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Best Dispersed Camping near Tupper Lake, NY

17 Reviews

The Adirondack region surrounding Tupper Lake, New York features numerous dispersed camping opportunities, with many sites situated on or near water bodies. Stillwater Reservoir stands out as a highly-rated destination with over 40 primitive sites, most accessible only by boat. Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites offer island camping experiences, while closer options include Polliwog Lake on Floodwood Road and Jones Pond. Primitive camping predominates in this area, with most sites providing basic amenities like fire rings but lacking developed facilities. The region's camping landscape reflects the Adirondack Park's mix of public forest preserve lands and water-based recreation opportunities.

Many dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system, requiring flexible planning. A camper at Stillwater Reservoir noted, "Camping is free here but it is first come first serve, with 40+ sites you can almost always get something." Cell service remains limited or nonexistent at most locations, creating a true disconnect from technology. Water access represents a significant consideration, as most sites require visitors to either bring their own drinking water or filter from nearby lakes. Summer brings warmer temperatures and increased insect activity, while September offers cooler, less buggy conditions. Road access varies considerably, with some locations requiring high-clearance vehicles or four-wheel drive on unmaintained forest roads.

Waterfront locations consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, with island camping particularly praised for privacy and scenery. One Cranberry Lake camper reported, "We spent 3 nights backcountry camping on Catamount Island in Cranberry Lake and absolutely loved it. The sunsets from the island were truly incredible." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers frequently mentioning loon sightings and calls. Boat access camping represents a distinctive feature of the region, with canoes, kayaks, and small motorboats providing transportation to remote sites. Visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere and lack of crowding, even during peak summer months. Fire towers, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities enhance the camping experience, allowing for varied activities beyond the campsite.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Tupper Lake, New York (18)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Tupper Lake, NY

17 Reviews of 18 Tupper 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.

  • Geoff W.
    Aug. 16, 2017

    Stillwater Reservoir

    Another great trip

    This was my 3rd trip to Stillwater in 3 yrs and it gets better each time!

    Our first trip was an overnight to test some backpacking gear, it was September and the weather was perfect! We hiked into our site, not easy because almost everything is meant to be accessed by boat so we were guessing our course! Cooler weather meant no bugs to contend with

    Next year we took a canoe to our site, it was July, warm weather, warm water and the bugs were not terrible, we were at Site 1, secluded in a cove, not a lot of traffic but there is a hiking trailhead near the site so there is potential for visitors.

    Our latest trip was to site 10, an island site with a large sandy beachfront, we borrowed a motor boat to get there this year and brought plenty of gear for 4 days. Weather was great again, some rain each day but we had time to get setup and get shelters to keep dry.

    Camping if free here but it is first come first serve but with 40+ sites you can almost always get something. There is a small store at the boat launch to get provisions if you need, public restrooms and wifi. Very limited cell service.

    You should bring water or something to filter it from the reservoir. I believe all the site have privy boxes on them.

    There are opportunities for fishing, a few local attractions, a nice restaurant at the launch.

  • 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).

  • Elizabeth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2020

    Blue Lagoon Primitive Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed camping on stillwater reservoir

    Primitive site on the beautiful south eastern end of Stillwater. A short hike in to a great beach for swimming or paddling.

    We’ve stayed here many times in tents and hammock tents. The swimming is fantastic- water is clean and clear.

    Because you can’t make a reservation here sometimes there’s competition for a spot. There is a good fire circle with space all around. The trail down to the beach is only about a hundred feet, but it is downhill.

    This site is close to the trailhead for the Stillwater firetower, an original Adirondack firetower.

  • Elizabeth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2020

    Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping

    Primitive dispersed camping. 1/4 mile walk in, lovely quiet lake

    This is a small primitive site. No services, but a very beautiful spot. There’s a small fire ring, and access to the lake for swimming or fishing. 

    Sunday lake has always been lovely and quiet and a great place to take youth campers. 

    Take Stillwater rd. to McCarty road, the trail is 0.3 miles To Sunday lake. Space to park two cars or a small RV off the road.

  • 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.

  • Elizabeth B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2019

    Stillwater Reservoir

    Your own private adventure beach

    Even in cold rainy weather we had a phenomenal time at Stillwater. Our spot had gorgeous waterfront to it, a stone fire circle where someone had left extra fire wood, and ample trees. The season had had unusually low water all over and it left a really unusual landscape on the beach to explore. We can’t wait to come back!

  • Dane P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2024

    Stillwater Reservoir

    Excellent place! Went for Solar Eclipse

    a 20 mile ride of just woods on a bumpy road. Pretty cool! Surprisingly the place wasn't that populated as I expected it to be. I went to a accessible campsite near the dam so I can pull stuff i needed from my car. The restaurant in the town had great food, the staff were nice, and had two cute dogs!

  • sam T.
    Dec. 28, 2021

    Stillwater Reservoir

    Nice kayaking spot

    My wife and I kayaked to Long Island and stayed for a weekend. It was quiet and had the whole island to our self. Would recommend if you want to break away from technology because you get zero service out there

Guide to Tupper Lake

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Tupper Lake, New York, where nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the serene wilderness. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Tupper Lake

  • Enjoy kayaking and boating at Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites, where you can explore the stunning waters and find your own private island for a peaceful retreat.
  • Experience the thrill of truck camping at Forked Lake Adirondack Preserve, which offers beautiful views and a chance to connect with nature right by the lake.
  • Hike the trails around Ward Brook Campsite and enjoy the scenic beauty at the base of Seymour Mountain, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a challenge.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Forked Lake

  • Forked Lake provides a unique camping experience with no permits required, allowing for spontaneous adventures in a picturesque setting.
  • The area is pet-friendly, making it an ideal spot for those who want to bring their furry friends along for the journey.
  • Campers can enjoy the freedom of a drive-in access, making it easy to set up camp and start exploring the surrounding wilderness.

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

  • Always bring your own water or a filtration system, especially when camping at places like Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites, where potable water is not provided.
  • Be prepared for the elements and pack bug spray, as some areas, like Forked Lake, can have pesky insects during certain seasons.
  • Familiarize yourself with the local wildlife and practice safe camping habits, particularly in areas like Ward Brook Campsite, where bear sightings have been reported.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Tupper Lake dispersed camping sites?

Dispersed camping sites around Tupper Lake offer minimal amenities consistent with primitive camping. At Stillwater Reservoir, sites typically feature stone fire circles, and sometimes previous campers leave extra firewood. These waterfront sites provide beautiful views but no formal services. Ward Brook Campsite offers a lean-to, fire pit, picnic table, and privy, with additional tent spots nearby and plenty of water access. Most dispersed sites throughout the region include basic fire rings, while some might have picnic tables. Privies or pit toilets are available at select locations but not all. Sites are generally unimproved and don't offer potable water, electricity, or garbage service. Cell service is typically unavailable or extremely limited.

What regulations apply to dispersed camping in Tupper Lake, NY?

Dispersed camping in the Tupper Lake area requires adherence to standard Adirondack Park regulations. At Cranberry Lake Backcountry Sites, camping is permitted only at designated sites with established fire rings. Sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. For Crane Pond Dispersed Site, vehicle access restrictions apply - the road from the lower parking lot to the pond is not maintained and often becomes very muddy, requiring 4WD vehicles. Throughout the region, standard backcountry regulations apply: pack out all trash, use existing fire rings only, maintain quiet hours, and observe any seasonal fire bans. Most dispersed sites in the area have a 14-day stay limit during peak season.

Where can I find primitive camping spots around Tupper Lake?

The Tupper Lake region offers numerous primitive camping opportunities. Little Green Pond provides 12 designated camping spots along the water, some requiring navigation down bumpy access roads that may be muddy after rain. The pond features a small beach for swimming. For island camping experiences, Seventh Lake Primitive Camping offers several sites and a lean-to, accessible by water. These sites are near a large sand bar that's perfect for relaxing. Other options include Sunday Lake, Crane Pond, and the backcountry sites around Cranberry Lake, which all provide secluded primitive camping experiences within the greater Tupper Lake region.

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