Dispersed camping near Copenhagen, New York primarily centers around free primitive sites in state forests and along waterways within 30-60 miles of the village. Most sites remain snow-covered through April, with optimal camping weather from May through October when temperatures range from 45-80°F. Campgrounds typically require visitors to pack out all trash and bring necessary supplies due to limited facilities.
What to do
Hiking and wildlife viewing: North Lake Reservoir Campground offers 32 sites surrounding the pristine 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," advises camper J B.
Island camping: Experience water-based camping at Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites where free sites on islands provide complete seclusion. "We spent 3 nights backcountry camping on Catamount Island in Cranberry Lake and absolutely loved it! The sunsets from the island were truly incredible," shares Shari G., who recommends the Curtis Pond hike with its "incredible beaver dams."
Boating and paddling: Many sites require water transport or offer water activities. "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," explains Geoff W. about his trip to Stillwater Reservoir.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Towsley Road Dispersed Camping provides accessible primitive camping with minimal development. "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," notes Noah D.
Swimming access: Many sites offer water recreation opportunities even at walk-in locations. Payne Lake Dispersed Site offers "public access boat ramp with limited parking available on both sides. No amenities on-site," according to Mona M., who adds she got "two bars of Verizon signal with the help of a WeBoost."
Scenic water views: Backcountry sites often feature memorable waterfront settings. "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," writes Mary B. about Seventh Lake Primitive Camping.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most sites have minimal to no connectivity. At Stillwater Reservoir, Sam T. notes: "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."
Primitive conditions: Winona State Forest offers basic camping with minimal development. Kevin C. reports: "The campsite was just feet off of Bargy Road. The only amenity was a fire ring made of rocks. The campsite appears to be the trailhead for a man-made trail."
Access challenges: Many sites require careful navigation or special transportation. "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," reports Elizabeth B. about Sunday Lake, noting "the trail is 0.3 miles To Sunday Lake. Space to park two cars or a small RV off the road."
Tips for camping with families
Bring all supplies: No facilities means preparation is essential. At Blue Lagoon Primitive Dispersed Camping, Elizabeth B. explains: "We've stayed here many times in tents and hammock tents. The swimming is fantastic - water is clean and clear. The trail down to the beach is only about a hundred feet, but it is downhill."
Waterfront activities: North Lake Reservoir Campground provides excellent water access for children. "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," shares Ashlee C.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites offer natural encounters for children. At Stillwater Reservoir, Christie M. reports: "We saw Bald Eagles and Loons, enjoyed swimming, canoeing and paddleboarding with the family. It was so peaceful with our site #37 accommodating 20 members of the family plus 3 dogs!"
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most dispersed sites accommodate small vehicles only. "Pulled in on a Thursday afternoon and found a single camp site. While there I talked to a state forest maintenance guy. He said there were currently two camping sites and that more might be added," notes Kevin C. about Winona State Forest.
Weather considerations: Stillwater Reservoir can present access challenges. "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," shares Elizabeth B.
Park carefully: Respect boundaries at small parking areas. At Payne Lake, Mona M. notes "limited parking available on both sides" of the boat ramp, adding "beautiful views, peaceful and quiet" for those who make the effort to reach this location.
