Dispersed tent camping areas near Waterford, New York include primitive locations within Green Mountain National Forest to the east and several small-scale private camping properties closer to town. The region features elevations ranging from 230 to 2,800 feet across different sites, with predominantly deciduous forests and occasional wetland areas. Most primitive sites require campers bring all necessary supplies, as facilities are minimal to nonexistent throughout the area.
What to do
Water activities at Stratton Pond: Located approximately 30 miles east of Waterford in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest, Stratton Pond offers swimming and fishing opportunities. "The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail," reports camper Miccal M., who visited during winter but noted the pond's significance.
Island camping exploration: Lake George Islands camping, about 40 miles north of Waterford, provides a unique boat-in experience. "Renting a boat and taking it on an adventure towards an island was something new," shares Ryan, who enjoyed the novelty despite some concerns about site maintenance.
Outdoor adventures at Zoar: Located within driving distance in Massachusetts, Zoar Outdoor offers whitewater rafting and tubing on nearby rivers. "The campground is connected to an adventure/outing company that provides white water rafting, tubing and other water activities on a nearby river," notes Seth K., adding "It's close to where locals jump off outcrops into the lazy river."
What campers like
Mountain trail access: The Seth Warner Shelter provides direct access to the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail. "Its .2 miles off the LT/AT and sleeps 6-7 people. There is a fire pit," explains Daniel S., who adds, "Great for overnight, section or through hike."
Bicycle-friendly paths: Ushers Road State Forest features accessible trails suitable for mountain biking. A visitor explored "both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side," noting numerous camping possibilities throughout the forest beyond established sites.
Lakeside views: Campsites at Long Island Group — Lake George Islands provide scenic water vistas. "Beautiful view, chill atmosphere, easy boat parking on the slip," according to Anastasiia T., who stayed on Long Island within the lake. Another camper, T K., emphasized, "Absolutely beautiful and you can't beat camping on an island."
What you should know
Site preparation needs: Many primitive sites near Waterford lack maintenance and level ground. At Lake George islands, Ryan notes, "There were no leveled space whatsoever (except for one platform per site...but where would a second tent go? On the horrible ground beside it)."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for animal visitors at certain locations. Lake George island campers report significant raccoon activity: "We were literally bombarded with a group of raccoons each night. It was bad."
Seasonal conditions: Stratton Pond Shelter access varies significantly by season. Winter visitors report: "Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods with only the people I hiked in with. The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter."
Facility limitations: Several sites have minimal or rustic facilities. Ushers Road lacks drinking water, toilets and trash facilities, while Seth Warner Shelter offers basic amenities but requires preparation. "Hang your food! Watch for bears and coons," cautions one visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Shelter backup plans: When using shared accommodations like forest shelters, bring alternatives. At Seth Warner Shelter, "If you arrive late and there is no more room in the shelter use your tent or hammock in one of the many flat perfect spots for either," advises Daniel S.
Staff-supported activities: For families seeking guided experiences, Zoar Outdoor receives praise for its customer service. Dominick V. reports, "Staff was awesome, went out of their way to take care of our group from camping to rafting," while another visitor commented, "Everyone is so knowledgeable and helpful and kind."
Weather adaptability: The terrain around Ushers Road "eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall," according to one visitor, highlighting the importance of weather planning when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: True primitive camping for RVs is scarce near Waterford. Most dispersed sites like Ushers Road State Forest and forest shelters are tent-only or require significant hiking access, making them impractical for RV camping.
Island alternatives: While challenging for most RVs, Lake George Islands does accommodate some RV camping with electric, water, and sewer hookups for campers who can transport their units by boat. Richard T. notes there's "so much to do at LG. Great island camping with amazing views."
