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Best Dispersed Camping near Long Lake, NY

26 Reviews

The Adirondack wilderness surrounding Long Lake, New York features numerous dispersed camping opportunities on state forest lands and along waterways. Stillwater Reservoir stands out with its highly-rated primitive sites, many accessible only by boat, while Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites offer island camping experiences with basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. Seventh Lake Primitive Camping provides tent-only sites with water access, and several roadside options exist along routes like Floodwood Road near Polliwog Lake. Most dispersed sites in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis without reservation systems, creating an authentic wilderness experience within the broader Adirondack Park.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the Long Lake region, with many camping areas requiring travel on unpaved forest roads that may become challenging during wet weather. Several campers note the need for high-clearance vehicles at locations like Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, where one reviewer mentioned, "The site has its own private road. A car is not recommended. Possible to turn around but you definitely need a smaller SUV." Cell service is extremely limited or nonexistent at most sites, and potable water is rarely available. Campers typically need to filter water from lakes or streams, as noted in reviews of Stillwater Reservoir: "You should bring water or something to filter it from the reservoir."

Water access defines many camping experiences in the Long Lake area, with island sites and shoreline camping receiving consistently high ratings. At Stillwater Reservoir, campers report excellent swimming conditions with "clean and clear" water, while Cranberry Lake offers "incredible" sunset views from island campsites. Wildlife sightings, including bald eagles and loons, enhance the experience at many locations. Seasonal considerations are important, as summer brings warmer temperatures but increased insect activity. As one Cranberry Lake visitor noted, "While the mosquitoes weren't bad at the campsite itself or while kayaking, they are terrible on the trails this time of year." Fall camping offers cooler temperatures and fewer insects, making it ideal for those seeking solitude.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Long Lake, New York (25)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Long Lake, NY

37 Photos of 25 Long Lake Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Long Lake, NY

26 Reviews of 25 Long Lake Campgrounds

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2018

    Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites

    Your Own Private Island for FREE!

    We spent 3 nights backcountry camping on Catamount Island in Cranberry Lake and absolutely loved it! The sunsets from the island were truly incredible. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Ours had an extensive pile of dry wood, too. There is a decent privy tucked back in the woods. Bring your own TP though! Also, you will either need to bring your own potable water or filter from the lake, so don’t forget your water filter.

    In addition to many cool places to kayak from the island, there are a few hiking trails where you can land your boat and hike for a few hours. The Curtis Pond hike was our favorite and there are some incredible beaver dams along the way. While the mosquitoes weren’t bad at the campsite itself or while kayaking, they are terrible on the trails this time of year; so bring your bug spray, or better yet, bug shirts! The millions upon millions of dragonflies help make up for the mosquitoes!

    The Village of Cranberry Lake (which is accessible from the lake) has some supplies, but not much except the very basics at the general store.  You’ll need to head to Star Lake or Tupper Lake for anything of significance.

    Backcountry camping is first come, first served…no reservations necessary or even possible. No permit is needed. The only fee is if you want to park your vehicle in the state park while you are camping on the island, it is $8 per day.

  • Josie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2024

    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.

  • Geoff W.
    Aug. 16, 2017

    Stillwater Reservoir

    Another great trip

    This was my 3rd trip to Stillwater in 3 yrs and it gets better each time!

    Our first trip was an overnight to test some backpacking gear, it was September and the weather was perfect! We hiked into our site, not easy because almost everything is meant to be accessed by boat so we were guessing our course! Cooler weather meant no bugs to contend with

    Next year we took a canoe to our site, it was July, warm weather, warm water and the bugs were not terrible, we were at Site 1, secluded in a cove, not a lot of traffic but there is a hiking trailhead near the site so there is potential for visitors.

    Our latest trip was to site 10, an island site with a large sandy beachfront, we borrowed a motor boat to get there this year and brought plenty of gear for 4 days. Weather was great again, some rain each day but we had time to get setup and get shelters to keep dry.

    Camping if free here but it is first come first serve but with 40+ sites you can almost always get something. There is a small store at the boat launch to get provisions if you need, public restrooms and wifi. Very limited cell service.

    You should bring water or something to filter it from the reservoir. I believe all the site have privy boxes on them.

    There are opportunities for fishing, a few local attractions, a nice restaurant at the launch.

  • Taylor A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2023

    Cod 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.

  • Ashlee C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2024

    North Lake Reservoir Campground

    Beautiful spot!

    Very remote and secluded. We got there after dark and it was beautiful to wake up to the view of the lake. Car camped, but there was enough room for a tent. Fire pit at the site and a bathroom across the way from the first site.

  • J B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2023

    North Lake Reservoir Campground

    Pristine lake

    32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean. Make sure to take a left at the start of the lake, the right is all private road and you will have to turn around.

  • Nicole T.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2025

    Crane Pond Dispersed Site

    4WD Required But Worth It

    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. 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. Not fit for an RV in any capacity. The parking lot at the end of Crane Pond Road is relatively small but can fit at least 6 vehicles. There is an outhouse near that lot and a foot bridge off to the right, leading to Pharaoh Mtn Trail. 

    If you're staying to camp there are (9) sites only accessible by boat (I haven't found a map that numbers/letters them), except the one right by the parking lot. There is a trail leading to that one. My family and I have never used the other sites so I can only attest to the one which is freaking GREAT. 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 or just sunbathe. Stone fireplace on site. The view right there is beautiful and at night you can hear the loons (visible during the day as well).

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest

    Site 4

    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. Occasionally you will get the yahoo that speeds by and makes a dust cloud but otherwise it’s great. There is zero Verizon cell service in the whole area. So plan accordingly,

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest

    Night alone in my jeep

    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. No fires because it’s super remote. Peaceful and almost untouched.

Guide to Long Lake

Dispersed camping near Long Lake, New York offers primitive outdoor experiences throughout the Adirondack Forest Preserve. The region sits at elevations between 1,500-2,000 feet with dense northern hardwood forests dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F while winter brings freezing conditions with significant snowfall, making most sites accessible only from May through October.

What to do

Kayaking to island sites: At Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites, paddlers can access remote camping locations. "In addition to many cool places to kayak from the island, there are a few hiking trails where you can land your boat and hike for a few hours. The Curtis Pond hike was our favorite and there are some incredible beaver dams along the way," reports one camper.

Waterfront exploration: Low water seasons at Stillwater Reservoir create unique shoreline environments. "The season had had unusually low water all over and it left a really unusual landscape on the beach to explore," notes Elizabeth B., who visited during colder weather.

Wildlife observation: Birdwatching opportunities abound throughout the region. "We saw Bald Eagles and Loons, enjoyed swimming, canoing and paddleboarding with the family," shares Christie M. about her Stillwater Reservoir experience.

What campers like

Complete disconnection: The lack of connectivity creates a true wilderness experience. One camper at Polliwog Lake on Floodwood Road appreciated the digital detox, noting simply: "Camped here for a few days, no cell, no internet."

Sandy shorelines: Many sites feature natural beaches for swimming and recreation. "Our spot had gorgeous waterfront to it, a stone fire circle where someone had left extra fire wood, and ample trees," shares a Stillwater visitor about their lakefront camping experience.

Abundant paddling options: Water access defines many camping experiences in the region. A visitor to Seventh Lake Primitive Camping explains: "We accessed the sites by water on a canoe trip. There is a large sand bar within a very short walk which was a great place to hang out. Seventh lake is pretty quiet but there were a few boats there both days we visited."

What you should know

Limited amenities: Most sites provide minimal facilities. At Ward Brook Campsite, expect basic provisions: "Great campsite with a nice lean-to. Fire pit, picnic table, and a privy. A bit further you will find some tent spots too. Plenty of water around."

Water transportation requirements: Many locations require boats for access. One camper notes about Stillwater Reservoir: "I came here a couple days ago only to realize that all except one campsite needs a boat to be reached. It's first come first serve so best to find another place if you intend to drive up to your campsite."

Road conditions: Access roads to rustic camping near Long Lake can be challenging. At Little Green Pond, "Some require driving down a bumpy access road that can be muddy after a rain. Sites are on the Pond."

Water preparation: Potable water is rarely available at dispersed sites. A Cranberry Lake camper advises: "You will either need to bring your own potable water or filter from the lake, so don't forget your water filter."

Tips for camping with families

Site selection: Choose designated sites with clear boundaries for safety. At Horseshoe Lake, "Along Co 421, by Horseshoe Lake, there are 10-11 designated campsites. Most have fire pits."

Group accommodation: Some sites can handle larger gatherings. A Stillwater Reservoir camper notes their "site #37 accommodating 20 members of the family plus 3 dogs!"

Swimming options: Look for campsites with gradual water entry for children. Little Green Pond features family-friendly water access: "Pond has a small beach to swim. Tree covered sites."

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Few dispersed sites accommodate recreational vehicles. One camper at Stillwater Reservoir recommends: "This campsite is right down the road from the fire tower trail," making it one of the few car-accessible options.

Clearance requirements: High-clearance vehicles may be necessary for accessing remote sites. Horseshoe Lake campers advise: "Road is rough but easily doable if you take it slow."

Technology limitations: Solar power can be difficult in heavily forested areas. A Horseshoe Lake visitor notes: "As it's a forest, the sites are pretty shaded, so solar and Starlink may present challenges. Slight AT&T at earlier sites."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping sites around Long Lake, NY?

The Adirondack region near Long Lake offers several dispersed camping options. Stillwater Reservoir provides numerous sites primarily accessible by boat, though some can be reached by hiking. North Lake Reservoir Campground features 32 sites surrounding the lake, including some walk-in spots directly on the waterfront. When exploring these areas, arrive early during peak season as sites are first-come, first-served. For road access to dispersed sites, consider the North Woods Club Road area or Gooley Club Road, both offering drive-in access to primitive camping spots. Remember to check specific location directions carefully, as many dispersed sites in the Adirondacks can be difficult to locate without proper guidance.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping at Long Lake?

Dispersed camping in the Long Lake area follows Adirondack Park regulations. At Crane Pond Dispersed Site, vehicle access requires 4WD due to unmaintained, rocky, and often muddy roads. Most sites in the region require camping at designated spots only, typically marked with yellow DEC discs or numbered posts. Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest has numbered sites (like Site 4) with roadside access. General regulations include: camping at least 150 feet from water bodies, roads, and trails unless at designated sites; maximum stay of 14 days; proper waste disposal; and campfires only in established fire rings. Permits may be required for groups of 10+ or stays longer than three nights. Always practice Leave No Trace principles.

What amenities are available for dispersed camping near Long Lake?

Dispersed camping sites near Long Lake offer minimal amenities, focusing on primitive experiences. Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites provide basic facilities including picnic tables, fire rings, and some sites have privies tucked into the woods. Firewood may be available from previous campers. At Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, expect fire rings and river access down a semi-steep bank, but no other facilities. Most dispersed sites in the area have no potable water, electricity, or garbage service, so come prepared to pack everything in and out. Cell service is typically non-existent (zero Verizon coverage in many areas). Bring water filtration systems, as many sites offer lake or river access for water collection that requires treatment.

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