Dispersed Camping in Essex County, New York
Showing 116 locations in Essex County.
Adirondack Backcountry Campsite
A designated backcountry campsite located in the high peaks region of the Adirondack Forest Preserve, accessible only by hiking trails.
Adirondack Backcountry Campsite
A quiet, backcountry walk-in campsite ideal for hikers seeking solitude in the Adirondacks.
Adirondack Forest Preserve Backcountry (Essex County)
Primitive backcountry campsite cluster located within the High Peaks wilderness area of the Adirondack Forest Preserve, offering quiet walk-in sites surrounded by scenic outlooks. Excellent for backpacking trips and remote wilderness stays.
Adirondack Loj Campground
A popular developed campground operated by the Adirondack Mountain Club, providing primitive drive-in tent sites nestled in dense forest near the High Peaks trailheads. The facility features a shower house, restaurant, and direct access to a nearby pond with canoe rentals, but is strictly restricted to tents and does not permit RVs.
Ausable Point Campground
A developed state campground situated along the shores of Lake Champlain. Offers sandy shorelines, a boat launch, and access to the adjacent wildlife management area.
Beaver Point Lean-tos & Campsite
Located on the west shore of Lake Colden, Beaver Point offers iconic rustic lean-tos and designated tent camping sites with scenic waterfront views.
Boreas River Dispersed Campsites
A primitive dispersed camping area located down a short dirt access road near a river launch, offering quick access to the water in a quiet forest setting.
Brace Dam Primitive Campsite
A remote, primitive dispersed camping option located within the Adirondack Forest Preserve near Brace Dam.
Brookwood RV Resort
A well-maintained private RV resort offering full-hookup sites, rustic cabins, and tent camping in the scenic foothills near Lake George. Features clean facilities and an onsite camp store.
Calamity Brook Campsite
Backcountry designated campsite located along the Calamity Brook Trail near the wilderness water outlet.
Calamity Brook Trailhead
Trailhead providing access to the scenic Calamity Brook wilderness trail system.
Camp Whiteface Mountain
A fully developed private campground situated near Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain, offering spacious sites and modern amenities tailored for both RV and tent campers.
Cascade Mountain Trailhead Parking
Main trailhead parking area for Cascade Mountain located off Route 73.
Cedar Point Campsite
A scenic designated backcountry campsite on the eastern shore of Lake Colden. Provides a primitive tent platform or cleared site surrounded by dense forest with easy lake access.
Chapel Pond Route 73 Dispersed Camping
A series of designated primitive dispersed campsites managed by the state, situated just off Route 73 near Chapel Pond. The lower sites are nestled near a creek and are accessible to standard vehicles, while the upper sites require climbing a steep, eroded hill that demands high clearance and 4WD. These sites are extremely popular for hikers tackling the nearby High Peaks, resulting in high traffic and limited vacancy. Proper food storage is critical due to active wildlife in the valley.
Cold Brook Plaza (Hannaford & Marshalls)
This suburban commercial plaza offers convenient shopping and amenities, but prominent signs strictly prohibit overnight parking. While some travelers have successfully stayed overnight by obtaining direct permission from individual store managers, private security patrols actively enforce the parking ban.
Cooper Kill Pond Trailhead
A quiet trailhead parking area serving the Cooper Kill Pond Trail in the Wilmington Wild Forest.
Crane Pond Road Primitive Campsites
A scenic collection of walk-in and primitive campsites clustered along and near Crane Pond Road in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. Crane Pond Road is extremely rough, rocky, and often flooded, making vehicular access highly difficult or impossible. Most campers park at the main trailhead lot and hike in to access these peaceful, wooded sites situated near Crane Pond and surrounding hiking trails.
Curtis S. Read Scout Reservation
This extensive forested property in the Adirondacks functions as a private youth reservation and active camp area. The various sub-camps and programmatic areas scattered across the property are private. General public access and public overnight stays are strictly prohibited.
D.A.R. State Park Campground
D.A.R. State Park Campground, situated directly on the eastern shores of Lake Champlain, offers a picturesque setting with views looking across to the NY Adirondacks. This well-maintained public recreation area provides grass-covered camping sites, easy lakefront access, and a historic stone pavilion.
Designated Backcountry Campsite
A designated backcountry campsite offering a primitive wilderness tenting option.
Dix Mountain Backcountry Campsites
Hike-in primitive backcountry campsites in the scenic Dix Mountain Wilderness of the Adirondack Forest Preserve. Offers a quiet wooded setting for backpackers.
East River Trailhead
A trailhead area located along Opalescent Road providing hike-in access to the East River Trail.
Elizabethtown Area Backcountry Campsite
A designated hike-in site located along the network of wilderness trails near Elizabethtown.
Flowed Lands Backcountry Wilderness Sites
A cluster of remote hike-in wilderness campsites nestled around Flowed Lands and the Calamity Brook trail in the High Peaks Wilderness. Excellent wilderness base camps for hiking nearby peaks such as Mount Colden, Cliff Mountain, and Gray Peak.
Flowed Lands Outlet Campsite
A designated wilderness camp spot positioned close to the outlet flow of Flowed Lands.
Flowed Lands South Wilderness Campsite
Scenic designated backcountry site located on the southern end of Flowed Lands.
Flowed Lands Wilderness Campsite
A designated hike-in backcountry campsite situated along the pristine shores of Flowed Lands.
Flume Falls Highway Pull-offs
A roadside gravel pull-off along NY-86 adjacent to the Flume Falls Trailhead. While the main trailhead parking lot prohibits overnight stays, this adjacent pull-off allows for quick overnight stops with direct trail access to the river and waterfalls.
Forest Loop Designated Campsite
A scenic, primitive hike-in spot situated deep within the forest near local hiking loops.
Giant Mountain Wilderness Backcountry Sites
A collection of primitive, walk-in backcountry campsites located in the Giant Mountain Wilderness area of the Adirondack Forest Preserve. These sites offer a true wilderness experience near Beede Brook, accessible via hiking trails from NY-73.
Giant Mountain Wilderness Campsite
A designated single campsite located right off the road next to the river, featuring a stone fire ring. This is a quiet spot with scenic views in the Giant Mountain Wilderness area.
Gothic Window Overlook Site
Isolated walk-in backcountry spot nestled in a deep forest setting with scenic mountain overlook paths.
Gulf Brook & Lost Pond Campsites
A quiet cluster of primitive, designated campsites nested within the Adirondack Forest Preserve near Elizabethtown, offering direct trail access.
Gulf Brook Campsite #1
Primitive designated campsite located close to the Gulf Brook trailhead, providing basic cleared space in a forested setting.
Gulf Brook Campsite #2
A primitive, designated campsite situated near Gulf Brook, offering an excellent rustic tent or small van camping experience.
Hammond Pond Walk-In Campsite
A secluded walk-in campsite located along the wilderness trails of the Hammond Pond area.
Hammond Pond Wild Forest Primitive Campsite
A primitive hike-in campsite situated in the serene backcountry of the Hammond Pond Wild Forest.
Hammond Pond Wild Forest Primitive Sites
A collection of primitive hike-in campsites located within the scenic Hammond Pond Wild Forest and Giant Mountain Wilderness area.
High Peaks Primitive Site
A remote, wooded primitive campsite located within the Adirondack Forest Preserve, suitable for backpackers.
High Peaks Wilderness - Marcy Dam Corridor
This backcountry wilderness zone features numerous primitive walk-in campsites and historic Adirondack lean-tos along the Marcy Dam trail corridor.
High Peaks Wilderness Backcountry Camp
A primitive backcountry campsite located in the heart of the High Peaks Wilderness near Mount Marcy, accessible only by hiking trails.
High Peaks Wilderness Backcountry Camp
A remote backcountry hike-in campsite situated in the High Peaks Wilderness of the Adirondack Forest Preserve.
High Peaks Wilderness Dispersed Camping
A secluded wilderness walk-in campsite located deep within the High Peaks Forest Preserve near Wedge Brook.
High Peaks Wilderness Dispersed Camping
Wooded backcountry dispersed camping areas located within the High Peaks Wilderness of the Adirondack Park, offering direct access to hiking trails and rugged mountain terrain.
Indian Falls Campsite 1
A primitive hike-in campsite situated near Indian Falls along the Van Hoevenberg Trail.
Indian Falls Campsite 2
A secluded backcountry tent site located deep within the High Peaks Wilderness.
Indian Falls Primitive Campsites
A pair of primitive backcountry tent sites located near Indian Falls in the High Peaks Wilderness, accessible only by foot.
Indian Head Backcountry Site
Primitive tent site near Indian Head and North Outlook trail networks. Walk-in access only.
Johns Brook Valley Backcountry Area
A collection of primitive, hike-in backcountry campsites and lean-tos located along the Johns Brook trail system in the High Peaks Wilderness. These sites offer a rugged, remote experience in the heart of the Adirondacks, surrounded by dense northern hardwood forest and rushing streams.
Lake Colden Backcountry Area
A collection of primitive backcountry campsites, rustic wood lean-tos, and designated tent sites surrounding Lake Colden and the Flowed Lands in the Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness. This stunning alpine destination is strictly hike-in only, requiring a multi-mile trek over rugged, rocky wilderness trails.
Lake Colden Campsites & Lean-tos
A collection of lakeside lean-tos and designated tent sites situated around the shores of beautiful Lake Colden. Accessible only via hike-in trails, this spot features incredible views of Mount Colden and Algonquin Peak.
Lake Placid Area Hike-In Campsite
A remote, hike-in backcountry campsite located in the scenic mountain terrain near Lake Placid.
Lillypad Pond Campsite
A peaceful primitive campsite nestled near the shores of Lilypad Pond.
Lincoln Pond Interior Campsites
Primitive interior campsites located along Lincoln Pond, accessible primarily by trail or watercraft.
Lincoln Pond Interior Campsites
State-managed primitive campsites situated along the scenic shores of Lincoln Pond. These deep forest interior sites are ideal for rustic, traditional camping away from heavy vehicular traffic.
Livingston Point Campsite
A designated tent camping area located on the Flowed Lands, just southwest of Lake Colden. Features beautiful water views and a quieter atmosphere than the busier main Lake Colden shorelines.
Lost Pond Campsite
A secluded primitive campsite accessed via trail hike, situated near the scenic shores of Lost Pond.
MacIntyre Falls Dispersed Site
A quiet backcountry dispersed campsite located near MacIntyre Falls in the High Peaks Wilderness.
Macomb Mountain Primitive Site 1
A remote backcountry hike-in site located in the Dix Mountain Wilderness. Quiet and heavily forested.
Macomb Mountain Primitive Site 2
Primitive hike-in forest campsite in the Dix Mountain Wilderness. Quiet and peaceful setting.
Monitor Bay Campground
A scenic municipal campground located on the shores of Lake Champlain, offering designated sites with easy paved access.
Mount Colvin Backcountry Campsites
A cluster of primitive hike-in backcountry campsites nestled in the High Peaks Wilderness near Mount Colvin and Fairy Ladder Falls. Accessible only on foot, these spots offer serene and secluded forest camping.
Mount Colvin Primitive Site 1
A primitive hike-in backcountry campsite located along the trail near Mount Colvin and Nippletop. Accessible only on foot.
Mount Colvin Primitive Site 2
Primitive hike-in tent campsite along the trail to Mount Colvin and Nippletop. Offers quiet wilderness camping.
Pharaoh Lake Primitive Campsite
A primitive backcountry campsite situated within the scenic Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.
Pharaoh Lake Primitive Campsite
A primitive backcountry campsite situated within the scenic Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.
Pharaoh Lake Primitive Campsite
A primitive backcountry campsite situated within the scenic Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.
Pharaoh Lake Primitive Campsite
A primitive backcountry campsite situated within the scenic Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.
Pharaoh Lake Primitive Campsite
A primitive backcountry campsite situated within the scenic Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.
Pharaoh Lake Primitive Campsite
A primitive backcountry campsite situated within the scenic Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.
Pharaoh Lake Primitive Campsite
A primitive backcountry campsite situated within the scenic Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.
Pharaoh Lake Primitive Campsite
A primitive backcountry campsite situated within the scenic Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.
Pharaoh Lake Primitive Campsite
A primitive backcountry campsite situated within the scenic Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.
Pharaoh Lake Primitive Campsite
A primitive backcountry campsite situated within the scenic Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.
Pharaoh Lake Primitive Campsite
A primitive backcountry campsite situated within the scenic Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.
Pharaoh Lake Primitive Campsite
A primitive backcountry campsite situated within the scenic Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.
Pharaoh Lake Primitive Campsite
A primitive backcountry campsite situated within the scenic Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.
Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Dispersed Camping
A primitive dispersed campsite located in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness area of the Adirondack Forest Preserve.
Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Hike-In Campsites
A group of primitive, secluded hike-in sites nestled in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area, offering peaceful wilderness camping near alpine waters and mountains.
Port Henry Village Campground
A scenic municipal campground located directly on the shores of Lake Champlain adjacent to the local marina. It offers water and electric hookups, a public beach, and beautiful lake views.
Port Henry Waterfront Park and Campground
The waterfront corridor in Port Henry along Lake Champlain features both the Port Henry Village Campground and the adjacent Powerhouse Park. The campground offers paid overnight hookups, while the adjacent park provides a large gravel lot often used for short-term parking, scenic lake views, and boat launching.
Putnam Pond Campground & Day Use Area
Putnam Pond Campground features standard drive-in sites alongside remote, boat-in or hike-in spots. Located next to Putnam Pond, it serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the surrounding Adirondack trail systems.
Putnam Pond Campground
A scenic state campground operated by the NYSDEC within the Adirondack Forest Preserve near Ticonderoga. This popular getaway offers a mix of drive-in campsites and remote water-access or hike-in sites (R1–R9) situated directly along Putnam Pond, providing immediate access to wilderness trails.
Rogers Rock State Campground
A spacious state-managed campground situated on the scenic northern shores of Lake George, offering tent and trailer sites amidst a beautiful forest environment near Rogers Slide.
Rooster Comb Area Dispersed Campsites
Primitive backcountry dispersed sites located near the Rooster Comb trailhead in the High Peaks Wilderness of the Adirondack Forest Preserve. These spots are walk-in/backcountry campsites accessible via hiking trails.
Rooster Comb Walk-in Campsite East
A primitive walk-in campsite located in the dense woods east of the Rooster Comb trail system.
Rooster Comb Walk-in Campsite West
A primitive backcountry campsite situated near the base of the hiking trails in the Adirondack Forest Preserve.
Scott Clearing Backcountry Camp
Quiet wilderness walk-in clearing located in the High Peaks Wilderness of the Adirondack Park, offering primitive backcountry camping near Wallface Mountain.
Simonds Hill Road Pull-offs
Roadside gravel pull-offs along Simonds Hill Road offering quick, informal rest stops for smaller campervans and vehicles.
Site 1
A primitive backcountry hike-in campsite situated in a quiet, wooded area near Keeseville.
Site 2
A shaded, primitive clearing in the hardwood forest with a simple stone fire ring.
Site 2
A quiet backcountry hike-in campsite nestled in a wooded forest setting.
Site 3
A small wooded primitive site situated slightly off the main forest road corridor.
Site 3
A secluded backcountry walk-in campsite located in a quiet forested area near Keeseville.
Site 4
An isolated, flat dirt pad surrounded by mature pines, perfect for a quiet tent setup.
Site 5
A deeply secluded primitive site well off the main highway, offering absolute quiet.
Site 6
The furthest west primitive site in this group, located in a pristine, mature forest stand.
Sno-Bird Backcountry Campsites
A cluster of rugged, primitive walk-in backcountry camping sites and a trail lean-to located in the Adirondack High Peaks Wilderness near Mount Marcy. Access is strictly on foot; no vehicles of any kind can reach this area.
South Meadows Road Dispersed Camping
A popular corridor of designated primitive campsites located along South Meadows Road, offering immediate access to the High Peaks Wilderness trail system. Camping is strictly limited to sites marked with yellow 'Camp Here' discs. The road is unpaved and dead-ends at the South Meadows Trailhead.
South Outlook Backcountry Site
A quiet, rustic backcountry site suited for tent camping along the ridge.
Spotted Mountain Hike-In Campsite
A primitive, walk-in backcountry campsite located along the hiking trails near Spotted Mountain in the Adirondack Forest Preserve.
Sunrise Mountain Area Primitive Sites
A cluster of backcountry primitive campsites nestled in the Adirondack Forest Preserve near Sunrise Mountain.
Sunrise Mountain Primitive Site 1
Backcountry primitive campsite located in the Adirondack Forest Preserve.
Sunrise Mountain Primitive Site 2
Backcountry primitive campsite located in the Adirondack Forest Preserve.
Sunrise Mountain Primitive Site 3
Backcountry primitive campsite located in the Adirondack Forest Preserve.
Ticonderoga Ferry Port and Boat Launch
A scenic lakefront parking area located next to the Ticonderoga ferry dock and public boat ramp on Lake Champlain. Offers open paved parking with beautiful water views, though active train tracks nearby and early morning boat traffic can generate periodic noise.
Ticonderoga Hike-In Site
A remote, hike-in camping spot located in the wooded hills near Ticonderoga.
Treadway Mountain Wilderness Site
Hike-in camping spot located near Treadway Mountain and Antwine Hill.
Vanderwhacker Mountain Primitive Camp 1
A designated primitive campsite in the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest section of the Adirondack Forest Preserve.
Vanderwhacker Mountain Primitive Camp 2
A quiet, backcountry campsite located near Lester Dam within the Adirondack Forest Preserve.
Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest Primitive Sites
A quiet corridor of designated primitive campsites nestled within the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest region of the Adirondacks. These wooded sites offer basic rock fire rings and are ideal for tent camping or small, self-contained camper vans. Located near trailheads and scenic water features, they provide a peaceful, remote atmosphere away from crowded campgrounds.
Wallface Trail Hike-In Site
A secluded hike-in site nestled deep in the forest near Wallface Mountain, offering pristine solitude.
Walmart Ticonderoga
An exceptionally quiet and well-maintained Walmart parking lot in Ticonderoga. Overnighters are welcome to park in the flat back lot, completely separate from main store traffic. An adjacent abandoned commercial lot offers additional quiet parking options.
Wanika Falls Campsite
A hike-in backcountry campsite located near Wanika Falls along the Northville-Placid Trail.
Wilmington Notch State Park
A small state park campground situated along the West Branch of the Ausable River near Whiteface Mountain. Offers around 50 basic campsites nestled among tall pine trees. The campground lacks hookups but features flush toilets, showers, and a dishwashing station. Due to its proximity to the highway, some road noise can be expected, though sites further back offer a quieter experience.