Dispersed camping near Moriah, New York offers primitive sites throughout the Adirondack wilderness and nearby Vermont areas across Lake Champlain. These free camping spots typically sit at elevations between 1,000 and 2,500 feet, providing varied experiences depending on terrain. Most dispersed camping options require visitors to bring all supplies and practice proper waste management in these sensitive mountain ecosystems.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 provides direct access to mountain paths with varying difficulty levels. As one visitor notes, "It is old Vermont farm land that the team of the US National Forest must manage. They have kept the clearing clear and access is pretty good." The site serves as an excellent base for day hikes.
Fishing in mountain streams: Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road offers riverside camping with immediate fishing access. According to a camper, "Mountain road lingers along the river. There's quite a few sites along the road. Be sure to camp at spots with established fire rings!" The cold mountain water supports trout fishing during appropriate seasons.
Swimming in natural pools: Austin Brook provides accessible swimming options during summer months. "This location is easy to access and has really nice drive in sites," reports one visitor. The natural pools vary in depth and temperature throughout the season, with some deeper spots remaining cold even during August heat.
What campers like
Natural solitude: Green Mountain National Forest FR207 receives praise for its isolation. According to a review, "About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that's about it." Campers consistently mention the lack of noise pollution and minimal light interference for stargazing.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campers report diverse wildlife sightings across multiple sites. At Green Mountain National Forest FR207, one winter camper shared, "My first time winter camping and had the entire area to myself. Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful. Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving." Seasonal wildlife varies with deer common year-round and occasional moose sightings in less trafficked areas.
Mountain viewscapes: Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 offers expansive views as highlighted by a visitor: "The scenic beauty of this place is amazing. There was some color in the forest but most of it was still green. There are wide open views of 3 mountain ranges." Most sites provide some mountain visibility, though tree coverage varies by location.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many dispersed sites demand appropriate vehicles. As one Lincoln Dispersed Camping visitor explains, "FR 291 is a somewhat primitive road - lots of big puddles. I would want some clearance for a vehicle." Standard passenger cars often struggle with access, particularly after rainfall.
Essential supplies: No services exist at these primitive locations. A reviewer of Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites notes: "There seems to be a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin... Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook." All water requires filtering, and no trash services exist.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns significantly affect camping conditions. A Green Mountain National Forest FR207 camper advises, "Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season." Spring mud often makes sites inaccessible until late May, while black flies peak from mid-May through June.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection priorities: Choose sites with natural features that engage children. At Patterson Brookside camp, families appreciate that the "Gorgeous rock river" provides natural playground opportunities while maintaining safety with proper supervision.
Timing considerations: Avoid peak bug season with children. As mentioned for Green Mountain National Forest FR207, treating clothing and skin becomes essential during black fly season, which proves particularly challenging for younger campers unaccustomed to insect pressure.
Safety planning: Limited cell service requires thorough preparation. Lincoln Dispersed Camping visitors note, "Lincoln General Store is 3.5 miles away via Downingville. Some modest resupply options there." Families should identify nearest emergency services before arrival and pack comprehensive first aid supplies.
Tips from RVers
Road assessments: RV access remains severely limited at most dispersed sites. A Green Mountain National Forest FR207 visitor cautions, "This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance. Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs." Smaller campervans may access certain sites with careful driving.
Length limitations: Sites rarely accommodate larger units. Green Mountain National Forest FR25 has "small number of sites and a bit hard to find" according to one visitor, with turning radius being the primary limitation for anything beyond small trailers or vans.
Resource management: Self-contained units offer advantages in these primitive areas. One Green Mountain National Forest FR25 camper warns, "We were here on a Friday & Saturday nights. Friday night had the whole place to ourselves. Saturday night all spots filled." Carrying additional water proves essential as no fill stations exist within reasonable distances.
