Paddlers, anglers, and swimmers get the most out of Stillwater Reservoir, where more than 40 free dispersed sites sit along the water's edge inside Independence River Wild Forest. Most sites require a boat to reach, which shapes the experience considerably. Kayakers and canoeists can access island sites with sandy shorelines, while one drive-in site near the dam works for those arriving by car. Bald eagles and loons have been spotted on the water, and fishing, swimming, and paddleboarding are all common activities here.
The roughly 20-mile road to the reservoir is unpaved and bumpy, so expect a slow approach regardless of vehicle. Cell service is essentially zero at the sites, which reviewers note as a feature rather than a drawback. Sites include privy boxes, and there is a small store with public restrooms and wifi at the boat launch. Campers should bring water or plan to filter it from the reservoir, as Geoff W. notes: "You should bring water or something to filter it from the reservoir." Camping is free and first-come, first-served. No pets are permitted.
The reservoir draws repeat visitors across seasons. Spring visits can mean low water levels that expose unusual shoreline terrain, while summer brings warm water and moderate bug activity. The campground sits within the broader Adirondack region, where camping near Independence River Wild Forest includes additional dispersed options for those who want to compare sites before committing. Blue Lagoon Primitive Dispersed Camping and Sunday Lake Dispersed Camping are two nearby alternatives worth considering if Stillwater's boat-access requirement doesn't fit your plans.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsStillwater Reservoir is located in New York near Old Forge
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
43.89728874 N
75.05101797 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
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.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 7 min from Watertown, NY
- 1 hr 30 min from Utica, NY
- 1 hr 59 min from Syracuse, NY
- 2 hrs 13 min from Glens Falls, NY
