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Best Dispersed Camping near Pottersville, NY

11 Reviews

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.

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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

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pottersville, New York, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll be able to enjoy the great outdoors in peace.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Pottersville, New York

  • Look for sites like Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, which offers a private atmosphere despite its proximity to a main road, making it easy to access while still feeling secluded.
  • Be prepared for a lack of amenities; many spots, such as Crane Pond Dispersed Site, do not provide drinking water or toilets, so plan accordingly.
  • Keep an eye out for hidden access points; for instance, the entrance to Crane Mountain Pond Campsite can be easy to miss if you're not paying close attention.

Dispersed campers should check out Crane Mountain Pond

  • The hike to Crane Mountain Pond Campsite rewards you with stunning sunset views, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate breathtaking scenery.
  • This site is well-suited for adventurous campers, as it requires a hike-in, ensuring a more immersive experience in nature.
  • With no permit required, you can enjoy the freedom of spontaneous camping at this picturesque location.

Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest for dispersed campers

  • For those seeking a more rugged experience, Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest offers a hike-in option that immerses you in the natural beauty of the area.
  • This site is perfect for campers who want to escape the hustle and bustle, as it provides a tranquil environment without the need for reservations.
  • The absence of amenities encourages a true back-to-basics camping experience, allowing you to connect with nature in its purest form.

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.

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