Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Bolton Landing? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Bolton Landing's most popular destinations.
Crane Mountain is in the Central Adirondacks in Wilcox Lake Wild Forest near Wevertown in Warren County. There are over five miles of marked hiking trails on the 3254 foot mountain. There are many spectacular views from the open areas on the mountain, making this a very popular hike. There is an elevation gain of over 1300 feet. There are very steep sections on this short hike, but this tough hike is worth the view.
$18 - $23 / night
Legend
There are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience. The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic. Some of the sites are drive in, some are walk in, but all are primitive.
There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area. Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.
This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact, and that impact can be positive or negative. Choose Positive!
This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF
Ranger
Came in on a Wednesday afternoon in late September and found several available camp sites.
There are no amenities at this campground. It is an open field on the left side of the road with two or three sites on the right side of the road that are walk in sites.
The scenic beauty of this place is amazing. There was some color in the forest but most of it was still green. There are wide open views of 3 mountain ranges. There are many flowering plants, wild apple trees on the right side of the road. Lots of birds, butterflies, and bees (they were not agressive).
The campground was very quiet at night except for an occasional owl hoot.
We were fortunate to have perfect weather for our stay. This would be an awesome place to see the fall colors.
ScoutThere seems to be a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin. Some folks were camping in the picnic area. Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook. They were well used with some litter. We packed out what we could find. There are posted signs on the opposite bank so we stayed on our side. Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area.
GuideLove this site! The very last spot on the right hand side. If you’ve reached the closed gate you’ve missed the site! Keep it clean!
Traveler
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.
Guide
Crystal clear waters with never ending mesmerizing relaxation. Great spot
GuideMountain road lingers along the river. There’s quite a few sites along the road. Be sure to camp at spots with established fire rings! There is no services of any sorts at this location. Mostly local traffic. Peaceful! Gorgeous rock river 💜
ScoutIt is a beautiful setting and the first nice weekend in May. There were quite a few folks there already but worth the visit.
It is old Vermont farm land that the team of the US National Forest must manage. They have kept the clearing clear and access is pretty good. We are so lucky to have access like this for all of us to enjoy.
Legend
great private spot when nothing else is around. The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles. The only thing you will find here is a fire ring.
LegendEvery time I've driven up Bingo to find a spot I end up leaving the area and going somewhere else. The sites are small and close to the road. Being primitive sites there are no facilities. You will find fire rings at each site though.
Guide
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.
Traveler
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
TravelerHighly 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.
Guide
In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings / sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests.
Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles.
Nearby Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT.
2 bars USCellular LTE.
Guide
Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center. We had this all to ourselves in our Bean teardrop.
Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT.
Pretty quiet during our stay, plenty of dispersed sites along 71 further south.
Only reason for 4 stars is the lack of any long distance views from the site itself.
2 bars of USCellular LTE
TravelerIt’s quiet with several spots. You always hear the river or see waterfalls. The ground gets soft during mud season.
Guide
After a short hike up steep crane mountain we watched the beautiful sun set. One of the nicest places I’ve camped at.
Traveler
I would have given 5 stars except for the unfortunate fact that 2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us.... We camp here every summer and make sure the site is left clean and ready for the camper...
TravelerMy first time winter camping and had the entire area to myself. Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful. Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving
TravelerWow this site was so beautiful!
The road into the site was scenic and beautiful. We followed the river all the way to the very end of the road up on the mountain. From there we decided on a site at the top of the mountain at the end of the long road. We quickly got rained out and went back down to one of the brookside sites. This site had great tree coverage to easily set up a tarp. It even had a premade firepit! Make sure to bring your own trash bag and water.
The next morning we decided to visit the sites for this actual dispersed site on the field. There were many spots on open fields with beautiful scenic views of the mountains. If we go and stay up there again we will definitely be staying at one of these.
If you're considering a spot in Vermont to camp, come here!
Also, make sure your car has a bit of clearance as some sports have dips in the ground.
TravelerGreat mountain views, some sites right on the road, some in fields and some tucked away out of view. The top end of the road has a few mud pits and may require some ground clearance from rocks
ScoutI found this camping area on dyrt app. I didn't have too much luck with a different app.... So I decided to try this out. This particular campsite is very muddy. Well, at least today it is. I have an SUV and I didn't trust it to get through, and I didn't want to get stuck. There are a few spots around you can park at. I chose a more sunny and open spot with less trees. So there's more options. It's very quiet definitely check it out.
ScoutBeautiful meadow campsites overlooking the valley. Firepits and tent platforms are in place although most of the sites are drive-in. If you’re looking for a picture perfect campsite with a view this is the place for you!
GuideAbout 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that’s about it. Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season
Traveler
Pretty remote. Lots of traffic. Found a site that people with a Prius wouldn’t be able to get to.
Super buggy in June. No cell service. But, plenty of privacy and solitude.
LegendThis area is wonderful, first Texas falls it a great place to stop and explore. Then, if you venture further up into the mountains you come upon the campsites with fire pits and if your lucky you can get one on the river.
There is not much to these sites as far as amenities, just a fire pit. But that is all I need.
LegendSpent two nights on FR207 at one of the fields and explored the rest. This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance. Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bolton Landing, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bolton Landing, NY is Crane Mountain Pond Campsite with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bolton Landing, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 dispersed camping locations near Bolton Landing, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
