Best Dispersed Camping near Upper Jay, NY

Dispersed camping in the Adirondack region around Upper Jay, New York includes primitive sites scattered throughout state forest lands. Several backcountry areas offer free camping options, including Ward Brook Campsite, Chapel Pond, and Little Green Pond. These sites are on public lands where dispersed camping is permitted, though amenities are minimal or nonexistent. Crane Pond Dispersed Site provides additional options to the south, while Polliwog Lake and Jones Pond provide alternatives to the northwest.

Access to many dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved roads that may become difficult after rain. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching areas like Crane Pond, where visitors note that "4WD is required" and the road "is NOT maintained and often gets very muddy." Sites at Little Green Pond require "driving down a bumpy access road that can be muddy after a rain." Most areas have no facilities—no toilets, drinking water, or trash service. Fire regulations vary by site, with some areas permitting campfires while others prohibit them entirely. Camping duration limits typically apply but are not specified in available information.

The dispersed camping experience near Upper Jay provides quiet, secluded settings with opportunities for activities like fishing, swimming, and hiking. Sites near water bodies are particularly popular, with Polliwog Lake offering a "very relaxing" environment with "no cell, no internet." Little Green Pond features "peaceful spots under the pines" with "tree covered sites" and "a small beach to swim." Ward Brook Campsite includes "a nice lean-to" with "plenty of water around." At Crane Pond, campers note the natural features, mentioning "a stone cliff" that "is great for fishing or jumping off of" and "at night you can hear the loons."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Upper Jay, New York (17)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Upper Jay, NY

8 Photos of 17 Upper Jay Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Upper Jay, NY

21 Reviews of 17 Upper Jay Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Michelle R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Austin Brook

    Green Mountain National Forest Warren Falls

    Just south of Warren Falls trail head and parking lot and just north of Green Mountains National Forest Road #25, is a small (4-5 sites, 3 picnic tables) camping and parking area wedged between the Mad River and Vermont Route 100. Grassy and Rocky sites, 4 fire rings, 3 porta-potties, and stream side (river) camping close to trails, Warren Falls swimming hole, the Lincoln Gap Road and hiking, and the "famous" Warren General Store, and covered bridge. There aren't any reservation or use instructions or signs posted.

  • Mike B.
    Sep. 1, 2016

    Lincoln Dispersed Camping

    FR 291

    Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water. No trash or restrooms - Primitive for sure. Prepare for bugs as well. The seclusion of this spot is what makes it. On the weekends some people ride ATVs around here, otherwise it is a sanctuary

  • Murf V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2024

    Route 100 Dispersed Camping

    This is not for camping

    This is a picnic area that people insist on camping there and because of this kind of stuff is why we keep loosing free camping sites

  • 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).

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2023

    Austin Brook

    Wrong Coordinates

    This is a beautiful little pull off the road right on the river with tables & fire rings. For correct coordinates look at Fire Road 25. This area is right next to FireRoad 25 rd. We did not camp here we camped on FR25.


Guide to Upper Jay

Dispersed camping near Upper Jay, New York offers primitive sites throughout the western Adirondack region with seasonal considerations and accessibility challenges. Winter camping requires additional preparation as temperatures can drop below 0°F, while summer brings frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Most sites require navigation of unpaved forest roads that become challenging during spring mud season, typically from late March through early May when many access roads become impassable.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Austin Brook camping area provides streamside access with multiple fire rings. As one visitor noted, "There's a few sites here! All pretty much have access to the streams. Nice fire rings. Keep it clean!"

Swimming spots: Lincoln Dispersed Camping includes access to water filtering opportunities. A camper reported, "We found 2 campsites with fire pits right off the end of FR 291. Easy stroll to a clean brook for filtering water." This area remains quieter than many other Adirondack camping locations.

Hiking connections: Several primitive sites connect to trail networks. At Austin Brook, campers mention the location is "easy to access and has really nice drive in sites." The area provides connections to multiple hiking trails within Green Mountain National Forest.

What campers like

Seclusion factor: Lincoln Dispersed Camping offers remote sites away from crowds. One camper observed, "Down off this back road in VT you can find some beautiful secluded campsites - Yards away from gorgeous running water. No trash or restrooms - Primitive for sure." The limited cell service creates a true disconnect experience.

Natural soundscapes: Polliwog Lake provides a technology-free environment where natural sounds dominate. A reviewer stated, "Camped here for a few days, no cell, no internet." The area features loon calls and minimal human-made noise pollution.

Water access: Mountain Pond Road camping areas provide pond-side camping with boat launch opportunities for canoes and kayaks. Several sites sit directly on the shoreline, allowing campers to launch directly from their camping location without needing to transport equipment.

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Roads to Crane Pond require high clearance vehicles with four-wheel drive capability. A visitor warned, "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."

Limited facilities: Most sites have no amenities beyond basic fire rings. In the Lincoln Dispersed Camping area, prepare for truly primitive conditions as noted by a camper: "No trash or restrooms - Primitive for sure. Prepare for bugs as well."

Food storage precautions: Bear activity requires proper food management. A Lincoln camping visitor reported, "Saw no bear sign, but kept all food in car as a precaution." This practice should be followed at all sites in the region regardless of observed bear activity.

Tips for camping with families

Child-friendly sites: Little Green Pond offers 12 designated camping spots with swimming access. According to one camper: "12 designated camping spots. Some require driving down a bumpy access road that can be muddy after a rain. Sites are on the Pond. Pond has a small beach to swim."

Vehicle accessibility: When camping with children, consider sites with shorter walks from parking areas. Several Austin Brook sites allow parking directly at camp locations, with a camper noting the area has "a culdesac type set up of sites. Pretty sure these sites all have river access."

Weather preparation: Summer thunderstorms develop quickly in the Adirondacks, particularly between 2-6pm. Families should pack extra tarps and rain gear even during forecasted clear weather, as mountain conditions change rapidly.

Tips for RVers

Size limitations: Small trailers and camper vans can access some dispersed sites, but larger RVs are not recommended. At Crane Pond, a reviewer specifically cautioned: "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."

Limited turnaround space: Forest roads rarely provide adequate turnaround space for larger vehicles. Consider scouting locations first without your RV to assess access feasibility.

Camp setup: Most rustic camping areas near Upper Jay have uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks and stabilization equipment for even small trailers and camper vans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Upper Jay, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Upper Jay, NY is Ward Brook Campsite with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Upper Jay, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.