Are you in need of a campground near Keene Valley, NY? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Keene Valley is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Discover great camping spots near Keene Valley, reviewed by campers like you.
"Plenty of water around."
"Please note Crane Pond Road from the lower parking lot to the pond itself is NOT maintained and often gets very muddy. 4WD is required, if you go back there without it your day is gonna suck."
"Some require driving down a bumpy access road that can be muddy after a rain. Sites are on the Pond. Pond has a small beach to swim. Tree covered sites."
"Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests.
Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."
"About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that’s about it."
"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."
"Great location, easy access, on a nice brook. Fire ring only, no facilities and minimal parking."
"Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water. No trash or restrooms - Primitive for sure. Prepare for bugs as well."
"I would want some clearance for a vehicle. Our Toyota Highlander made it easily. We found 2 campsites with fire pits right off the end of FR 291. Easy stroll to a clean brook for filtering water."
LegendThere 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
LegendWe 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.
GuideIn 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.
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.
TravelerHighly 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.
GuideSmaller 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.
ScoutThere 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.
ScoutI 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.
GuideAbout 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
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Keene Valley, New York, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.
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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