Primitive camping near Rodman, New York exists primarily within state forests and public lands throughout Lewis and Oswego counties. The region features several no-fee camping areas accessible via forest roads or short hikes from designated parking areas. Winter camping remains available at most sites, though snow removal is not provided on access roads from November through April. Local regulations prohibit camping within 150 feet of any water body, road or trail except at designated sites.
What to do
Fishing at Payne Lake: Access the public boat ramp with limited parking on both sides of the lake. "Beautiful views, peaceful and quiet," notes one Payne Lake camper who maintained Verizon cellular service with signal boosting equipment.
Eagle watching: Stillwater Reservoir offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for bald eagles. "We saw Bald Eagles and Loons, enjoyed swimming, canoeing and paddleboarding with the family," reports one visitor who camped with 20 family members at site #37.
Hiking to Sunday Lake: The primitive site requires a 0.3-mile walk from McCarty Road with space to park two cars off-road. According to a camper, "This is a small primitive site. No services, but a very beautiful spot. There's a small fire ring, and access to the lake for swimming or fishing."
Climbing Stillwater Fire Tower: Located near the Blue Lagoon primitive site, this original Adirondack fire tower provides panoramic views. A visitor mentions, "This site is close to the trailhead for the Stillwater firetower, an original Adirondack firetower."
What campers like
Island camping: Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping provides multiple primitive island sites. Campers appreciate the isolation: "Sunday lake has always been lovely and quiet and a great place to take youth campers."
Technology detox: The remote nature of these sites means minimal connectivity. A Stillwater camper reports, "Would recommend if you want to break away from technology because you get zero service out there."
Beach access: Blue Lagoon primitive site offers excellent swimming opportunities. "We've stayed here many times in tents and hammock tents. The swimming is fantastic- water is clean and clear," states one regular visitor who appreciates the short hike to a "great beach for swimming or paddling."
Secluded forest sites: Winona State Forest provides quiet woodland camping. "Overall a good free quiet place to camp," notes one visitor who found the primitive campsite marked by "a tiny black and yellow placard that shows you where you can camp."
What you should know
Site finding challenges: Locating designated camping areas requires attention to small markers. At Winona State Forest, a camper observed, "The primitive campsite was a little difficult to find there's a tiny black and yellow placard that shows you where you can camp."
Limited amenities: Most sites offer only basic fire rings. A Winona visitor reported, "The only amenity was a fire ring made of rocks. The campsite appears to be the trailhead for a man-made trail."
Weather preparation: Towsley Road Dispersed Camping and other local sites experience rapid weather changes. Pack accordingly for potential rain as one camper noted about Winona, "It rained while we were here but overall the campsite was quiet and peaceful."
Site location: At Towsley Road, "when you get to the destination you have to go a little more up the road until you see a sign and a sand patch on the side of the road," advises a recent visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Consider site accessibility: Blue Lagoon Primitive Dispersed Camping requires a short downhill hike to reach beach areas. "The trail down to the beach is only about a hundred feet, but it is downhill," cautions one camper.
Water transportation: Bring water vessels for optimal Stillwater Reservoir enjoyment. One family reported, "We saw Bald Eagles and Loons, enjoyed swimming, canoeing and paddleboarding with the family."
Competition for sites: Non-reservable sites may fill quickly during peak seasons. "Because you can't make a reservation here sometimes there's competition for a spot," notes a Blue Lagoon regular who recommends arriving early.
Youth group friendly: Several sites accommodate educational outings. A Sunday Lake camper mentions the area has "always been lovely and quiet and a great place to take youth campers."
Tips from RVers
Small RV access only: Payne Lake Dispersed Site has "limited parking available on both sides" according to a recent visitor, making it suitable only for compact RVs or vans.
Long access roads: Be prepared for extended drives on forest roads. One Stillwater camper notes, "Took me five hours to drive there but finally made it. It was nice and peaceful."
Consider road conditions: Unpaved roads may present challenges. A camper described the Stillwater approach as "a 20 mile ride of just woods on a bumpy road."
Limited site options: Most areas offer few designated RV spots. At Sunday Lake, there's "space to park two cars or a small RV off the road" near the trailhead.
