Dispersed camping near Putnam Station, New York offers several free camping options throughout the surrounding Adirondack Mountains and across the border in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest. These primitive sites typically sit at elevations ranging from 500 to 2,500 feet, with terrain characterized by mixed northern hardwood forests, exposed bedrock, and numerous ponds and streams. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F, while summer brings black fly season from mid-May through June.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Austin Brook provides access to several hiking options within Green Mountain National Forest. "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!" reports one camper at Austin Brook.
Wildlife viewing: The Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11 offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. One camper noted, "There are wide open views of 3 mountain ranges. There are many flowering plants, wild apple trees on the right side of the road. Lots of birds, butterflies, and bees (they were not aggressive)." The campground was described as "very quiet at night except for an occasional owl hoot" at Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11.
Winter recreation: For those seeking free camping near Putnam Station during winter months, some sites remain accessible for cold-weather adventures. One winter camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 shared: "My first time winter camping and had the entire area to myself. Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful. Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving."
What campers like
Mountain views: FR207 in Green Mountain National Forest offers exceptional viewpoints. "In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings/sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests," writes a camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR207.
Stream access: Many primitive sites provide direct access to flowing water. At Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road, a reviewer described: "Mountain road lingers along the river. There's quite a few sites along the road. Be sure to camp at spots with established fire rings! There is no services of any sorts at this location. Mostly local traffic. Peaceful! Gorgeous rock river."
Privacy options: Some sites offer more seclusion than others. According to one camper at Texas Falls Primitive campsites: "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. Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles. A visitor to Last light on Michigan Brook advised: "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!"
Seasonal closures: Winter access varies by site. One camper notes about Patterson Brookside camp: "This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF."
Facilities limitations: Most sites offer minimal amenities. For On the Hill Dispersed Camp, a camper explains: "I've camped here a few times, it a nice size primitive site for a small group. Being a primitive site, expect that it is a little rough to get into. The only thing you will find in this clearing is a fire ring."
Fire rings only: Most free camping near Putnam Station offers just basic fire rings. At Green Mountain National Forest FR42 Dispersed Site, a visitor reports: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible options: Some sites provide easier access for families with young children. One camper described Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11: "It is a beautiful setting and the first nice weekend in May. There were quite a few folks there already but worth the visit. It is old Vermont farm land that the team of the US National Forest must manage. They have kept the clearing clear and access is pretty good."
Water play areas: Look for sites with safe water access for children. A camper at Crane Pond Dispersed Site described one site: "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."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change quickly. A visitor to Green Mountain National Forest FR207 shared: "Wow this site was so beautiful! The road into the site was scenic and beautiful. We followed the river all the way to the very end of the road up on the mountain. From there we decided on a site at the top of the mountain at the end of the long road. We quickly got rained out and went back down to one of the brookside sites."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites cannot accommodate larger RVs. At Green Mountain National Forest FR207, a camper advised: "About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that's about it. Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season."
Ground clearance: RV drivers should be particularly cautious about road conditions. One camper noted about FR207: "Spent two nights on FR207 at one of the fields and explored the rest. This is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance. Views are spectacular, choose either sunrise or sunset and you should be able to get a site to fit your needs."
Turn-around space: Consider vehicle maneuverability before committing to a site. At Austin Brook, a visitor observed: "Road is short dead ends with a decent amount of turn around space."
