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Best Dispersed Camping near Mannsville, NY

6 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas exist near Mannsville, New York within state forests and public lands. Winona State Forest offers primitive camping with designated sites marked by small black and yellow placards. Towsley Road Dispersed Camping provides free sites accessible from the roadside, located slightly up the road from the main entrance point. Additional options include Payne Lake Dispersed Site, which allows tent and RV camping with lake access, and Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping, which requires a quarter-mile walk-in. Salmon River in Altmar State Forest and Santway Park also permit dispersed camping.

Most sites lack amenities and require self-sufficiency. Winona State Forest provides basic fire rings made of rocks but no other facilities. Access roads vary in quality, with many sites located just off unpaved forest roads. Payne Lake offers a public access boat ramp with limited parking on both sides. Sunday Lake requires a short hike from Stillwater Road to McCarty Road, with parking for only two cars or a small RV. Blue Lagoon primitive camping involves a short downhill hike of about 100 feet to reach the beach area. One camper noted that Towsley Road has "a sand patch on the side of the road" marking the camping area.

These primitive sites provide quiet, secluded experiences with natural surroundings. "Overall a good free quiet place to camp," reported one visitor to Winona State Forest. Another camper described finding limited sites: "Pulled in on a Thursday afternoon and found a single camp site. He said there were currently two camping sites and that more might be added." Sunday Lake is described as "a very beautiful spot" with "access to the lake for swimming or fishing," making it suitable for youth campers. Blue Lagoon offers "fantastic swimming" with "clean and clear" water, though competition for spots can occur since reservations aren't possible. Payne Lake provides "beautiful views, peaceful and quiet" with limited connectivity - "two bars of Verizon signal with the help of a WeBoost."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Mannsville, New York (7)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Mannsville, NY

4 Photos of 7 Mannsville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mannsville, NY

6 Reviews of 7 Mannsville Campgrounds

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2024

    Winona State Forest

    Small but quiet campsite

    Pulled in on a Thursday afternoon and found a single camp site. While there I talked to a state forest maintenance guy. He said there were currently two camping sites and that more might be added.

    The campsite was just feet off of Bargy Road. The only amenity was a fire ring made of rocks. The campsite appears to be the trailhead for a man-made trail.

    It rained while we were here but overall the campsite was quiet and peaceful.

  • Mona M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2025

    Payne Lake Dispersed Site

    Beautiful Lake

    Public access boat ramp with limited parking available on both sides. No amenities on-site. I'm getting two bars of Verizon signal with the help of a WeBoost. Beautiful views, peaceful and quiet.

  • Elizabeth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2020

    Blue Lagoon Primitive Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed camping on stillwater reservoir

    Primitive site on the beautiful south eastern end of Stillwater. A short hike in to a great beach for swimming or paddling.

    We’ve stayed here many times in tents and hammock tents. The swimming is fantastic- water is clean and clear.

    Because you can’t make a reservation here sometimes there’s competition for a spot. There is a good fire circle with space all around. The trail down to the beach is only about a hundred feet, but it is downhill.

    This site is close to the trailhead for the Stillwater firetower, an original Adirondack firetower.

  • Elizabeth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2020

    Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping

    Primitive dispersed camping. 1/4 mile walk in, lovely quiet lake

    This is a small primitive site. No services, but a very beautiful spot. There’s a small fire ring, and access to the lake for swimming or fishing. 

    Sunday lake has always been lovely and quiet and a great place to take youth campers. 

    Take Stillwater rd. to McCarty road, the trail is 0.3 miles To Sunday lake. Space to park two cars or a small RV off the road.

  • Thomas E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2025

    Winona State Forest

    Free and Quiet

    The primitive campsite was a little difficult to find there’s a tiny black and yellow placard that shows you where you can camp. There were some firewood set out except it was wet. Overall a good free quiet place to camp.

  • Noah D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2023

    Towsley Road Dispersed Camping

    great little spot

    nice place to sleep. good for someone who doesn’t want something too off the road. when you get to the destination you have to go a little more up the road until you see a sign and a sand patch on the side of the road.

Guide to Mannsville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Mannsville, New York, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, there's something for everyone.

Scenic Spots for Dispersed Campers

  • Towsley Road Dispersed Camping is a great choice for those who prefer a location that’s not too far off the beaten path, making it easy to access while still enjoying the tranquility of nature.
  • For a peaceful retreat, Winona State Forest offers a quiet campsite just off Bargy Road, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • If you’re seeking a more primitive experience, Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping features a lovely lake for swimming or fishing, accessible via a short hike, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bit of adventure.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Mannsville

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping, where you can cast a line in a serene setting surrounded by nature.
  • Hiking is a must at Winona State Forest, where the area serves as a trailhead for a man-made trail, allowing campers to explore the beautiful surroundings.
  • Enjoy a campfire under the stars at Towsley Road Dispersed Camping, where you can unwind after a day of outdoor activities.

Unique Features for Dispersed Campers

  • At Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping, pets are allowed, making it a great spot for those who want to bring their furry friends along for the adventure.
  • Winona State Forest requires no permits, allowing for a hassle-free camping experience where you can simply drive in and set up camp.
  • For those looking for a no-cost option, Towsley Road Dispersed Camping offers free camping, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious adventurers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Mannsville, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Mannsville, NY is Winona State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Mannsville, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Mannsville, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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