Best Dispersed Camping near Caroga Lake, NY

Caroga Lake is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that New York camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Caroga Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Best Dispersed Sites Near Caroga Lake, New York (16)

    1. Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    3 Reviews
    Fort Plain, NY
    15 miles

    "Continue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area."

    "It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving. There are grills in the grassy area for tent camping, also a potable water tap."

    2. Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest

    2 Reviews
    Piseco, NY
    15 miles
    Website

    "Site 4 is magical, it is road side, but the view, and access to the river is great. There is a path right from the site."

    "The road is in good condition. No AT&T cell service in this area."

    4. Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    2 Reviews
    Bakers Mills, NY
    33 miles

    "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."

    5. North Lake Reservoir Campground

    2 Reviews
    Otter Lake, NY
    35 miles

    "Very remote and secluded. We got there after dark and it was beautiful to wake up to the view of the lake. Car camped, but there was enough room for a tent."

    "32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean."

    6. Ushers Road State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Round Lake, NY
    39 miles

    "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."

    7. Crane Mountain Pond Campsite

    1 Review
    Thurman, NY
    39 miles
    Website

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

    8. Betty Brook Camp

    2 Reviews
    West Fulton, NY
    42 miles

    "I live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road."

    "Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots"

    10. Duck Pond Campsite

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    43 miles

    "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad."

    "Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Caroga Lake, NY

18 Reviews of 16 Caroga Lake Campgrounds


  • Josie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Ushers Road State Forest

    Trail head

    This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week.

    About 500 feet down the right-hand trail, there is a smaller path branching off to the left. This leads to a previously used campsite, approximately 200 feet from the main trail. The site includes a stone fire ring, indicating prior use.

    Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it’s at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots.

  • Taylor A.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • YThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Open quite campsites

    After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience. Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Small vehicle only

    The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse. The site itself, was pretty nice, Fire pit, trickling stream, but the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it. Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads

  • Ashlee C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2024

    North Lake Reservoir Campground

    Beautiful spot!

    Very remote and secluded. We got there after dark and it was beautiful to wake up to the view of the lake. Car camped, but there was enough room for a tent. Fire pit at the site and a bathroom across the way from the first site.

  • Mona M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    Just Passed Lock 15

    Continue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area. The parking lot is large, rocky, and uneven, situated right on the Mohawk River. It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and fishing (with a valid license). Verizon cell service is good here. At the lock parking area, you'll find pit toilets, a dumpster, and potable water available on the side of the building as you enter.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    Great overnight.

    Simply it’s a parking lot with a view. The parking area is right on the water. It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving. There are grills in the grassy area for tent camping, also a potable water tap.

  • J B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2023

    North Lake Reservoir Campground

    Pristine lake

    32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean. Make sure to take a left at the start of the lake, the right is all private road and you will have to turn around.


Guide to Caroga Lake

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Caroga Lake, New York, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll enjoy the tranquility and stunning landscapes that this region has to offer.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Caroga Lake, New York

  • For a peaceful retreat, consider Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest, where you can camp at numbered sites nestled in the woods, away from the main road.
  • If you're looking for a remote experience, North Lake Reservoir Campground offers stunning views of the lake and a quiet atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day of hiking.
  • For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, Crane Mountain Pond Campsite requires a short hike to reach, rewarding you with breathtaking sunset views and a sense of seclusion.

Dispersed campers should check out Duck Pond Campsite

  • Located off a dirt road, Duck Pond Campsite features well-maintained sites that provide a beautiful setting for camping, with minimal mosquito disturbance thanks to the small pond.
  • This site is known for its quiet atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for those seeking solitude and a chance to connect with nature.
  • The experience is enhanced by the limited foot traffic, allowing you to enjoy the natural surroundings without the noise of large crowds.

Scenic spots for dispersed camping enthusiasts

  • Betty Brook Camp is a favorite among campers who appreciate the remote setting along a stream, providing a perfect backdrop for relaxation and exploration.
  • For those who enjoy fishing or simply soaking in the beauty of nature, Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off offers access to a river and a fire ring, making it a great spot for evening gatherings.
  • If you're up for a hike, Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest provides a unique hiking-in experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the wilderness before settling down for the night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Caroga Lake, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Caroga Lake, NY is Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Caroga Lake, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Caroga Lake, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.