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Best Dispersed Camping near Martinsburg, NY

20 Reviews

Dispersed camping sites around Martinsburg, New York concentrate primarily in the Adirondack region, with several primitive options within driving distance. Free camping is permitted at Stillwater Reservoir, which receives high ratings from visitors for its secluded sites. Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping provides walk-in primitive sites approximately a quarter mile from parking areas. Additional options include Winona State Forest, which features free primitive campsites, and Payne Lake Dispersed Site, which supports tent and RV camping with no facilities.

Many sites require either boat or foot access, with limited drive-up options. Stillwater Reservoir has numerous boat-access sites and only one drive-up location. Site access often involves unpaved roads that may become challenging in wet conditions. Most dispersed areas lack drinking water, toilets, picnic tables, and other amenities. Campers must bring all necessary supplies, including water or water filtration systems. Fire regulations vary by location, with fires permitted at Stillwater Reservoir, Sunday Lake, and several other sites, while prohibited at locations like Towsley Road Dispersed Camping.

The region provides excellent opportunities for paddling, swimming, and fishing in remote settings. At Sunday Lake, primitive camping puts visitors near a small lake suitable for recreation. A camper noted Stillwater Reservoir offers "ample trees" and "gorgeous waterfront." Stillwater Reservoir remains popular with visitors seeking to disconnect, as one camper mentioned they "got zero service out there." Sites at Seventh Lake are accessible by canoe and feature "a large sand bar within a very short walk." Payne Lake offers "beautiful views, peaceful and quiet" according to recent visitor reports.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Martinsburg, New York (11)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Martinsburg, NY

26 Photos of 11 Martinsburg Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Martinsburg, NY

20 Reviews of 11 Martinsburg 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • MARY B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 22, 2021

    Seventh Lake Primitive Camping

    Canoe Camping at Its Best

    There are a few camping sites and one lean-to that I know of in this area. We happened upon it on our way to the seventh lake campground and ended up staying for two nights. 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.  There is a trail that connects the campsites to Seventh Lake Rd. and to the Bug Lake trail and we had some Hikers travel through the campsite. If you are looking for the site from the water, look for a HUGE rock and there will be a sign that reads camp here, there are two more campsites, one with a lean-to within a short walk as well.

Guide to Martinsburg

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Martinsburg, New York, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy everything from peaceful lakes to scenic trails.

Scenic Lakes for Dispersed Campers

  • The Stillwater Reservoir is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape into nature, featuring peaceful surroundings and opportunities for kayaking and fishing.
  • At Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping, visitors can enjoy a quiet lake perfect for swimming or fishing, making it an ideal retreat for families and youth campers.
  • The Seventh Lake Primitive Camping area offers a unique canoe camping experience, with access to beautiful sandy beaches and trails connecting to nearby lakes.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Martinsburg

  • Kayaking is a popular activity at the Blue Lagoon Primitive Dispersed Camping, where campers can paddle in clean, clear waters and enjoy a relaxing day by the beach.
  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails near North Lake Reservoir Campground, which provide access to stunning views and a chance to explore the surrounding wilderness.
  • For those seeking solitude, Winona State Forest offers a small, quiet campsite that serves as a perfect base for exploring nearby trails and enjoying the tranquility of the forest.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Towsley Road

  • The Towsley Road Dispersed Camping area is conveniently located for those who prefer easy access without venturing too far off the beaten path.
  • Campers can enjoy a peaceful night under the stars, with enough space for both tents and RVs, making it a versatile option for different camping styles.
  • This spot is ideal for those looking to unwind after a day of exploring, as it provides a quiet environment to relax and recharge.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Martinsburg, NY is Stillwater Reservoir with a 4.9-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Martinsburg, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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