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Best Dispersed Camping near Sabael, NY

24 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Sabael, New York centers primarily in the surrounding Adirondack wilderness areas, with several primitive sites located along forest roads and lakeshores. The region includes free camping options at locations like Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, Seventh Lake Primitive Camping, and Crane Mountain Pond Campsite. Most sites are situated on state forest land with varying levels of accessibility and minimal amenities. Several locations permit tent camping with drive-in access, while others require hiking to reach more remote spots.

Access to many dispersed camping areas requires navigation of unpaved roads that may become challenging after rainfall. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for several sites, particularly Cod Pond Pull-Off which features a narrow dirt road entrance that can be easily missed. Fires are permitted at some locations including Cod Pond and Crane Mountain Pond, though seasonal restrictions may apply. Most sites lack drinking water, toilets, and other facilities. Camping duration limits are not explicitly stated for most areas, but standard Adirondack backcountry camping rules typically allow up to 14 days at a single location.

The natural landscape provides the primary appeal of dispersed camping in this region. Stillwater Reservoir, rated highly by campers, features waterfront sites that provide swimming opportunities and wildlife viewing. According to one visitor, "The sunsets from the island were truly incredible" when describing nearby Cranberry Lake backcountry sites. Another camper noted that Cod Pond "has a fire ring and access to the river down a semi-steep bank. Beautiful to listen to at night." Cell service is extremely limited throughout the region, with one review mentioning "zero Verizon cell service in the whole area" near Powley Road. Most sites provide seclusion despite occasional proximity to forest roads, with opportunities for kayaking, swimming, and hiking from many of the dispersed camping locations.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Sabael, New York (23)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Sabael, NY

29 Photos of 23 Sabael Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Sabael, NY

24 Reviews of 23 Sabael 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.

  • Josie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    Private Campsite

    Decent site right off of the “main” road. “Main” because it was quiet. Easy to access via a short dirt road, but also easy to miss. We only saw sites 3 and 6 marked and took #6. There was a fire ring and access to the river down a semi-steep bank. Beautiful to listen to at night. Site was big enough to pull our mid-size SUV down and unfold rooftop-tent, but we did have to back out in the morning; not enough room to turn around. Felt private despite the road.

  • 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.

  • Taylor A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2023

    Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    Adirondack Camping Trip

    Highly Reccomend! The directions in the app are accurate -but do keep in mind that the campsite is down a dirt road which is well hidden from the main road if you aren’t paying close attention. There is no service at all.

    This site is campsite 6 and very private (I believe there must be others located close by). The site has it’s own private road. A car is not reccomended. Possible to turn around but you definitley need a smaller suv. There is a firepit at the site and plenty of space for multiple tents, ground may look flat but when sleeping-definitely is not. Plenty of trees for hammocks etc. You can hear cars from the site but the cars can’t see you-loved this! The sound of the cars from the main highway is something I got used to quick. The site is mostly shaded-the sun shines through a bit but not much.

    There is a river down the hill from the campsite which helps keep it fairly cool at night. The bugs were terrible.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Nicole T.The Dyrt PRO User
    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).

  • 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,

  • 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 Sabael

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Sabael, New York, where nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the serene wilderness. With a variety of options available, campers can enjoy the tranquility and adventure that comes with exploring the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Sabael, New York

  • Look for spots that allow campfires, like Forked Lake Adirondack Preserve, where you can enjoy a cozy evening under the stars.
  • Be prepared for a primitive experience; many locations, such as Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, do not offer amenities like drinking water or toilets, so plan accordingly.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife; campers at Crane Mountain Pond Campsite have reported beautiful views and encounters with local fauna.

Dispersed campers should check out Forked Lake for stunning views

  • The Forked Lake Adirondack Preserve offers breathtaking views of the lake, making it a perfect backdrop for your camping experience.
  • Campers can enjoy activities like kayaking and canoeing, as many sites are accessible by water, enhancing the adventure.
  • With no permits required, it’s easy to set up camp and enjoy the natural beauty without the hassle of reservations.

Crane Mountain for dispersed campers seeking adventure

  • The hike to Crane Mountain Pond Campsite is rewarding, featuring stunning sunset views that make the trek worthwhile.
  • This site is ideal for those who appreciate solitude, as it’s tucked away from the crowds and offers a peaceful retreat.
  • Campers can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and fishing, making it a versatile destination for nature lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sabael, NY is Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 23 dispersed camping locations near Sabael, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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