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Best Dispersed Camping near Fort Ann, NY

40 Reviews

Primitive camping opportunities exist in the Lake George region near Fort Ann, New York, primarily through dispersed sites in the Lake George Wild Forest and Adirondack Forest Preserve. Crane Mountain Pond offers a highly-rated backcountry experience accessible by hiking trails, while Lake George provides boat-in only camping at undeveloped shoreline sites. Other primitive camping zones include Crane Pond, which features free camping with multiple access options including boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in approaches. These public lands typically allow camping at unmarked locations 150 feet from water sources and trails.

Access conditions vary significantly between sites, with many requiring special consideration for vehicle capabilities. Crane Pond Road becomes particularly challenging in wet conditions, requiring 4WD vehicles with higher clearance to navigate safely. The road to Cod Pond Pull-Off is easily missed and often muddy, with one camper noting, "The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles." Most dispersed sites offer nothing beyond a basic fire ring, though fire regulations vary seasonally. No drinking water, toilets, or trash services are available at most primitive sites, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.

Several areas feature distinctive natural settings that draw backcountry campers. Crane Mountain Pond provides sunset views from higher elevations, with one visitor describing it as "one of the nicest places I've camped at." The Crane Pond area features swimming and fishing opportunities from a stone cliff near the water's edge. "There is a stone cliff near it that goes down about 12 feet and is great for fishing or jumping off of," according to a review. Campers frequently mention the privacy and natural sounds as highlights, though they also caution about seasonal mud, bugs, and limited vehicle access at many locations. Cell service is virtually non-existent throughout these areas, creating a true wilderness experience that requires proper preparation.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Fort Ann, New York (29)

    1. Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest

    1 Review
    Stony Creek, NY
    19 miles

    "It was rocky getting there but super super remote - zero service. Great space for my jeep and honestly you could fit a LARGE RV. There is a bathroom at the entrance."

    2. Lake George

    Be the first to review!
    Bolton Landing, NY
    12 miles

    3. Crane Mountain Pond Campsite

    1 Review
    Thurman, NY
    25 miles
    Website

    "After a short hike up steep crane mountain we watched the beautiful sun set. One of the nicest places I’ve camped at."

    4. Downed Bridge Camp

    2 Reviews
    Danby, VT
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10... You don't even have to go to fire road 30."

    "Great location for a small group to camp at.  Can't wait to go back.  The main area is a walk in and is worth it.  The road into here was easy to drive. "

    5. Road's End Dispersed Camp

    1 Review
    Belmont, VT
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "great private spot when nothing else is around.  The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles.  The only thing you will find here is a fire ring."

    6. Crane Pond Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    Paradox, NY
    31 miles

    "Please note Crane Pond Road from the lower parking lot to the pond itself is NOT maintained and often gets very muddy. 4WD is required, if you go back there without it your day is gonna suck."

    7. Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    3 Reviews
    Sunderland, VT
    35 miles

    "Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center. We had this all to ourselves in our Bean teardrop. "

    "The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers.  It was quiet during our overnight stay other than a car or two on Stratton-Arlington Rd.  There weren't many mosquitoes either. "

    8. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Wilmington, VT
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road."

    "Some sites were really wet but we found a nice dry place."

    9. Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    2 Reviews
    Bakers Mills, NY
    33 miles

    "The directions in the app are accurate -but do keep in mind that the campsite is down a dirt road which is well hidden from the main road if you aren’t paying close attention."

    10. Branch Pond on National Forest Hwy

    1 Review
    Sunderland, VT
    34 miles

    "No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn’t have service."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Fort Ann, NY

48 Photos of 29 Fort Ann Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Fort Ann, NY

40 Reviews of 29 Fort Ann Campgrounds

  • Josie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    Private Campsite

    Decent 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.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Ushers Road State Forest

    Trail head

    This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week.

    About 500 feet down the right-hand trail, there is a smaller path branching off to the left. This leads to a previously used campsite, approximately 200 feet from the main trail. The site includes a stone fire ring, indicating prior use.

    Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it’s at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots.

  • Taylor A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2023

    Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    Adirondack Camping Trip

    Highly Reccomend! The directions in the app are accurate -but do keep in mind that the campsite is down a dirt road which is well hidden from the main road if you aren’t paying close attention. There is no service at all.

    This site is campsite 6 and very private (I believe there must be others located close by). The site has it’s own private road. A car is not reccomended. Possible to turn around but you definitley need a smaller suv. There is a firepit at the site and plenty of space for multiple tents, ground may look flat but when sleeping-definitely is not. Plenty of trees for hammocks etc. You can hear cars from the site but the cars can’t see you-loved this! The sound of the cars from the main highway is something I got used to quick. The site is mostly shaded-the sun shines through a bit but not much.

    There is a river down the hill from the campsite which helps keep it fairly cool at night. The bugs were terrible.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

    Nice setting, simple fire pit only sites

    There seems to be a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin. Some folks were camping in the picnic area. Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook. They were well used with some litter. We packed out what we could find. There are posted signs on the opposite bank so we stayed on our side. Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area.

  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2023

    Somerset Airfield

    Small open park

    The Airfield Campground is a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits. It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park. The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities. There are other dispersed sites down the road that are free

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Somerset Airfield

    Good stopover location

    Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere.

    Campsites are listed as disbursed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites. The campsites are all next to the road and have fire circles.

    There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service. Basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors.

  • Natasha T.
    Jun. 6, 2022

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Nice wooded little campsite

    A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well. A few miles down the road there is another campsite that is more open and also has a fire pit with a lot less bugs flying around and more open space.

  • c H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2023

    George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    Cool Spot!

    The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road. Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites.

  • SJ W.
    Nov. 1, 2024

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Beautiful but surprisingly crowded

    Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be. Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck. The road itself was in great condition though.

Guide to Fort Ann

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Fort Ann, New York, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of options for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Scenic Views and Hiking Opportunities while free camping near Fort Ann

  • Experience breathtaking sunset views after a hike at Crane Mountain Pond Campsite, where the stunning scenery makes for an unforgettable camping experience.
  • The Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest offers access to picturesque trails that lead to scenic overlooks, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
  • For those seeking a peaceful retreat, the Downed Bridge Camp provides a tranquil setting with easy access to nearby hiking paths.

Unique Wildlife Encounters for dispersed campers

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Fort Ann, New York

  • Always pack out what you pack in to maintain the natural beauty of places like Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71, ensuring a clean environment for future visitors.
  • Be prepared for primitive conditions at sites like Crane Pond Dispersed Site, as amenities such as toilets and drinking water are not available.
  • When camping at Stratton Pond Shelter, consider bringing a portable toilet solution and sufficient water, as these sites are designed for a more rugged camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a permit required for dispersed camping in Fort Ann?

No permit is typically required for dispersed camping in the Fort Ann area when staying on New York State Forest lands, though you should always follow posted regulations. For stays longer than three nights or groups larger than 10 people, you'll need to obtain a free permit from the NYS DEC. Some areas like Green Mountain National Forest FR71 offer free camping without permits for shorter stays. Always check current regulations before your trip, as rules can change seasonally or in response to fire danger, wildlife concerns, or environmental factors.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Fort Ann, NY?

Fort Ann offers several dispersed camping options in the surrounding area. Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off is accessible via a short dirt road that can be easy to miss, but provides private sites with river access. Look for marked sites #3 and #6. Another option is Ushers Road State Forest, which features bicycle-friendly nature trails and camping opportunities. For additional dispersed camping in the region, explore the Lake George Wild Forest area, which has multiple pull-offs and forest roads where dispersed camping is permitted, following proper Leave No Trace principles.

What amenities are available at Fort Ann dispersed camping areas?

Dispersed camping areas around Fort Ann are primitive with minimal amenities. Most sites like NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot feature only basic fire rings and no facilities. At Somerset Airfield, you'll find pit toilets, though the camping experience remains rustic. Generally, you should be prepared to bring everything you need, including water, and pack out all trash. Cell service is typically limited or non-existent. These areas follow true dispersed camping principles - no running water, no electricity, no garbage service, and no designated bathrooms except where specifically noted.

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