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North Lake Reservoir Campground
57 min away
North Lake Resevoir
57 min away
"We hiked into our site, not easy because almost everything is meant to be accessed by boat so we were guessing our course!"
"Our spot had gorgeous waterfront to it, a stone fire circle where someone had left extra fire wood, and ample trees."
"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."
"32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean."
"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’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. "
"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."
"The road is in good condition. No AT&T cell service in this area."
"Ours had an extensive pile of dry wood, too. There is a decent privy tucked back in the woods. Bring your own TP though! "
"amazing lake for kayaking and boating.
sites not crowded together."
"Along Co 421, by Horseshoe Lake, there are 10-11 designated campsites. Most have fire pits.
Road is rough but easily doable if you take it slow."
"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."
LegendWe 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.
TravelerDecent 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.
GuideThis 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.
TravelerHighly 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.
RangerPulled 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.
ScoutVery 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.
Scout32 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.
GuideSite 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,
RangerPrimitive 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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Old Forge, New York, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Old Forge, NY?
Several free dispersed camping options exist near Old Forge. Stillwater Reservoir offers beautiful sites primarily accessed by boat, though some hiking access is possible. The reservoir provides a peaceful setting with sites that include fire rings. Another excellent option is Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, which features marked sites (#3 and #6) right off the main road with fire rings and river access. Look for the short dirt road turnoff, which can be easy to miss. Both locations offer secluded camping experiences with no fees, though they lack facilities beyond basic fire rings and occasionally primitive outhouses. Remember that cell service is extremely limited or nonexistent in these areas, so plan accordingly and bring everything you need.
What are the rules and regulations for primitive camping in Old Forge?
When primitive camping near Old Forge, you must camp at designated numbered sites only. At Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest, most sites are along the road, but some are tucked deeper in the woods, with a few featuring outhouses. At North Lake Reservoir Campground, there are 32 sites surrounding the lake, including some walk-in sites directly on the water. Standard Adirondack Park regulations apply: camp at least 150 feet from water, roads, and trails unless at a designated site with a fire ring; practice Leave No Trace principles; use existing fire rings only; store food properly to avoid wildlife encounters; and limit stays to 3 nights at a single location. Pack out all trash and respect quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 7 AM.
Are there any fees or permits required for dispersed camping in Old Forge, New York?
Most dispersed camping areas near Old Forge don't require fees or advance permits for stays under 3 nights. Winona State Forest offers free primitive camping with minimal amenities (only fire rings made of rocks). Similarly, Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping provides no-fee access to primitive sites with small fire rings and lake access. For stays longer than 3 nights or groups of 10+ people, you'll need a free permit from the NYS DEC, available through their website or local ranger stations. While most sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system, certain backcountry areas may have specific regulations. Always check the DEC website before your trip, as regulations can change seasonally, particularly during fire danger periods or hunting seasons.
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