Best Dispersed Camping near Redwood, NY
Dispersed camping in the vicinity of Redwood, New York includes several primitive sites managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The region features free camping options at locations like Payne Lake Dispersed Site, Stillwater Reservoir, and Winona State Forest. These areas allow for backcountry camping experiences with minimal infrastructure and regulations, providing access to the natural landscape of northern New York.
Access to these dispersed sites varies considerably. Stillwater Reservoir offers approximately 40 first-come, first-served sites, most requiring boat access with only limited drive-up options available. Sunday Lake and Blue Lagoon provide hike-in or walk-in opportunities, with Sunday Lake accessible via a 0.3-mile trail from McCarty Road. Payne Lake offers public boat ramp access with limited parking. Winona State Forest contains a small number of primitive sites that are located just off forest roads, marked by small black and yellow placards that can be difficult to spot.
Most dispersed sites in the Redwood area lack amenities, with no drinking water, toilets, or trash service available. Campers should prepare to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire regulations vary by location, with fires permitted at Stillwater Reservoir, Winona State Forest, Sunday Lake, and Blue Lagoon, but prohibited at some other sites. Cell service is extremely limited throughout the region, particularly at Stillwater Reservoir. The camping experience focuses on natural surroundings and isolation. "Stillwater Reservoir gets better each time. Camping is free here but it is first come first serve with 40+ sites you can almost always get something," noted one visitor. Another camper described Winona State Forest as "a good free quiet place to camp," though they mentioned the primitive campsites were "a little difficult to find."
