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Dispersed camping near Au Sable Forks, New York includes several primitive sites across the Adirondack region, with options like Ward Brook Campsite, Chapel Pond, and Polliwog Lake offering free backcountry experiences. Most sites are located on public lands within driving distance of Au Sable Forks, with several situated along waterways or forest roads. The region contains a mix of hike-in and drive-in access points, with many sites featuring minimal development and no reservation requirements. Crane Pond Dispersed Site and Mountain Pond Road provide additional options for those seeking no-fee camping experiences.
Access to many dispersed sites requires careful navigation of unpaved roads that may become challenging in wet conditions. Several locations, particularly Crane Pond, demand high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. According to a review on The Dyrt, "Crane Pond Road from the lower parking lot to the pond itself is NOT maintained and often gets very muddy. 4WD is required." Most sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Campers must pack out all waste and follow leave-no-trace principles. Fire regulations vary by location and season, with some areas permitting campfires in established rings while others prohibit them entirely.
These primitive camping areas provide opportunities for solitude and direct access to natural features. Many sites sit adjacent to streams, ponds, or lakes, allowing for fishing and water activities. As one camper noted, "There is a stone cliff near it that goes down about 12 feet and is great for fishing or jumping off of." Wildlife viewing is common, with loons and other forest species frequently spotted. Cell service is typically unavailable, as confirmed by a review mentioning "no cell, no internet" at Polliwog Lake. Campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions and bring all necessary supplies, as resupply options are limited in this remote region.
"Some require driving down a bumpy access road that can be muddy after a rain. Sites are on the Pond. Pond has a small beach to swim. Tree covered sites."
"When driving in on the right there’s a culdesac type set up of sites. Pretty sure these sites all have river access. Road is short dead ends with a decent amount of turn around space."
"Great location, easy access, on a nice brook. Fire ring only, no facilities and minimal parking."
"Please note Crane Pond Road from the lower parking lot to the pond itself is NOT maintained and often gets very muddy. 4WD is required, if you go back there without it your day is gonna suck."
"The past reviews are correct with a lifted four wheel drive vehicle being needed for this drive in if you plan on getting paddled boats/kayaks in the water."
"Main lot has plenty of parking, perfect for car camping. Pull through the trees has some spots for tents and smaller setups."
"Free dispersed camping right off of the road. Includes picnic tables and a fire ring. It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river."
"Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water. No trash or restrooms - Primitive for sure. Prepare for bugs as well."
"I would want some clearance for a vehicle. Our Toyota Highlander made it easily. We found 2 campsites with fire pits right off the end of FR 291. Easy stroll to a clean brook for filtering water."
"Beautiful sites on the River but with the wet summer, we just couldn’t dry out. Make sure to lock you valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen."
"All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately, but i didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily) , so I didn't get to camp there"
GuideSmaller area roughly 1-6 sites. When driving in on the right there’s a culdesac type set up of sites. Pretty sure these sites all have river access. Road is short dead ends with a decent amount of turn around space.
ScoutI was looking for the Austin Brook campsite north of this one, but someone on here gave directions to this site, which turns out has its own page on here. Right off the road, a small handful of camp sites, some picnic tables, presumably some fire rings although with snow coverage I didn’t see any. Main lot has plenty of parking, perfect for car camping. Pull through the trees has some spots for tents and smaller setups. Entrance and exit are a little steep and tricky in the winter, lot wasn’t plowed so AWD/4x4 and good ground clearance are recommended.
LegendI didn't get the chance to camp here, it was full when I drove through looking for a place. So I came back later in the weekend for pictures. Great location, easy access, on a nice brook. Fire ring only, no facilities and minimal parking.
GuideJust south of Warren Falls trail head and parking lot and just north of Green Mountains National Forest Road #25, is a small (4-5 sites, 3 picnic tables) camping and parking area wedged between the Mad River and Vermont Route 100. Grassy and Rocky sites, 4 fire rings, 3 porta-potties, and stream side (river) camping close to trails, Warren Falls swimming hole, the Lincoln Gap Road and hiking, and the "famous" Warren General Store, and covered bridge. There aren't any reservation or use instructions or signs posted.
GuideDown off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water. No trash or restrooms - Primitive for sure. Prepare for bugs as well. The seclusion of this spot is what makes it. On the weekends some people ride ATVs around here, otherwise it is a sanctuary
ScoutThis is a picnic area that people insist on camping there and because of this kind of stuff is why we keep loosing free camping sites
ScoutBeautiful sites on the River but with the wet summer, we just couldn’t dry out. Make sure to lock you valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen.
TravelerFree dispersed camping right off of the road. Includes picnic tables and a fire ring. It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road. But, it's free, and in the beautiful mountains of vermont so cant really complain.
ScoutPlease note Crane Pond Road from the lower parking lot to the pond itself is NOT maintained and often gets very muddy. 4WD is required, if you go back there without it your day is gonna suck. From experience - if your vehicle isn't lifted you may come out with a ding or two from rocks and other things jutting out of the ground. Not fit for an RV in any capacity. The parking lot at the end of Crane Pond Road is relatively small but can fit at least 6 vehicles. There is an outhouse near that lot and a foot bridge off to the right, leading to Pharaoh Mtn Trail.
If you're staying to camp there are (9) sites only accessible by boat (I haven't found a map that numbers/letters them), except the one right by the parking lot. There is a trail leading to that one. My family and I have never used the other sites so I can only attest to the one which is freaking GREAT. There is a stone cliff near it that goes down about 12(?) feet and is great for fishing or jumping off of. There is also a stone area right by the water if you want to fish or just sunbathe. Stone fireplace on site. The view right there is beautiful and at night you can hear the loons (visible during the day as well).
Primitive camping near Au Sable Forks, New York encompasses a network of backcountry sites spread across the eastern Adirondack region. The area sits at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 feet, with most sites located within a 45-minute drive radius of town. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer high temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing, requiring campers to pack accordingly for temperature fluctuations even during summer months.
Fishing opportunities: Little Green Pond offers designated camping spots with direct pond access, where some sites require "driving down a bumpy access road that can be muddy after a rain" according to Lo M. The pond includes a small swimming beach area and shaded sites beneath pine trees.
Swimming spots: Austin Brook provides streamside camping with natural swimming areas. Thomas and James S. note that "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!" The proximity to water makes these sites popular during summer months.
Hiking access: Lincoln Dispersed Camping connects to trail systems in the Green Mountain National Forest. J W. reports "Day 2 we walked past the gate beyond the end of the road followed a trail up 500 feet or so of elevation in the foothills to the west of Mt Ellen. Found one more camp site." The area features seasonal mushroom foraging opportunities as well.
Seclusion: At Lincoln Dispersed Camping, Mike B. appreciates that "Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water." The sites offer privacy but require preparation for insects and primitive conditions.
Natural features: Crane Pond Dispersed Site provides unique geological elements that enhance the camping experience. Nicole T. describes "a stone cliff near it that goes down about 12 feet and is great for fishing or jumping off of. There is also a stone area right by the water if you want to fish or just sunbathe."
Wildlife viewing: Several sites offer opportunities to observe native species. At Crane Pond, Nicole T. mentions that "at night you can hear the loons (visible during the day as well)," making this location particularly appealing for bird watchers and nature photographers.
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires appropriate vehicles. At Crane Pond, Nicole T. warns that "if your vehicle isn't lifted you may come out with a ding or two from rocks and other things jutting out of the ground. Not fit for an RV in any capacity."
Limited facilities: Ward Brook Campsite offers basic amenities but remains primitive. Alex R. notes the site has a "Fire pit, picnic table, and a privy. A bit further you will find some tent spots too. Plenty of water around."
Connectivity issues: Most sites lack cellular service. At Polliwog Lake, Debbie T. simply states "Camped here for a few days, no cell, no internet," confirming the area's digital isolation.
Land management concerns: At Green Mountain National Forest FR25, Helen P. observed "a NFS sign along FR-25 posted asking people to clean up after themselves (litter and human waste) as there'd been complaints to the extent that they were considering closing the sites if people didn't do better."
Site selection: Choose locations with natural play features. Little Green Pond provides both swimming access and forest exploration with Lo M. noting there are "Tree covered sites" that provide shade for children during hot days.
Water proximity: Sites near gentle water features work well for families. Austin Brook campsites offer stream access as Thomas and James S. mention "All pretty much have access to the streams," providing natural entertainment for children.
Safety considerations: Select sites with appropriate terrain for children. At Lincoln Dispersed Camping, J W. notes "Great trees for hammocks," which provides both comfort and entertainment options for families.
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate only smaller rigs. Green Mountain National Forest FR25 has limited space, as Gerald P. mentions "small number of sites and a bit hard to find," making advance scouting recommended for RV campers.
Security concerns: At FR25, Melissa M. cautions "Make sure to lock you valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen," highlighting the importance of securing equipment when camping in remote areas.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts access significantly. Melissa M. reports that at FR25, "Beautiful sites on the River but with the wet summer, we just couldn't dry out," indicating how seasonal conditions affect comfort for RV camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Au Sable Forks, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Au Sable Forks, NY is Ward Brook Campsite with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Au Sable Forks, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Au Sable Forks, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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