Dispersed camping sites around Lake Luzerne, New York offer backcountry experiences within the broader southern Adirondack region, typically at elevations between 900-1200 feet. Winter camping requires special preparation due to temperatures often dropping below 10°F between December and February. Most primitive camping areas near Lake Luzerne require campers to position tents at least 150 feet from water sources, roads and trails.
What to do
Fishing access: Crane Pond Dispersed Site offers multiple fishing spots along its shoreline. "There is a stone cliff near it that goes down about 12(?) feet and is great for fishing or jumping off of. There is also a stone area right by the water if you want to fish," notes a camper.
Wildlife viewing: At Fort Plain Lock 15, visitors can observe various river species. "It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and fishing (with a valid license)," mentions one reviewer. The area also has "a resident peacock" that keeps campers company.
Winter camping: For adventurous winter campers, Somerset Airfield provides accessible sites even in snow. "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."
What campers like
Secluded water access: Campers appreciate the pristine water access at Crane Mountain Pond Campsite, describing it as "one of the nicest places I've camped at" with "gorgeous sunset views" visible after a "short hike up steep crane mountain."
River sounds: The natural soundscape enhances the camping experience at many sites. At Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest, "Site 4 is magical, it is road side, but the view, and access to the river is great. There is a path right from the site."
Off-season solitude: Camping outside peak times can provide more privacy. "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," reports a Powley Road visitor who camped in October.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many primitive roads require appropriate vehicles. For Crane Pond, "4WD is required, if you go back there without it your day is gonna suck. From experience - if your vehicle isn't lifted you may come out with a ding or two from rocks and other things jutting out of the ground."
Cell service limitations: Most dispersed sites have limited or no connectivity. At Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, "there is no service at all" according to campers. Similarly, at Powley Road, there's "No AT&T cell service in this area."
Site numbering systems: Several areas use site numbering for management. At Cod Pond, one camper noted, "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."
Holiday crowds: Though typically quiet, some areas become crowded during holidays. "Weekend was interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites down... resulted in fights and someone shooting off a handgun. Took state police over 50 minutes to respond," reported a Somerset Airfield camper.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Look for sites with safe water access for children. At Somerset Airfield, campers "enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir - saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping."
Noise considerations: Some sites feature unavoidable ambient noise. At Fort Plain Lock 15, "It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving."
Site selection for privacy: For families wanting more separation from neighboring campers, seek out more remote options. "There are other dispersed sites down the road that are free" beyond the main Somerset Airfield area, which one camper described as "a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits... close together with little to no shade."
Tips from RVers
Turning space limitations: Assess site dimensions before committing to larger vehicles. At Cod Pond, "The site has its own private road... Possible to turn around but you definitely need a smaller SUV." Another camper mentioned the 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."
Parking surface conditions: Fort Plain Lock 15 offers RV parking but "the parking lot is large, rocky, and uneven, situated right on the Mohawk River." Similarly, Somerset Airfield "is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailers that can't get into smaller sites."
Seasonal road conditions: Winter camping with RVs requires additional planning. At Somerset, campers experienced "mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow" followed by "sleet, freezing rain, and rain" with "temperatures plummeting to 8° and a windchill of -3."
