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Best Dispersed Camping near Silver Bay, NY

42 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Silver Bay, New York focuses primarily on primitive sites in the Lake George Wild Forest and surrounding Adirondack areas. Crane Pond offers multiple boat-in camping opportunities with nine sites accessible only by water, except for one site near the parking lot. The access road requires 4WD vehicles with higher clearance. A visitor noted, "Crane Pond Road from the lower parking lot to the pond itself is NOT maintained and often gets very muddy. If your vehicle isn't lifted you may come out with a ding or two from rocks."

Several other dispersed options exist in the region, including Crane Mountain Pond Campsite (hike-in access with sunset mountain views) and Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest, which one camper described as "super super remote - zero service." For those willing to cross into Vermont, Green Mountain National Forest offers additional primitive sites along forest service roads, particularly FR207, which features meadow camping with mountain views. Most dispersed sites provide only fire rings with no amenities, making them suitable for self-sufficient campers prepared to pack out all waste and filter water from nearby sources.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Silver Bay, New York (29)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Silver Bay, NY

40 Photos of 29 Silver Bay Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Silver Bay, NY

42 Reviews of 29 Silver Bay Campgrounds

  • Miccal M.
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

    This is a wonderful place to camp

    There are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience.  The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic.  Some of the sites are drive in, some are walk in, but all are primitive. 

    There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area.  Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.

    This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact, and that impact can be positive or negative. Choose Positive!

    This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2023

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    NFR 207 Meadows, with great views!

    In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings / sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. 

    Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles.
    Nearby Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT.
    2 bars USCellular LTE.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Thomas and James S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2024

    Austin Brook

    Nice sites

    Smaller area roughly 1-6 sites. When driving in on the right there’s a culdesac type set up of sites. Pretty sure these sites all have river access. Road is short dead ends with a decent amount of turn around space.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

    Nice setting, simple fire pit only sites

    There seems to be a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin. Some folks were camping in the picnic area. Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook. They were well used with some litter. We packed out what we could find. There are posted signs on the opposite bank so we stayed on our side. Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area.

  • Chris D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2024

    Route 100 Dispersed Camping

    Great little spot right off RT-100

    I was looking for the Austin Brook campsite north of this one, but someone on here gave directions to this site, which turns out has its own page on here. Right off the road, a small handful of camp sites, some picnic tables, presumably some fire rings although with snow coverage I didn’t see any. Main lot has plenty of parking, perfect for car camping. Pull through the trees has some spots for tents and smaller setups. Entrance and exit are a little steep and tricky in the winter, lot wasn’t plowed so AWD/4x4 and good ground clearance are recommended.

  • Joann&WellsThePup I.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    NF-71

    About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that’s about it. Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season

  • Miccal M.
    Jun. 2, 2021

    Austin Brook

    Great Primative Location

    I didn't get the chance to camp here, it was full when I drove through looking for a place. So I came back later in the weekend for pictures. Great location, easy access, on a nice brook. Fire ring only, no facilities and minimal parking.

Guide to Silver Bay

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Silver Bay, New York, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of sites to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the serenity of the wilderness while embracing the simplicity of camping.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Silver Bay, New York

Dispersed campers should check out Crane Mountain Pond Campsite

  • This site offers stunning sunset views after a short hike, making it a favorite among campers who appreciate scenic beauty, as noted in a review of the Crane Mountain Pond Campsite.
  • Fires are allowed here, so you can enjoy cozy evenings under the stars, but remember to bring your own firewood since it’s not provided.
  • The site is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

Last Light on Michigan Brook for dispersed campers

  • Located in Vermont, Last light on Michigan Brook is perfect for those who enjoy both drive-in and hike-in access, offering flexibility for different camping styles.
  • The site is well-reviewed for its peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and unwinding in nature.
  • With no reservations required, you can enjoy the spontaneity of camping without the hassle of planning ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free camping available in Silver Bay?

Yes, free camping is available in the Silver Bay area at several dispersed sites. Austin Brook offers free riverside camping with 4-5 sites featuring fire rings. Located just south of Warren Falls trailhead, this area provides easy access but has minimal facilities and limited parking. Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off is another free option with marked sites (#3 and #6 are clearly marked) and access to a river down a semi-steep bank. The site is accessible via a short dirt road but can be easy to miss from the main road. Both locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Silver Bay?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Silver Bay. Green Mountain National Forest FR207 offers about 12 secluded sites with fire rings off National Forest Road 71, with beautiful meadows offering stunning views of sunrise and sunset over the surrounding hills. For water lovers, Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road provides numerous sites along a river with both drive-in and walk-in options. The road is easily navigable but single-lane in spots, so watch for oncoming traffic. Both locations provide an authentic dispersed camping experience with minimal facilities.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Silver Bay, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Silver Bay, NY is Crane Pond Dispersed Site with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 29 dispersed camping locations near Silver Bay, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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