Best Dispersed Camping near Whitehall, NY

Several dispersed camping areas exist in the region surrounding Whitehall, New York, primarily in the Lake George Wild Forest and Green Mountain National Forest across the Vermont border. These primitive sites occur along forest roads, mountain ponds, and riverside locations where campers can set up without formal facilities. Crane Pond Dispersed Site and Crane Mountain Pond Campsite provide free camping options in New York, while multiple sites are available along forest roads in the nearby Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont, including FR207 and Texas Falls primitive campsites.

Access to many dispersed sites requires careful navigation on unmaintained roads. Crane Pond Road notably demands 4WD vehicles with higher clearance, as one review warns that "if you go back there without it your day is gonna suck." Several Vermont forest road sites have similar requirements, with FR207 needing at least 9 inches of ground clearance. Most sites feature only stone fire rings as their sole amenity, though fire restrictions vary by location and season. No drinking water, toilets, or other facilities exist at most locations, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and practice proper waste disposal.

The dispersed camping experience near Whitehall ranges from pond-side locations to mountain meadows with panoramic views. Crane Pond provides what one camper describes as a "stone cliff... great for fishing or jumping off of" with loons visible during the day. Green Mountain National Forest sites, particularly along FR207, feature "beautiful fields and views" with one visitor noting "beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery." Water access is common at several sites, with Texas Falls primitive campsites offering spots "on the river" according to reviews. Many locations remain relatively uncrowded except during peak weekends and holidays, though visitors should arrive early to secure preferred spots, especially at the limited Crane Pond parking area which accommodates approximately six vehicles.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Whitehall, New York (35)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Whitehall, NY

58 Reviews of 35 Whitehall Campgrounds


  • Miccal  M.
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

    This is a wonderful place to camp

    There are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience.  The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic.  Some of the sites are drive in, some are walk in, but all are primitive. 

    There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area.  Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.

    This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact, and that impact can be positive or negative. Choose Positive!

    This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2023

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    NFR 207 Meadows, with great views!

    In the first large meadow, multiple fire rings / sites. Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests. 

    Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles.
    Nearby Clark Brook Trail is a 3 mile hike connecting with the AT/LT.
    2 bars USCellular LTE.

  • Josie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    Private Campsite

    Decent site right off of the “main” road. “Main” because it was quiet. Easy to access via a short dirt road, but also easy to miss. We only saw sites 3 and 6 marked and took #6. There was a fire ring and access to the river down a semi-steep bank. Beautiful to listen to at night. Site was big enough to pull our mid-size SUV down and unfold rooftop-tent, but we did have to back out in the morning; not enough room to turn around. Felt private despite the road.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Ushers Road State Forest

    Trail head

    This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week.

    About 500 feet down the right-hand trail, there is a smaller path branching off to the left. This leads to a previously used campsite, approximately 200 feet from the main trail. The site includes a stone fire ring, indicating prior use.

    Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it’s at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots.

  • Taylor A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2023

    Cod Pond Dispersed Pull-Off

    Adirondack Camping Trip

    Highly Reccomend! The directions in the app are accurate -but do keep in mind that the campsite is down a dirt road which is well hidden from the main road if you aren’t paying close attention. There is no service at all.

    This site is campsite 6 and very private (I believe there must be others located close by). The site has it’s own private road. A car is not reccomended. Possible to turn around but you definitley need a smaller suv. There is a firepit at the site and plenty of space for multiple tents, ground may look flat but when sleeping-definitely is not. Plenty of trees for hammocks etc. You can hear cars from the site but the cars can’t see you-loved this! The sound of the cars from the main highway is something I got used to quick. The site is mostly shaded-the sun shines through a bit but not much.

    There is a river down the hill from the campsite which helps keep it fairly cool at night. The bugs were terrible.

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites

    Nice setting, simple fire pit only sites

    There seems to be a little confusion about where restricted day use ends and overnight dispersed sites begin. Some folks were camping in the picnic area. Past the gate at the end of the Texas Falls recreation area we found several sites with only a fire pit along the brook. They were well used with some litter. We packed out what we could find. There are posted signs on the opposite bank so we stayed on our side. Brook water filtered fine and was tasty. Relatively short walk to waterless toilets was welcome. Very pretty area.

  • 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.

  • Joann&WellsThePup I.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    NF-71

    About 12 sites off National Forest Road 71. Beautiful area and very secluded. All have fire rings but that’s about it. Make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season and treat your skin and clothes during black fly season


Guide to Whitehall

Dispersed camping near Whitehall, New York offers primitive recreation opportunities in both the Adirondack foothills of New York and across the border in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest. The region sits at the southern end of Lake Champlain where elevations range from 100 feet at lake level to over 2,000 feet at nearby mountain summits. Winter camping requires careful preparation with temperatures regularly dropping below 0°F, while summer brings occasional thunderstorms that can create flash flooding on forest roads.

What to do

Fishing excursions: The pond sites offer productive fishing opportunities, particularly at Crane Pond where one camper notes there's "a stone cliff... that goes down about 12 feet and is great for fishing." For winter enthusiasts, ice fishing is popular when conditions permit.

Waterfall exploration: The Texas Falls primitive sites provide access to cascading water features. A camper reports finding "several sites with only a fire pit along the brook" where "brook water filtered fine and was tasty," making it practical for both recreation and campsite needs at Green Mountain National Forest Texas Falls Primative campsites.

Stargazing sessions: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. At Green Mountain National Forest FR207, a winter camper experienced "beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery" and "woke up to two moose nearby" the morning of departure, combining astronomy with wildlife observation.

What campers like

Solitude and seclusion: Many sites offer significant privacy, particularly during weekdays. At Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest, a camper found it "super super remote - zero service" and described it as "peaceful and almost untouched."

Wildlife viewing: The natural setting attracts diverse wildlife. At Crane Pond, campers report hearing and seeing loons during their stay, adding to the wilderness experience.

Elevated camping options: Several sites feature remarkable vantage points. At Crane Mountain Pond Campsite, a visitor notes, "After a short hike up steep crane mountain we watched the beautiful sun set. One of the nicest places I've camped at."

Water proximity: Many sites feature direct water access. The Last Light on Michigan Brook site keeps it simple, with a camper advising, "The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site!"

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Most dispersed sites have minimal improvements and rough access roads. For Downed Bridge Camp, a camper advises, "The main area is a walk in and is worth it. The road into here was easy to drive."

Fire regulations vary: Fire rules change seasonally and by location. At Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest, fires are not permitted "because it's super remote," while most Vermont sites maintain established fire rings.

Campsite competition: Despite remote locations, popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons. One camper at Downed Bridge Camp notes, "If you're lucky enough to get the last spot on the road it's epic. Note that fills quickly on a weekend."

Terrain challenges: Many sites feature rocky or uneven terrain. Road's End Dispersed Camp has "a little rough, but doable for most vehicles" access road with "only a fire ring" for amenities.

Tips for camping with families

Water safety precautions: Pond and stream sites require supervision. At Crane Pond, families should monitor children around the "stone cliff near it that goes down about 12 feet" that's used for jumping and fishing.

Plan for remoteness: Cell service is inconsistent across the region. A Bear Slide visitor emphasized "zero service," requiring families to prepare for communication blackouts.

Site selection timing: Arrive early for family-suitable spots. At On the Hill Dispersed Camp, a repeat visitor notes it's "a nice size primitive site for a small group" but being "a little rough to get into" means allowing extra time to set up with children.

Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for wildlife encounters. A winter camper at FR207 spotted moose, while Crane Pond campers commonly see and hear loons.

Tips from RVers

Ground clearance requirements: High-clearance vehicles are necessary for most sites. FR207 campers advise "this is not a place to go without at least 9" of ground clearance" while still noting that "beautiful fields and views" make the effort worthwhile.

Size limitations: Most sites accommodate smaller rigs only. At Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest, one camper surprisingly found "you could fit a LARGE RV" despite the "rocky getting there" access road.

Seasonal access considerations: Spring mud and winter snow create additional challenges. A FR207 visitor warns to "make sure to have a backup plan during the mud season" as conditions can rapidly change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Whitehall, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Whitehall, NY is Lake George with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 35 dispersed camping locations near Whitehall, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.