Stillwater Reservoir offers numerous dispersed campsites near Eagle Bay, New York, with most requiring boat access. Only one drive-in site exists near the reservoir, making this area primarily suited for paddlers seeking remote camping. The reservoir features over 40 free first-come, first-served sites, many situated on islands or secluded shorelines. Most sites include primitive fire rings but lack amenities. One camper noted, "We saw Bald Eagles and Loons, enjoyed swimming, canoeing and paddleboarding with the family."
Several other dispersed camping options exist in the region. Seventh Lake Primitive Camping provides paddle-in sites and a lean-to accessible by canoe, with a sandy beach nearby. Sunday Lake offers walk-in primitive sites approximately 0.3 miles from the parking area off McCarty Road. North Lake Reservoir features 32 sites around the shoreline, including some walk-in spots directly on the water. The standard 14-day camping limit applies throughout the Adirondack Forest Preserve, and campers should follow Leave No Trace principles by packing out all waste.
"We hiked into our site, not easy because almost everything is meant to be accessed by boat so we were guessing our course!"
"Our spot had gorgeous waterfront to it, a stone fire circle where someone had left extra fire wood, and ample trees."
"Extremely dispersed camping, so make sure you bring everything you’ll need."
"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."
"surround the lake."
"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."
"There’s a small fire ring, and access to the lake for swimming or fishing. Sunday lake has always been lovely and quiet and a great place to take youth campers. "
"This area has two drive-up camping spots each with a picnic table and fire pit. One site is on the lake side of the small road which had very few other drivers."
"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."
"A few sites around the lake all seem to have good to great view of the lake. Ours was nice but next to a house no one was there! However The site had lots of room! The road was mildly rough."
"Ours had an extensive pile of dry wood, too. There is a decent privy tucked back in the woods. Bring your own TP though! "
"amazing lake for kayaking and boating. sites not crowded together."
GuideSite 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. Occasionally you will get the yahoo that speeds by and makes a dust cloud but otherwise it’s great. There is zero Verizon cell service in the whole area. So plan accordingly,
TravelerCamped here for a few days, no cell, no internet
TravelerVery 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.
TravelerTook me five hours to drive there but finally made it. It was nice and peaceful. I will go there again
TravelerDecent 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.
Scouta 20 mile ride of just woods on a bumpy road. Pretty cool! Surprisingly the place wasn't that populated as I expected it to be. I went to a accessible campsite near the dam so I can pull stuff i needed from my car. The restaurant in the town had great food, the staff were nice, and had two cute dogs!
LegendHad a quiet and peaceful stay. Must camp at a numbered site. Most sites are right along the road, but I was lucky enough to snag one deeper in the woods. Some of the sites even have an outhouse. Stayed in October, so when I left early the next morning, I passed a lot of hunters that had camped along the road, too. The road is in good condition. No AT&T cell service in this area.
GuideGreat 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.
Scout32 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.
Stillwater Reservoir provides multiple dispersed camping options near the western Adirondack region. The reservoir stretches over 6,700 acres, with an average depth of 20 feet and maximum depth of 75 feet. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, creating variable shoreline conditions and affecting access to some sites during dry periods.
Kayak to isolated spots: Stillwater Reservoir offers paddlers access to secluded areas that remain largely undisturbed. "We kayaked to Long Island and stayed for a weekend. 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," notes Sam T.
Hike nearby trails: The area surrounding Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping connects to multiple backcountry trails. "Take Stillwater rd. to McCarty road, the trail is 0.3 miles To Sunday lake. Space to park two cars or a small RV off the road," shares Elizabeth B. This allows day hikers to combine camping with exploration of the surrounding wilderness.
Wildlife observation: The early morning and evening hours provide optimal wildlife viewing opportunities. Bring binoculars for spotting native species. "We've stayed here many times in tents and hammock tents. The swimming is fantastic- water is clean and clear," reports a camper about primitive sites.
Privacy and seclusion: Seventh Lake Primitive Camping provides isolation despite proximity to roadways. "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. Seventh lake is pretty quiet but there were a few boats there both days we visited," explains Mary B.
Waterfront access: Many sites feature direct water access with natural beach areas. "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," writes a reviewer about shoreline camping options.
No reservations required: Free camping near Eagle Bay, New York operates entirely on first-come basis. "Had a quiet and peaceful stay. Must camp at a numbered site. Most sites are right along the road, but I was lucky enough to snag one deeper in the woods," describes Meghan B. about dispersed sites in the region.
Limited services: North Lake Reservoir Campground provides basic amenities but lacks many conveniences. "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," advises J.B.
Cell coverage gaps: Most dispersed camping areas have minimal to no mobile service. "Felt private despite the road... There is no service at all," reports a camper about remote sites in the region.
Weather preparedness: Temperatures can drop significantly overnight, especially in spring and fall. "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," reports Elizabeth B.
Swimming areas: Look for sites with gradual water entry for safer swimming access. "The season had had unusually low water all over and it left a really unusual landscape on the beach to explore. We can't wait to come back!" shares a family about their Stillwater experience.
Activity variety: Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites offer multiple recreational options. "In addition to many cool places to kayak from the island, there are a few hiking trails where you can land your boat and hike for a few hours. The Curtis Pond hike was our favorite and there are some incredible beaver dams along the way," explains Shari G.
Site selection: Choose camping areas with established paths and fire rings for easier family management. "This was my 3rd trip to Stillwater in 3 yrs and it gets better each time!" notes a repeat visitor to the area's primitive sites.
Access challenges: Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off requires careful vehicle management. "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," cautions Josie W.
Limited larger sites: Only specific areas accommodate RVs beyond small campervans. "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," advises Kane about Stillwater's vehicle restrictions.
Preparation essentials: Bring all supplies including drinking water. "You should bring water or something to filter it from the reservoir. I believe all the site have privy boxes on them," recommends a camper describing no-cost camping opportunities near Eagle Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Eagle Bay, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Eagle Bay, NY is Stillwater Reservoir with a 4.9-star rating from 9 reviews.
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