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Best Dispersed Camping near Keene Valley, NY

43 Reviews

Dispersed camping sites dot the wilderness areas surrounding Keene Valley, New York, with several primitive options throughout the Adirondack region. Free camping is permitted at locations such as Chapel Pond, Ward Brook Campsite, Crane Pond, and Little Green Pond. Most sites are situated on undeveloped public land managed under New York State Forest Preserve regulations, requiring campers to follow Leave No Trace principles. These primitive areas typically provide basic clearings for tents with minimal to no infrastructure.

Access roads to many dispersed sites require careful navigation, particularly after rain or during spring thaw. Crane Pond Road demands high-clearance 4WD vehicles, with one review noting that "from the lower parking lot to the pond itself is NOT maintained and often gets very muddy." Several sites, including Ward Brook Campsite, require hiking in rather than direct vehicle access. Little Green Pond includes 12 designated primitive sites, some requiring travel down "bumpy access roads that can be muddy after rain." Water sources are available at many locations but require filtration, and most sites have no facilities beyond basic fire rings.

The primitive camping experience around Keene Valley provides opportunities for solitude and connection with nature. Many sites feature waterfront locations with swimming and fishing access. Ward Brook Campsite includes "a nice lean-to, fire pit, picnic table, and a privy," according to visitor feedback. Little Green Pond offers "peaceful spots under the pines" with tree-covered sites situated directly on the water. At Polliwog Lake, campers appreciate the digital disconnect, with one review mentioning "no cell, no internet." Expect to hear loons calling across the water at Crane Pond, where one site includes "a stone cliff nearby that goes down about 12 feet and is great for fishing or jumping off of."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Keene Valley, New York (29)

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29 Photos of 29 Keene Valley Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Keene Valley, NY

43 Reviews of 29 Keene Valley Campgrounds

  • Miccal M.
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

    This is a wonderful place to camp

    There are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience.  The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic.  Some of the sites are drive in, some are walk in, but all are primitive. 

    There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area.  Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.

    This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact, and that impact can be positive or negative. Choose Positive!

    This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2018

    Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites

    Your Own Private Island for FREE!

    We spent 3 nights backcountry camping on Catamount Island in Cranberry Lake and absolutely loved it! The sunsets from the island were truly incredible. 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, so don’t forget your water filter.

    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 and there are some incredible beaver dams along the way. 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! The millions upon millions of dragonflies help make up for the mosquitoes!

    The Village of Cranberry Lake (which is accessible from the lake) has some supplies, but not much except the very basics at the general store.  You’ll need to head to Star Lake or Tupper Lake for anything of significance.

    Backcountry camping is first come, first served…no reservations necessary or even possible. No permit is needed. The only fee is if you want to park your vehicle in the state park while you are camping on the island, it is $8 per day.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2023

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    NFR 207 Meadows, with great views!

    In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings / sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. 

    Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles.
    Nearby Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT.
    2 bars USCellular LTE.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Thomas and James S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Austin Brook

    Nice sites

    Smaller area roughly 1-6 sites. When driving in on the right there’s a culdesac type set up of sites. Pretty sure these sites all have river access. Road is short dead ends with a decent amount of turn around space.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

    Nice setting, simple fire pit only sites

    There seems to be a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin. Some folks were camping in the picnic area. Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook. They were well used with some litter. We packed out what we could find. There are posted signs on the opposite bank so we stayed on our side. Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area.

  • Chris D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2024

    Route 100 Dispersed Camping

    Great little spot right off RT-100

    I was looking for the Austin Brook campsite north of this one, but someone on here gave directions to this site, which turns out has its own page on here. Right off the road, a small handful of camp sites, some picnic tables, presumably some fire rings although with snow coverage I didn’t see any. Main lot has plenty of parking, perfect for car camping. Pull through the trees has some spots for tents and smaller setups. Entrance and exit are a little steep and tricky in the winter, lot wasn’t plowed so AWD/4x4 and good ground clearance are recommended.

  • Joann&WellsThePup I.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    NF-71

    About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that’s about it. Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season

Guide to Keene Valley

Dispersed camping near Keene Valley, New York sits within the eastern section of the Adirondack Park, which contains over 2,000 miles of marked hiking trails and more than 3,000 lakes and ponds. Winter temperatures regularly drop below 0°F while summer averages 75°F. Many remote sites require navigating unmarked forest roads that can become impassable during spring mud season from late March through early May.

What to do

Hiking trails access: At Green Mountain National Forest FR207, campers can connect to the Appalachian Trail via Clark Brook Trail. "Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT," notes Tim M., making it an excellent basecamp for long-distance hikers.

Swimming opportunities: Scattered swimming holes provide relief during summer months when temperatures climb. Thomas and James S. mention that the Austin Brook sites "all pretty much have access to the streams," while another camper describes Warren Falls as a popular swimming destination near the camping area.

Wildlife observation: Early mornings offer prime wildlife viewing. Phil J. reports from his winter camping experience: "Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving." The quiet environment around most dispersed sites creates excellent conditions for spotting native Adirondack wildlife.

What campers like

Digital detox: Many dispersed camping areas around Keene Valley have limited or no cellular coverage. "2 bars USCellular LTE," reports Tim M. about Green Mountain National Forest, while other locations offer complete disconnection from technology.

Natural water features: The rushing sounds of nearby streams enhance the camping experience. Lincoln Dispersed Camping offers sites with "yards away from gorgeous running water," according to Mike B. Another camper describes "easy stroll to a clean brook for filtering water."

Hammock-friendly sites: Trees appropriately spaced for hammock setup exist throughout the region. J.W. notes Lincoln Dispersed Camping has "great trees for hammocks," allowing visitors to sleep suspended rather than on the ground.

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Access roads to many sites deteriorate significantly after rain. At Crane Pond Dispersed Site, Nicole T. cautions: "4WD is required, if you go back there without it your day is gonna suck." Similarly, Miccal M. warns that FR207 sites require "at least 9" of ground clearance."

Seasonal hazards: Each season brings unique challenges to Adirondack camping. Joann notes to "have a backup plan during mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season," which typically runs from mid-May through June.

Fire regulations: Regulations permit fires at some locations but prohibit them at others. Always use established fire rings where available. At Austin Brook, Thomas and James observed "nice fire rings" at most sites, adding the reminder to "keep it clean!"

Tips for camping with families

Site selection strategies: For family camping, prioritize sites with natural features that entertain children. Little Green Pond offers ideal family-friendly features as Lo M. describes: "Pond has a small beach to swim. Tree covered sites."

Water safety precautions: Waterfront sites require vigilant supervision of children. Nicole T. describes Crane Pond's "stone cliff nearby that goes down about 12 feet," which provides jumping opportunities but demands careful monitoring.

Weather preparation: Adirondack weather changes rapidly, requiring preparation for sudden temperature drops. Amanda reports having to relocate their camping spot when "we quickly got rained out" at an exposed mountain site, finding a "brookside site" with "great tree coverage to easily set up a tarp."

Tips from RVers

Parking limitations: Most dispersed sites around Keene Valley accommodate smaller vehicles only. Nicole T. cautions that Crane Pond Road is "not fit for an RV in any capacity" with a "relatively small" parking lot that "can fit at least 6 vehicles."

Level site scarcity: Finding level parking for camper vans or small trailers presents challenges. Tim M. reports having "trouble finding a level spot" at Polliwog Lake on Floodwood Road, a common issue throughout the mountainous terrain.

Road condition assessment: Evaluate road conditions before attempting access with any recreational vehicle. Phil J. notes that "the top end of the road has a few mud pits and may require some ground clearance from rocks," making advance scouting advisable when bringing in anything larger than a passenger vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free primitive camping in Keene Valley?

Free primitive camping is available at several locations near Keene Valley. Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off offers multiple sites along a river with marked spots (#3 and #6 are clearly labeled). The site is accessible via a short dirt road that can be easily missed from the main road. Chapel Pond Camping provides additional drive-in primitive options. Most dispersed sites feature basic fire rings but no other amenities. Be prepared for no cell service in many areas, and bring everything you need including water and waste disposal bags. Sites typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so having backup locations is recommended, especially during peak season.

Is there year-round access to dispersed camping sites in Keene Valley?

Year-round access to dispersed camping in Keene Valley varies significantly by location and weather conditions. Green Mountain National Forest FR207 can be inaccessible during mud season, requiring backup plans. Winter access depends heavily on snow conditions and road maintenance. North Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 has become increasingly difficult to reach due to flooding damage and road deterioration, now requiring high-clearance 4WD vehicles. Even typically accessible sites like Austin Brook may be inaccessible during winter months or spring thaw. Always check current conditions with local ranger stations before heading out, especially during shoulder seasons.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Keene Valley?

Dispersed camping in Keene Valley follows typical backcountry regulations. At locations like Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites, each site typically includes a fire ring and picnic table. Practice Leave No Trace principles by using established fire rings only and packing out all trash. Many areas require camping at least 150 feet from water sources, roads, and trails. There's often confusion about boundaries, as seen at Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites where day-use and overnight areas can be unclear. Check local ranger district offices for specific area regulations, as rules may vary by location and can include restrictions on stay duration (typically 14 days maximum) and group size.

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