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.
"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."
"The past reviews are correct with a lifted four wheel drive vehicle being needed for this drive in if you plan on getting paddled boats/kayaks in the water."
"Multiple small fire ring, camping spots with an outhouse down a trail by site 3."
"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."
"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 area has two drive-up camping spots each with a picnic table and fire pit. One site is on the lake side of the small road which had very few other drivers."
TravelerPrivate, large site. This was the first site in the road. We have a low clearance car and it was a bit bumpy. This site was amazing, clean and easy pull in pull out.
TravelerMy partner and I went on 4th of July weekend for the first time and was greeted by a man in the parking lot who had been coming there for 40 years. The site was gorgeous with 10 different campsites to choose from. The past reviews are correct with a lifted four wheel drive vehicle being needed for this drive in if you plan on getting paddled boats/kayaks in the water. Our plan was to go in and out to explore but decided to hunker down once we took the road in to avoid driving it multiple times. There are four hike-in camps from the parking lot. All campsites are marked on AllTrails. We stayed on the East side camp, #10, which after setting up and visiting the rest of the sites, had the least views from camp of the water but was the most secluded. Many sites have a privy or a box with a hole and a lid. There were a total of four trucks/jeeps in the lot all weekend and only a few camps being used. The black flies and mosquitos were bad given the time of the year so be prepared if you come during the same time. There are some beautiful trails that connect to the parking lot that lead to other hike-in camps at other small ponds/lakes.
There are green tags on the trees marked next to the water where the camp sites are. We made the mistake of setting up our tent at a makeshift campsite someone made and found the "no camping" sign after and ended up moving. There are beaver, ducks, and loons living at the pond.
ScoutAs noted by others, most of the sites have a fire ring and nothing more. A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). The toilets mentioned are at Texas falls area and are not a practical walk from most of the campsites.
There are no showers.
Aside from the loop trail at the falls there are also a couple of snowmobile trails that cross the area.
RangerWe loved camping at Crane Pond. It was a little over 3 miles to hike into the waterfront sites. There is an outhouse nearby, several campsites, fire pits, and we went for a swim in the pond. Overall great experience!
GuideIt 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. No fires because it’s super remote. Peaceful and almost untouched.
ScoutPlease 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).
TravelerCamped here for a few days, no cell, no internet
ScoutThere 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.
GuideLove 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Pottersville, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 dispersed camping locations near Pottersville, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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