Free Camping Collection
Dispersed Camping
Stillwater Reservoir
Stillwater Reservoir, near Old Forge, New York, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This area offers a peaceful retreat with stunning waterfront views and plenty of space for tents and RVs, making it a great choice for both camping newbies and seasoned pros.
Visitors rave about the natural beauty here, with opportunities for kayaking and canoeing, especially to the nearby islands. One camper mentioned, “My wife and I kayaked to Long Island and stayed for a weekend. It was quiet and had the whole island to ourselves.” The area is also known for its wildlife, with sightings of Bald Eagles and Loons adding to the serene atmosphere.
While there are no modern amenities like showers or drinking water, the rustic charm is part of the appeal. Campers appreciate the chance to truly unplug, with one reviewer noting, “It’s a great place to break away from technology because you get zero service out there.” If you’re up for an adventure, the nearby fire tower trail offers a great hike, and the local restaurant serves up delicious food after a day of exploring.
With its free camping and first-come, first-served sites, Stillwater Reservoir is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the frills. Just remember to bring your own water and be prepared for a bit of a trek to some of the more secluded spots.
Description
The 6,700-acre Stillwater Reservoir is located in the western Adirondacks, and provides undeveloped, remote camping on both islands and along the shoreline. The Reservoir offers a multitude of recreational possibilities including remote wilderness camping, canoeing, boating, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. The area receives considerable use during each of the four seasons.
During recent years, popularity of the Stillwater Reservoir has greatly increased. In an effort to alleviate some of the problems and preserve remote camping opportunities, campers are now required to use only designated sites, along the shoreline or to camp at least 150 feet inland from high-water mark. The high-water mark is generally that point where the sand beaches end and the forested or vegetative area begins.
Camping on sand beaches is no longer permitted. Camping within 150 feet of the high-water mark is limited to 46 sites designated and marked by the department. Camping beyond the 150 feet limit, as in past years, is relatively unrestricted. The intention here is to move camper use back from the water's edge to less fragile sites. The only exception is to the north of the Reservoir, which is in the Five Ponds Wilderness, where group sizes are limited to nine people or less.
Camping beyond the 150-foot perimeter remains relatively unrestricted, except for five Ponds Wilderness. That is, persons may use any site or open area for camping, provided it is more than 150 feet from the high-water mark, roads, trails or any other body of water. Furthermore, campers must comply with department regulations governing the use of state lands. These regulations will be posted at the registration booth at the Forest Ranger Headquarters and may also be found on the reverse side of the Interior Use Camping Permit. As the designated sites become filled, users are urged to camp within the Independence River Wild Forest Area on the south.
Campfires are allowed, but only dead and downed fuel may be used. The use of trail stoves is encouraged because of limited supplies of wood.
Location
Stillwater Reservoir is located in New York
Coordinates
43.89728874 N
75.05101797 W
Detours Nearby
Tioga Point Campground
57 min away
Green Pond - Bonaparte State Forest
1 hr 4 min away
Drive Time
- 1 hr 7 min from Watertown
- 1 hr 30 min from Utica
- 1 hr 59 min from Syracuse
- 2 hrs 13 min from Glens Falls
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
- Fires
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.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Stillwater Reservoir needs a permit.
