Numerous dispersed camping areas dot the terrain around Lake Luzerne, New York, with several free sites located within Adirondack Wild Forest lands. Crane Mountain Pond Campsite offers hike-in primitive camping near Lake Luzerne, while Crane Pond Dispersed Site provides multiple boat-in and drive-in options about 30 miles northeast. Other nearby options include Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, a drive-in tent camping area with designated sites, and Ushers Road State Forest, which permits tent and RV camping with drive-in access. Lake George also features boat-in dispersed sites on designated islands, allowing campers to experience backcountry conditions without venturing far from civilization.
Access conditions vary significantly between sites. Crane Pond requires high-clearance 4WD vehicles to navigate the unmaintained road, with several campers reporting rocky terrain that may damage lower vehicles. Cod Pond Pull-Off features dirt road access that can be easily missed from the main road, with sites marked by numbers (reviewers mention sites #3 and #6). Most areas have established fire rings but lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Campers should bring all necessary supplies and follow standard leave-no-trace practices. Cell service is unreliable throughout most dispersed areas, with multiple reviewers noting "no service at all" at several sites.
The dispersed sites around Lake Luzerne provide varying levels of privacy and natural features. Crane Pond offers waterfront camping with excellent fishing opportunities and swimming from rock outcroppings. Cod Pond sites include river access down steep banks, creating a peaceful sound backdrop at night. Some sites like Ushers Road State Forest feature trail access for hiking and biking. Reviews indicate that while some areas remain quiet, others can become surprisingly busy during peak seasons and holidays. "The site has its own private road. A car is not recommended. Possible to turn around but you definitely need a smaller SUV," noted one camper about Cod Pond. Another visitor to Crane Pond remarked, "There is a stone cliff near it that goes down about 12 feet and is great for fishing or jumping off of."
"It was rocky getting there but super super remote - zero service. Great space for my jeep and honestly you could fit a LARGE RV. There is a bathroom at the entrance."
"After a short hike up steep crane mountain we watched the beautiful sun set. One of the nicest places I’ve camped at."
"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."
"This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."
"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."
"The past reviews are correct with a lifted four wheel drive vehicle being needed for this drive in if you plan on getting paddled boats/kayaks in the water."
"A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
"Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be."
"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."
"I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning."
"Continue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area."
"Shaded areas and picnic tables. It is located on the Mohawk River. It is a busy train location across the river."
"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."
"The road is in good condition. No AT&T cell service in this area."
ScoutIt was dark. I arrived after 7p. There were 3 rv camps already going on. All 3 had camp fires. Many fire rings for many groups. No hassles at all. It's off the beaten path but worth it. The first 4 camp sites were open. Made a fire. Ate some food. I got a good night sleep. Nothing ate me or attacked me so that's 5 star in my book.
GuideWent with a friend on an impromptu last minute camping trip up in the NF and hoped we could find a spot on a Friday night. Quite a few spots were taken but there were still some free ones. We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing. In the morning, adorable little red squirrels with big personalities made themselves known and there were wildflowers blooming all over with hummingbirds going about their business. This is dispersed camping so there’s no rest rooms, running water, etc. The particular site we stayed at did have another site on the other side of the creek and we could hear the family during the day and see them as they walked past, so it wasn’t as isolated as some of the other sites. It was a cute spot and I’ll def be back.
TravelerThis is a good spot if you don’t mind being social. The main camping area is a large grassy opening where multiple people park and camp together, and there is a bathroom, but there isn’t much privacy between sites. If you continue farther down the forest road, there are several smaller pull-offs with much more private dispersed camping spots. I’d recommend checking those out if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
TravelerMy 2008 Prius handled the road with ease. Sites were spaced out. There was hiking at the end of the road but not too much space to wander around from the sites given the road’s high speed limit. Sites had fire pits and that was it. Very quiet and fairly accessible from society. Given the lack of free camping in the southern northeast this spot is a gem!
GuideI selected a semi shaded site about 25 feet off the road about 2 miles in. There are many sites but you may have to look as a lot are overgrown. I am glad I selected the site I did as it stayed “dry” through 48 hrs of torrential downpours. I had very few problems with the bugs: have a nice smoky fire…best repellant out there!
TravelerMy partner and I went on 4th of July weekend for the first time and was greeted by a man in the parking lot who had been coming there for 40 years. The site was gorgeous with 10 different campsites to choose from. The past reviews are correct with a lifted four wheel drive vehicle being needed for this drive in if you plan on getting paddled boats/kayaks in the water. Our plan was to go in and out to explore but decided to hunker down once we took the road in to avoid driving it multiple times. There are four hike-in camps from the parking lot. All campsites are marked on AllTrails. We stayed on the East side camp, #10, which after setting up and visiting the rest of the sites, had the least views from camp of the water but was the most secluded. Many sites have a privy or a box with a hole and a lid. There were a total of four trucks/jeeps in the lot all weekend and only a few camps being used. The black flies and mosquitos were bad given the time of the year so be prepared if you come during the same time. There are some beautiful trails that connect to the parking lot that lead to other hike-in camps at other small ponds/lakes.
There are green tags on the trees marked next to the water where the camp sites are. We made the mistake of setting up our tent at a makeshift campsite someone made and found the "no camping" sign after and ended up moving. There are beaver, ducks, and loons living at the pond.
TravelerI originally was scheduled to be working the whole weekend but ended up getting the time off and rushed to somewhere I could camp on the fourth. I got in around the afternoon and there were already a few camp sites taken. Which is to be expected on the fourth. I left on the 6th and it does seem that there’s a continuous flow of people in and out of the sites but for the most part it’s quiet and you can’t hear your neighbors. Law enforcement does drive by about once or twice a day which is nice. There is probably 4-5 usable sites. There are a few spots that someone could back a trailer into but I drive a hatchback so take that information as you will. It also looks to be that there are at least 2-3 sites that have become overgrown unclear if they are official sites or just large pull offs. Be wary in a small car that many of the entrances to the sites are either muddy and deeply rutted or a combination of steep and rutted out. Great place would definitely come back in the fall
GuideLock 15 is big area with varied places to park. There is a port a potty and potable water and All free. Shaded areas and picnic tables. It is located on the Mohawk River. It is a busy train location across the river. A boat did not enter the lock during our visit but it is an active lock on the Erie Canal. There is ample parking for a dozen or more campervans. It’s only 25 miles from Copperstown, NY. Felt very safe here.
GuideMade the trip on a Friday evening. Set up in freezing drizzle. Not a bad weekend all things considered. Lots of snowmobile traffic, which didn’t bother me. Saturday was the best day by far. Was only one other couple that weekend. Bathrooms were open, but very basic and no water. But grateful nonetheless.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bear Slide dispersed camping in Lake Luzerne located?
Bear Slide dispersed camping is located in the Lake George Wild Forest area near Lake Luzerne. It's a hike-in site, so you'll need to park and carry your gear to your camping spot. While not directly on Lake Luzerne, it's part of the broader Adirondack region. For an alternative dispersed option with easier access, Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off is located off a main road, though it can be easy to miss. Look for marked sites (like #3 and #6) along a short dirt road that provides access to riverside camping spots.
What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Lake Luzerne?
Dispersed camping sites near Lake Luzerne are typically primitive with minimal amenities. Somerset Airfield offers basic facilities including fire pits, pit toilets, and access to a stream behind some sites. The main attraction is proximity to Somerset Reservoir nearby. Other dispersed sites like Ushers Road State Forest provide access to bicycle-friendly nature trails but lack developed facilities. Most dispersed sites in the region feature established fire rings and natural surroundings, but you should plan to bring your own water, pack out trash, and be prepared for no cell service in many locations.
Are permits required for dispersed camping at Lake Luzerne?
Dispersed camping in the Lake Luzerne area typically doesn't require advance permits, but regulations may vary by specific location. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot and similar sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis without formal permit systems. However, you should always follow Forest Service guidelines which may include camping restrictions during fire season, maximum stay limits (typically 14 days), and maintaining proper distance from water sources. For the most current information, check with the local Adirondack Park Agency or Department of Environmental Conservation office before your trip, as regulations can change seasonally.
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