Dispersed camping near Keeseville, New York includes numerous primitive sites across New York's Adirondacks and Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest. Most accessible from May through October, these free camping areas typically feature uneven terrain at elevations between 1,200-2,800 feet. Winter access becomes severely limited due to seasonal road closures and snow conditions that persist through late April.
What to do
**Water activities: Swimming spots accessible at several locations with varying water features. Warren Falls Green Mountain National Forest combines camping with recreation as "Warren Falls swimming hole" is located near the primitive sites according to Michelle R. The Patterson Brookside camp offers "gorgeous rock river" access as noted by Thomas and James S.
**Winter exploration: Seasonal camping opportunities exist despite harsh conditions. At FR207, one camper reports, "My first time winter camping and had the entire area to myself. Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving." Winter access requires advanced preparation and appropriate vehicles.
**Wildlife observation: Early morning and dusk provide optimal viewing times. Campers report moose sightings at FR207 and various small mammals throughout the region. Patterson Brookside area remains peaceful with "mostly local traffic" making wildlife encounters more common.
What campers like
**Solitude at higher elevations: The upper areas of Green Mountain National Forest FR207 provide exceptional privacy. "In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings / sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests," notes Tim M. Several campers appreciate the area's quietness during weekdays.
**Brook-side camping: Falling asleep to water sounds ranks highly among camper preferences. At Little Green Pond, Lo M. describes "Peaceful spots under the pines" with "12 designated camping spots... Sites are on the Pond." Thomas and James S. note that Austin Brook offers "a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings."
**Site variety: Options range from meadow settings to forest cover. FR207 provides both with one camper noting, "We followed the river all the way to the very end of the road up on the mountain... This site had great tree coverage to easily set up a tarp." Another mentions "Beautiful fields and views" with "many spots on open fields with beautiful scenic views of the mountains."
What you should know
**Road conditions: Access challenges exist at most dispersed sites. For Lincoln Dispersed Camping, J W. reports "FR 291 is a somewhat primitive road - lots of big puddles. I would want some clearance for a vehicle." Another camper confirms minimal facilities: "No trash or restrooms - Primitive for sure. Prepare for bugs as well."
**Site closures: Increasing usage has resulted in some area restrictions. Miccal M. warns about Patterson Brookside: "This area is being heavily used and some spots are being shut down from abuse." Several locations have "no camping" signs posted at day-use areas that were previously open for overnight stays.
**Rules enforcement: Fire regulations vary significantly between sites. Campfire rings exist at many locations, but not all permit fires. At Route 100, signs indicate "NO CAMPING as of 2021" despite continued use by some campers. Green Mountain National Forest requires all trash to be packed out.
Tips for camping with families
**Swimming access: Locations with shallow water provide safer options for children. Moscow Recreation Park offers a "large sporting field car park suitable for big dogs" near water access as noted by Stuart M. Little Green Pond has "a small beach to swim" according to Lo M.
**Established facilities: Ward Brook offers more infrastructure than most dispersed sites. Alex R. describes "a nice lean-to, fire pit, picnic table, and a privy" with "some tent spots too" making it suitable for families with children who need basic amenities.
**Safety preparations: Elevation changes cause significant temperature fluctuations. Pack additional layers even in summer months when nighttime temperatures can drop below 50°F. Cell service remains unreliable throughout the region with campers noting "minimal ATT reception" at Austin Brook.
Tips from RVers
**Size limitations: Most dispersed areas accommodate smaller rigs only. J W. notes their "Toyota Highlander made it easily" to Lincoln Dispersed Camping, but larger RVs would struggle with tight turns and limited pullouts. FR207 requires "at least 9" of ground clearance" according to Miccal M.
**Level parking challenges: Finding flat spots presents difficulties across the region. At Austin Brook, Tim M. mentions "I had trouble finding a level spot." Heavier rains make leveling even harder with saturated ground at many sites. Several campers recommend bringing additional leveling blocks and ground protection.
**Seasonal access window: Optimal RV access falls between late June through early October. Moscow Recreation Park provides better options for larger vehicles with Stuart M. noting it's a "Quiet spot out of the way" with space for bigger rigs. Spring access remains highly dependent on mud conditions.
