Dispersed camping opportunities near Pattersonville, New York extend beyond the immediate area, with primitive sites available across multiple state forests in a region characterized by mixed hardwood forests and elevations ranging from 800-1,500 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with summer highs typically in the 70-80°F range. Most sites require adherence to standard New York DEC regulations including properly extinguishing fires and packing out all trash.
What to do
Fishing access: At Fort Plain Lock 15, campers can fish directly from the parking area along the Mohawk River. "It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and fishing (with a valid license)," notes Mona M. The site features easy water access with variable water levels throughout the season.
Winter camping: Burnt Rossman State Forest offers year-round camping options with accessible sites even during colder months. According to Felix R., "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!" These sites provide opportunities for cold-weather enthusiasts when many designated campgrounds close for the season.
Stream exploration: Betty Brook Camp provides streamside camping with multiple established sites. "You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots," explains Robert B., who has been visiting the area for decades. The small brook offers natural water sounds and opportunities for wading during warmer months.
What campers like
Remoteness: Primitive sites throughout the region offer varying levels of seclusion. At Betty Brook Camp, one long-time visitor explains, "Love to camp here all year long have been coming to the area for a couple of decades now. Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone." The campground provides isolation while remaining accessible.
Water proximity: Several sites offer direct water access. At Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail, one camper describes, "The parking area is right on the water." This location combines convenience with waterfront views despite some ambient noise.
Small-group camping: Most sites accommodate only a few groups simultaneously. At Burnt Rossman State Forest's Westkill Camp, a reviewer notes, "This spot is right off the road. Nice and quiet. There is enough room for 2 to 3 campers." This limited capacity helps maintain a more peaceful experience compared to larger established campgrounds.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to many sites require careful driving and appropriate vehicles. At Duck Pond Campsite, a camper warns, "Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions." Another adds that despite finding "surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites," they had to navigate "unpaved dirt road for a while" to reach them.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region with many areas having no service. At Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest, a camper notes, "There is zero Verizon cell service in the whole area. So plan accordingly." Another reports "No AT&T cell service in this area," indicating the need to prepare for being off-grid.
Site selection timing: During hunting seasons, especially October through December, competition for sites increases. One camper at Powley Road observed, "Stayed in October, so when I left early the next morning, I passed a lot of hunters that had camped along the road, too." Arriving early improves chances of securing preferred sites during these periods.
Tips for camping with families
Stream sites for entertainment: Sites with water access provide natural play areas for children. Near Betty Brook Camp, Peter notes, "There's a stream alongside it, a fire pit, and a town about 8 mi away." These water features offer built-in activities without requiring additional equipment.
Bathroom considerations: Most dispersed sites lack toilet facilities, though a few exceptions exist. At Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest, "Some of the sites even have an outhouse," making them more suitable for families with young children compared to completely primitive locations.
Proximity to necessities: When camping with children, knowing distance to basic supplies matters. One camper notes that near Betty Brook, "There's a town about 8 mi away. It's a small town, with just a gas station store." This allows for emergency supply runs without completely abandoning the rustic camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Parking surface quality: At Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest, despite rough access, one RVer found "Great space for my jeep and honestly you could fit a LARGE RV." However, they caution it was "rocky getting there but super super remote" with "zero service," highlighting the tradeoff between site size and accessibility.
Seasonal ground conditions: Wet periods can significantly impact site accessibility. At Westkill Camp, a reviewer mentions "Parking across the street if it's wet. Entrance is soft," indicating the need for contingency plans during rainy periods even at normally accessible sites.
Size limitations: Most dispersed areas accommodate smaller rigs only. Peter cautions about Betty Brook Camp, "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small," making it more suitable for tent campers, truck campers, or very compact travel trailers rather than larger motorhomes.
