Top Free Dispersed Camping near Blue Mountain Lake, NY

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Blue Mountain Lake, NY (20)

Showing results 1-10 of 20 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Blue Mountain Lake

23 Reviews of 20 Blue Mountain Lake Campgrounds


  • Josie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off
    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.

  • Dane P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Reservoir
    Apr. 10, 2024

    Stillwater 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!

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest
    Oct. 19, 2023

    Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest

    Powley Road

    Had a quiet and peaceful stay. Must camp at a numbered site. Most sites are right along the road, but I was lucky enough to snag one deeper in the woods. Some of the sites even have an outhouse. Stayed in October, so when I left early the next morning, I passed a lot of hunters that had camped along the road, too. The road is in good condition. No AT&T cell service in this area.

  • Alex R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ward Brook Campsite
    Oct. 1, 2023

    Ward Brook Campsite

    Great campsite at the bottom of Seymour mountain

    Great campsite with a nice lean-to. 

    Fire pit, picnic table, and a privy. 

    A bit further you will find some tent spots too. 

    Plenty of water around.

  • Noah D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forked Lake Adirondack Preserve
    Sep. 26, 2023

    Forked Lake Adirondack Preserve

    Truck camping heaven

    we came here for a night and stayed at the camp 76 by the lake. it was beautiful. definitely top 5 best campgrounds we have ever been to. they had a picnic bench and an outhouse in good condition. great visibility at night and of the lake

  • Taylor A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off
    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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Reservoir
    Feb. 27, 2023

    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)!

  • T K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Crane Mountain Pond Campsite
    Apr. 28, 2022

    Crane Mountain Pond Campsite

    Gorgeous sunset views

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

  • sam T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Reservoir
    Jan. 1, 2022

    Stillwater 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.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Reservoir
    Dec. 28, 2021

    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

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Reservoir
    Aug. 4, 2021

    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

  • MARY B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Seventh Lake Primitive Camping
    Jan. 22, 2021

    Seventh Lake Primitive Camping

    Canoe Camping at Its Best

    There are a few camping sites and one lean-to that I know of in this area. We happened upon it on our way to the seventh lake campground and ended up staying for two nights. We accessed the sites by water on a canoe trip. There is a large sand bar within a very short walk which was a great place to hang out. Seventh lake is pretty quiet but there were a few boats there both days we visited.  There is a trail that connects the campsites to Seventh Lake Rd. and to the Bug Lake trail and we had some Hikers travel through the campsite. If you are looking for the site from the water, look for a HUGE rock and there will be a sign that reads camp here, there are two more campsites, one with a lean-to within a short walk as well.

  • Elizabeth B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Lagoon Primitive Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 1, 2020

    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.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 1, 2020

    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.

  • Karolee G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Forked Lake Adirondack Preserve
    Sep. 8, 2020

    Forked Lake Adirondack Preserve

    Best Primative Camping

    We were unfortunately able to get a spot on the lake, also due to us having dogs that aren’t fond of riding in kayaks yet. We ended up camping out right past spot 6 on North Point Road. Loved it. Us and the dogs. Primitive camping at Forked Lake is always the best.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Forked Lake Adirondack Preserve
    Apr. 27, 2019

    Forked Lake Adirondack Preserve

    Wild

    This campground was beautiful. We boated in to our site with a kayak and a canoe with our supplies. We went during peak black fly season and got eaten alive though and decided to pack it up early. There was a bear den close to our site that was pretty cool.

  • Elizabeth B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Reservoir
    Apr. 25, 2019

    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.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Reservoir
    Aug. 13, 2018

    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!

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites
    Jun. 28, 2018

    Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites

    Your Own Private Island for FREE!

    We spent 3 nights backcountry camping on Catamount Island in Cranberry Lake and absolutely loved it! The sunsets from the island were truly incredible. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Ours had an extensive pile of dry wood, too. There is a decent privy tucked back in the woods. Bring your own TP though! Also, you will either need to bring your own potable water or filter from the lake, so don’t forget your water filter.

    In addition to many cool places to kayak from the island, there are a few hiking trails where you can land your boat and hike for a few hours. The Curtis Pond hike was our favorite and there are some incredible beaver dams along the way. While the mosquitoes weren’t bad at the campsite itself or while kayaking, they are terrible on the trails this time of year; so bring your bug spray, or better yet, bug shirts! The millions upon millions of dragonflies help make up for the mosquitoes!

    The Village of Cranberry Lake (which is accessible from the lake) has some supplies, but not much except the very basics at the general store.  You’ll need to head to Star Lake or Tupper Lake for anything of significance.

    Backcountry camping is first come, first served…no reservations necessary or even possible. No permit is needed. The only fee is if you want to park your vehicle in the state park while you are camping on the island, it is $8 per day.

  • Geoff W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater Reservoir
    Aug. 16, 2017

    Stillwater 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 Blue Mountain Lake

Camping near Blue Mountain Lake, New York, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful scenery and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different preferences.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Many campers love the water access for kayaking and canoeing. One visitor at Fish Creek Pond Campground said, "This is a gorgeous campground on the banks of Fish Creek Pond... perfect for dogs, kids, and hanging out in the water."
  • Hiking: The area is surrounded by trails for hiking. A reviewer from Nicks Lake Adirondack Preserve mentioned, "There is a wonderful swimming area and motorized boats are not allowed on Nicks Lake so it is very peaceful."
  • Fishing: Anglers will find great spots for fishing. A camper at Cranberry Lake - DEC noted, "Beautiful state campground in the heart of the Adirondacks. Well maintained, peaceful with wonderful fishing."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. One happy camper at Moffitt Beach Campground said, "The beach is beautiful; the sites are a decent size and staff is always friendly."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor at Lake Eaton Campground shared, "Amazing campground, very clean & spacious campsites. Crystal clear water."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Campers enjoy spotting wildlife. A reviewer from Rollins Pond Adirondack Preserve mentioned, "We always have wildlife at our site. This past trip we had chipmunks, squirrels, ducks, and a crane."

What you should know:

  • Bug Season: Be prepared for bugs, especially in late spring. A camper at Moffitt Beach Campground noted, "Pretty buggy during the last week of May."
  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Old Forge Camping Resort mentioned, "The roads are through the campground are very tight making backing into a spot very difficult."
  • Primitive Camping: If you prefer a more rustic experience, check out Saranac Lake Islands Adirondack Preserve. A reviewer said, "Primitive camping with water access only. Most sites are on islands. Very private, spacious sites."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A camper at Golden Beach Campground said, "The lake at the campground was fantastic and gave our pups a chance to swim."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A family at Nicks Lake Adirondack Preserve enjoyed, "There is a great little swimming area and close access to a lot of activities for the kids."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A visitor at Fish Creek Pond Campground mentioned, "An ice cream truck and a firewood truck made the rounds."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Old Forge Camping Resort said, "Only 1 site was pull thru but it was so unleveled we could not put our jacks down."
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with necessary hookups. A camper at Lake Eaton Campground noted, "The main campgrounds were great and beautiful on the lake with extremely nice bathroom and shower building."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure a peaceful stay. A visitor at Rollins Pond Adirondack Preserve shared, "After they play taps at 10 pm, it's completely quiet."

Camping near Blue Mountain Lake, New York, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it's a great spot to enjoy the great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Blue Mountain Lake, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Blue Mountain Lake, NY is Forked Lake Adirondack Preserve with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Blue Mountain Lake, NY?

    TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near Blue Mountain Lake, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.