Dispersed camping near Crown Point, New York offers diverse primitive camping options across the Adirondack and Green Mountain regions. Sites sit at elevations ranging from 500 to 3,000 feet, with summer temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. Camping spots vary from riverside locations with natural swimming holes to high-elevation meadows offering expansive mountain panoramas.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Nearby Pharaoh Mountain Trail connects to several camping areas and provides challenging terrain. A camper at Crane Pond Dispersed Site notes: "There is a foot bridge off to the right, leading to Pharaoh Mtn Trail" which offers access to additional wilderness areas.
Fishing spots: Local brooks and rivers provide good fishing access throughout spring and summer. At Austin Brook, campers enjoy "easy access to the streams" with "sites all pretty much have access to the rivers," making it ideal for anglers.
Swimming holes: Natural swimming areas are common features at many sites. According to a Crane Pond reviewer, "There is a stone cliff near it that goes down about 12(?) feet and is great for fishing or jumping off of. There is also a stone area right by the water if you want to fish or just sunbathe."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. One camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 "Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving," showcasing the area's diverse wildlife.
What campers like
Mountain views: Many sites feature panoramic vistas of surrounding ranges. At Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11, visitors appreciate "wide open views of 3 mountain ranges" and note it would be "an awesome place to see the fall colors."
Sound of moving water: Riverside camps offer natural white noise for sleeping. A camper at Patterson Brookside camp describes "Mountain road lingers along the river. There's quite a few sites along the road... Gorgeous rock river."
Night sky viewing: Minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. One camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 mentioned enjoying "Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful" during winter camping.
Privacy options: Sites range from meadow-style group camping to secluded spots. As one Lincoln Dispersed Camping visitor observed, "Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water... The seclusion of this spot is what makes it."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many access roads demand higher clearance vehicles, particularly in wet conditions. A camper at Lincoln Dispersed Camping warns: "FR 291 is a somewhat primitive road - lots of big puddles. I would want some clearance for a vehicle. Our Toyota Highlander made it easily."
Water filtration needed: Natural water sources require treatment before drinking. At Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites, visitors report "Brook water filtered fine and was tasty," but filtering is essential.
Site availability fluctuates: Competition for spots increases during peak seasons and weekends. One camper noted, "Friday night had the whole place to ourselves. Saturday night all spots filled" at Green Mountain National Forest FR25.
Property security concerns: Some campers report theft issues. A visitor at Green Mountain National Forest FR25 warned, "Make sure to lock you valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen."
Camping restrictions: Not all sites with fire rings permit camping. A visitor to Route 100 Dispersed Camping observed, "This site was lovely, but signs say No Camping... Not sure how strict that is. There was someone camping for a least a week given their tent was there the whole week."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming access: Sites near natural water features offer entertainment for children. A visitor to Austin Brook mentions "Amazing brookside" camping with "access to the streams," providing natural play areas.
Insect preparation: Certain seasons bring higher bug activity. Lincoln Dispersed Camping visitors advise to "Prepare for bugs as well" as they can be particularly abundant during summer months.
Wildlife education: The area provides opportunities to teach children about local animals. Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 visitors report "Lots of birds, butterflies, and bees (they were not aggressive)" and "very quiet at night except for an occasional owl hoot."
Weather variability: Mountain elevations experience rapid weather changes. As one camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping noted, "Beautiful sites on the River but with the wet summer, we just couldn't dry out," highlighting the importance of proper rain gear and backup plans.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed areas accommodate smaller rigs only. A camper at Crane Pond explicitly warns it's "Not fit for an RV in any capacity" due to road conditions.
Turn-around spaces: Limited maneuvering areas can trap larger vehicles. One visitor checking Texas Falls sites noted they "didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily."
Road surface warnings: Unprepared RVers risk getting stuck or damaged. A reviewer cautions about Crane Pond Road: "if you go back there without it [4WD] your day is gonna suck. From experience - if your vehicle isn't lifted you may come out with a ding or two from rocks and other things jutting out of the ground."
