Dispersed camping options near Rotterdam Junction, New York offer access to the eastern foothills of the Adirondacks and the northern Catskill Mountains. The region sits at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,500 feet above sea level, with seasonal temperatures varying from below freezing in winter to 80°F in summer. Most dispersed camping areas require campers to pack out all trash and maintain at least 150 feet distance from water sources.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Murphy Lake Leanto provides access to challenging wilderness paths in old growth forest. "This leanto is worth the effort it takes to get there. And you have to earn it on foot, bike or other. A two hour bike ride with a couple of breaks... Once at the large Leanto, you will find a fire pit and ample room for many tents if needed plus a lake full of water," notes Tony F. about Murphy Lake Leanto.
Swimming in natural lakes: Several campgrounds offer swim areas without lifeguards. "Nice swim at your own risk beach (no guards), boat rentals, good fishing," reports Robert L. about Luzerne Campground. The lake provides cooling relief during summer months with water temperatures typically reaching 70°F by mid-June.
Horseback riding on established trails: Equestrian campers can access designated trails from specific campgrounds. "The only campground in all of New York that acquires to house back riders. There are campsites that also come with stalls for your horse!" explains Brittnay B. about Luzerne Campground, making it a notable option among horse campgrounds near Rotterdam Junction.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between campsites. "I love the spacious campsites. It's very woodsy between sites, so it seems very private. Bathrooms and Showers are clean. Over 20 miles in hiking trails, this is one of the nicest parks, I've visited," shares Michi P. about Moreau Lake State Park Campground.
Stream-side camping: Some dispersed sites offer waterfront camping opportunities. "You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots," explains Robert B. about Betty Brook Camp. These water-adjacent sites provide natural white noise and convenient water access for filtering.
Year-round accessibility: Certain areas remain open through all seasons. "Love to camp here all year long have been coming to the area for a couple of decades now. Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people," notes Robert B. about Betty Brook Camp.
What you should know
Limited facilities at remote sites: Primitive camping areas have few amenities. "It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road. There's a stream alongside it, a fire pit, and a town about 8 mi away. It's a small town, with just a gas station store," explains Peter about Betty Brook Camp.
Seasonal crowds at established campgrounds: Popular parks can get busy during peak times. "Campground and swimming area becomes very crowded, especially on holiday weekend due to proximity to I-87 and number of downstate tourists that frequent the park," warns Robert L. about Moreau Lake State Park Campground.
Variable shower conditions: Even at developed campgrounds, amenities can be inconsistent. "Both [restrooms and showers] were clean but the shower fluctuated between lukewarm, hot, and warm during my shower," reports Nancy W. about North-South Lake Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific facilities for children. "Great thing about this park is the hiking trails and lake so you don't even have to leave to the park to enjoy great outdoor recreation. There is also a nice playground for kids to enjoy," mentions Nancy W. about North-South Lake Campground.
Choose campgrounds with swimming options: Water activities provide entertainment for all ages. "My daughter loves it here. We get our site close to the lake so we can walk down and swim and my husband fishes," shares Antoinette W. about Luzerne Campground.
Consider proximity to emergency supplies: Having stores nearby helps with forgotten items. "The little mom and pop store across the street is perfect for last minute needs and have the best homemade chocolate cream pie," notes Antoinette W. about Luzerne Campground.
Tips from RVers
Check site access and size limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small," cautions Peter about Betty Brook Camp.
Be prepared for tight turns: Tree-lined roads can create challenges for bigger vehicles. "The road to our campsite was paved and in good shape but there were a few tight spots because of the trees that make it tricky for a big rig (Loop A seems to be the best for big-rigs)," advises Nancy W. about Moreau Lake State Park Campground.
Plan for generator-free camping: Many equestrian camping areas near Rotterdam Junction don't permit generators, requiring alternative power solutions or battery conservation strategies. This applies particularly at primitive horse campgrounds where natural quiet is prioritized.
