The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Minerva, NY

11 Reviews

Several dispersed camping sites surround Minerva in New York's Adirondack region, with Crane Pond Dispersed Site requiring 4WD access via unmaintained roads. The parking area accommodates approximately six vehicles with an outhouse nearby. Nine primitive campsites at Crane Pond are accessible only by boat, except for one site reached by trail from the parking lot. Nearby Crane Mountain Pond Campsite offers tent camping with sunset views following a steep hike.

Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off features private sites along a dirt road that can be easily missed from the main highway. Site 6 provides privacy down its own dirt road but requires a small SUV rather than a car for access. The site includes a fire ring with space for multiple tents, though the ground is uneven despite appearances. A river runs downhill from the campsite, keeping temperatures cool at night. One camper noted, "Felt private despite the road," while another mentioned, "The bugs were terrible." Most dispersed sites in the region have fire rings but lack other amenities, with a strict 14-day camping limit observed.

Map showing campgrounds near Minerva, New YorkExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Minerva, New York (20)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 20 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Minerva Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Minerva, NY

8 Photos of 20 Minerva Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Minerva, NY

11 Reviews of 20 Minerva 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.

  • 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.

  • Nicole T.
    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,

  • T K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2022

    Crane Mountain Pond Campsite

    Gorgeous sunset views

    After a short hike up steep crane mountain we watched the beautiful sun set. One of the nicest places I’ve camped at.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2023

    Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest

    Powley Road

    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. Some of the sites even have an outhouse. Stayed in October, so when I left early the next morning, I passed a lot of hunters that had camped along the road, too. The road is in good condition. No AT&T cell service in this area.

  • 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.

  • Alex R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2023

    Ward Brook Campsite

    Great campsite at the bottom of Seymour mountain

    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.

Guide to Minerva

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Minerva, New York, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the tranquility of the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

  • This site offers a private atmosphere, making it a great choice for those seeking solitude while still being accessible via a short dirt road.
  • Campers can enjoy a fire ring and the soothing sounds of the nearby river, perfect for a relaxing evening under the stars.
  • While the site is not big rig friendly, it accommodates mid-size SUVs, allowing for easy access to a beautiful camping experience at Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off.

Scenic views at Crane Mountain Pond Campsite for dispersed campers

  • After a short hike, visitors can enjoy breathtaking sunset views that make the trek worthwhile, creating unforgettable memories.
  • The site is well-hidden, providing a sense of seclusion while still being close to nature's beauty.
  • With no amenities available, this location is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves fully in the wilderness at Crane Mountain Pond Campsite.

Top activities while free camping near Minerva at Forked Lake Adirondack Preserve

  • This area is ideal for truck camping, with spots that offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding nature, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Campers can enjoy primitive camping experiences, with options for both tent and RV setups, allowing for flexibility in accommodations.
  • The site is known for its friendly staff and well-maintained facilities, enhancing the overall camping experience at Forked Lake Adirondack Preserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Minerva, NY is Crane Pond Dispersed Site with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near Minerva, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring