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Best Dispersed Camping near Saranac Lake, NY

6 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Saranac Lake, New York provides multiple free primitive sites across the Adirondack region. Notable locations include Ward Brook Campsite with its lean-to structure, Polliwog Lake on Floodwood Road, and Cranberry Lake's backcountry sites. Most areas feature tent-only accommodations with minimal amenities. Ward Brook Campsite offers a fire pit, picnic table, and privy with additional tent spots nearby. Seventh Lake Primitive Camping includes both standard sites and a lean-to accessible by water, with a large sandbar within walking distance.

Access varies significantly between sites. Crane Pond Dispersed Site requires 4WD vehicles due to unmaintained, muddy roads with protruding rocks that can damage standard vehicles. The parking area accommodates approximately six vehicles. According to reviews, "Crane Pond Road from the lower parking lot to the pond itself is NOT maintained and often gets very muddy." Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted or required.

Water sources must be treated at all locations. Campers should pack in potable water or bring filtration systems. Several campers noted that at Cranberry Lake, "you will either need to bring your own potable water or filter from the lake." Summer brings mosquitoes, particularly on hiking trails, though they're less prevalent at waterside campsites. Basic supplies are available in nearby villages, but comprehensive provisions require trips to larger towns like Star Lake or Tupper Lake. Cell service is unreliable throughout the region, with Polliwog Lake specifically noted for having no connectivity. Parking at some locations may incur an $8 daily fee.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Saranac Lake, New York (15)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Saranac Lake, NY

5 Photos of 15 Saranac Lake Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Saranac Lake, NY

6 Reviews of 15 Saranac Lake 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.

  • Nicole T.
    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).

  • MARY B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 22, 2021

    Seventh Lake Primitive Camping

    Canoe Camping at Its Best

    There are a few camping sites and one lean-to that I know of in this area. 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. There is a large sand bar within a very short walk which was a great place to hang out. Seventh lake is pretty quiet but there were a few boats there both days we visited.  There is a trail that connects the campsites to Seventh Lake Rd. and to the Bug Lake trail and we had some Hikers travel through the campsite. If you are looking for the site from the water, look for a HUGE rock and there will be a sign that reads camp here, there are two more campsites, one with a lean-to within a short walk as well.

  • Alex R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2023

    Ward Brook Campsite

    Great campsite at the bottom of Seymour mountain

    Great campsite with a nice lean-to. 

    Fire pit, picnic table, and a privy. 

    A bit further you will find some tent spots too. 

    Plenty of water around.

  • Kristal Ann F.
    Apr. 27, 2019

    Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites

    Beautiful Adirondack camping

    Beautiful campgrounds... clean.. friendly..

    amazing lake for kayaking and boating.

    sites not crowded together.

Guide to Saranac Lake

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Saranac Lake, New York, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of options for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Saranac Lake

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails leading to the Ward Brook Campsite, which features a lovely lean-to and a fire pit, perfect for evening gatherings after a day of exploration.
  • Kayaking and boating are popular activities at the Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites, where you can enjoy stunning sunsets and a peaceful atmosphere on the water.
  • For those seeking a more rugged experience, Forked Lake Adirondack Preserve offers primitive camping with opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The picturesque views at Polliwog Lake on Floodwood Road make it a great spot for photography and enjoying the tranquility of nature.
  • Adventurers can explore the nearby trails and landscapes surrounding Vanderwacker Mountain Wild Forest, which provide a backdrop for hiking and wildlife spotting.
  • The charming atmosphere of Jones Pond invites campers to relax and soak in the natural beauty, making it an ideal location for a peaceful retreat.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Saranac Lake, New York

  • Always bring your own water supply or a filtration system, especially when camping at places like Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites, where potable water is not provided.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Forked Lake Adirondack Preserve has no toilets or trash disposal, so plan accordingly to pack out what you bring in.
  • Check local regulations and guidelines, as some areas like Mountain Pond Road do not require permits, making them accessible for spontaneous camping trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for primitive camping in Saranac Lakes Wild Forest?

In the Saranac Lakes Wild Forest, primitive camping regulations specify that you must camp at designated sites where provided. At Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites, each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Where designated sites aren't available, you must camp at least 150 feet from any road, trail, or water body. Campfires are permitted in established fire rings only. Ward Brook Campsite features a lean-to, picnic table, fire pit, and privy, reflecting the typical amenities at designated primitive sites. The maximum stay limit is typically 14 consecutive nights. Pack out all trash, as there is no garbage service at primitive sites. Bear-resistant food storage is strongly recommended throughout the region.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Saranac Lake?

The Saranac Lake region offers several free dispersed camping options. Crane Pond Dispersed Site provides primitive camping but requires 4WD vehicles to access the sites near the pond due to unmaintained and often muddy roads. Little Green Pond offers 12 designated camping spots along the pond, some requiring travel down bumpy access roads. Other options include Polliwog Lake on Floodwood Road for a true disconnected experience (no cell service), and Mountain Pond Road for drive-in access. Remember that dispersed camping in the Adirondacks typically follows the rule of camping at least 150 feet from any road, trail, or water body unless at a designated site.

When is the best season for dispersed camping in the Saranac Lake region?

Late spring through early fall (May to October) offers the best conditions for dispersed camping around Saranac Lake. Summer months provide warm days ideal for swimming and paddling at sites like Seventh Lake Primitive Camping, which features a sandbar perfect for water activities. Early fall brings spectacular foliage and fewer insects. Polliwog Lake on Floodwood Road provides a peaceful setting during all seasons, though accessibility may be challenging during spring mud season (April-May) when many dirt access roads become difficult to navigate. Winter camping is possible for experienced campers but requires specialized gear and knowledge of cold-weather survival techniques. Always check current conditions, as spring thaw can make many roads impassable.

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