20 Free Adirondack Campsites: Best Camping in New York (2024)

The Adirondack Mountains provide ample opportunities for backcountry camping and private campgrounds, but we’re looking for free campsites in the Adirondacks. There are a handful of places where boondocking in the Adirondacks is possible. Let our list show you which free camping spots our state forest land can provide you in the Adirondack Park.

Finding free car side camping in the Adirondacks can be tough. There may be six million acres of protected forest preserve lands, but there are also 130,000 year-round residents, over 100 towns, and over 3 million acres of private lands within the boundaries of the park.

​

Free Campsites in the Adirondacks

Here we have a list of 20 free Adirondack Campsites. There camping areas are drive up, primitive campsites in the Adirondack Park that won’t cost you any money. Many of these sites will allow you to stay for up to 3 nights on state lands free of charge.

Anything between 3 and 14 days requires a permit. Often, permits are free. They’re simply required for a long-term stay. Please take care of these primitive camping sites and be willing to share with others if there is enough room!

1. Chapel Pond, Keene Valley, NY

• GPS:44.142588, -73.750566
• Approximately 6 sites

These free campsites in the Adirondacks can be found just off route 73 shortly after you pass Chapel Pond (coming from the East/ The Northway). It’s a tricky turn off that I’ve missed even after staying there a few times. Luckily, if you miss it coming from Keene Valley, you’ll be able to turn around at the Chapel Pond parking lot.

Chapel Pond is great for a quick overnight stay. The road noise is loud and this spot tends to be quite crowded as it is within the High Peaks Region. For a quick stay, it provides a legal place to sleep in close proximity to many trail heads in the Keene Valley and Lake Placid area.

The Chapel Pond Campsites are a 15-20 minutes drive from the Village of Lake Placid. This means that they are relatively close to a handful of incredible trails, including those on our list of best Lake Placid hiking trails!

2. Coreys Road Sites, Tupper Lake, NY

• GPS:44.200912, -74.315861
• Approximately 10 sites

These free Adirondack Campsites can be found along the dirt road connecting the paved section of Coreys Road off of Route 30 to the Seward range parking lot. It’s just a few minutes out of Tupper Lake and about 15 minutes from Saranac Lake. Six primitive camp sites are tucked away back behind Axon Landing in a pretty remote drive-in spot!

The sites are quaint and very primitive. Some are larger and nicer than others; the first site past Stony Creek is most definitely my favorite! No cell-service here and direct access to only a few trails, but a lot of peace, quiet, and natural beauty.

Coreys Road primitive camping provides great access to the parking area that acts as the trailhead for the Seward Range.

3. Dacy Clearing, Fort Ann NY

• GPS:43.531267, -73.566105
• 6-15 sites

These sites are about a 25 minutes drive from Lake George and fill up quickly. If all seem to be occupied, you might be in luck with this pro tip. Drive all the way back to the Sleeping Beauty trailhead. When you enter the parking area, turn left. Park as close as you can to the end of the lot and walk the foot path. About 50 years down the path, look to your right. There’s a ‘hidden’ campsite marked by a camping disc.

There are 12 campsites with fire rings and some with outhouses in this area. There are 5 sites on Shelving Rock Road which is a gravel road with easy car access. Additionally, 7 more primitive sites lie between the gate and the Sleeping Beauty (summer) trailhead. Dacy Clearing road requires a higher clearance vehicle for successful passage. This area is best for passenger vehicle and tent camping.

The sites are all nicely wooded and provide easy access to local trail heads such as Sleeping Beauty, Shelving Rock Falls, and Buck Mountain. These free camping spots also provide access to many other Lake George Area hikes. Unfortunately, this makes this space quite busy with day hikers as well as overnight campers. This is a great spot to stay if you’re trying to knock out some Lake George 12ster Mountains!

4. Essex Chain of Lakes, Newcomb NY

• GPS:43.901376, -74.278245
• Approximately 6 sites

This very remote spot will have you driving quite a ways down Cornell Rd off of Route 28. When you get to Woodys road make a right. This will bring you to a number of unnamed Adirondack Park Preserve roads. Access road conditions may be questionable in poor weather so tread lightly and have a backup plan.

Remote sites often mean more peace, quiet, and beauty. We recommend these sites to the more advanced outdoor enthusiast. Having a solid handle on your environmental impacts and how to minimize them is important in New York’s Great Outdoors, but especially when enjoying primitive campsites.

Camping around the Essex Chain Lakes and other nearby lakes & ponds waters is allowed at designated tent sites only. Please respect these DEC lands regulations.

5. Hope Falls Roadside Campsites, Northville NY

• GPS:43.30407, -74.175423
• 3-5 sites

See Also

The doctor, &c., vol. 7 (of 7)

Hope Falls road is a seasonal use road located in the Southern Adirondacks between Northville and Wells. The maximum RV length is 15 feet, however, sites are intended for tent camping.

As far as free camping spots are concerned, the sites on Hope Falls Road aren’t fancy. They include a fire pit and access to Stoney Creek. All sites are designated by their yellow “camp here” discs.

Northville is the common starting point for the Northville-Placid Trail. If you’re looking for a place to stay overnight before your hike, this is a great option!

6. Horseshoe Lake, Tupper Lake, NY

• GPS:44.129496, -74.62760
• 11 sites

Off of route 30, just before South Bay of Tupper Lake, lies route 421. Turn onto route 421 and continue about 6 miles. A dirt road with access to 6 lake-side campsites can be found. Five additional sites are littered throughout Otter Brook road. This spot is away from traffic and in the beautiful Horseshoe Lake Wildforest area.

There are a few waterfront sites. This means the responsible waste management is incredibly important when considering your environmental impacts. Use pit privies for human waste if available. If not available, please make sure to be 200 feet from the campsite and the water before going number one or two.

The sandy beaches of Horseshoe Lake are perfect for water lovers. Horseshoe lake is a great location for fishing and paddling; if you’re looking to hike there are also a few trail heads within 15 minutes of these sites. Check out theTupper Lake Triadfor these hikes.

7. Jones Pond, Paul Smiths, NY

• GPS:44.455758, -74.186797
• 5 sites

Five sites with beautiful, filtered views of Jones Pond await! Missing the turn off is likely, especially in the dark. The area where you first pull in is for the boat launch. Continue beyond this point for yellow camping discs highlighting the beautiful camping areas available.

There is an outhouse that is in pretty good shape and each campsite has a fire ring. The campsites are all connected by a lovely little trail that runs alongside the lake; it’s my favorite place to be on a crisp, fall Adirondack morning. Jones pond is my all time favorite campsite of the Adirondacks. I*almost*didn’t share it with y’all because I would be devastated if it was ruined – so please do your part and LNT – but that wouldn’t be fair. Nature isNOTmine to divvy out! However, it is the duty of all who enjoy it to advocate for its protection.

Jones Pond is a short 10 minute drive from Saranac Lake. Nearby hikes include Saint Regis Mountain, Baker, and Ampersand Mountain. It’s a peaceful, waterside spot with a boat launch for non-motorized water crafts. Fishing for Northern pike and Yellow perch is permitted in Jones Pond as well.

8. Mason Lake, Speculator, NY

• GPS:43°36’00.0, 74°25’22.3
• 7-8 sites

Just off Route 30, on Jessup River Road, you’ll find a dirt road that is home to 7-8 free Adirondack campsites with picnic tables. The very first spot is reserved for day use only. It has a picnic table and a boat launch.

The free camping spots are quaint with the first couple sitting pretty close to the lake. You can hear the road from these sites, however, they provide great paddling and fishing access. The further you drive down Jessup River Road, the more remote the camp sites become.

You’re also in close proximity to a number of local hikes. Snowy Mountain and OK Slip Falls are relatively close by and beautiful!

9. McKeever Road Sites, Old Forge, NY

• GPS: 43°36’32.8, 75°04’36.5
• 8-10 Sites

An absolutely gorgeous spot just 15 minutes south of Old Forge in Woodhull State Forest. Five to ten campsites can be found off of the long, narrow, well-kept gravel road. The gravel road is about 1 mile off of Route 28; take Wolf Lake Landing Road to find your campsites!

These sites are ideal for tent or van camping due to the narrow nature of the roads. It’s a lovely wooded area with no amenities and no cell service.

This a great, remote spot with a lot of different recreational opportunities. The Moose River and Woodhull Lake are available for paddling, fishing, and swimming as well. There’s also a beautiful trail to the Woodhull Fire Tower that leaves from this area as well.

10. Moose River Plains, Inlet, NY

• GPS:43°40’17.0, 74°42’29.7
• 100+ sites

There are over 100 free, primitive campsites in the 3500 acres that make up the Moose River Plains. The Limekiln Lake-Cedar River Road is a seasonal access road extending 23 miles through the Moose River Plains. The road stretched from the Limekiln Gate in the west, near the community of Inlet, to the Wakely Dam Gate at the end of the Cedar River Road in the east which lies near the community of Indian Lake.

True boondocking in the Adirondacks. This is an absolutely beautiful, remote spot with endless possibilities. The Moose River Plains region is arguably one of the most beautiful free Adirondack campsites you can find.

There are approximately 130 miles of maintained trails as well as more than 65 ponds and lakes. It’s an absolutely stunning spot to camp in summer and fall! It would be an equally beautiful place to camp in the winter if you had a snowmobile to access the sites.

11. Northwood Club Road, Minerva, NY

• GPS:43°49’06.8, 74°03’38.0
• Approximately 8 sites

Northwood Club Road is open from Mid-May through December. The campsites can be found on a dirt road about 5 miles from pavement. There are a cluster of 4-5 sites right over the Boreas River, however, if you continue further down the road you will have additional sites to consider. If you go far enough, you’ll make your way to the Huntly Pond campsites as well.

This is a peaceful, quiet spot on the water. Most sites come equipped with a fire pit. As always, please be mindful of your flames! Be aware of the current conditions and the DEC recommendations for campfires.

There are local hiking trails nearby as well: Moxham Mountain, Vanderwhacker Fire Tower, and the Boreas Loop trail would be great day trip options!

12. Old Route 28, Blue Mountain Lake, NY

GPS: 43°50’33.3, 74°24’02.0

2 Sites

There is a seasonal road right off Route 29/30 that provides just two campsites next to Durant Lake. This road is unmarked and in rough shape but passable with any passenger vehicle May through October. In snowy season, four wheel drive is necessary.

Both sites have a fire pit, picnic table, and open air privy. There is also lake views and lake access at these sites for anyone looking to swim of paddle. These campsites can accommodate tents and RVs.

This area is beautiful. The perfect way to spend a day in Blue Mountain Lake would have to include hiking Castle Rock or Blue Mountain Fire Tower and paddling to Long Island on Blue Mountain Lake.

13. Piseco-Powley Road Campsites, Piseco, NY

• GPS: 43°18’35.3, 74°39’16.0
• 19 sites

This 20 mile-long primitive road is home to approximately 18 primitive free Adirondack campsites and a number of trails. The road stretches from Stratford to Arietta, crossing the East Canada Creek at its southern terminus.

This road cuts through the Ferris Lake Wilderness, providing access to remote sections of the forest. The sites are primitive, however, they’re remote and take you away from it all!

Over 100 miles of hiking and multiple-use trails can be found here. These free sites are also close to the trailhead for Echo Cliffs over Piseco Lake.

14. Route 8 Campsites, Johnsburg, NY

• GPS: 43°31’49.4 74°08’40
• Approximately 15 sites

Route 8 is a main road in the Adirondacks, which means it is open year round! There are about 20 different primitive campsites along the road here between Wells and Bakers Mills. The sites are not obviously marked from the road, it will be up to you to find the yellow campsite disc.

Be advised that these sites will be snowy in the winter and parking on the shoulder could pose a challenge. They are, however, scattered throughout the route in some really beautiful areas.

Route 8 is a beautiful stretch of road! Route 8 runs alongside the East Branch of the Sacandaga River and its tributaries. Along this route you’re fairly close to Gore Mountain, Auger Falls, and Crane Mountain for day trip activities.

15. South Meadow, Lake Placid, NY

• GPS: 44.201468, -73.956025
• 6-12 Sites

The South Meadow primitive camp sites are scattered along a seasonal dirt road. The turnoff for this road is about a mile out from the ADK Loj and Heart Lake parking lot. All sites are marked with campsite markers with space for a single car or two to park next to the site.

This is an awesome place to set up camp if you plan to travel into the High Peaks Wilderness from the Loj or the South Meadow Gate. Keep in mind that this road is not maintained and all campsites are first come first served. These free Adirondack campsites areverypopular – I would have a back up plan if you’re arriving on a weekend.

Along this road you’ll find the trailhead for the old Mount Van Hoevenberg trail as well as the South Meadow Gate which provides access to the High Peaks Region. Important to note. You will not find fire rings at these campsites. Fires are prohibited in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness. Please practice Leave No Trace principles during your stay!

16. Thirteenth Lake, North Creek, NY

• GPS: 43.718705, -74.118077
• 8-10 Sites

From Route 28, turn onto Country Route 78. Take Route 78 until it branches right to Beach Road. At the end of Beach Road you’ll find a parkign area for Thirteenth Lake.

The Thirteenth Lake Free Adirondack Campsites do require you to walk your gear in from the parking area. The walk is short and worth it for the views! There are additional sites in the Siamese Pond Wilderness accessible by canoe if you’re a paddler.

Hike Peaked Mountain from your campsite for a long, beautiful day hike. These sites are located close to Gore Mountain as well if you’re looking for a winter place to stay before skiing or snowboarding.

17. West River Campsites, Wells, NY

• GPS:43°21’57.8 74°21’05.7
• 13 sites

Towards the end of West River Road in the Southern Adirondacks, you’ll find 13 designated campsites. Access the road in the summer months via Wells, New York. West River Road is seasonal and can not be accessed in the winter months.

These free Adirondack campsites are located right next to or a short distance from the road. These boondocking sites can accommodate tent and hammock sleepers or RVs. The sites are primitive but many have outhouses that are in decent shape.

This is a beautiful spot alongside the river and is in close proximity to a few local hikes. The Auger Falls trail, Panther Mountain, and Pine Orchard trail are among the most visited in the area!

18. Durant Lake Boat Launch, Blue Mountain Lake, NY

• GPS: 43.847211, -74.422378
• 3 Sites

Just east of the village of Blue Mountain Lake is the hand boat ramp for Durant Lake. Just off of Route 19 there’s a gravel road to these Durant Lake Boat Launch campsites.

There are two sites right next to the water and one farther up the road closer to the entrance. Tents and RVs are welcome and will fit in these spaces.

Durant Lake is a great area for fishing and paddling. Around this area, there are a few great hikes. Blue Mountain Fire Tower and Castle Rock are two incredible hikes in the area.

19. Moose Pond Club Road, Minerva, NY

• GPS: 43.892481, -74.016629
• 6 Sites

Right next to Boreas Pond trailhead is the seasonal Moose Pond Road. These sites are marked with a yellow “camp here” disc.

The first campsite is located just beyond the seasonal road gate. The next campsite, number two, is located nearly a mile up the road. Tents and small RVs will fit in these free camping spots. Do know that the road in is rough – RVs might be difficult.

This area is popular for hunting in the fall and trapping throughout the winter. The Vanderwhacker Mountain trail is located about 2.5 miles down the Moose Pond Road. Additionally, this area provides close access to the southern trailheads to the high peaks region.

20. Bear Slide, Lake Luzerne, NY

• GPS: 43.3975, -73.8749
• 5 sites

Bear Slide Road is located on River Road along the Hudson River. Bear Slide road is seasonal – so know that it isn’t open in the winter and early spring months.

Free Adirondack campsites here are labeled with yellow “camp here” markers. These sites are located right along the Hudson. There are sites that locked behind a gate for MAPPWD permit holders. These individuals can contact a ranger for the access code. If you veer left here, you’ll access the handful of sites accessible next to the road.

The Bear Slides is an area with smooth rocks that create a natural waterslide. This area of Buttermilk Brook is very easily accessible from these campsites. The Bear Slide area is also very popular for rafters.

Adirondack Boondocking: Important Information For Campers

There are some things we need to be aware of in order to safely and respectfully utilize Adirondack Boondocking areas. Understand how to store your food, handle human waste, and leave no trace when camping in the Adirodnacks.

Free Adirondack Campsites in the Backcountry

There are hundreds of free, primitive sites throughout the Adirondack Park. Many of them require a paddle or hike to get too – It’s important that you’re prepared to spend a nightin wilderness areaswhen planning on staying at one of these sites. Also, keep in mind that you could hike 3-8 miles in to a site to find it occupied. It’s always important to have a back up plan.

The best way to find these sites is with a good map.If you’re interested in backpacking in the Adirondack, check out this list of 10 backpacking loops and thru hikes in the ADK!

Food Storage When Camping in the Adirondacks

No matter where you camp in the Adirondack Forest Preserve proper food storage is imperative. In the backcountry, all food should be stored in a bear bagunlessyou’re in the High Peak Wilderness. If you’re camping in the High Peak Wilderness, anything with a scent needs to be put inapproved bear-resistant canisters. This is for your safety as well as the safety of the bear.

When car camping, storing your food inside your locked vehicle in a dark container is your safest bet. Retiring all pots, pans, utensils, and scented supplies to your locked vehicle is best practice. Additionally, all coolers should also be locked inside your vehicle when unattended.

Human Waste Disposal at Free Adirondack Campsites

There are many areas where pit toilets, privies, or outhouses are available for you to do your business. In the event that one of these lovely structures isn’t present, you’re required to dig a cat hole when you have to go number 2.

Cat Hole Requirements

• 200 feet from water, trails, and camp
• a spot that receives ample sunlight if possible
• 6-8″ deep and 4-6″ wide
• filled with organic dirt when finished
• cover with organic, native materials

Going Number One

• 200 feet from water, trails, and camp

All toilet paper should be carried out with you. For my female camping friends, I suggest looking into aKula Clothfor your sanity.

Adirondack Forest Preserve Updates and Information

Join theDepartment of Environmental Conservation’s virtual mailing list. The DEC’s many electronic newsletter topics will provide you with important information surrounding environmental violations education, seasonal closures, and minimizing your environmental impacts.

We highly recommend subscribing if you plan to spend time in hiking, paddling, or enjoying free Adirondack campsites.

State Land Classifications in the ADK

1. Forest Preserve
   Public lands in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks.
   – Can Cam in Forest Preserve
2. State Forests
   Protected lands outside the Adirondack and Catskill Parks.
   – Can Camp in State Forests
3. Wildlife Management Areas
   Owned by New York State under the control and management of the DEC for the production and use of wildlife.
   – Cannot camp in Wildlife Management Areas
4. Conservation Easem*nts
   Limits or restricts development, management or use of property for the purpose of preserving, or maintaining the environment.
   – Camping depends on what the land is designated for.

As always, leave no trace; for your safety, the longevity of the forest, and the safety of our wildlife it is imperative that you educate yourself on the7 LNT Principles.

Best Free Camping/ Boondocking Websites

In the event that you’re ever looking for free camping outside of the Adirondack Park, I thought it might be helpful to provide you with some resources. These sources can help you to find a free campsite anywhere in the United States and Canada with interactive maps.

• Campendium.com
• FreeCampsites.net
• NaturalAtlas.com
• Thedyrt.com

Personally, I prefer FeeCampsites.net. It’s helped me to find unique areas with no cell service across multiple categories of state land. It’s important that you further research the information you find on these sites to learn more about the area. I suggest looking for public campgrounds near the area as your back up.

Conclusion

Although these free Adirondack campsites might not cost you any money, they don’t come without a price. These sites will cost you your diligence; please be sure to leave no trace and, as always, drive away from these sites leaving them better than you found them.Personally, I like to collect all of the garbage that may have been left behind and clean up the fire pit -if applicable- before I head out at the end of my stay.

Little day-use areas and site clean-ups like this make a huge difference in everyone’s experience and overall environmental impact. Knowing the 7 Leave No Trace Principles is the key to being a good steward of the outdoors. Complete thisfreeLeave No Trace Online Awareness Coursebefore heading out there! It is imperative that you educate yourself on proper outdoor etiquette and use your voice to advocate for the land you enjoy spending your time on. Improve everyone’s camping experience by putting the land first.

Related