Dispersed camping near Parishville, New York offers primitive outdoor experiences within the northwestern Adirondack region. The area features several designated camping locations set among mixed hardwood forests at elevations ranging from 1,200-1,800 feet. Many sites experience seasonal temperature swings with summer highs averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below 0°F, creating distinct camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Paddling access points: Little Green Pond features 12 designated camping spots with direct pond access. "Some require driving down a bumpy access road that can be muddy after a rain. Sites are on the Pond. Pond has a small beach to swim," notes camper Lo M. about Little Green Pond.
Hiking connections: Ward Brook Campsite serves as a basecamp for mountain trails. "Great campsite at the bottom of Seymour mountain," shares Alex R. about Ward Brook Campsite. The site includes basic amenities with "a nice lean-to, fire pit, picnic table, and a privy" plus tent spots nearby.
Water activities: Horseshoe Lake provides multiple shoreline camping options. "Along Co 421, by Horseshoe Lake, there are 10-11 designated campsites. Most have fire pits," reports Rebecca B., adding that the forest setting creates "pretty shaded" sites that may challenge solar equipment.
What campers like
Isolation from technology: Polliwog Lake creates opportunities for complete disconnection. A camper named Debbie T. describes the experience at Polliwog Lake on Floodwood Road as "very relaxing" with "no cell, no internet."
Lake views: Payne Lake offers accessible shoreline camping with scenic surroundings. "Beautiful views, peaceful and quiet," reports Mona M. about Payne Lake Dispersed Site, noting the "public access boat ramp with limited parking available on both sides."
Access to kayaking: Cranberry Lake provides extensive water exploration opportunities. "Amazing lake for kayaking and boating," writes Kristal Ann F. about her experience at Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites, adding that the campgrounds were "beautiful, clean, friendly" with "sites not crowded together."
What you should know
Site designation: Most dispersed sites in the region follow New York's designated camping system. Rebecca B. explains at Horseshoe Lake that "the road is rough but easily doable if you take it slow."
Water filtration needs: Potable water is unavailable at all dispersed sites. At Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites, Kristal Ann F. found the sites "clean" but campers must filter lake water or bring their own supply.
Variable cell service: Mobile connectivity varies significantly by location. At Horseshoe Lake, Rebecca notes "slight AT&T at earlier sites" while at Payne Lake, Mona M. reports "getting two bars of Verizon signal with the help of a WeBoost."
Limited amenities: Most sites offer minimal facilities. Mona M. emphasizes "no amenities on-site" at Payne Lake, while Alex R. notes Ward Brook offers basic provisions including "plenty of water around."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Little Green Pond includes family-friendly water access. Lo M. mentions the pond "has a small beach to swim" making it suitable for supervised children.
Fire management: Most designated sites include established fire rings. According to Rebecca B., at Horseshoe Lake "most have fire pits" though fire bans may apply during dry seasons.
Site selection: Arrive early to secure preferred camping spots. Lo M. notes that at Little Green Pond, sites are "tree covered" providing natural shade during hot summer days.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: RV camping requires careful planning on forest roads. Rebecca B. notes that at Horseshoe Lake, "the road is rough" requiring slow travel, especially for larger vehicles.
Power considerations: Solar setups face challenges in heavily forested areas. Rebecca mentions at Horseshoe Lake "the sites are pretty shaded, so solar and Starlink may present challenges" for campers requiring power.
Parking availability: Limited space exists at most dispersed sites. At Payne Lake, Mona M. observes "limited parking available on both sides" of the boat ramp area, requiring early arrival for suitable spots.
