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Best Dispersed Camping near Potsdam, NY

4 Reviews

Several primitive backcountry camping areas surround Potsdam in the Adirondack region of New York. Cranberry Lake offers free backcountry island camping with sites that include picnic tables and fire rings. Catamount Island provides secluded camping with privy toilets, though campers must bring their own toilet paper and either filter lake water or pack in drinking water. Payne Lake Dispersed Site offers free camping with drive-in access suitable for tents and RVs, with a public boat ramp but no amenities.

Little Green Pond features 12 designated camping spots under pine trees along the shoreline, with a small beach for swimming. Some sites require navigating bumpy access roads that become muddy after rain. Horseshoe Lake contains 10-11 designated campsites along County Road 421, most with fire pits. A recent review mentioned "road is rough but easily doable if you take it slow," and noted "sites are pretty shaded, so solar and Starlink may present challenges." Polliwog Lake on Floodwood Road provides a completely disconnected experience, with one camper noting "no cell, no internet."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Potsdam, New York (8)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Potsdam, NY

4 Photos of 8 Potsdam Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Potsdam, NY

4 Reviews of 8 Potsdam Campgrounds

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2018

    Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites

    Your Own Private Island for FREE!

    We 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.

  • Mona M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2025

    Payne Lake Dispersed Site

    Beautiful Lake

    Public access boat ramp with limited parking available on both sides. No amenities on-site. I'm getting two bars of Verizon signal with the help of a WeBoost. Beautiful views, peaceful and quiet.

  • Kristal Ann F.
    Apr. 27, 2019

    Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites

    Beautiful Adirondack camping

    Beautiful campgrounds... clean.. friendly..

    amazing lake for kayaking and boating.

    sites not crowded together.

Guide to Potsdam

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Potsdam, New York, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and outdoor adventures without the crowds. This area offers a variety of options for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Top Activities for Kayakers while Free Camping Near Potsdam

  • Experience stunning sunsets and excellent kayaking opportunities at Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites, where you can paddle around Catamount Island and explore the surrounding waters.

Hiking Trails for Dispersed Campers

  • Enjoy the scenic Curtis Pond hike, accessible from Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites, which features beautiful beaver dams and offers a chance to stretch your legs after a day on the water.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Potsdam, New York

  • Remember to bring your own potable water or a filtration system when visiting Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites, as this area requires you to be self-sufficient for your water needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Potsdam?

Dispersed camping in the Potsdam area follows standard Adirondack Park regulations. At Little Green Pond, camping is restricted to 12 designated spots, which helps manage environmental impact. Sites are tree-covered and situated on the pond. Polliwog Lake on Floodwood Road has similar designated-site restrictions. Most dispersed sites in the region require camping at established sites with existing fire rings, staying at least 150 feet from water bodies (except at designated waterfront sites), and limiting stays to 14 consecutive days. Pack-in/pack-out trash policies apply, and bear-resistant food storage is recommended. Check for seasonal fire bans before your trip.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Potsdam?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Potsdam in the Adirondack region. Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites offers island camping with picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Catamount Island is particularly popular for its incredible sunsets. Payne Lake Dispersed Site provides a more accessible option with a public boat ramp and parking on both sides, though it lacks amenities. Other nearby options include Little Green Pond, Polliwog Lake, and sites along Mountain Pond Road. Most of these dispersed sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early during peak season is recommended.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Potsdam, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Potsdam, NY is Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Potsdam, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Potsdam, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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