Best Dispersed Camping near Pottersville, NY

The Adirondack region surrounding Pottersville offers several dispersed camping options on public land. Crane Pond provides nine primitive sites primarily accessible by boat, with one site reachable by a short trail from the parking area. The access road requires 4WD vehicles with higher clearance. According to one visitor, "Please note Crane Pond Road from the lower parking lot to the pond itself is NOT maintained and often gets very muddy. 4WD is required, if you go back there without it your day is gonna suck."

Nearby backcountry options include Crane Mountain Pond Campsite, which requires a hike in but rewards with "gorgeous sunset views," and Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest. Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off provides free tent camping with drive-in access, though the dirt road entrance is "well hidden from the main road if you aren't paying close attention." Most sites in the area feature primitive fire rings but lack amenities such as toilets, picnic tables, or drinking water. Cell service is extremely limited or non-existent throughout these camping areas, making them ideal for those seeking remote wilderness experiences.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Pottersville, New York (21)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Pottersville, NY

6 Photos of 21 Pottersville Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pottersville, NY

11 Reviews of 21 Pottersville Campgrounds


  • Josie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    Private Campsite

    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. We only saw sites 3 and 6 marked and took #6. There was a fire ring and access to the river down a semi-steep bank. Beautiful to listen to at night. 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. Felt private despite the road.

  • Taylor A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2023

    Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    Adirondack Camping Trip

    Highly Reccomend! 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. There is no service at all.

    This site is campsite 6 and very private (I believe there must be others located close by). The site has it’s own private road. A car is not reccomended. Possible to turn around but you definitley need a smaller suv. There is a firepit at the site and plenty of space for multiple tents, ground may look flat but when sleeping-definitely is not. Plenty of trees for hammocks etc. You can hear cars from the site but the cars can’t see you-loved this! The sound of the cars from the main highway is something I got used to quick. The site is mostly shaded-the sun shines through a bit but not much.

    There is a river down the hill from the campsite which helps keep it fairly cool at night. The bugs were terrible.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

    Nice setting, simple fire pit only sites

    There seems to be a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin. Some folks were camping in the picnic area. Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook. They were well used with some litter. We packed out what we could find. There are posted signs on the opposite bank so we stayed on our side. Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area.

  • Miccal  M.
    Jan. 26, 2024

    Green Mountain National Forest FR42 Dispersed Site

    Busy and small sites

    Every time I've driven up Bingo to find a spot I end up leaving the area and going somewhere else.  The sites are small and close to the road.  Being primitive sites there are no facilities.  You will find fire rings at each site though.

  • Nicole T.
    May. 13, 2025

    Crane Pond Dispersed Site

    4WD Required But Worth It

    Please note Crane Pond Road from the lower parking lot to the pond itself is NOT maintained and often gets very muddy. 4WD is required, if you go back there without it your day is gonna suck. From experience - if your vehicle isn't lifted you may come out with a ding or two from rocks and other things jutting out of the ground. Not fit for an RV in any capacity. The parking lot at the end of Crane Pond Road is relatively small but can fit at least 6 vehicles. There is an outhouse near that lot and a foot bridge off to the right, leading to Pharaoh Mtn Trail. 

    If you're staying to camp there are (9) sites only accessible by boat (I haven't found a map that numbers/letters them), except the one right by the parking lot. There is a trail leading to that one. My family and I have never used the other sites so I can only attest to the one which is freaking GREAT. There is a stone cliff near it that goes down about 12(?) feet and is great for fishing or jumping off of. There is also a stone area right by the water if you want to fish or just sunbathe. Stone fireplace on site. The view right there is beautiful and at night you can hear the loons (visible during the day as well).

  • T K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2022

    Crane Mountain Pond Campsite

    Gorgeous sunset views

    After a short hike up steep crane mountain we watched the beautiful sun set. One of the nicest places I’ve camped at.

  • MARY B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 22, 2021

    Seventh Lake Primitive Camping

    Canoe Camping at Its Best

    There are a few camping sites and one lean-to that I know of in this area. We happened upon it on our way to the seventh lake campground and ended up staying for two nights. We accessed the sites by water on a canoe trip. There is a large sand bar within a very short walk which was a great place to hang out. Seventh lake is pretty quiet but there were a few boats there both days we visited.  There is a trail that connects the campsites to Seventh Lake Rd. and to the Bug Lake trail and we had some Hikers travel through the campsite. If you are looking for the site from the water, look for a HUGE rock and there will be a sign that reads camp here, there are two more campsites, one with a lean-to within a short walk as well.

  • Alex R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2023

    Ward Brook Campsite

    Great campsite at the bottom of Seymour mountain

    Great campsite with a nice lean-to. 

    Fire pit, picnic table, and a privy. 

    A bit further you will find some tent spots too. 

    Plenty of water around.

  • Thomas and James S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Last light on Michigan Brook

    The Last Light

    Love this site! The very last spot on the right hand side. If you’ve reached the closed gate you’ve missed the site! Keep it clean!


Guide to Pottersville

Dispersed camping near Pottersville, New York provides backcountry enthusiasts with access to the southern Adirondack wilderness. This region sits at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,500 feet with mixed northern hardwood forests dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day but can drop significantly at night, requiring appropriate sleeping gear even in warm months.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Several primitive campsites around Vanderwacker Mountain Wild Forest offer shoreline fishing access. The small streams and ponds contain native brook trout and introduced bass species that can be caught from shore or small watercraft.

Rock climbing access: Chapel Pond Camping provides convenient proximity to numerous climbing routes. This area serves as a base camp for accessing nearby crags without lengthy morning commutes to climbing areas.

Wildlife observation: Ward Brook Campsite offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. According to camper Alex R., the site features "a nice lean-to" with "plenty of water around," making it ideal for spotting native Adirondack species like beavers and deer that frequent the waterways.

What campers like

Privacy and seclusion: North Woods Club Road Dispersed Camping sites are set back from the main road, providing isolation for those seeking quiet. The dense forest cover creates natural buffers between camping areas.

River sounds: Visitors to Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off appreciate the natural white noise. As Taylor A. notes, "There is a river down the hill from the campsite which helps keep it fairly cool at night," creating a pleasant sleeping environment despite the site being "mostly shaded."

Fishing platforms: Lake George dispersed sites often feature natural stone areas suitable for fishing. Sites typically include flat rocks along shorelines that serve as stable platforms for anglers.

Hammock options: Multiple trees at several sites accommodate hammock camping. According to Taylor A., Cod Pond offers "plenty of trees for hammocks etc," making it versatile for various sleeping setups.

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Many forest roads leading to dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. At Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest, camper Brendan M. reports, "It was rocky getting there but super super remote - zero service. Great space for my jeep and honestly you could fit a LARGE RV."

Navigation challenges: Finding unmarked sites can be difficult. Taylor A. warns about Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off: "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."

Weather preparedness: Summer thunderstorms are common in July and August. Camping at higher elevations increases lightning risk, requiring contingency plans and appropriate shelter options.

Ground conditions: Despite appearances, tent sites may have subtle slopes. Campers at Cod Pond discovered that "ground may look flat but when sleeping-definitely is not," suggesting careful tent placement to avoid sliding during the night.

Tips for camping with families

Noise considerations: When camping with children, choose sites away from major roads. Josie W. notes that while at Cod Pond "you can hear cars from the site but the cars can't see you," which provides both privacy and safety for families.

Site size assessment: Look for dispersed areas with adequate space for multiple tents. Josie W. found that site #6 at Cod Pond was "big enough to pull our mid-size SUV down and unfold rooftop-tent," though they "did have to back out in the morning; not enough room to turn around."

Bathroom solutions: Plan for no facilities at most sites. While Ward Brook Campsite has "a privy" according to Alex R., most dispersed areas in the Pottersville region lack any toilet facilities, requiring families to bring portable options.

Water supply planning: Pack sufficient water for your entire stay. Despite some sites being near water sources, all drinking water should be treated or brought from home since natural sources may contain harmful organisms.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Many dispersed sites cannot accommodate large RVs. Brendan M. found that Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest had surprisingly ample room, noting it was "great space for my jeep and honestly you could fit a LARGE RV," but this is the exception rather than the rule.

Turn-around space: Assess sites for ability to maneuver larger vehicles. Several reviews mention backing out being necessary due to limited space for turning around at smaller sites.

Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks for uneven terrain. Most dispersed sites feature natural, ungraded surfaces that require adjustment for comfortable sleeping in vehicle-based accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pottersville, NY is Crane Pond Dispersed Site with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Pottersville, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.