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Best Dispersed Camping near Sloansville, NY

15 Reviews

Dispersed camping around Sloansville, New York includes several primitive sites across nearby state forests and public lands. Betty Brook Camp offers streamside camping with minimal amenities, while Duck Pond Campsite and Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp provide more remote options. Other areas include Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail, Ushers Road State Forest, and Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest. Most sites accommodate tents, with some allowing small RVs. Featherstonhaugh State Forest and Rensselaerville State Forest are additional options within driving distance of Sloansville.

Access roads to many dispersed campsites range from well-maintained to challenging, with several requiring careful navigation. Duck Pond Campsite reviews note "the road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough" and suggest "small vehicle only" due to difficult terrain. Most sites feature basic fire rings but limited amenities. Fort Plain Lock 15 provides more facilities with potable water, pit toilets and trash disposal, while most other areas offer truly primitive camping experiences with no services. Cell service varies significantly by location, with Powley Road having "zero Verizon cell service in the whole area" according to camper feedback. Winter camping is possible at some locations, though seasonal road conditions may limit access.

Campsites in the region provide varied experiences based on proximity to water features and level of seclusion. Betty Brook Camp is described as "remote" where "sometimes you never see anyone" and allows camping directly on a stream. Fort Plain Lock 15 features a different atmosphere as "a parking lot with a view" right on the Mohawk River, though some visitors note "sounds of the highway and freight trains going by." Many sites remain relatively unknown and quiet, with Duck Pond described as having "surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites" despite the access challenges. Westkill Camp in Burnt Rossman State Forest provides "nice and quiet" camping with enough space for 2-3 campers, while Ushers Road State Forest offers bicycle-friendly nature trails and abundant potential camping spots at least 150 feet off designated trails.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Sloansville, New York (13)

    1. Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    3 Reviews
    Fort Plain, NY
    19 miles

    "Continue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area."

    "It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving. There are grills in the grassy area for tent camping, also a potable water tap."

    2. Betty Brook Camp

    2 Reviews
    West Fulton, NY
    18 miles

    "I live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road."

    "Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots"

    3. Duck Pond Campsite

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    19 miles

    "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad."

    "Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads"

    4. Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    21 miles

    "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"

    "Entrance is soft"

    5. Featherstonhaugh State Forest Site

    Be the first to review!
    Duanesburg, NY
    11 miles

    6. Rensselaerville State Forest

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    Preston Hollow, NY
    19 miles

    7. Ushers Road State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Round Lake, NY
    30 miles

    "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."

    8. Rockwood State Forest

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    Caroga Lake, NY
    23 miles

    9. Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest

    2 Reviews
    Piseco, NY
    42 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "The road is in good condition. No AT&T cell service in this area."

    10. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 652-7365

    "There are tent sites around the whole lake with fire pits and 1 lean-to site at the end of the trail when you first arrive at the lake.  The sites are relatively flat and well shaded with trees. "

    "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Sloansville, NY

6 Photos of 13 Sloansville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Sloansville, NY

15 Reviews of 13 Sloansville Campgrounds

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Echo Lake

    Lovely Camping in the Catskills

    This campground was my first backpacking trip and it was perfect!  There are tent sites around the whole lake with fire pits and 1 lean-to site at the end of the trail when you first arrive at the lake.  The sites are relatively flat and well shaded with trees.  Note, it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray.  Make sure you practice leave no trace principles and pack out what you bring in!  It does get a little crowded later in the day so you may have to share space with others and it can be a little noisy at night.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Ushers Road State Forest

    Trail head

    This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week.

    About 500 feet down the right-hand trail, there is a smaller path branching off to the left. This leads to a previously used campsite, approximately 200 feet from the main trail. The site includes a stone fire ring, indicating prior use.

    Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it’s at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots.

  • YThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Open quite campsites

    After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience. Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Small vehicle only

    The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse. The site itself, was pretty nice, Fire pit, trickling stream, but the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it. Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads

  • Mona M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    Just Passed Lock 15

    Continue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area. The parking lot is large, rocky, and uneven, situated right on the Mohawk River. It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and fishing (with a valid license). Verizon cell service is good here. At the lock parking area, you'll find pit toilets, a dumpster, and potable water available on the side of the building as you enter.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    Great overnight.

    Simply it’s a parking lot with a view. The parking area is right on the water. It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving. There are grills in the grassy area for tent camping, also a potable water tap.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    High season

    Well, I’m back, it’s June, and there are 3 other groups here. 1 boat, and 2 tent camping. The parking lot is still empty. The water was significantly lower last time I was here. They have dropped the gates, and the lock is in operation. The resident peacock has been keeping me company. Tried fishing, without any luck, it had been raining a lot lately, so maybe that was the reason. It still has the highway noise and of course the train noise going by, but I love that. I anticipate another lovely sleep. It’s quite breezy, so the windows will be open. I’m in my happy place!!!

  • 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,

  • James A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Echo Lake

    Beautiful lake with lean to

    Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots. Other campsites are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails (wear pants) We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze.

Guide to Sloansville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Sloansville, New York, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors.

Scenic Streams for Dispersed Campers

  • The Betty Brook Camp offers a peaceful setting right by a stream, making it a perfect spot for those who love the sound of flowing water while camping.
  • Campers can enjoy the remote nature of the area, with some visitors noting that they often encounter few people during their stay, enhancing the feeling of solitude.
  • With features like picnic tables and fire pits, this location provides a comfortable experience for both tent and RV campers.

Quiet Retreats for Nature Lovers

  • The Duck Pond Campsite is known for its well-maintained sites and minimal mosquito presence, making it an ideal choice for a peaceful getaway.
  • Located along an unpaved road, this site offers a sense of adventure while ensuring a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • Visitors appreciate the lack of crowds, allowing for a more intimate connection with nature and the surrounding wildlife.

Winter Camping Adventures

  • For those interested in winter camping, the Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp provides a beautiful and accessible location during the colder months.
  • Campers have reported enjoying the serene and peaceful environment, making it a great spot for winter enthusiasts looking to experience the beauty of snow-covered landscapes.
  • The site is easily reachable from the road, ensuring that even in winter conditions, access remains convenient for campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sloansville, NY is Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Sloansville, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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