Best Dispersed Camping near Saratoga Springs, NY

Looking for the best Saratoga Springs dispersed camping? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Saratoga Springs, New York (24)

    Camper-submitted photo at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot near Bennington, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot near Bennington, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot near Bennington, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot near Bennington, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot near Bennington, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot near Bennington, VT

    1. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    6 Reviews
    8 Photos
    195 Saves
    Bennington, Vermont
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    c H.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed near Wilmington, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed near Wilmington, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed near Wilmington, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed near Wilmington, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed near Wilmington, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed near Wilmington, VT
    M.A.D. P.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Somerset Airfield near West Dover, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at Somerset Airfield near West Dover, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at Somerset Airfield near West Dover, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at Somerset Airfield near West Dover, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at Somerset Airfield near West Dover, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at Somerset Airfield near West Dover, VT

    3. Somerset Airfield

    5 Reviews
    59 Photos
    84 Saves
    West Dover, Vermont

    Forest Road 71: This forest road stretches from the old Somerset airfield to the Kelley Stand Road. Campsites can be found in various spots along the way and along some of the forest roads leading off of Forest Road 71.

    There are many general forest areas available on the Green Mountain National Forest for rustic or dispersed camping. These areas provide a place to camp and enjoy nature’s solitude at no charge. Visitors can camp anywhere on the forest unless the area is posted closed to camping. Camp in existing sites or stay the strongly recommended 200 feet from roads, streams, trails, and bodies of water to disperse impact. Do not cut any vegetation. There is a camping limit of 14 days in any 30-day period on the Forest. Please leave the campsites clean by using Leave No Trace Principles, such as carry out what you carry in.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo at Ushers Road State Forest near Round Lake, NY

    4. Ushers Road State Forest

    1 Review
    18 Saves
    Round Lake, New York
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    T K.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Crane Mountain Pond Campsite near Thurman, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Crane Mountain Pond Campsite near Thurman, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Crane Mountain Pond Campsite near Thurman, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Crane Mountain Pond Campsite near Thurman, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Crane Mountain Pond Campsite near Thurman, NY

    5. Crane Mountain Pond Campsite

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    35 Saves
    Thurman, New York

    Crane Mountain is in the Central Adirondacks in Wilcox Lake Wild Forest near Wevertown in Warren County. There are over five miles of marked hiking trails on the 3254 foot mountain. There are many spectacular views from the open areas on the mountain, making this a very popular hike. There is an elevation gain of over 1300 feet. There are very steep sections on this short hike, but this tough hike is worth the view.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    Miccal  M.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 near Sunderland, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 near Sunderland, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 near Sunderland, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 near Sunderland, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 near Sunderland, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at Dispersed site along Forest RD 71 near Sunderland, VT

    6. Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

    3 Reviews
    7 Photos
    136 Saves
    Sunderland, Vermont
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Thomas and James S.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at NF 83 - riverside near West Dover, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at NF 83 - riverside near West Dover, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at NF 83 - riverside near West Dover, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at NF 83 - riverside near West Dover, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at NF 83 - riverside near West Dover, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at NF 83 - riverside near West Dover, VT

    7. NF 83 - riverside

    2 Reviews
    18 Photos
    54 Saves
    West Dover, Vermont

    Backcountry camping is allowed in most locations on the forest unless there is a specific closure order in place for a particular area.

    The following camping practices are recommended:

    Locate campsites at least 200’ from trails or waterbodies including ponds, rivers, and streams When able, utilize sites already managed for overnight use including designated tent platforms and established shelters Do not camp in alpine or sub-alpine areas where trees are 8’ or less. Help protect these fragile ecosystems!

    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo at Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off near Bakers Mills, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off near Bakers Mills, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off near Bakers Mills, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off near Bakers Mills, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off near Bakers Mills, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off near Bakers Mills, NY

    8. Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    2 Reviews
    6 Photos
    75 Saves
    Bakers Mills, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo at Green Mountain National Forest FR71 near West Dover, VT

    9. Green Mountain National Forest FR71

    1 Review
    68 Saves
    West Dover, Vermont

    Forest Road 71: This forest road stretches from the old Somerset airfield to the Kelley Stand Road. Campsites can be found in various spots along the way and along some of the forest roads leading off of Forest Road 71. There are many general forest areas available on the Green Mountain National Forest for rustic or dispersed camping. These areas provide a place to camp and enjoy nature’s solitude at no charge. Visitors can camp anywhere on the forest unless the area is posted closed to camping. Camp in existing sites or stay the strongly recommended 200 feet from roads, streams, trails, and bodies of water to disperse impact. Do not cut any vegetation. There is a camping limit of 14 days in any 30-day period on the Forest. Please leave the campsites clean by using Leave No Trace Principles, such as carry out what you carry in.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Alcohol
    Miccal  M.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Stratton Pond Shelter near Manchester Center, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at Stratton Pond Shelter near Manchester Center, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at Stratton Pond Shelter near Manchester Center, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at Stratton Pond Shelter near Manchester Center, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at Stratton Pond Shelter near Manchester Center, VT
    Camper-submitted photo at Stratton Pond Shelter near Manchester Center, VT

    10. Stratton Pond Shelter

    1 Review
    23 Photos
    12 Saves
    Manchester Center, Vermont

    Camping is restricted to the designated sites only. Tent sites and shelters are available at the pond, on a first-come, first-served basis. The Stratton Pond Shelter is at the southeast corner of the pond, and the newly built Stratton View shelter is on the northwest side of the pond, about o.9 miles on the Lye Brook Trail.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    • Toilets
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Showing results 1-10 of 24 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Saratoga Springs, New York

30 Reviews of 24 Saratoga Springs Campgrounds


  • SJ W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot
    Nov. 1, 2024

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Beautiful but surprisingly crowded

    Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be. Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck. The road itself was in great condition though.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot
    Oct. 13, 2024

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Nice Spot

    The entrance to the road had a sign that said “road closed ahead”. We chanced it and was able to find a really nice open spot right before the road closure. Was a great spot!

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Somerset Airfield

    Good stopover location

    Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere.

    Campsites are listed as disbursed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites. The campsites are all next to the road and have fire circles.

    There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service. Basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors.

  • Josie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off
    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.

  • Thomas and James S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
    Jun. 12, 2024

    NF 83 - riverside

    Enchanting

    Peacefully placed along the bends of the river is a large open grassy area with a sizable fire pit! The left side of the drive in is swampy so be sure to not drift to that side. The beginning of the little driveway is quite rough with some bigger rocks we have substantial ground clearance so no issues there but smaller ground clearances may feel a bump or two! Live by the motto leave nicer than you found it so we all can continue to enjoy the beauty!

  • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
    Mar. 29, 2024

    Somerset Airfield

    Winter camping wonder

    Well, that was an experience! Met some friends Friday night at the Somerset Airfield for a weekend of camping. We endured Snow and mid 20s Friday night with 8" of fresh snow to wake up to Saturday, and our main Roadhouse down from the weight of the snow. The stakes didn't hold in the frozen ground. So, we tied them to the trees and our cars. Saturday, we got at least 8" more along with sleet, freezing rain, and rain. Saturday evening, we had 3" more by 11pm.

     Then the fun began as the wind blew the storms out and temperatures plummeted to 8⁰ and a windchill of-3 for this morning. Everything crusted was over with a good inch of ice. I have never endured such winds camping, I was sure camp was going to be blown apart. Even with a winter fly tight to the snow my hammock was rocking all night. Our tarps held mostly, we only lost one or two anchor points. Gear that wasn't staked, tied or put in our cars moved blown around inside our foxholes of snow.

    In the morning when packing up and breaking the ice glazed on everything.

    we stayed in the first few sites, there are walk in sites behind these that have easy river access.  in the winter be ready for snowmobiles, in the summer trucks.

    As I've stated in my other review for this location, there are outhouses here and firerings.  It is an easy dirtroad drive to get to this location, that is why they tend to be used so much by RVers.

  • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Road's End Dispersed Camp
    Mar. 1, 2024

    Road's End Dispersed Camp

    End of the road hide-away

    great private spot when nothing else is around.  The drive in is a little rough, but doable for most vehicles.  The only thing you will find here is a fire ring.

  • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
    Mar. 1, 2024

    Somerset Airfield

    Least favorite of all the primitive sites in the area

    I've camped here a couple of times and it is ok.  This really is just a grass strip next to FR71 with a bunch of sites and a pit house.  It is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailor's that can't get into smaller sites, but if you can I would go some where else.

  • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from NF 83 - riverside
    Jan. 18, 2024

    NF 83 - riverside

    Quiet spot on the river

    I've looked at this spot a few times and it is normally way to wet to camp at, but this time it was frozen.  This is a nice clearing near the river where the road used to cross.

    The access into this location is a little rough but most cars should make it, I would prefer having a little more clearance though just to be sure.  

    Being a primitive site there is only a fire ring here.

  • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from NF83 Dispersed site 1
    Jan. 18, 2024

    NF83 Dispersed site 1

    Nice remote location

    This primitive spot is a little more than a clearing with a fire pit.  But what a great spot with no light pollution, cell signal or distractions.  Don't expect to get in here unless you have more than 8" of clearance under your vehicle.  

    I was here in winter, but I would expect in summer a lot of undergrowth in the woods, if your hammock camping bring a manchette to clear a spot.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest
    Oct. 19, 2023

    Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest

    Powley Road

    Had a quiet and peaceful stay. Must camp at a numbered site. Most sites are right along the road, but I was lucky enough to snag one deeper in the woods. Some of the sites even have an outhouse. Stayed in October, so when I left early the next morning, I passed a lot of hunters that had camped along the road, too. The road is in good condition. No AT&T cell service in this area.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    Oct. 8, 2023

    George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    Beautiful, Quiet and restful!

    It was getting dark when we arrived and it had been raining all day. We just needed a night and it was great. Some sites were really wet but we found a nice dry place.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    Sep. 27, 2023

    George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    Nice Night

    It had rained a lot prior to our arrival, and several sites were damp. We found a perfect site off the road on the right side. It was large and flat. We were off the road by 100 feet or so. It made it more private. I would highly recommend this site. We stopped on our way through to Stowe Vermont.

  • Erica M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
    Aug. 2, 2023

    Somerset Airfield

    Nice spot but to busy

    Westford there last weekend. Got up on a Friday with plenty of spots. 10 spaces between the bathrooms/vault toilets with only 3 other 4 in working order. Great location near Somerset Reservoir. Weekend was interrupted by a domestic violence situation a few sites downbeat resulted in fights and someone shooting off a handgun. Took state police over 50 minutes to respond and multiple families left...... Can't pick the other people using the space I guess, but lots of trash left in fire pitsand all along river. Water behind the sites more like a marsh. Flat levels it's and people able to fit their campers. Campers near us said there are more sites if you pass the airfield that are more spread out past the actual airfield sites.

  • Taylor A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off
    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.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71
    Jun. 26, 2023

    Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    NFR 71 Wide Open Site, North End

    Easy access to an open circle, capable of handling multiple rigs for a large gathering. Stone fire ring in the center. We had this all to ourselves in our Bean teardrop. 

    Good hiking access to Stratton Pond, to Branch Pond, to Grout Pond Recreation Area, to the AT/LT. 

    Pretty quiet during our stay, plenty of dispersed sites along 71 further south. 

    Only reason for 4 stars is the lack of any long distance views from the site itself. 

    2 bars of USCellular LTE

  • c H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
    Jun. 13, 2023

    George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    Cool Spot!

    The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road. Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites.

  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Somerset Airfield
    Jan. 1, 2023

    Somerset Airfield

    Small open park

    The Airfield Campground is a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits. It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park. The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities. There are other dispersed sites down the road that are free

  • Natasha T.
    Camper-submitted photo from NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot
    Jun. 6, 2022

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Nice wooded little campsite

    A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well. A few miles down the road there is another campsite that is more open and also has a fire pit with a lot less bugs flying around and more open space.

  • T K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crane Mountain Pond Campsite
    Apr. 28, 2022

    Crane Mountain Pond Campsite

    Gorgeous sunset views

    After a short hike up steep crane mountain we watched the beautiful sun set. One of the nicest places I’ve camped at.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed site along Forest RD 71
    Feb. 28, 2022

    Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

    Love camping here!

    I would have given 5 stars except for the unfortunate fact that 2 years in a row my husband and I had to spend over an hour cleaning the site from the people before us.... We camp here every summer and make sure the site is left clean and ready for the camper...


Guide to Saratoga Springs

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Saratoga Springs, New York, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Dispersed campers should check out Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest

  • Located in the stunning Lake George Wild Forest, Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest offers a hike-in experience that immerses you in nature.
  • This area is perfect for those seeking solitude, as it features a peaceful environment surrounded by lush forests and scenic views.
  • With no permits required, you can easily set up camp and enjoy a night under the stars without the hassle of reservations.

Top activities while free camping near Saratoga Springs

  • Hiking enthusiasts will love the trails around Crane Mountain Pond Campsite, where you can enjoy breathtaking sunset views after a rewarding hike.
  • Fishing and swimming opportunities abound near Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off, making it an ideal spot for water lovers looking to relax by the river.
  • For those who enjoy exploring, NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot provides access to various trails and natural attractions in the Green Mountain National Forest.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Saratoga Springs, New York

  • Always check the road conditions before heading to Ushers Road State Forest, as some areas may be less accessible during wet weather.
  • Bring your own firewood and be prepared for limited amenities at spots like Rockwood State Forest, where you can enjoy a true back-to-nature experience.
  • Keep in mind that some sites, such as George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, may require a bit of hiking to reach, so pack accordingly for a comfortable stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Saratoga Springs, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Saratoga Springs, NY is NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Saratoga Springs, NY?

    TheDyrt.com has all 24 dispersed camping locations near Saratoga Springs, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.