provides a lovely, quiet lake setting, perfect for swimming or fishing after a short hike in.
Top Activities While Free Camping Near Adams
- Enjoy kayaking at Stillwater Reservoir, where you can paddle to Long Island and experience the peacefulness of the water.
- Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping, where the serene environment enhances the fishing experience.
- Hiking trails near Winona State Forest lead to scenic views and a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Adams, New York
- Arrive early at Towsley Road Dispersed Camping to secure a spot, as it’s a popular location for those looking for easy access without reservations.
- Be prepared for a primitive experience at Blue Lagoon Primitive Dispersed Camping, where amenities are minimal, but the natural beauty is abundant.
- Always check local regulations and guidelines before heading to Salmon River in Altmar State Forest to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Adams, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Adams, NY is Winona State Forest with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Adams, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Adams, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.