Top Free Dispersed Camping near Lake George, NY
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Best Dispersed Sites Near Lake George, NY (28)
1. Crane Mountain Pond Campsite
1 Review•3 Photos•34 SavesCrane Mountain is in the Central Adirondacks in Wilcox Lake Wild Forest near Wevertown in Warren County. There are over five miles of marked hiking trails on the 3254 foot mountain. There are many spectacular views from the open areas on the mountain, making this a very popular hike. There is an elevation gain of over 1300 feet. There are very steep sections on this short hike, but this tough hike is worth the view.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
2. Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off
2 Reviews•6 Photos•74 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
4. Downed Bridge Camp
1 Review•5 Photos•41 Saves- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
5. Somerset Airfield
5 Reviews•59 Photos•82 SavesForest Road 71: This forest road stretches from the old Somerset airfield to the Kelley Stand Road. Campsites can be found in various spots along the way and along some of the forest roads leading off of Forest Road 71.
There are many general forest areas available on the Green Mountain National Forest for rustic or dispersed camping. These areas provide a place to camp and enjoy nature’s solitude at no charge. Visitors can camp anywhere on the forest unless the area is posted closed to camping. Camp in existing sites or stay the strongly recommended 200 feet from roads, streams, trails, and bodies of water to disperse impact. Do not cut any vegetation. There is a camping limit of 14 days in any 30-day period on the Forest. Please leave the campsites clean by using Leave No Trace Principles, such as carry out what you carry in.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
6. Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
3 Reviews•7 Photos•136 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
7. Road's End Dispersed Camp
1 Review•8 Photos•9 Saves- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
8. Stratton Pond Shelter
1 Review•23 Photos•12 Saves- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Toilets
9. NF 83 - riverside
2 Reviews•18 Photos•53 SavesBackcountry camping is allowed in most locations on the forest unless there is a specific closure order in place for a particular area.
The following camping practices are recommended:
Locate campsites at least 200’ from trails or waterbodies including ponds, rivers, and streams When able, utilize sites already managed for overnight use including designated tent platforms and established shelters Do not camp in alpine or sub-alpine areas where trees are 8’ or less. Help protect these fragile ecosystems!
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
10. Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71
1 Review•3 Photos•36 Saves- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
Showing results 1-10 of 28 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Lake George
19 Reviews of 28 Lake George Campgrounds
Kevin C.
Ranger
Somerset Airfield
Good stopover location
Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere.
Campsites are listed as disbursed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites. The campsites are all next to the road and have fire circles.
There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service. Basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors.
Thomas and James S.
GuideLast light on Michigan Brook
The Last Light
Love this site! The very last spot on the right hand side. If you’ve reached the closed gate you’ve missed the site! Keep it clean!
Josie W.
Traveler
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.
- Thomas and James S.Guide
NF 83 - riverside
Enchanting
Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit! The left side of the drive in is swampy so be sure to not drift to that side. The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks we have substantial ground clearance so no issues there but smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two! Live by the motto leave nicer than you found it so we all can continue to enjoy the beauty!
Miccal M.
LegendSomerset Airfield
Winter camping wonder
Well, that was an experience! Met some friends Friday night at the Somerset Airfield for a weekend of camping. 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. So, we tied them to the trees and our cars. Saturday, we got at least 8" more along with sleet, freezing rain, and rain. Saturday evening, we had 3" more by 11pm.
Then the fun began as the wind blew the storms out and temperatures plummeted to 8⁰ and a windchill of-3 for this morning. Everything crusted was over with a good inch of ice. I have never endured such winds camping, I was sure camp was going to be blown apart. Even with a winter fly tight to the snow my hammock was rocking all night. Our tarps held mostly, we only lost one or two anchor points. Gear that wasn't staked, tied or put in our cars moved blown around inside our foxholes of snow.
In the morning when packing up and breaking the ice glazed on everything.
we stayed in the first few sites, there are walk in sites behind these that have easy river access. in the winter be ready for snowmobiles, in the summer trucks.
As I've stated in my other review for this location, there are outhouses here and firerings. It is an easy dirtroad drive to get to this location, that is why they tend to be used so much by RVers.
- Miccal M.Legend
Road's End Dispersed Camp
End of the road hide-away
great private spot when nothing else is around. The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles. The only thing you will find here is a fire ring.
- Miccal M.Legend
Somerset Airfield
Least favorite of all the primitive sites in the area
I've camped here a couple of times and it is ok. This really is just a grass strip next to FR71 with a bunch of sites and a pit house. It is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailor's that can't get into smaller sites, but if you can I would go some where else.
- Miccal M.Legend
Green Mountain National Forest FR42 Dispersed Site
Busy and small sites
Every time I've driven up Bingo to find a spot I end up leaving the area and going somewhere else. The sites are small and close to the road. Being primitive sites there are no facilities. You will find fire rings at each site though.
- Miccal M.Legend
NF 83 - riverside
Quiet spot on the river
I've looked at this spot a few times and it is normally way to wet to camp at, but this time it was frozen. This is a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross.
The access into this location is a little rough but most cars should make it, I would prefer having a little more clearance though just to be sure.
Being a primitive site there is only a fire ring here.
- Miccal M.Legend
NF83 Dispersed site 1
Nice remote location
This primitive spot is a little more than a clearing with a fire pit. But what a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions. Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle.
I was here in winter, but I would expect in summer a lot of undergrowth in the woods, if your hammock camping bring a manchette to clear a spot.
Meghan B.Ranger
Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest
Powley Road
Had 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.
Erica M.GuideSomerset Airfield
Nice spot but to busy
Westford there last weekend. Got up on a Friday with plenty of spots. 10 spaces between the bathrooms/vault toilets with only 3 other 4 in working order. Great location near Somerset Reservoir. Weekend was interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites downbeat resulted in fights and someone shooting off a handgun. Took state police over 50 minutes to respond and multiple families left...... Can't pick the other people using the space I guess, but lots of trash left in fire pitsand all along river. Water behind the sites more like a marsh. Flat levels it's and people able to fit their campers. Campers near us said there are more sites if you pass the airfield that are more spread out past the actual airfield sites.
Taylor A.TravelerCod 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.
- TTim M.Guide
Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71
NFR 71 Wide Open Site, North End
Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center. We had this all to ourselves in our Bean teardrop.
Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT.
Pretty quiet during our stay, plenty of dispersed sites along 71 further south.
Only reason for 4 stars is the lack of any long distance views from the site itself.
2 bars of USCellular LTE
M.A.D. P.LegendSomerset Airfield
Small open park
The Airfield Campground is a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits. It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park. The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities. There are other dispersed sites down the road that are free
T K.Guide
Crane Mountain Pond Campsite
Gorgeous sunset views
After a short hike up steep crane mountain we watched the beautiful sun set. One of the nicest places I’ve camped at.
- SSandy L.Traveler
Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
Love camping here!
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.... We camp here every summer and make sure the site is left clean and ready for the camper...
Kirk C.
ScoutDispersed site along Forest RD 71
Muddy
I found this camping area on dyrt app. I didn't have too much luck with a different app.... So I decided to try this out. 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. There are a few spots around you can park at. I chose a more sunny and open spot with less trees. So there's more options. It's very quiet definitely check it out.
- Miccal M.Legend
Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
Nice Primitive spot in the Green Mountains
One of many locations along Forest rd 71, this spot was a good place to pitch a tent for the night while exploring the area even in the rain.
Guide to Lake George
Camping near Lake George, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Explore the outdoors: Lake George is surrounded by stunning nature. Many campgrounds, like Lake George Escape Campground, offer access to hiking trails and water activities. One visitor mentioned, "Highlights of the trip included a somewhat secluded site by the river, pavilion tater tots, and the pool."
- Visit local attractions: Check out nearby attractions like the Lake George Village, where you can shop and dine. A camper at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts noted, "We were excited to have access to the cafe located next to the pool."
- Enjoy themed activities: Many campgrounds have scheduled activities for kids. One reviewer at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts said, "There is a FULL schedule of themed activities for the kiddos, weekly."
What campers like:
- Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites available at places like Lake George RV Park. One happy camper shared, "We got a wooded site that is not too far walk from any of the action or amenities."
- Clean facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are a big plus. A visitor at Woodford State Park Campground remarked, "The bathrooms are BEAUTIFUL! The nicest I've seen yet."
- Dog-friendly options: Many campgrounds welcome pets, which is a hit with dog owners. A camper at Lake George RV Park said, "This is our top pick. Great sites, customer service & the best part is the dog park."
What you should know:
- Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A reviewer at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts mentioned, "Showers cost money at $0.25 per 4 minutes, no wifi at all and poor cell reception."
- Busy during peak season: Expect larger crowds in the summer. A camper at Moreau Lake State Park Campground noted, "The park was not very crowded when we were there, but we can imagine it could get very busy and noisy in the busy summer season."
- Varied site sizes: Campsites can vary in size and privacy. A visitor at Camping On The Battenkill said, "The tent sites are nice and private near the river."
Tips for camping with families:
- Look for kid-friendly activities: Choose campgrounds that offer activities for children. A parent at Lake George Escape Campground mentioned, "This campground was once thriving with activities and events and a real sense of community."
- Check for playgrounds: Many campgrounds have playgrounds or open areas for kids to play. A camper at Jamaica State Park Campground said, "Great playground and fun playing in the river."
- Plan for meals: Some campgrounds have on-site dining options, which can be convenient. A visitor at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts noted, "The cafe located next to the pool was closed the entire weekend."
Tips from RVers:
- Choose the right site: Look for sites that accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Moose Hillock Camping Resorts mentioned, "Some campsites were pretty small and would not fit large RVs."
- Be mindful of road noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A camper at Woodford State Park Campground said, "If we did hear any noise from route 9, it was very faint and did not disturb us."
- Check for amenities: Make sure the campground has the amenities you need, like dump stations and water hookups. A visitor at Lake George RV Park shared, "Each site had its own trash can and they collected garbage daily."
Camping near Lake George, New York, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lake George, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lake George, NY is Crane Mountain Pond Campsite with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lake George, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 dispersed camping locations near Lake George, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.