Dispersed camping near Harrisville offers many outdoor experiences in the southern Adirondack foothills. The region sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation with a mix of deciduous and coniferous forests surrounding small lakes and ponds. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-70s during the day, while spring and fall camping seasons bring cooler nights requiring appropriate sleeping gear.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Green Pond in Bonaparte State Forest provides access to various fish species. "This is our go to area close to town but still just want to get away from it all. DEC is nice and stop and talk to the campers. There is a doc down the road for boats and fishing!" notes Amandalynn P.
Kayaking on Cranberry Lake: The expansive lake offers multiple paddling routes. Jacob D. shares, "Stayed here one night and it was super quiet and dark 8pm until we woke up. I hammocked right next to the water of Cranberry Lake."
Hiking nearby trails: Multiple options exist throughout the region. One visitor to Cranberry Lake Campground mentions, "The hike up and around Bear Mountain was a good workout and fun experience for our whole family (littlest is 6)."
Stargazing: Limited light pollution makes this area ideal for night sky observation. At Birch's Lakeside Campground and Marina, Kari L. reports, "The lake was beautiful, the campground was quiet and we had the best view of the stars at night (we were there during a meteor shower)."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites. At Soft Maple Campground, Elizabeth B. notes, "Each site has a nice space with fire ring and picnic table. The beach is lovely and clean."
Accessible facilities: Several campgrounds prioritize accessibility. "The entire campground is accessible, with gravel pack paths, and level sites," according to Elizabeth B. at Soft Maple Campground.
Local wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities for wildlife observation with proper precautions. Ally B. from Cranberry Lake Campground shares, "During night one we got up to run to the bathroom and did see a coyote checking out the perimeter of camp looking for food, and probably trying to figure out what new animals were nearby (our dogs), but overall we had no issues with animals approaching us."
Convenient amenities: Some locations provide unexpected services. Paul B. from Birch's Lakeside notes, "This place has it all, especially being as remote as it is. (Laundry facilities, fishing, firewood, quaint general store for supplies and fuel)."
What you should know
Limited services: Bring necessary supplies as stores may not be nearby. At Payne Lake Dispersed Site, Mona M. explains, "Public access boat ramp with limited parking available on both sides. No amenities on-site."
Seasonal considerations: Weather varies significantly by season. Jacob D. at Cranberry Lake reports, "It has showers with hot water, which is timed and high pressure. Checkout was at 10am."
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly. Rebecca D. from Cranberry Lake advises, "I will say do your homework, check out the site photos which you can easily find online. Get a waterfront site but be aware the privacy isn't great at many sites."
Cell service variability: Coverage can be spotty. Mona M. notes at Payne Lake, "I'm getting two bars of Verizon signal with the help of a WeBoost."
Tips for camping with families
Easy activities: Several campgrounds offer family-oriented recreation. Christopher from Cranberry Lake Campground shares, "The hike up and around Bear Mountain was a good workout and fun experience for our whole family (littlest is 6). We cannot wait to get back there and camp again!"
Kid-friendly water access: Multiple locations have swimming areas. At Wellesley Island State Park Campground, Erin B. mentions, "We stayed at site Bluejay 3. Very spacious and private. We reserved the site 3 days prior and still found most waterfront campsites already reserved. Luckily, 2 waterfront sites were available."
Safety with children: Precautions needed for water and wildlife. Ally B. from Cranberry Lake advises, "Be sure to follow the rule of keeping all food in your car overnight otherwise you'll end up with a campsite visitor. Besides that, it was a great experience."
Site selection for families: Choose locations suited to group sizes. Erin B. from Wellesley Island State Park Campground reports, "Very spacious and private. We reserved the site 3 days prior and still found most waterfront campsites already reserved."
Tips from RVers
RV site conditions: Some campgrounds offer full hookups. Tami W. from Birch's Lakeside Campground and Marina notes, "In spot 14 where we were located the wooden platform was a little rickety... This place even has WiFi!!!"
Dump station access: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Harrisville provide waste facilities. Rebecca D. from Cranberry Lake mentions, "Brand new sewer dump area for folks who need it."
Site selection for larger rigs: Space varies between campgrounds. Sam T. from Green Pond says, "This is my second time camping at this location and I've enjoyed it so much. Not very well know and really quite however the training range can be a little loud at times."
Seasonal RV options: Some areas offer extended stay opportunities. At Old Forge Camping Resort, Carrie H. explains, "Close to skiing. Snowmobiling is the real reason to come here. Dry cabins or cottages with bath and shower are available."
Scout
