Dispersed camping near Black River, New York offers primitive sites throughout the Adirondack region with varying levels of access difficulty. Most locations require travel on unpaved forest roads that become challenging during wet weather or snow conditions. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through March, with snowpack limiting access to many sites until late spring.
What to do
Kayaking and boating: Stillwater Reservoir provides extensive water recreation opportunities with 40+ primitive sites accessible primarily by water. According to one visitor, "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."
Fishing: Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping offers shoreline access for fishing in a secluded environment. A camper noted, "There's a small fire ring, and access to the lake for swimming or fishing." The small size and limited camping capacity means less fishing pressure than larger bodies of water in the region.
Hiking: Several campsites connect to trail systems. At Stillwater Reservoir, "This campsite is right down the road from the fire tower trail," which leads to an original Adirondack fire tower with panoramic views. The Blue Lagoon site provides access to additional trails connecting to the reservoir shoreline.
What campers like
Privacy and isolation: The scattered nature of dispersed sites provides solitude. One Towsley Road camper stated, "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."
Wildlife viewing: The undeveloped areas support diverse wildlife. A Stillwater camper reported, "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."
Swimming opportunities: Blue Lagoon Primitive Dispersed Camping features "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." Most water access points lack designated swimming areas or lifeguards.
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most sites provide no facilities. At Winona State Forest, "The only amenity was a fire ring made of rocks. The campsite appears to be the trailhead for a man-made trail." Campers must bring all necessities including drinking water and waste disposal containers.
Campsite identification challenges: Forest service markings can be subtle. One camper explained, "The primitive campsite was a little difficult to find there's a tiny black and yellow placard that shows you where you can camp. There were some firewood set out except it was wet."
Weather preparedness: Rain and changing conditions affect site accessibility. A visitor noted, "It rained while we were here but overall the campsite was quiet and peaceful." Weather systems move quickly through the area and drainage can be poor at some locations.
Tips for camping with families
Choose boat-accessible sites: Payne Lake Dispersed Site offers "Public access boat ramp with limited parking available on both sides. No amenities on-site. Beautiful views, peaceful and quiet." Family groups often prefer shoreline sites for water activities and additional space.
Plan for walking distances: Some sites require carrying gear short distances. At Sunday Lake, "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."
Bring entertainment: Limited cellular connectivity means no digital distractions. A Stillwater visitor remarked, "It was so peaceful with our site #37 accommodating 20 members of the family plus 3 dogs!" Pack traditional camping games, fishing equipment, and water toys.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility considerations: Towsley Road Dispersed Camping provides drive-up access suitable for smaller RVs, though with minimal space for turning around. Most dispersed sites cannot accommodate larger rigs due to narrow forest roads and limited parking areas.
Generator restrictions: Most dispersed sites prohibit generators or have quiet hours. One Stillwater visitor mentioned driving "a 20 mile ride of just woods on a bumpy road" to reach an "accessible campsite near the dam so I can pull stuff I needed from my car." Self-contained power systems are necessary for extended stays.
Water and waste management: No dumping facilities exist at dispersed sites. One camper advised, "You should bring water or something to filter it from the reservoir." RVers must plan for full water tanks on arrival and holding tank capacity for the entire stay duration.
