Primitive camping near Ticonderoga, New York occurs primarily on public lands within both the Adirondack Park in New York and Green Mountain National Forest across Lake Champlain in Vermont. These undeveloped camping areas sit at elevations ranging from 500-1200 feet, creating varied microclimates with distinct seasonal conditions. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F, while spring and fall camping often contends with significant temperature fluctuations and periodic wet conditions.
What to do
Fishing from stone outcroppings: Patterson Brookside camp offers excellent stream fishing access with multiple spots along the river. "Mountain road lingers along the river. There's quite a few sites along the road. Be sure to camp at spots with established fire rings! There is no services of any sorts at this location," notes one camper.
Winter camping opportunities: For prepared campers, winter offers solitude unavailable during warmer months. At Green Mountain National Forest FR207, one visitor experienced "my first time winter camping and had the entire area to myself. Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful. Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving."
Hiking to scenic waterfalls: Several primitive camping locations provide access to waterfall hikes within walking distance. At Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites, "Texas falls is a great place to stop and explore. Then, if you venture further up into the mountains you come upon the campsites with fire pits and if your lucky you can get one on the river."
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Many dispersed sites around Ticonderoga feature waterfront locations. At Austin Brook, visitors appreciate the "beautiful little pull off the road right on the river with tables & fire rings." Another camper notes the area has "roughly 1-6 sites" and "when driving in on the right there's a culdesac type set up of sites. Pretty sure these sites all have river access."
Meadow camping with mountain vistas: Several locations offer open-field camping with panoramic views. At Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11, "It is an open field on the left side of the road with two or three sites on the right side of the road that are walk in sites. The scenic beauty of this place is amazing... There are wide open views of 3 mountain ranges."
Wildlife sightings: The remote nature of dispersed sites increases wildlife viewing opportunities. Campers report seeing "moose nearby," along with "lots of birds, butterflies, and bees" and nighttime owl hooting. One visitor at Green Mountain National Forest FR207 specifically "woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving."
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles. For the On the Hill Dispersed Camp, one camper advises to "expect that it is a little rough to get into" and reminds visitors that "being a primitive site...the only thing you will find in this clearing is a fire ring."
Seasonal road conditions: Spring brings particularly challenging access due to mud. For several Green Mountain National Forest locations, visitors note "make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season" and "the ground gets soft during mud season."
Legend
