Dispersed camping near Gansevoort, New York offers primitive sites within the mixed hardwood forests of northeastern New York and nearby Vermont. The region sits where the Adirondack foothills meet the upper Hudson Valley, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,500 feet. Winter temperatures frequently drop below zero, while summer nights rarely exceed 70°F, making proper gear essential for overnight stays regardless of season.
What to do
Fishing access points: Somerset Reservoir provides fishing opportunities near Somerset Airfield dispersed camping areas. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Reservoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes one camper who appreciated the recreational options beyond the campsite.
Hiking nearby trails: The free dispersed sites along Forest Road 71 offer hiking opportunities to nearby natural features. A camper at Statton Pond Camp mentions, "Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT." These trails connect to both the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail systems.
Water activities: Many dispersed sites provide river access for swimming or paddling during summer months. One visitor to the riverside spots at NF 83 describes the area as "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!" This makes it ideal for water-based recreation when weather permits.
What campers like
Privacy levels: The degree of seclusion varies significantly between dispersed camping areas near Gansevoort. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping, one visitor noted, "Quaint dispersed camping spot. Peaceful and quiet dispersed camping spot. Large enough for 2-3 vehicles or one large rig/RV. Very few vehicles pass, some days none."
Fire rings: Many campsites feature established fire pits, which save campers time and effort. A visitor to Branch Pond mentioned, "Tons of different styles of camping spots (if you get there while its still sunlight you can pick a spot by a flowing stream/river)... with fire pits!" These pre-built rings reduce impact and provide safer fire management options.
Seasonal beauty: Winter camping provides a completely different experience from summer visits. At NF 83 - riverside, a winter camper observed, "I've looked at this spot a few times and it is normally way to wet to camp at, but this time it was frozen. This is a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross." The frozen landscape transforms typically wet areas into accessible camping spots.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many sites requires navigating unpaved forest roads that vary in quality. At George D Aiken Wilderness, one camper reported, "Large, well organized camping spots along the road. The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit. It was a little muddy from rain." Conditions can change rapidly after precipitation.
Site availability: Popular areas fill quickly on weekends and holidays. One camper at NFR 273 noted, "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." Weekday visits may provide better options for solitude.
Winter challenges: Extreme winter conditions require specialized gear and preparation. A Somerset Airfield visitor recounted, "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday, and our main Roadhouse down from the weight of the snow. The stakes didn't hold in the frozen ground." Winter camping requires securing gear against both snow load and wind.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose larger, more open sites when camping with children. Near Statton Pond Camp, one family found "Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center." This configuration allows better supervision of younger campers.
Bathroom planning: Most dispersed sites lack toilet facilities, requiring advance planning for family needs. At Somerset Airfield, a camper noted, "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service." Other sites have no facilities whatsoever.
Weather considerations: Seasonal conditions affect site usability for families. One camper at Ushers Road State Forest observed, "The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week." Spring camping with children requires careful site selection to avoid muddy conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Many forest road pullouts accommodate smaller RVs but have size limitations. At Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest, a camper with a Jeep found, "It was rocky getting there but super super remote - zero service. Great space for my jeep and honestly you could fit a LARGE RV."
Leveling challenges: Uneven terrain requires leveling blocks or careful site selection. One NFR 273 visitor mentioned, "The entrance to the road had a sign that said 'road closed ahead'. We chanced it and was able to find a really nice open spot right before the road closure." Checking for flat spots before committing to a site saves considerable setup time.
Clearance considerations: Forest roads often have rough sections requiring higher clearance. At NF 83, a camper warned, "The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks we have substantial ground clearance so no issues there but smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two!" Smaller RVs with better clearance generally access more remote free camping near Gansevoort.
