Free dispersed camping at Payne Lake centers around a public boat ramp with limited parking on both sides of the access road. RVs up to 15 feet can navigate the site, though no amenities exist on-site. Campers report receiving two bars of Verizon cell service with signal boosters, while the lake provides opportunities for fishing and kayaking from the shoreline.
The site maintains a quiet atmosphere away from developed campgrounds, with open views across the water. Pet owners can bring their animals to this unrestricted camping area. For campers wanting established facilities, Kring Point State Park Campground provides a developed alternative with full amenities.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingPayne Lake Dispersed Site is located in New York
Coordinates
44.27215119062873 N
75.65051052735932 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 5/5/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 5/5/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Pets
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
Drive Time
- 33 min from Watertown, NY
- 1 hr 29 min from Syracuse, NY
- 1 hr 51 min from Utica, NY
- 3 hrs 10 min from Glens Falls, NY
