Several dispersed camping options surround Stillwater Reservoir north of Inlet, with most sites requiring boat access. The reservoir features over 40 free primitive campsites, including islands and shoreline locations. Only one car-accessible site exists near the dam, while the others must be reached by canoe, kayak, or motorboat. Sites typically include fire rings but no other amenities.
The Seventh Lake Primitive area offers canoe-in camping with a few sites and one lean-to accessible by water. A large sandbar is within walking distance of these sites, which can also be reached via a trail connecting to Seventh Lake Road. North Lake Reservoir provides 32 dispersed sites around the lake perimeter, including walk-in spots directly on the water. Most sites in the region are first-come, first-served with no reservations possible. A camper wrote, "There is zero Verizon cell service in the whole area, so plan accordingly." Fire restrictions vary seasonally across the Adirondack backcountry, and campers must pack out all waste.
"We hiked into our site, not easy because almost everything is meant to be accessed by boat so we were guessing our course!"
"Our spot had gorgeous waterfront to it, a stone fire circle where someone had left extra fire wood, and ample trees."
"Extremely dispersed camping, so make sure you bring everything you’ll need."
"We happened upon it on our way to the seventh lake campground and ended up staying for two nights. We accessed the sites by water on a canoe trip."
"surround the lake."
"Very remote and secluded. We got there after dark and it was beautiful to wake up to the view of the lake. Car camped, but there was enough room for a tent."
"32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean."
"There’s a small fire ring, and access to the lake for swimming or fishing. Sunday lake has always been lovely and quiet and a great place to take youth campers. "
"This area has two drive-up camping spots each with a picnic table and fire pit. One site is on the lake side of the small road which had very few other drivers."
"Along Co 421, by Horseshoe Lake, there are 10-11 designated campsites. Most have fire pits. Road is rough but easily doable if you take it slow."
"A few sites around the lake all seem to have good to great view of the lake. Ours was nice but next to a house no one was there! However The site had lots of room! The road was mildly rough."
"Ours had an extensive pile of dry wood, too. There is a decent privy tucked back in the woods. Bring your own TP though! "
"amazing lake for kayaking and boating. sites not crowded together."
GuideSite 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. Occasionally you will get the yahoo that speeds by and makes a dust cloud but otherwise it’s great. There is zero Verizon cell service in the whole area. So plan accordingly,
TravelerCamped here for a few days, no cell, no internet
TravelerVery remote and secluded. We got there after dark and it was beautiful to wake up to the view of the lake. Car camped, but there was enough room for a tent. Fire pit at the site and a bathroom across the way from the first site.
TravelerTook me five hours to drive there but finally made it. It was nice and peaceful. I will go there again
TravelerDecent 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.
Scouta 20 mile ride of just woods on a bumpy road. Pretty cool! Surprisingly the place wasn't that populated as I expected it to be. I went to a accessible campsite near the dam so I can pull stuff i needed from my car. The restaurant in the town had great food, the staff were nice, and had two cute dogs!
LegendHad a quiet and peaceful stay. Must camp at a numbered site. Most sites are right along the road, but I was lucky enough to snag one deeper in the woods. Some of the sites even have an outhouse. Stayed in October, so when I left early the next morning, I passed a lot of hunters that had camped along the road, too. The road is in good condition. No AT&T cell service in this area.
GuideGreat campsite with a nice lean-to.
Fire pit, picnic table, and a privy.
A bit further you will find some tent spots too.
Plenty of water around.
Scout32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean. 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.
The Inlet region of New York's Adirondacks offers numerous primitive camping near Inlet, New York options at elevations ranging from 1,700 to 2,100 feet. The area typically receives 40-50 inches of rain annually with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Most dispersed sites require visitors to bring all necessities, including water filtration systems.
Hiking and exploration: Several dispersed camping areas offer access to notable hiking trails. At Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping, campers can experience quiet solitude. "This is a small primitive site. No services, but a very beautiful spot. There's a small fire ring, and access to the lake for swimming or fishing," notes Elizabeth B.
Kayaking and paddling: Backcountry water access provides excellent opportunities for water sports. Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites offers island camping with water-based activities. A camper shares, "In addition to many cool places to kayak from the island, there are a few hiking trails where you can land your boat and hike for a few hours. The Curtis Pond hike was our favorite."
Wildlife viewing: The remote nature of these sites allows for wildlife spotting. Christie M. from Stillwater Reservoir reports, "We saw Bald Eagles and Loons, enjoyed swimming, canoing and paddleboarding with the family."
Privacy and seclusion: The remote nature of many sites provides solitude. At Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, Taylor A. mentions, "The site has its own private road. A car is not recommended. Possible to turn around but you definitely need a smaller SUV."
Beach access: Several sites feature sandy shorelines for swimming. At Stillwater Reservoir, Elizabeth B. notes, "Even in cold rainy weather we had a phenomenal time at Stillwater. Our spot had gorgeous waterfront to it, a stone fire circle where someone had left extra fire wood, and ample trees."
Star gazing: The lack of light pollution makes for excellent night skies. "We've stayed here many times in tents and hammock tents. The swimming is fantastic - water is clean and clear," describes Elizabeth B. about Blue Lagoon Primitive Dispersed Camping.
Water access challenges: Most sites require water transportation. Mary B. from Seventh Lake Primitive Camping explains, "We accessed the sites by water on a canoe trip. There is a large sand bar within a very short walk which was a great place to hang out."
Limited facilities: Prepare to be self-sufficient with waste management and water filtration. Shari G. advises, "Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Ours had an extensive pile of dry wood, too. There is a decent privy tucked back in the woods. Bring your own TP though! Also, you will either need to bring your own potable water or filter from the lake."
No cell service: Connectivity is virtually non-existent throughout the region. Taylor A. reports, "There is no service at all" at Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, while The L. confirms, "There is zero Verizon cell service in the whole area. So plan accordingly" at Powley Road.
Island adventures: Some sites offer unique island camping experiences. At Cranberry Lake, Shari G. shares, "We spent 3 nights backcountry camping on Catamount Island in Cranberry Lake and absolutely loved it! The sunsets from the island were truly incredible."
Spacious sites: Some locations accommodate larger groups. Christie M. mentions her Stillwater Reservoir site "#37 accommodating 20 members of the family plus 3 dogs!"
Bug preparation: Pack appropriate insect protection, especially for trails. A Cranberry Lake visitor warns, "While the mosquitoes weren't bad at the campsite itself or while kayaking, they are terrible on the trails this time of year; so bring your bug spray, or better yet, bug shirts!"
Limited access: Few dispersed sites accommodate RVs near Inlet. At Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest, Meghan B. notes, "Most sites are right along the road, but I was lucky enough to snag one deeper in the woods. Some of the sites even have an outhouse."
Road conditions: Forest roads may present challenges for larger vehicles. At North Lake Reservoir Campground, J B. advises, "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."
Parking considerations: Limited turnaround space exists at most primitive sites. Josie W. shares about Cod Pond, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the inlet dispersed camping areas located?
Inlet dispersed camping areas are located throughout the Adirondack region of New York State. Stillwater Reservoir offers remote sites primarily accessible by boat in a pristine wilderness setting. North Lake Reservoir Campground features 32 sites surrounding the lake, with some walk-in spots directly on the water. Many sites are secluded within forested areas, providing privacy and natural surroundings while offering lake access for paddling and fishing.
Is a permit required for dispersed camping at Inlet?
Permits are generally not required for most Inlet area dispersed camping, but regulations may vary by specific location. At Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, campers can access sites without permits on a first-come, first-served basis. Similarly, Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest offers permit-free roadside camping. However, it's always recommended to check current regulations with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation before your trip, as permit requirements can change seasonally or for specific wilderness areas.
What amenities are available at Inlet dispersed camping sites?
Inlet dispersed camping sites typically offer minimal amenities. Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites provides basic facilities including picnic tables, fire rings, and primitive privies tucked in the woods. Horseshoe Lake features 10-11 designated sites, most with fire pits, along County Road 421. These dispersed sites generally don't offer running water, electricity, or shower facilities, so campers should be prepared to bring everything they need, including water for drinking and cooking.
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