Several dispersed camping options exist within state forests and wilderness areas surrounding Porter Corners, New York. Ushers Road State Forest provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails with potential camping spots at least 150 feet off the main trail. A recent visitor noted, "About 500 feet down the right-hand trail, there is a smaller path branching off to the left leading to a previously used campsite with a stone fire ring."
The Lake George Wild Forest area offers more remote options, including Bear Slide which accommodates larger vehicles despite rocky access roads. Crane Mountain Pond Campsite requires a hike-in approach but rewards with scenic views. According to one visitor, "After a short hike up steep Crane Mountain we watched the beautiful sun set." Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off features private sites accessible via dirt roads, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Most dispersed sites in the region permit fires and allow pets, but typically lack facilities such as toilets, drinking water, or trash service. Forest service roads throughout the area provide access to boondocking opportunities, though conditions vary seasonally and after rainfall.
"It was rocky getting there but super super remote - zero service. Great space for my jeep and honestly you could fit a LARGE RV. There is a bathroom at the entrance."
"This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."
"Only con which wasn’t that big of an issue was that you are close to the road, so any vehicles going by which wasn’t many you would hear. Besides that you are in dark and quiet state forest."
"After a short hike up steep crane mountain we watched the beautiful sun set. One of the nicest places I’ve camped at."
"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."
"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."
"We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!"
"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."
"Shaded areas and picnic tables. It is located on the Mohawk River. It is a busy train location across the river."
"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."
"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."
"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."
ScoutIt was dark. I arrived after 7p. There were 3 rv camps already going on. All 3 had camp fires. Many fire rings for many groups. No hassles at all. It's off the beaten path but worth it. The first 4 camp sites were open. Made a fire. Ate some food. I got a good night sleep. Nothing ate me or attacked me so that's 5 star in my book.
TravelerLots of beautiful spots to pick from but be careful some are a bit muddy. We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!
GuideWent with a friend on an impromptu last minute camping trip up in the NF and hoped we could find a spot on a Friday night. Quite a few spots were taken but there were still some free ones. We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing. In the morning, adorable little red squirrels with big personalities made themselves known and there were wildflowers blooming all over with hummingbirds going about their business. This is dispersed camping so there’s no rest rooms, running water, etc. The particular site we stayed at did have another site on the other side of the creek and we could hear the family during the day and see them as they walked past, so it wasn’t as isolated as some of the other sites. It was a cute spot and I’ll def be back.
TravelerThis is a good spot if you don’t mind being social. The main camping area is a large grassy opening where multiple people park and camp together, and there is a bathroom, but there isn’t much privacy between sites. If you continue farther down the forest road, there are several smaller pull-offs with much more private dispersed camping spots. I’d recommend checking those out if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
TravelerMy 2008 Prius handled the road with ease. Sites were spaced out. There was hiking at the end of the road but not too much space to wander around from the sites given the road’s high speed limit. Sites had fire pits and that was it. Very quiet and fairly accessible from society. Given the lack of free camping in the southern northeast this spot is a gem!
GuideI selected a semi shaded site about 25 feet off the road about 2 miles in. There are many sites but you may have to look as a lot are overgrown. I am glad I selected the site I did as it stayed “dry” through 48 hrs of torrential downpours. I had very few problems with the bugs: have a nice smoky fire…best repellant out there!
GuideSo peaceful and serene
GuideI had many sites to choose from. Definitely remote and private.
ScoutOnly about 7-8 spots to camp but super spread out down a gravel road. I pulled in at 8 ish and grabbed the last or one of the last spots. Super quiet and out of the way
Primitive camping near Porter Corners, New York offers backcountry experiences in the southeastern Adirondacks region. The area sits at elevations ranging from 900-1,300 feet with rugged forest terrain characterized by mixed hardwoods and evergreens. After rainfall, low-lying areas throughout these forests can become saturated and swampy, requiring careful site selection on higher ground.
Fishing opportunities: At Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest, campers can access nearby rivers directly from their sites. "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," notes one visitor who appreciated the river access.
Biking the backcountry: The region features multiple bicycle-friendly nature trails through state forests. Roads through George D Aiken Wilderness provide various riding options. One camper reported, "Road was quite good. I believe I have the last of 4 sites. Nice camp fire area."
Water recreation: Somerset Reservoir near Somerset Airfield offers paddling and swimming. "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir - saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping," shares a recent visitor who spent time at this location during summer.
Privacy levels: Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off sites offer seclusion despite proximity to forest roads. As one camper notes: "Decent 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... Felt private despite the road."
Fire rings: Many dispersed sites feature established fire rings. At NFR 273 Dispersed Camping, one visitor found "a beautifully built fire pit" at their chosen site. Another camper at George D Aiken Wilderness mentioned appreciating the "nice camp fire area" at their location.
Wildlife viewing: The parking area at Fort Plain Lock 15 offers riverside views. One camper reported: "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)."
Vehicle requirements: Many primitive camping areas near Porter Corners require appropriate vehicles. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, conditions vary seasonally: "It had rained a lot prior to our arrival, and several sites were damp. We found a perfect site off the road on the right side."
Cell service limitations: Most dispersed camping areas have limited or no coverage. At Powley Road, "There is zero Verizon cell service in the whole area. So plan accordingly," warns one camper. Similarly, NFR 273 sites have spotty coverage depending on location.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly. Winter campers at Somerset Airfield experienced challenging conditions: "We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday, and our main Roadhouse down from the weight of the snow."
Site selection: Choose sites with flat terrain for comfortable sleeping. A NFR 273 visitor mentioned: "Large, well organized camping spots along the road. The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit. It was a little muddy from rain."
Bug management: Wooded areas can have significant insect activity. One camper at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot warned: "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
Basic facilities: NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot lacks amenities. "Peaceful and quiet dispersed camping spot. Large enough for 2-3 vehicles or one large rig/RV. Very few vehicles pass, some days none. Two fire rings set up: a large one and a small cooking one," reports a visitor.
Access roads: Forest service roads vary in quality and width. For Fort Plain Lock 15, a visitor noted: "Simply it's a parking lot with a view. The parking area is right on the water. It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by."
Site dimensions: At Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, "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," shared one camper regarding maneuverability.
Overnight regulations: At Fort Plain Lock 15, RVers noted police presence without issues: "There was a police officer that drove through the lot and drove around my campervan and continued on his way so I know that it is okay to overnight there."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Porter Corners, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Porter Corners, NY is Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Porter Corners, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 dispersed camping locations near Porter Corners, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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