Dispersed camping opportunities in the Adirondack Mountains near Canton, New York range from lakeside sites to secluded forest locations. The area sits within the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park where elevation ranges from 1,000 to 5,000 feet, creating diverse ecosystems across the region. Winter access is severely limited from November through April when unpaved access roads become impassable due to snow accumulation.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Stillwater Reservoir provides extensive water recreation with minimal motorboat traffic. "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," notes Geoff W. about Stillwater Reservoir.
Swimming access: Many primitive sites feature natural swimming areas. At Blue Lagoon Primitive Dispersed Camping, one camper reported, "The swimming is fantastic- water is clean and clear. We've stayed here many times in tents and hammock tents."
Hiking trails: Access nearby forest trails directly from some campsites. Rebecca B. notes about Horseshoe Lake, "Along Co 421, by Horseshoe Lake, there are 10-11 designated campsites. Most have fire pits. Road is rough but easily doable if you take it slow."
Wildlife viewing: Birdwatching opportunities abound throughout the region. Christie M. reported at Stillwater Reservoir, "We saw Bald Eagles and Loons, enjoyed swimming, canoeing and paddleboarding with the family."
What campers like
Complete disconnection: Minimal or nonexistent cell service creates true isolation. Sam T. shared about Polliwog Lake on Floodwood Road, "Camped here for a few days, no cell, no internet," while another camper at Stillwater noted, "Would recommend if you want to break away from technology because you get zero service out there."
Uncrowded conditions: Even during peak season, finding solitude remains possible. One visitor to Stillwater Reservoir remarked, "Surprisingly the place wasn't that populated as I expected it to be. I went to an accessible campsite near the dam so I can pull stuff I needed from my car."
Island camping experiences: Several water bodies offer island camping opportunities. Shari G. described camping at Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites as "Your Own Private Island for FREE!" mentioning that "Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Ours had an extensive pile of dry wood, too."
Beachfront sites: Many locations feature sandy shorelines. Elizabeth B. described Blue Lagoon as having "a great beach for swimming or paddling" noting that "the trail down to the beach is only about a hundred feet, but it is downhill."
What you should know
Access challenges: Most primitive sites require either boat transport or hiking. Kane observed at Stillwater Reservoir, "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."
Water purification: No potable water exists at primitive sites. Visitors must filter lake water or bring their own supply.
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures range from 55°F nights to 85°F days, with thunderstorms common. Spring and fall camping requires preparation for near-freezing overnight temperatures.
Limited provisions: Few stores exist near primitive camping areas. As Geoff W. notes, "There is a small store at the boat launch to get provisions if you need, public restrooms and wifi. Very limited cell service."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose drive-in sites for easier access with children. Lo M. describes Little Green Pond as having "12 designated camping spots. 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."
Group accommodations: Some areas can handle larger family gatherings. Christie M. shared that Stillwater Reservoir site #37 accommodated "20 members of the family plus 3 dogs!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning hours provide optimal wildlife spotting for children. Multiple campers report loon and eagle sightings across the region.
Safety precautions: Limited emergency services require advance planning. Joseph S. noted about Stillwater, "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)!"
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Most primitive sites cannot accommodate larger RVs. Sam T. mentioned about Stillwater, "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."
Solar power limitations: Dense forest coverage impacts solar panel effectiveness. Rebecca B. observed at Horseshoe Lake, "As it's a forest, the sites are pretty shaded, so solar and Starlink may present challenges. Slight AT&T at earlier sites."
Road conditions: Access roads often deteriorate after rainfall. Multiple campers advise high-clearance vehicles for reaching primitive sites, particularly after precipitation.
