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.

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.

Stillwater Reservoir

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Old Forge

The Best Camping Near Old Forge, New York

This was my 3rd trip to Stillwater in 3 yrs and it gets better each time!

Our first trip was an overnight to test some backpacking gear, it was September and the weather was perfect! We hiked into our site, not easy because almost everything is meant to be accessed by boat so we were guessing our course! Cooler weather meant no bugs to contend with

Next year we took a canoe to our site, it was July, warm weather, warm water and the bugs were not terrible, we were at Site 1, secluded in a cove, not a lot of traffic but there is a hiking trailhead near the site so there is potential for visitors.

Our latest trip was to site 10, an island site with a large sandy beachfront, we borrowed a motor boat to get there this year and brought plenty of gear for 4 days. Weather was great again, some rain each day but we had time to get setup and get shelters to keep dry.

Camping if free here but it is first come first serve but with 40+ sites you can almost always get something. There is a small store at the boat launch to get provisions if you need, public restrooms and wifi. Very limited cell service.

You should bring water or something to filter it from the reservoir. I believe all the site have privy boxes on them.

There are opportunities for fishing, a few local attractions, a nice restaurant at the launch.

Another great trip

just returned from our annual week at the reservoir, such beauty!  We saw Bald Eagles and Loons, enjoyed swimming, canoing and paddleboarding with the family.  It was so peaceful with our site #37 accomodating 20 members of tge family plus 3 dogs!

Unplugged but recharged!

Even in cold rainy weather we had a phenomenal time at Stillwater. Our spot had gorgeous waterfront to it, a stone fire circle where someone had left extra fire wood, and ample trees. The season had had unusually low water all over and it left a really unusual landscape on the beach to explore. We can’t wait to come back!

Your own private adventure beach

I came here a couple days ago only to realize that all except one campsite needs a boat to be reached. It's first come first serve so best to find another place if you intend to drive up to your campsite. The drive up campsite had an outhouse though so that was nice

Need a boat

My wife and I kayaked to Long Island and stayed for a weekend. It was quiet and had the whole island to our self. Would recommend if you want to break away from technology because you get zero service out there

Nice kayaking spot

Was a great camp site very big and had a trail that lead down to the water. This campsite is right down the road from the fire tower trail. 

Only car accessible campsite

Having both camped, and trained with my SAR Unit, on Stillwater Reserve, I must say it's a wonderful place to "get lost" (voluntarily at least)!

An island paradise 

a 20 mile ride of just woods on a bumpy road. Pretty cool! Surprisingly the place wasn't that populated as I expected it to be. I went to a accessible campsite near the dam so I can pull stuff i needed from my car. The restaurant in the town had great food, the staff were nice, and had two cute dogs! 

Excellent place! Went for Solar Eclipse 

Took me five hours to drive there but finally made it. It was nice and peaceful.   I will go there again

Photos of Stillwater Reservoir

Real photos from real campers