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Best Dispersed Camping near Amsterdam, NY

15 Reviews

Dispersed camping areas around Amsterdam, New York include several primitive sites across state forests within driving distance. Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail offers accessible camping right along the Mohawk River with a large parking area suitable for tents and RVs. Several state forests permit backcountry camping, including Ushers Road State Forest, Burnt Rossman State Forest, Featherstonhaugh State Forest, and Rockwood State Forest. These public lands follow New York State's dispersed camping regulations allowing primitive camping at least 150 feet from any road, trail, or water source.

Road conditions vary significantly between sites, with several locations requiring navigation on unpaved forest roads. Betty Brook Camp and Duck Pond Campsite both feature rough access roads that may challenge standard passenger vehicles, particularly during wet weather. Many locations lack basic amenities, with most sites offering only primitive camping with no services beyond occasional fire rings. Fort Plain Lock 15 stands as an exception, providing pit toilets, trash disposal, potable water, and picnic tables. Cell service ranges from good at Fort Plain Lock to nonexistent in more remote areas like Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest where "there is zero Verizon cell service in the whole area."

These state forest camping areas provide opportunities for solitude and nature connection, though conditions and terrain vary widely. Sites near water features are particularly popular, including Betty Brook Camp where visitors can "camp on the stream" and Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off which offers "access to the river down a semi-steep bank." Vehicle limitations impact accessibility at many locations, with one camper noting Duck Pond Campsite requires "small vehicle only" as "the road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough." Fort Plain Lock 15 experiences varied usage patterns, with a reviewer noting: "It's June, and there are 3 other groups here. 1 boat, and 2 tent camping. The parking lot is still empty."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Amsterdam, New York (12)

    1. Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    3 Reviews
    Fort Plain, NY
    22 miles

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Ushers Road State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Round Lake, NY
    21 miles

    "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."

    3. Featherstonhaugh State Forest Site

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    Duanesburg, NY
    10 miles

    4. Rockwood State Forest

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    Caroga Lake, NY
    18 miles

    5. Betty Brook Camp

    2 Reviews
    West Fulton, NY
    33 miles

    "I live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road."

    "Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots"

    6. Duck Pond Campsite

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    33 miles

    "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad."

    "Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads"

    7. Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest

    2 Reviews
    Piseco, NY
    35 miles
    Website

    "Site 4 is magical, it is road side, but the view, and access to the river is great. There is a path right from the site."

    "The road is in good condition. No AT&T cell service in this area."

    8. Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    35 miles

    "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"

    "Entrance is soft"

    9. Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    2 Reviews
    Bakers Mills, NY
    42 miles

    "The directions in the app are accurate -but do keep in mind that the campsite is down a dirt road which is well hidden from the main road if you aren’t paying close attention."

    10. Crane Mountain Pond Campsite

    1 Review
    Thurman, NY
    43 miles
    Website

    "After a short hike up steep crane mountain we watched the beautiful sun set. One of the nicest places I’ve camped at."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Amsterdam, NY

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Amsterdam, NY

15 Reviews of 12 Amsterdam Campgrounds

  • Josie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    Private Campsite

    Decent site right off of the “main” road. “Main” because it was quiet. Easy to access via a short dirt road, but also easy to miss. We only saw sites 3 and 6 marked and took #6. There was a fire ring and access to the river down a semi-steep bank. Beautiful to listen to at night. Site was big enough to pull our mid-size SUV down and unfold rooftop-tent, but we did have to back out in the morning; not enough room to turn around. Felt private despite the road.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Ushers Road State Forest

    Trail head

    This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week.

    About 500 feet down the right-hand trail, there is a smaller path branching off to the left. This leads to a previously used campsite, approximately 200 feet from the main trail. The site includes a stone fire ring, indicating prior use.

    Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it’s at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots.

  • Taylor A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2023

    Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    Adirondack Camping Trip

    Highly Reccomend! The directions in the app are accurate -but do keep in mind that the campsite is down a dirt road which is well hidden from the main road if you aren’t paying close attention. There is no service at all.

    This site is campsite 6 and very private (I believe there must be others located close by). The site has it’s own private road. A car is not reccomended. Possible to turn around but you definitley need a smaller suv. There is a firepit at the site and plenty of space for multiple tents, ground may look flat but when sleeping-definitely is not. Plenty of trees for hammocks etc. You can hear cars from the site but the cars can’t see you-loved this! The sound of the cars from the main highway is something I got used to quick. The site is mostly shaded-the sun shines through a bit but not much.

    There is a river down the hill from the campsite which helps keep it fairly cool at night. The bugs were terrible.

  • YThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Open quite campsites

    After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience. Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Small vehicle only

    The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse. The site itself, was pretty nice, Fire pit, trickling stream, but the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it. Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads

  • Mona M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    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.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    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.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest

    Site 4

    Site 4 is magical, it is road side, but the view, and access to the river is great. There is a path right from the site. Occasionally you will get the yahoo that speeds by and makes a dust cloud but otherwise it’s great. There is zero Verizon cell service in the whole area. So plan accordingly,

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    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!!!

Guide to Amsterdam

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Amsterdam, New York, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Scenic Hiking Trails for Dispersed Campers

  • Explore the picturesque trails at Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest, where hiking enthusiasts can immerse themselves in stunning natural scenery.
  • The Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest offers access to numerous trails, making it an ideal base for those looking to hike and explore the wilderness.
  • For a peaceful retreat, visit Duck Pond Campsite, where you can enjoy quiet walks along the water's edge and take in the tranquil surroundings.

Fishing Opportunities for Outdoor Lovers

Wildlife Watching for Nature Enthusiasts

  • The diverse ecosystems around Rensselaerville State Forest provide ample opportunities for wildlife watching, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Keep an eye out for various bird species and other wildlife at Rockwood State Forest, where the natural habitat is rich and vibrant.
  • The remote setting of Ushers Road State Forest allows for peaceful wildlife observation, offering a chance to see animals in their natural environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free camping in Amsterdam?

Several free dispersed camping options are available around Amsterdam. Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off offers private sites right off the main road with fire rings and river access. It's accessible via a short dirt road but can be easy to miss. Duck Pond Campsite provides beautiful free sites around a small pond, though the unpaved access roads can be rough in spots. Both locations offer secluded experiences with no fees, but prepare for no cell service in these areas.

What are the costs for camping sites in Amsterdam?

Most dispersed camping options in the Amsterdam area are free of charge. Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail offers no-cost camping with the bonus of picnic areas, grills, and even potable water available for tent campers. Betty Brook Camp is another free option along West Kill Road with basic amenities like a fire pit and stream access. These sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis without reservation fees or camping charges.

Are there free RV parking options in Amsterdam?

Yes, there are free RV parking options near Amsterdam. Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest offers roadside sites with river access that can accommodate smaller RVs, though be aware there's no Verizon cell service in the area. Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp is another option with sites accessible from the road, suitable for smaller recreational vehicles. Both locations are free but lack hookups, so come prepared to boondock.

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