Best Dispersed Camping near New Russia, NY
Crane Pond Dispersed Site offers free camping opportunities near New Russia, featuring nine primitive sites, most accessible only by boat except for one site near the parking lot. The access road to Crane Pond requires four-wheel drive vehicles with good clearance, as it is unmaintained and frequently muddy with protruding rocks. Reviews note this site is not suitable for RVs. The shoreline site includes a stone fireplace, fishing access, and swimming opportunities from a 12-foot stone cliff.
Chapel Pond and Ward Brook provide additional primitive camping options in the area. Ward Brook Campsite, accessible only by hiking in, features a lean-to, fire pit, picnic table, and privy. The site sits at the base of Seymour Mountain with reliable water sources nearby. Though Chapel Pond Camping is listed as free, it does not permit fires, alcohol, or pets. All dispersed sites in the region adhere to the standard 14-day camping limit and require visitors to pack out all waste.






