Best Dispersed Camping near Rainbow Lake, NY

Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Rainbow Lake in New York's Adirondack region. Several free primitive sites are available, including Polliwog Lake on Floodwood Road, Jones Pond, and Mountain Pond Road. These sites require no permits and offer varying levels of accessibility. Polliwog Lake provides both drive-in and walk-in access with tent and RV accommodation options. Campers report no cell service or internet at Polliwog Lake, creating a truly disconnected wilderness experience. Most sites in this area follow standard Adirondack backcountry regulations with first-come, first-served availability.

Access to many sites requires careful planning. Crane Pond Road demands 4WD vehicles due to unmaintained, muddy conditions. According to reviews, "vehicles without proper clearance may sustain damage from rocks and obstacles." The parking area at Crane Pond accommodates approximately six vehicles, with most campsites accessible only by boat. Ward Brook Campsite features a lean-to with fire pit, picnic table, and privy facilities. Water sources are plentiful but require filtration for safe drinking. Visitors to Cranberry Lake must bring water filters or carry potable water, as noted by experienced campers.

The Adirondack backcountry presents specific challenges and rewards. Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites offer island camping with picnic tables and fire rings at each location. Mosquitoes can be problematic on trails during summer months; bug spray or protective clothing is essential. Limited supplies are available in small villages like Cranberry Lake, with more substantial resupply options in Star Lake or Tupper Lake. Parking at state facilities may incur an $8 daily fee. Winter access becomes limited as roads close seasonally, typically from late fall through early spring depending on snow conditions and maintenance schedules.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Rainbow Lake, New York (14)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Rainbow Lake, NY

5 Photos of 14 Rainbow Lake Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Rainbow Lake, NY

5 Reviews of 14 Rainbow Lake 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.

  • 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).

  • 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.

  • 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 Rainbow Lake

Primitive camping options surrounding Rainbow Lake in New York provide direct access to the remote Adirondack wilderness. The northern Adirondack region features several accessible lakes and ponds at elevations between 1,500-1,700 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Winter conditions typically restrict access from November through April with heavy snowfall accumulations.

What to do

Paddling excursions: Little Green Pond offers excellent water access with 12 designated camping spots situated directly on the pond. Some sites require navigating "a bumpy access road that can be muddy after a rain," according to Lo M., who appreciates that "sites are on the Pond" which "has a small beach to swim."

Hiking opportunities: Ward Brook Campsite provides a strategic base for hikers tackling Seymour Mountain. Alex R. notes it offers "a nice lean-to" with "a fire pit, picnic table, and a privy," plus "a bit further you will find some tent spots too." The location serves as a practical starting point for day hikes or multi-day backpacking routes.

Fishing spots: Several ponds in the region contain native brook trout and stocked species. The stone cliff at Crane Pond Dispersed Site creates a prime fishing location. Nicole T. describes it as "great for fishing" with "a stone area right by the water if you want to fish or just sunbathe."

What campers like

Complete disconnection: Polliwog Lake provides an authentic wilderness experience with minimal technological distractions. Debbie T. reports camping there for "a few days, no cell, no internet," creating an opportunity for genuine outdoor immersion.

Island camping: Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites offers island-based camping accessible only by watercraft. Shari G. enthusiastically reports, "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 includes basic amenities: "a picnic table and fire ring."

Wildlife viewing: The lakes and ponds host diverse Adirondack wildlife. Nicole T. mentions hearing and seeing loons at Crane Pond, noting, "at night you can hear the loons (visible during the day as well)." The region's wetlands attract numerous bird species throughout warmer months.

What you should know

Road conditions: Access roads to dispersed sites often require appropriate vehicles. For Crane Pond, Nicole T. warns, "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."

Water treatment: Surface water requires proper filtration before consumption. Shari G. advises Cranberry Lake visitors to "bring your own potable water or filter from the lake, so don't forget your water filter."

Designated site limitations: Horseshoe Lake provides limited designated camping options. Rebecca B. reports, "Along Co 421, by Horseshoe Lake, there are 10-11 designated campsites. Most have fire pits." Access requires careful driving as "Road is rough but easily doable if you take it slow."

Tips for camping with families

Swimming access: Many dispersed sites provide water access for swimming. Little Green Pond features "tree covered sites" with a "small beach to swim," according to Lo M., making it suitable for families with children who want water activities.

Insect preparation: Biting insects can be problematic during summer months. Shari G. warns that 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!"

Supply limitations: Remote free camping near Rainbow Lake, New York requires careful meal planning. Shari G. notes that "The Village of Cranberry 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."

Tips from RVers

Site limitations: Most dispersed areas have restricted RV access. Nicole T. cautions that Crane Pond Road is "Not fit for an RV in any capacity" due to rough terrain and limited turning space.

Solar challenges: Dense forest cover impacts power generation options. Rebecca B. notes that at Horseshoe Lake, "As it's a forest, the sites are pretty shaded, so solar and Starlink may present challenges."

Connectivity issues: Most free camping near Rainbow Lake lacks reliable cellular service. Rebecca B. reports "Slight AT&T at earlier sites" at Horseshoe Lake, while most other areas have no connectivity at all, requiring preparation for offline navigation and emergency planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Rainbow Lake dispersed camping from Floodwood Road?

Rainbow Lake dispersed camping is accessible via Floodwood Road, similar to Polliwog Lake on Floodwood Road. The road can become muddy after rainfall, so a vehicle with decent clearance is recommended. Some dispersed sites may require navigating bumpy access roads branching off the main route. During wet periods, sections of the road might require 4WD, similar to conditions at Crane Pond Dispersed Site. Plan accordingly and be prepared for potentially rough driving conditions, especially after rain.

What amenities are available at Rainbow Lake dispersed camping sites?

Rainbow Lake dispersed camping offers minimal amenities, typical of backcountry camping. Most sites feature basic fire rings, similar to Ward Brook Campsite which provides a fire pit and picnic table. Don't expect modern facilities like running water, electricity, or trash service. For comparison, Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites offer picnic tables and fire rings with occasional privies. Pack in all supplies and pack out all waste, following Leave No Trace principles. The natural lake setting offers swimming and fishing opportunities, making up for the rustic accommodations.

Is a permit required for dispersed camping at Rainbow Lake?

Most dispersed camping at Rainbow Lake doesn't require a specific permit, but you should check current regulations before your trip. The Adirondack Park has designated dispersed camping areas where camping is allowed without permits, provided you follow the basic rules: camp at least 150 feet from water bodies, roads and trails; stay no longer than 14 consecutive days; and practice Leave No Trace principles. Little Green Pond operates with similar designated camping spots in the region. During peak seasons or in specially managed areas, permits might be implemented, so verify with the local Forest Ranger office before your trip.