Best Dispersed Camping near Remsen, NY

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Remsen, NY has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Remsen, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Remsen, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Remsen, New York (12)

    1. North Lake Reservoir Campground

    2 Reviews
    Otter Lake, NY
    18 miles

    "Very remote and secluded. We got there after dark and it was beautiful to wake up to the view of the lake. Car camped, but there was enough room for a tent."

    "32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean."

    2. Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest

    2 Reviews
    Piseco, NY
    27 miles
    Website

    "Site 4 is magical, it is road side, but the view, and access to the river is great. There is a path right from the site."

    "The road is in good condition. No AT&T cell service in this area."

    3. Stillwater Reservoir

    9 Reviews
    Old Forge, NY
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 785-2239

    "We hiked into our site, not easy because almost everything is meant to be accessed by boat so we were guessing our course!"

    "Our spot had gorgeous waterfront to it, a stone fire circle where someone had left extra fire wood, and ample trees."

    4. Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    3 Reviews
    Fort Plain, NY
    39 miles

    "Continue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area."

    "It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving. There are grills in the grassy area for tent camping, also a potable water tap."

    5. Seventh Lake Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    Inlet, NY
    37 miles

    "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."

    6. Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Thendara, NY
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 376-3521

    "There’s a small fire ring, and access to the lake for swimming or fishing. 

    Sunday lake has always been lovely and quiet and a great place to take youth campers. "

    8. Winona State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Lorraine, NY
    47 miles

    "While there I talked to a state forest maintenance guy. He said there were currently two camping sites and that more might be added.

    The campsite was just feet off of Bargy Road."

    "There were some firewood set out except it was wet. Overall a good free quiet place to camp."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Remsen, NY

22 Reviews of 12 Remsen Campgrounds


  • Geoff W.
    Aug. 16, 2017

    Stillwater Reservoir

    Another great trip

    This was my 3rd trip to Stillwater in 3 yrs and it gets better each time!

    Our first trip was an overnight to test some backpacking gear, it was September and the weather was perfect! We hiked into our site, not easy because almost everything is meant to be accessed by boat so we were guessing our course! Cooler weather meant no bugs to contend with

    Next year we took a canoe to our site, it was July, warm weather, warm water and the bugs were not terrible, we were at Site 1, secluded in a cove, not a lot of traffic but there is a hiking trailhead near the site so there is potential for visitors.

    Our latest trip was to site 10, an island site with a large sandy beachfront, we borrowed a motor boat to get there this year and brought plenty of gear for 4 days. Weather was great again, some rain each day but we had time to get setup and get shelters to keep dry.

    Camping if free here but it is first come first serve but with 40+ sites you can almost always get something. There is a small store at the boat launch to get provisions if you need, public restrooms and wifi. Very limited cell service.

    You should bring water or something to filter it from the reservoir. I believe all the site have privy boxes on them.

    There are opportunities for fishing, a few local attractions, a nice restaurant at the launch.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2024

    Winona State Forest

    Small but quiet campsite

    Pulled in on a Thursday afternoon and found a single camp site. While there I talked to a state forest maintenance guy. He said there were currently two camping sites and that more might be added.

    The campsite was just feet off of Bargy Road. The only amenity was a fire ring made of rocks. The campsite appears to be the trailhead for a man-made trail.

    It rained while we were here but overall the campsite was quiet and peaceful.

  • Ashlee C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2024

    North Lake Reservoir Campground

    Beautiful spot!

    Very remote and secluded. We got there after dark and it was beautiful to wake up to the view of the lake. Car camped, but there was enough room for a tent. Fire pit at the site and a bathroom across the way from the first site.

  • Mona M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    Just Passed Lock 15

    Continue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area. The parking lot is large, rocky, and uneven, situated right on the Mohawk River. It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and fishing (with a valid license). Verizon cell service is good here. At the lock parking area, you'll find pit toilets, a dumpster, and potable water available on the side of the building as you enter.

  • J B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2023

    North Lake Reservoir Campground

    Pristine lake

    32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean. Make sure to take a left at the start of the lake, the right is all private road and you will have to turn around.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    Great overnight.

    Simply it’s a parking lot with a view. The parking area is right on the water. It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving. There are grills in the grassy area for tent camping, also a potable water tap.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest

    Site 4

    Site 4 is magical, it is road side, but the view, and access to the river is great. There is a path right from the site. Occasionally you will get the yahoo that speeds by and makes a dust cloud but otherwise it’s great. There is zero Verizon cell service in the whole area. So plan accordingly,

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    High season

    Well, I’m back, it’s June, and there are 3 other groups here. 1 boat, and 2 tent camping. The parking lot is still empty. The water was significantly lower last time I was here. They have dropped the gates, and the lock is in operation. The resident peacock has been keeping me company. Tried fishing, without any luck, it had been raining a lot lately, so maybe that was the reason. It still has the highway noise and of course the train noise going by, but I love that. I anticipate another lovely sleep. It’s quite breezy, so the windows will be open. I’m in my happy place!!!

  • Elizabeth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2020

    Blue Lagoon Primitive Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed camping on stillwater reservoir

    Primitive site on the beautiful south eastern end of Stillwater. A short hike in to a great beach for swimming or paddling.

    We’ve stayed here many times in tents and hammock tents. The swimming is fantastic- water is clean and clear.

    Because you can’t make a reservation here sometimes there’s competition for a spot. There is a good fire circle with space all around. The trail down to the beach is only about a hundred feet, but it is downhill.

    This site is close to the trailhead for the Stillwater firetower, an original Adirondack firetower.


Guide to Remsen

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Remsen, New York, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and peaceful surroundings. This area offers a variety of spots perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Remsen

  • Enjoy stunning views at North Lake Reservoir Campground, where you can wake up to the tranquil sight of the lake after a night of car camping.
  • Experience the pristine environment at Seventh Lake Primitive Camping, ideal for canoe camping and exploring nearby trails.
  • Take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere at Stillwater Reservoir, which is perfect for kayaking and enjoying a quiet weekend away from technology.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest

  • This area offers a quiet and peaceful stay, with sites that allow for tent and RV camping, making it versatile for different camping styles at Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest.
  • Most sites are conveniently located along the road, but deeper spots in the woods provide a more secluded experience for those seeking solitude.
  • Be prepared for a rustic experience, as amenities like drinking water and electric hookups are not available, enhancing the true essence of camping.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Remsen, New York

  • If you're looking for a primitive experience, Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping offers a lovely spot just a short walk from the parking area, perfect for swimming or fishing.
  • For those who enjoy hiking, the trail to Blue Lagoon Primitive Dispersed Camping leads to a beautiful beach area, ideal for swimming and paddling.
  • Remember to pack out what you pack in, as sites like Rockwood State Forest do not provide trash disposal, ensuring the area remains pristine for future visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Remsen, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Remsen, NY is North Lake Reservoir Campground with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Remsen, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Remsen, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.