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.
