Rustic camping near Poestenkill, New York offers numerous dispersed sites across both New York and neighboring Vermont state forests. Most locations sit at elevations between 1,200-2,500 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the seasons. Access roads to many sites become impassable after heavy snowfall from November through April, with snowmobile traffic replacing vehicle access in winter months.
What to do
Pond exploration: 15-30 minutes from camping sites. At Somerset Airfield, campers can take advantage of the nearby Somerset Reservoir. "The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities," notes a reviewer who goes by M.A.D. P.
Mountain biking: Accessible directly from campsites. The trails at Ushers Road State Forest provide bicycle-friendly terrain. According to The L., "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."
Night sky viewing: Zero light pollution at remote sites. Several primitive sites offer exceptional stargazing. At NF83 Dispersed site 1, Miccal M. reports, "what a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions."
What campers like
Spacious gathering areas: Many sites accommodate multiple vehicles or tents. At Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71, Andy M. found "a great site... very flat and could accommodate several small campers." Similarly, Tim M. describes it as an "open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering."
River-adjacent spots: Several locations feature waterfront camping. Thomas and James S. describe NF 83 - riverside as "Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit!"
Well-built fire rings: Many dispersed sites feature established stone fire rings. Tam E. at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed found "a beautifully built fire pit" at their site, while another camper noted multiple sites had fire rings ready for use.
What you should know
Road conditions vary drastically: Approach roads range from well-maintained to severely rutted. Paul F. notes that "The road into the site was pretty rough" at NF 83 - riverside. At NF83 Dispersed site 1, Miccal M. cautions, "Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle."
Seasonal flooding impacts sites: Many locations become unusable during wet periods. Kirk C. found one site "very muddy... I have an SUV and I didn't trust it to get through, and I didn't want to get stuck."
Variable cellular coverage: Connectivity differs significantly between locations. Tim M. reports "2 bars of USCellular LTE" at Statton Pond Camp, while at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, Danny D. mentions it's "Peaceful and quiet" with limited connectivity.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife encounters management: Bear activity occurs in the area. At Statton Pond Camp, Brendan M. reports, "I did see a huge blackbear," suggesting proper food storage is essential.
Site maintenance responsibilities: Previous camper impact varies by location. Sandy L. shares a common challenge: "2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us."
Bug preparation essential: Insect activity levels vary by location. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot, Natasha T. warns of "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
Tips from RVers
Clearance requirements: Low-clearance RVs face access challenges at many sites. Thomas and James S. advise about NF 83 - riverside: "The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks... smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two!"
Leveling challenges: Site terrain varies significantly. Kevin C. found at Somerset Airfield that "Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere."
Site availability fluctuations: Competition for prime spots intensifies on weekends and holidays. SJ W. reports about NFR 273, "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot."
