Dispersed camping options around Ilion, New York provide backcountry experiences in the forested foothills of the Adirondacks. Most sites sit between 800-1,500 feet elevation, with terrain ranging from riverside flats to hilly woodland. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that regularly drop below freezing, while summer brings average highs in the mid-70s with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What to do
Fishing access points: At North Lake Reservoir Campground, campers can fish directly from several lakeside sites. "32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean," reports camper J.B.
Wildlife observation: The raised boardwalk at Round Pond Pharsalia Woods provides an elevated viewing platform overlooking a rare bog ecosystem. "The overlook has a beautiful vista over the bog and is an amazing place for birdwatching especially during spring migration," notes Janet R.
Stream exploration: Betty Brook Camp offers direct streamside camping. Camper Robert B. explains, "You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots," making it ideal for water play or cooling off during summer months.
Winter recreation: State forests maintain ungroomed trails suitable for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road," reports Felix R. about Burnt Rossman State Forest during colder months.
What campers like
Seclusion from crowds: Betty Brook Camp offers genuine isolation. "Love to camp here all year long... Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone," writes Robert B., who has visited the area for decades.
Wildlife viewing: Lock 15 provides opportunities to observe local fauna. "The resident peacock has been keeping me company," mentions The L. in their review of Fort Plain Lock 15, highlighting unexpected wildlife encounters.
Waterfront access: Burnt Rossman State Forest provides streamside camping with parking directly across from the sites. "This spot is right off the road. Nice and quiet. There is enough room for 2 to 3 campers," notes The L.
Unexpected discoveries: Duck Pond Campsite surprises visitors with its quality despite difficult access. "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived at surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad," reports Yae U.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly by carrier and location. "There is zero Verizon cell service in the whole area. So plan accordingly," warns The L. about Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest.
Road conditions: Several sites require navigation of challenging roads. At Duck Pond Campsite, a reviewer cautions: "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse... Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads."
Noise factors: Some sites trade seclusion for convenience. Lock 15 reviewer explains: "It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving."
Site locations: North Lake requires careful navigation. "Make sure to take a left at the start of the lake, the right is all private road and you will have to turn around," advises J.B., preventing unnecessary detours.
Tips for camping with families
Best sites for water play: North Lake Reservoir has walk-in sites directly on the water. "Very remote and secluded. We got there after dark and it was beautiful to wake up to the view of the lake," shares Ashlee C., noting both tent and car camping options.
Accessible nature viewing: For families with diverse mobility needs, Round Pond features "a beautiful and accessible raised boardwalk to a unique overlook" according to Janet R., making nature observation possible for all family members.
Limited facilities planning: Most primitive camping near Ilion requires self-sufficiency. "The site itself was pretty nice, Fire pit, trickling stream," mentions The L. about Duck Pond, but notes the lack of other amenities requires advance preparation.
Best beginner options: Fort Plain Lock 15 offers basic amenities uncommon at primitive sites. "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," notes Mona M., making it suitable for families new to dispersed camping.
Tips from RVers
Parking and site access: At Fort Plain Lock 15, Mona M. advises, "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."
Size restrictions: Larger RVs face significant limitations. Peter notes about Betty Brook Camp: "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small, but it's in state park, and there's tons of walking that can be done."
Surface conditions: Many sites have uneven terrain. "The parking lot is large, rocky, and uneven, situated right on the Mohawk River," describes Mona M. about Fort Plain Lock 15, requiring careful positioning for level camping.
Soft entry concerns: At Burnt Rossman, The L. warns "Entrance is soft," suggesting potential issues for heavier vehicles, especially after rain or during spring thaw.
