Best Dispersed Camping near Niskayuna, NY

Niskayuna is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Niskayuna is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Niskayuna, reviewed by campers like you.

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Best Dispersed Sites Near Niskayuna, New York (21)

    1. Ushers Road State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Round Lake, NY
    9 miles

    "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."

    3. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    6 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    41 miles

    "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."

    "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be."

    4. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Wilmington, VT
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road."

    "Some sites were really wet but we found a nice dry place."

    5. Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    3 Reviews
    Fort Plain, NY
    38 miles

    "Continue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area."

    "It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving. There are grills in the grassy area for tent camping, also a potable water tap."

    6. Duck Pond Campsite

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    36 miles

    "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad."

    "Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads"

    7. Betty Brook Camp

    2 Reviews
    West Fulton, NY
    37 miles

    "I live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road."

    "Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots"

    8. Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    38 miles

    "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"

    "Entrance is soft"

    9. Somerset Airfield

    6 Reviews
    West Dover, VT
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 388-4362

    "It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park."

    "I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 21 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Niskayuna, NY

38 Reviews of 21 Niskayuna Campgrounds


  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Ushers Road State Forest

    Trail head

    This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week.

    About 500 feet down the right-hand trail, there is a smaller path branching off to the left. This leads to a previously used campsite, approximately 200 feet from the main trail. The site includes a stone fire ring, indicating prior use.

    Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it’s at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots.

  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2023

    Somerset Airfield

    Small open park

    The Airfield Campground is a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits. It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park. The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities. There are other dispersed sites down the road that are free

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Somerset Airfield

    Good stopover location

    Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere.

    Campsites are listed as disbursed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites. The campsites are all next to the road and have fire circles.

    There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service. Basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors.

  • Natasha T.
    Jun. 6, 2022

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Nice wooded little campsite

    A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well. A few miles down the road there is another campsite that is more open and also has a fire pit with a lot less bugs flying around and more open space.

  • YThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Open quite campsites

    After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience. Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Small vehicle only

    The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse. The site itself, was pretty nice, Fire pit, trickling stream, but the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it. Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads

  • c H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2023

    George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    Cool Spot!

    The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road. Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites.

  • SJ W.
    Nov. 1, 2024

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Beautiful but surprisingly crowded

    Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be. Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck. The road itself was in great condition though.

  • Mona M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    Just Passed Lock 15

    Continue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area. The parking lot is large, rocky, and uneven, situated right on the Mohawk River. It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and fishing (with a valid license). Verizon cell service is good here. At the lock parking area, you'll find pit toilets, a dumpster, and potable water available on the side of the building as you enter.


Guide to Niskayuna

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Niskayuna, New York, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Niskayuna

  • Enjoy fishing and picnicking at Betty Brook Camp, where a stream runs alongside the site, providing a peaceful backdrop for your outdoor activities.
  • Explore hiking trails and take in the scenic views at Duck Pond Campsite, which is known for its well-maintained campsites and tranquil pond.
  • Experience winter camping at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp, a great location for those looking to embrace the cold while enjoying the beauty of snow-covered landscapes.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Ushers Road State Forest

  • Ushers Road State Forest offers a remote experience with no permit required, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous camping trips.
  • Drive-in access allows for easy arrival, so you can quickly set up camp and start enjoying your surroundings.
  • The forest's peaceful atmosphere is perfect for those seeking solitude and a chance to reconnect with nature.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Niskayuna, New York

  • Always check road conditions before heading to Rockwood State Forest, as some access roads may be unpaved and require careful navigation.
  • Bring your own water and supplies when visiting Rensselaerville State Forest, as amenities are limited and you’ll want to be fully prepared for your stay.
  • Be mindful of wildlife and practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of areas like Featherstonhaugh State Forest Site for future visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Niskayuna, NY is Ushers Road State Forest with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Niskayuna, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.