Dispersed camping areas near Lake George, New York provide primitive overnight options within the Adirondack Forest Preserve and neighboring Green Mountains of Vermont. The region ranges from densely forested slopes to open meadows, with elevations typically between 800-3000 feet. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures frequently dropping below 20°F, while summer months see high demand for the limited number of established sites.
What to do
Swim in the reservoir: At Somerset Airfield, campers can access water recreation during summer months. "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir—saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping," notes camper licia S.
Winter camping: Some dispersed sites remain accessible year-round for cold-weather enthusiasts. Somerset Airfield accommodates winter camping with unique challenges. One camper described their experience: "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday, and our main Roadhouse down from the weight of the snow. The stakes didn't hold in the frozen ground."
Hike to mountain ponds: The area features multiple pond destinations within hiking distance. At Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71, visitors can access several trails. "Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT," confirms Tim M.
What campers like
Cell service availability: Some remote camping spots maintain limited connectivity. At Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71, one visitor noted "2 bars of USCellular LTE" while another camper reported "Easy to get to, had service the whole time, fire pits for every spot."
Spacious group sites: Multiple clearings accommodate larger gatherings along forest roads. A camper at Downed Bridge Camp described it as a "Great location for a small group to camp at. Can't wait to go back. The main area is a walk in and is worth it."
Riverside camping: Many sites feature water access for cooling off and ambient sound. At Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, one visitor shared: "There was a fire ring and access to the river down a semi-steep bank. Beautiful to listen to at night."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Several dispersed sites require 4WD or high-clearance vehicles. Access roads can deteriorate significantly after rain. "The road into here was easy to drive," notes one camper at Downed Bridge Camp, while others mention more challenging conditions elsewhere.
Limited facilities: Free camping near Lake George, New York typically offers minimal amenities. Somerset Airfield provides vault toilets but most sites have none. One visitor described Somerset: "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service."
Site maintenance concerns: Some campers report having to clean up after previous visitors. A regular at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 mentioned: "I would have given 5 stars except for the unfortunate fact that 2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife awareness: Bear sightings occur in the Lake George region. A visitor to Statton Pond Camp reported: "I did see a huge blackbear." Proper food storage in bear-resistant containers helps minimize encounters.
Campsite reservations: No-cost dispersed camping areas operate on first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. During peak times, early arrival proves essential. At Downed Bridge Camp, one camper advised: "Note that fills quickly on a weekend. But don't worry there is primitive camping starting about a mile down fire road 10."
Weather preparedness: The region experiences rapid weather changes requiring layered clothing and rain gear. Somerset campers experienced challenging conditions: "Saturday, we got at least 8" more along with sleet, freezing rain, and rain. Saturday evening, we had 3" more by 11pm."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV-suitable dispersed camping sites near Lake George have specific limitations. At Ushers Road State Forest, a reviewer noted that "camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it's at least 150 feet off the trail."
Turn-around space: Many forest road sites lack adequate turn-around space for larger vehicles. Cod Pond visitors observed: "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."
Seasonal road conditions: Free camping access roads deteriorate significantly during spring thaw and after heavy rain. Visitors to Forest Road 71 reported: "This particular campsite is very muddy. Well, at least today it is. I have an SUV and I didn't trust it to get through, and I didn't want to get stuck."
