Best Dispersed Camping near Edwards, NY
Dispersed camping opportunities near Edwards, New York include several primitive sites situated around scenic lakes and reservoirs. Payne Lake Dispersed Site features a public boat ramp with limited parking and no amenities on site. Stillwater Reservoir provides over 40 free, first-come, first-served campsites, most requiring boat access. Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites offer island camping with picnic tables and fire rings. Sunday Lake and Blue Lagoon provide walk-in primitive sites with lake access for swimming and fishing.
Water access is a critical consideration for these sites. Campers must bring their own potable water or filter from lakes. According to reviews, "You will either need to bring your own potable water or filter from the lake, so don't forget your water filter." Most sites have fire rings, but visitors should bring their own firewood. Cell service is extremely limited throughout the area. Several campers noted that Stillwater Reservoir is "a wonderful place to break away from technology because you get zero service out there."
Most dispersed sites in this region operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations possible. The majority of Stillwater Reservoir campsites require boat access, with only one car-accessible site near the dam. Cranberry Lake sites are accessible by boat, with Catamount Island offering a particularly secluded experience. The area experiences significant seasonal variations in weather and insect activity. Summer brings mosquitoes, particularly on hiking trails, while September offers cooler temperatures with fewer insects. Parking at Cranberry Lake State Park costs $8 per day, but the backcountry camping itself is free.