Best Dispersed Camping near Galway, NY

Dispersed camping options near Galway, New York include several state forests and wild forest areas. Ushers Road State Forest provides access to bicycle-friendly trails with potential campsites at least 150 feet off the main paths. The area features a stone fire ring at one previously used site about 500 feet down the right-hand trail. Featherstonhaugh State Forest and Rockwood State Forest offer additional primitive camping opportunities, though both lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or designated camping areas.

Fort Plain Lock 15 on the Empire Trail offers a more accessible option with a parking area directly on the Mohawk River. The site includes potable water, pit toilets, and a dumpster. As one camper noted, "It's a parking lot with a view," with grills available in the grassy area for tent camping. Other remote options include Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest, which features numbered sites, some with outhouses. A visitor mentioned, "Site 4 is magical, it is road side, but the view and access to the river is great." Cell service is limited or non-existent in many of these areas, so planning ahead is essential for safe dispersed camping experiences.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Galway, New York (14)

    1. Ushers Road State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Round Lake, NY
    15 miles

    "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."

    3. Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    3 Reviews
    Fort Plain, NY
    30 miles

    "Continue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area."

    "It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving. There are grills in the grassy area for tent camping, also a potable water tap."

    4. Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest

    1 Review
    Stony Creek, NY
    27 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."

    6. Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest

    2 Reviews
    Piseco, NY
    37 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "The road is in good condition. No AT&T cell service in this area."

    7. Crane Mountain Pond Campsite

    1 Review
    Thurman, NY
    36 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."

    8. Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    2 Reviews
    Bakers Mills, NY
    37 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."

    9. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    6 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    49 miles

    "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."

    "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."

    10. Betty Brook Camp

    2 Reviews
    West Fulton, NY
    42 miles

    "I live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road."

    "Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Galway, NY

4 Photos of 14 Galway Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Galway, NY

21 Reviews of 14 Galway 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.

  • 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.

  • YThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Open quite campsites

    After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience. Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Small vehicle only

    The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse. The site itself, was pretty nice, Fire pit, trickling stream, but the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it. Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads

  • 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.

  • Mona M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    Just Passed Lock 15

    Continue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area. The parking lot is large, rocky, and uneven, situated right on the Mohawk River. It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and fishing (with a valid license). Verizon cell service is good here. At the lock parking area, you'll find pit toilets, a dumpster, and potable water available on the side of the building as you enter.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    Great overnight.

    Simply it’s a parking lot with a view. The parking area is right on the water. It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving. There are grills in the grassy area for tent camping, also a potable water tap.


Guide to Galway

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Galway, New York, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The Crane Mountain Pond Campsite offers breathtaking sunset views after a rewarding hike, making it a favorite among those seeking picturesque landscapes.
  • For a serene experience, the Duck Pond Campsite features well-maintained sites near a small pond, providing a peaceful atmosphere with minimal mosquito disturbance.
  • The Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest is perfect for those who enjoy hiking in and discovering hidden gems surrounded by nature.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Galway

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the access to rivers at the Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, where you can enjoy a quiet day by the water.
  • Hiking trails abound near the Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest, offering opportunities to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
  • Campers at the Betty Brook Camp can enjoy the convenience of nearby walking paths along the stream, perfect for leisurely strolls or more vigorous hikes.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Unique Features

  • The Rensselaerville State Forest is a great option for those looking for a drive-in experience without the need for permits, allowing for a hassle-free getaway.
  • At the Ushers Road State Forest, campers can enjoy the freedom of dispersed camping while being surrounded by the natural beauty of New York's forests.
  • The Rockwood State Forest provides a tranquil setting for those seeking solitude, with easy access for drive-in camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Galway, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Galway, NY is Ushers Road State Forest with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Galway, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Galway, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.