Rustic camping near Edwards, New York centers around several remote water bodies that offer primitive campsites with minimal amenities. The area experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, with summer highs around 80°F and winter temperatures frequently below freezing. Most dispersed camping locations require visitors to pack out all trash, as no collection facilities exist at these remote sites.
What to do
Swimming and paddling access: Blue Lagoon Primitive Dispersed Camping features a short hike to a swimming beach with "clean and clear" water according to campers. The site is located on the southeastern end of Stillwater Reservoir and involves a hundred-foot downhill trail to reach the water.
Fishing opportunities: Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping provides a secluded fishing spot accessible via a 0.3-mile trail from McCarty Road. One visitor notes it's "a very beautiful spot" with "a small fire ring, and access to the lake for swimming or fishing."
Hiking nearby trails: The area around Stillwater Reservoir connects to multiple trail systems. One camper mentions that their site was "right down the road from the fire tower trail," providing easy access to hiking opportunities without having to break camp.
What campers like
Island camping experiences: Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites offer island-based camping opportunities that provide exceptional seclusion. One camper shared their experience: "We spent 3 nights backcountry camping on Catamount Island in Cranberry Lake and absolutely loved it! The sunsets from the island were truly incredible."
Wildlife viewing: The waters around Stillwater Reservoir support diverse wildlife. One camper reported: "We saw Bald Eagles and Loons, enjoyed swimming, canoing and paddleboarding with the family." Wildlife sightings are more common during early morning and evening hours.
Digital detox environment: Polliwog Lake on Floodwood Road provides a true disconnection opportunity, with one camper simply stating they "Camped here for a few days, no cell, no internet." This type of isolation characterizes many of the dispersed sites in the region.
What you should know
Site accessibility varies: Most sites around Stillwater Reservoir require boat access. One camper explained: "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."
Water sources and filtration: No potable water exists at most dispersed sites. Campers must bring their own water or treat lake water. The Catamount Island site in Cranberry Lake requires visitors to "either bring your own potable water or filter from the lake."
Designated site restrictions: Little Green Pond has "12 designated camping spots" with some requiring "driving down a bumpy access road that can be muddy after a rain." Staying in designated sites only is required throughout the region to minimize environmental impact.
Tips for camping with families
Consider paddling abilities: Many sites require boat access, so family skill levels must be considered. At Seventh Lake Primitive Camping, one visitor noted: "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."
Site capacity planning: Some sites can accommodate larger family groups. At Stillwater Reservoir, one camper mentioned their "site #37 accomodating 20 members of the family plus 3 dogs!" Family groups should confirm site capacity before arrival.
Youth-friendly locations: Seventh Lake Primitive Camping offers sites ideal for families with children. A camper observed it was "Canoe Camping at Its Best" with access to a "large sand bar within a very short walk which was a great place to hang out."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accessibility: Most dispersed camping locations have rough access roads unsuitable for larger RVs. At Horseshoe Lake, campers report the "Road is rough but easily doable if you take it slow." Only smaller, more rugged RVs should attempt access.
Power considerations: Solar-dependent RVers face challenges due to heavy tree cover. One camper at Horseshoe Lake noted: "As it's a forest, the sites are pretty shaded, so solar and Starlink may present challenges. Slight AT&T at earlier sites."
Size restrictions: At Payne Lake Dispersed Site, a camper observed "limited parking available on both sides" of the public access boat ramp, indicating tight quarters for vehicles and equipment. Most sites accommodate smaller rigs only.
