77 Amazing New York Boondocking Campsites And Maps

Once you’re out of the city, you may enjoy a few of the New York boondocking campsites. Take part in the recreational activities such as New York hiking and bicycling. From the Catskills in southeast New York to the Adirondacks in northern New York, there’s something for everyone.

Table of Contents

Jump directly to the 53 Northern New York Boondocking Campsites
Jump directly to the 9 Southeast New York Boondocking Campsites
Jump directly to the 15 Southwest New York Boondocking Campsites

New York Boondocking Campsites

Backcountry camping, often known as dispersed camping, entails pitching your tent in an undeveloped area. Place your tent at least 200 feet away from developed paths or bodies of water. Plan on pitching a tent, but you might be able to use an existing shelter or lean-to instead.

Backcountry and dispersed camping are first-come, first-served, so plan ahead of time and be flexible. You should also aim to leave no trace and stay away from new tree growth when camping. Unless there is a special closure due to weather, dispersed and backcountry camping is permitted in most places of the forest.

Although boondocking isn’t something that quickly springs to mind when one thinks of New York, the Catskill and Adirondack Mountains have a wide amount of land with beautiful water features and lots of room to explore. This location is abundant in animals, outdoor activities, and all of New York’s peace and quiet.

Want more ideas to round-out your trip to the North-Eastern States?
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53 Northern New York Boondocking Campsites

Jump directly to the 9 Southeast New York Boondocking Campsites
Jump directly to the 15 Southwest New York Boondocking Campsites

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1. Thomas Farm

Address
17553 County Route 75 Sackets Harbor NY
Hounsfield, New York
GPS: 43.921181, -76.102872
Elevation: 325′

Management: Private – Privately Owned Farm Land (Official)

The road in is Gravel and 300Feet miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay Overnight(Free) / 2+ Nights(Donation) at Thomas Farm.

2. Salmon River /Altmar State Forest

Address
Pulaski, New York
GPS: 43.522026, -76.081073

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Paved. There are 1-5 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location and the maximum RV length is 35 feet. You may stay 3 days without a permit at Salmon River /Altmar State Forest. Dirt Parking lot in Altmar State Forest. Road nearby, but there are plenty of trails for hiking. The main reason you might stay here is if you are in the area for the EXCELLENT salmon and steelhead fishing in the Salmon River,just a mile away.

3. Winona State Forest

Address
Bargy Rd
Mannsville, New York
GPS: 43.710712, -75.972826
Elevation: 1097′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Gravel and 1 miles from a paved road. Winona State Forest is open all year. There are 1-5 New York boondocking campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 days at Winona State Forest.

4. Salmon River State Forest

Address
Pine Meadows, New York
GPS: 43.55134, -75.88833
Elevation: 1007′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

Beautiful water front sites, no bathroom, pack it in pack it out. hand launch boat access. Free New York dispersed camping areas.

5. Otter Creek Horse Camp

Address
Entrance Road to the Otter Creek Horse Trails
Glenfield, New York
GPS: 43.743622, -75.315207
Elevation: 1247′

Management: Public – State Park (Official)

The road in is Paved. There are 30 or more Free New York boondocking campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 days at Otter Creek Horse Camp. Location and Directions The Otter Creek Horse Trail system is located approximately 48 miles north of Utica and approximately 7 miles east of Route 12.

6. Sand Flats State Forest

Address
Port Leyden, New York
GPS: 43.55501, -75.28903

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

3 miles of nice dirt road NE of Booneville- State land. One formal campsite next to Creek, fire ring. Free New York dispersed camping areas.

7. Moose River / Old Forge / Woodhull State Forest</h3

Address
Old Forge, New York
GPS: 43.609103, -75.076804
Elevation: 1657′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Gravel and 1 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location.Turn East off rt 28 onto McKeever Road (just south of the moose river) go over the rail road tracks and soon enough you will see pull offs for camping! all legal as its in the Woodhull State Forest

8. Woodgate Road

Address
Woodgate, New York
GPS: 43.545, -75.09337
Elevation: 1749′

Management: Public – State Park (Official)

The road in is Gravel and 1.8 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. There are two campsites along the road. As you enter state land, there is a parking lot and a seasonal gate. Beyond the gate, the road can be easily driven by any car (2017) for 1.8 miles, where there is a small parking lot for the Gull Lake Trailhead.

9. North Lake near Utica, NY

Address
N Lake Road Exd Forestport, NY 13338 43.522691, -74.948484
Forestport, New York
GPS: 43.52243, -74.948287
Elevation: 1826′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Dirt and 1 miles from a paved road. There are 16-29 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location. You may stay 7 nights I think at North Lake near Utica, NY.

10. Reeds Pond Campsites

Address
Forestport, New York
GPS: 43.47923, -75.00887
Elevation: 1611′

Management: Public – State Park (Official)

The road in is Paved. There are 1-5 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 3 days, longer with permit at Reeds Pond Campsites. There are two campsites along the shore of Reeds Pond, and another campsite across the road, between the road and the Black River. The campsites along North Lake, which is just up the road from here, are nicer.

11. Haskell Road Campsites

Address
Ohio, New York
GPS: 43.40958, -74.85262
Elevation: 1539′

Management: Public – State Park (Official)

There are four New York boondocking campsites between the road and West Canada Creek.

12. Piseco-Powley Road

Address
Powley Road, Powley, NY
Hoffmeister, New York
GPS: 43.309818, -74.654435
Elevation: 1655′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Gravel and 10 miles miles from a paved road. Piseco-Powley Road is open 5/31-12/1 (motor vehicles; snowmobiles in winter). There are 16-29 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 3 nights; 2 weeks with permit at Piseco-Powley Road.

13. Powely Road

Address
Higgins Bay, New York
GPS: 43.37609, -74.55094
Elevation: 1745′

Management: Public – State Park (Official)

Multiple New York boondocking campsites all along the road.

14. Hope Falls Roadside Campsites

Address
Hope Falls Road, Wells, NY
Northville, New York
GPS: 43.30407, -74.175423
Elevation: 997′

Management: Public – State Forest

The road in is Dirt and 5 miles from a paved road. Hope Falls Roadside Campsites is open Year Round; Seasonal Use Road. There are 1-5 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 3 nights w/o permit; 14 nights with permit at Hope Falls Roadside Campsites.

15. West River Campsites

Address
Wells, New York
GPS: 43.366046, -74.351588
Elevation: 1131′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Dirt and 5 miles from a paved road. West River Campsites is open Late May – November. There are 6-15 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 3 nights w/o permit; 14 nights with permit at West River Campsites. There are several campsites along the end of West River Road in Wells. There is vehicle access to these campsites except during winter and mud season.

16. Jerden Falls Rd, Jadwin State Forest

Address
Jerden Falls Rd
Croghan, New York
GPS: 44.017264, -75.320918
Elevation: 926′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Gravel and 5 miles from a paved road. Jerden Falls Rd, Jadwin State Forest is open all year. There are 1-5 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 3 – 10 days at Jerden Falls Rd, Jadwin State Forest.

17. Stillwater Reservoir

Address
Lowville, New York
GPS: 43.889798, -75.035497
Elevation: 1683′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

Stillwater Reservoir is open year round. There are 30 or more Free New York boondocking campsites at this location. You may stay 3 days without a permit at Stillwater Reservoir. The 6,700-acre Stillwater Reservoir is located in the western Adirondacks, and provides undeveloped, remote camping on both islands and along the shoreline.

18. 7th Lake Boat Launch

Address
Inlet, New York
GPS: 43.745254, -74.726092
Elevation: 1791′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

There are 1-5 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location. 2 campsites approved by NYDEC. You can park at the boat launch and the sites are a short walk to the east on the edge of 7th Lake. Pinic table and fire pit is already there.

19. Moose River Plains

Address
Route 28
Inlet, New York
GPS: 43.671379, -74.708237
Elevation: 1851′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Dirt and 16 miles from a paved road. Moose River Plains is open Summer. There are 30 or more Free New York boondocking campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is Any. You may stay 14 days at Moose River Plains. 55000 acres of free camping with designated sites. Fire pits and an out house at every campsite. Any size camper without a problem. True mountain camping along the red river and cedar river flow.

20. Moose River Plains Wild Forest

Address
Inlet, New York
GPS: 43.754, -74.6803
Elevation: 2441′

Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)

The road in is Gravel. Moose River Plains Wild Forest is open Late Spring/Early Summer through fall. There are 30 or more Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location. You may stay up to 3 days without permit at Moose River Plains Wild Forest.

21. Mason Lake</h3

Address
Lake Pleasant, New York
GPS: 43.599992, -74.422869
Elevation: 1867′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

Multiple New York boondocking campsites on the roadside near the lake.

22. NY Route 8

Address
NY Route 8
Johnsburg, New York
GPS: 43.53038, -74.144669
Elevation: 1358′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Paved. NY Route 8 is open Year Round. There are 16-29 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 3 nights w/o permit; 14 nights with permit at NY Route 8. There are roughly 20 primitive campsites with stone fire rings, with vehicle access along NY 8 between Wells and Bakertown. All of the campsites are within 1/4 mile of the road, providing early spring and late fall camping opportunities.

23. Rt 8 Cod Pond to Bakers Mills

Address
Johnsburg, New York
GPS: 43.544741, -74.13499
Elevation: 1394′

Management: Public – State Park (Official)

The road in is Dirt and .1 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location. 5-7 Roadside campsites. Some are marked with a camping disc at the road, others are not (look for dirt road leading off the paved road). A few of the sites will lend themselves to use by RVs.

24. Siamese Ponds Wilderness – Thirteenth Lake

Address
122 Beach Road
North Creek, New York
GPS: 43.718609, -74.118381

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

There are 6-15 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location. Several tent campsites (5 or 6) most with view of the lake, and very short distance from parking lot. Some campsites seam to be occupied for extended time.

25. Northwood Club Road

Address
Northwood Club Road
Minerva, New York
GPS: 43.818551, -74.060555
Elevation: 1225′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Dirt and 5 miles from a paved road. Northwood Club Road is open Mid-May through December. There are 6-15 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 3 nights w/o permit; 14 nights with permit at Northwood Club Road.

26. Vanderwacker Mt Fire TowerTrail

Address
Moose Pond club road
Minerva, New York
GPS: 43.891998, -74.015515
Elevation: 1627′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is 4×4. There are 1-5 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. Free Campsites the trail is rough. Quiet steep at the beginning. there are 4 or 5 sites along the trail to the bridge over the Boreas river a couples miles inland.

27. Gooley Club Rd

Address
Indian Lake, New York
GPS: 43.816862, -74.206582
Elevation: 1509′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The maximum RV length at Gooley Club Rd is 20 feet. Formerly the Gooley Club lands, Transfered to the state several years ago. At least 2 New York boondocking campsites on the road just big enough for a small rv maybe 20′ max. I only drove about 1.5 miles off pavement.

28. Essex Chain Of Lakes

Address
Newcomb, New York
GPS: 43.901376, -74.278245
Elevation: 1696′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

There are a half dozen Free New York dispersed camping areas along the road, and a dozen on the lakes or back in the woods. They are very rarely used as this is new access that was recently purchased from a paper company. (2015). If your looking for remote and wild.

29. Lake Durant – Boat Launch Access Rd

Address
Indian Lake, New York
GPS: 43.847137, -74.422486
Elevation: 1791′

Management: Public – State Park (Official)

3 New York boondocking campsites on the boat launch access road. The access road is southeast of the cemetery access road, and there is a trail head sign. Fire rings and privies at each site. 3rd site is lakeside and large enough for most RVs.

30. Stillwater Reservoir

Address
Lowville, New York
GPS: 43.889798, -75.035497
Elevation: 1683′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

Free New York dispersed camping areas.

31. Lake Durant – Old Rte 28

Address
Indian Lake, New York
GPS: 43.842092, -74.398539
Elevation: 1785′

Management: Public – State Park (Official)

Road is unmarked and rough, but passable by any passenger vehicle. Eastern entry point is easier to navigate, especially for larger vehicles. New York boondocking campsites.

32. Bear Slide

Address
River Road
Lake Luzerne, New York
GPS: 43.399316, -73.87381
Elevation: 682′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

There are 1-5 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. Free camping at a spot called the bear slides in upstate NY (The Adirondacks) in a small town called Lake Luzerne. Decent sized sites right on the river, outhouses, water sprockets, and before you enter the camping facilities there’s a beautiful spot on the right up a hill where you can slide down a natural rock slide into a pool of water (hence bear slides).

33. Bear Slide

Address
River Road
Lake Luzerne, New York
GPS: 43.399316, -73.87381
Elevation: 682′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

There are 1-5 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. Free camping at a spot called the bear slides in upstate NY (The Adirondacks) in a small town called Lake Luzerne. Decent sized sites right on the river, outhouses, water sprockets, and before you enter the camping facilities there’s a beautiful spot on the right up a hill where you can slide down a natural rock slide into a pool of water (hence bear slides).

34. Rest Area

Address
Hague, New York
GPS: 43.743185, -73.580357
Elevation: 1670′

Management: Public – Rest Area

The road in is Paved. Rest Area is open year round. There are 1-5 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay overnight at Rest Area.

35. Chapel Pond

Address
Keene Valley, New York
GPS: 44.142588, -73.750566
Elevation: 1644′

Management Public (Official)

The road in is Dirt. There are 1-5 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location. There are about 6 sites, some drive in and some you have to walk to. It is hard to see the turn for this campsite. It is off of 73, right next to a brown barrier and the road it rock/dirt.

36. Roostercomb Trailhead

Address
Keene Valley, New York
GPS: 44.18543, -73.78671
Elevation: 1027′

Management: Public – Rest Area (Official)

The road in is Gravel. The maximum RV length at Roostercomb Trailhead is unlimited. Parking lot on road side available overnight. Go hiking or leave at the crack of dawn. Free New York dispersed camping areas.

37. Roostercomb Trailhead

Address
Keene Valley, New York
GPS: 44.18543, -73.78671
Elevation: 1027′

Management: Public – Rest Area (Official)

The road in is Gravel. The maximum RV length at Roostercomb Trailhead is unlimited. New York boondocking campsites.

38. South Meadows

Address
Lake Placid, New York
GPS: 44.19338, -73.95403
Elevation: 2136′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

Long dirt road with multiple drive up or walk in campsites free to access on a first come, first serve basis. Free New York dispersed camping areas.

39. Jones Pond Camping Area

Address
Jones Pond Rd, Vermontville, NY 12989
Paul Smiths, New York
GPS: 44.455758, -74.186797
Elevation: 1775′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Dirt and 1/2 miles from a paved road. Jones Pond Camping Area is open Year round; but roads may be impassiable in spring/winter. There are 6-15 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 3 nights; 2 weeks with camping permit at Jones Pond Camping Area.

40. Mountain Pond Campsites

Address
Mountain Pond Rd, Paul Smiths, NY 12970
Paul Smiths, New York
GPS: 44.476095, -74.27619
Elevation: 1656′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Paved. Mountain Pond Campsites is open Year Round, Road Not Plowed in Winter. There are 6-15 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location and the maximum RV length is 35 feet. You may stay 3; 2 weeks w/ free permit at Mountain Pond Campsites.

41. Floodwood road

Address
Saranac Lake, New York
GPS: 44.34067, -74.35397
Elevation: 1637′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

New York boondocking campsites along the Floodwood road of Rte 30

42. Horseshoe Lake

Address
Route 421, Tupper Lake, NY
Tupper Lake, New York
GPS: 44.129496, -74.627604
Elevation: 1752′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Dirt and 3-7 miles from a paved road. Horseshoe Lake is open Whenever they plow the road. There are 6-15 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location and the maximum RV length is 35 feet. You may stay 3-5 days at Horseshoe Lake. An Old road that used to go to a Train Station, Long gone. Nice sites along the lake and more way back into the woods. First come first served, but no fees or permits require.

43. Jerden Falls Rd, Jadwin State Forest

Address
Jerden Falls Rd
Croghan, New York
GPS: 44.017264, -75.320918
Elevation: 926′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Gravel and 5 miles from a paved road. Jerden Falls Rd, Jadwin State Forest is open all year. There are 1-5 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 3 – 10 days at Jerden Falls Rd, Jadwin State Forest.

44. Sand Bay SF – Lake Bonaparte

Address
N Shore Road
Harrisville, New York
GPS: 44.159987, -75.392534
Elevation: 778′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Paved. Sand Bay SF – Lake Bonaparte is open on the weekends only. There are 6-15 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location. You may stay 5 days at Sand Bay SF – Lake Bonaparte. 6 or so undeveloped campsites plus a boat launch with parking lot. I parked my 30 foot fifth wheel here for one night. Official description: The camping opportunities at Sand Bay State Forest include six primitive campsites located on Lake Bonaparte. Campsites are delineated and include tables and fire rings.

45. Mud Pond Road – Bonaparte’s Cave State Forest

Address
Harrisville, New York
GPS: 44.162704, -75.371015
Elevation: 935′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Gravel and .8 miles from a paved road. Mud Pond Road – Bonaparte’s Cave State Forest is open Seasonal Road. There are 1-5 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location. You may stay 5 nights without a permit at Mud Pond Road – Bonaparte’s Cave State Forest.

46. Streeter Lake

Address
Oswegatchie, New York
GPS: 44.14644, -75.10947
Elevation: 1388

Management: Public – State Park (Official)

The road in is Gravel. Streeter Lake is open Sometime in May, after mud season. There are 6-15 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 3 days, longer with permit at Streeter Lake. There are about a dozen campsites along the gravel road to Streeter Lake. The road can be easily driven by low clearance cars. A few of the sites may be suitable for small RVs.

47. Oswegatchie River Access – Five Ponds Wilderness Area

Address
Star Lake, New York
GPS: 44.124795, -74.959635
Elevation: 1594′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Dirt and 3.5 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. Recent No Camping sign posted but does not look official.

48. Horseshoe Lake

Address
Route 421, Tupper Lake, NY
Tupper Lake, New York
GPS: 44.129496, -74.627604
Elevation: 1752′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

49. Cranberry Lake Wild Forest (hike or boat in)

Address
Cranberry Lake, New York
GPS: 44.196667, -74.820831
Elevation: 1614′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The Cranberry Lake region is one of the largest remote areas remaining in the state. There has been only minimal encroachment of civilization on the lake itself. New York boondocking campsites and just to the south of the lake lie thousands of acres of rolling hills, numerous lakes, ponds, and unbroken forest lands that show little or no marks of civilization.

50. Tooley Pond Campsite

Address
Newton Falls, New York
GPS: 44.27401, -74.91811
Elevation: 1519′

Management: Public – State Park (Official)

Single handicap-accessible campsite that is free to camp. Free New York dispersed camping areas features a new accessible privy, a large area with a hardened surface, and an accessible picnic table with a great view of the Tooley Pond.

51. Downerville State Forest

Address
Russell, New York
GPS: 44.425098, -75.106705
Elevation: 640′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Gravel and 3 miles from a paved road. Downerville State Forest is open Year round. There are 1-5 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 3 at Downerville State Forest. Camping for more than three nights or in a group of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

52. Walter F Pratt Memorial Forest

Address
Old Keenan Rd, Brasher Falls, NY 13613
Brasher Falls, New York
GPS: 44.834624, -74.674131
Elevation: 328′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Gravel and 1 miles from a paved road. Walter F Pratt Memorial Forest is open 4/15 – 10/15. There are 16-29 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location and the maximum RV length is 35 feet. You may stay 3 nights; up to 14 days with free permit at Walter F Pratt Memorial Forest.

53. Deer River

Address
Dickinson Center, New York
GPS: 44.72073, -74.551804
Elevation: 968′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

Deer River is open Year-round. There are 6-15 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location. Campground consisting of 6 sites. It is open all year and there is no charge for the use of this area. Reservations are not required. Availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Free SE New York Dispersed Camping Areas

Free camping in the Northeastern United States has a bad reputation for being difficult to come by. However, there are several free camping locations in New York. All you have to do is know where to look.

To begin with, you will not normally have access to electricity, water, or sewage hook-ups when free camping. The majority of free campsites will have minimal to no amenities.

That means you’ll need a generator or solar panels to provide power, have enough fresh water to last the duration of your stay, and have enough black/gray water capacity until you reach a dump station.

You might get lucky and find a vault toilet and a garbage can, but that’s not always the case. So you bring it in and take it out. Leave the campsite in the same condition as when you arrived. In fact, attempt to leave it in a better state than you found it.

9 Southeast New York Boondocking Campsites

Jump directly to the 53 Northern New York Boondocking Campsites
Jump directly to the 15 Southwest New York Boondocking Campsites

1. Betty Brook Campsites

Address
Betty Brook Road
Summit, New York
GPS: 42.530104, -74.51437
Elevation: 1600′

Management: Public – State Forest (Unofficial)

The road in is Dirt and 3 miles from a paved road. Betty Brook Campsites is open Seasonal use road, unplowed in winter. There are 1-5 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 3 nights; 2 weeks with camping permit at Betty Brook Campsites. There are two campsites along Betty Brook Road, between the creek and the dirt road. This road can be somewhat rough, but is passable by passenger car with some care.

2. Duck Pond Campsite

Address
Burnt Hill Road, Summit, NY
West Fulton, New York
GPS: 42.509248, -74.485001
Elevation: 1929′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Dirt and 5 miles from a paved road. Duck Pond Campsite is open Year Round; Seasonal Use Road. There are 1-5 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 3 nights w/o permit; 14 nights with permit at Duck Pond Campsite. here is a primitive campsite along “Duck Pond” which is more of a swamp then a pond. Dirt road, two stone fire rings. Free camping permit required for stays more then three nights.

3. Trout Pond Road

Address
Russell Brook Rd
Roscoe, New York
GPS: 41.996567, -74.938488
Elevation: 1886′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Dirt and 3 miles from a paved road. Trout Pond Road is open Road is unplowed in winter. There are 6-15 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location. You may stay 3 days; 2 weeks with camping permit at Trout Pond Road. These wild forest lands, later added to the Delaware Wild Forest is home to Russell Brook Falls, Trout Pond, and Mud Pond.

4. Mary Smith Hill

Address
Mary Smith Hill Road, Andes, NY
Andes, New York
GPS: 42.04293, -74.809113
Elevation: 2167′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Dirt and 5 miles from a paved road. Mary Smith Hill is open Seasonal use road. There are 1-5 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 3 nights; 2 weeks with free camping permit at Mary Smith Hill.

5. Peekamoose Sundown Wild Forest

Address
County Route 42 in the Town of Denning
Grahamsville, New York
GPS: 41.921047, -74.391174
Elevation: 1840′

Management: Public – State Forest

Beautiful spot with porta potty. Hike Peekamoose Mountain from New York boondocking campsites.

6. Allaben Primitive Campsites

Address
Shandaken, New York
GPS: 42.109518, -74.350576
Elevation: 1053′

Management: Public – State Forest (Unofficial)

The road in is Gravel and 1 miles from a paved road. Allaben Primitive Campsites is open year-round. There are 6-15 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 3 days without permit at Allaben Primitive Campsites.

7. Rensselaerville State Forest

Address
Middleburgh, New York
GPS: 42.50191, -74.21791
Elevation: 2080′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is 4×4 and 1 miles from a paved road. Rensselaerville State Forest is open yes. There are 1-5 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. About a mile from Rensselaerville Falls off Rt 353 There is 3 sites with # marking to show Gps for Site 1 and 3 42.50191, -74.21791 Nice wide open field for 1 and 3 site 2 is secluded and small for car camping and a tent

8. Hickok Brook

Address
Barryville, New York
GPS: 41.501073, -74.876568
Elevation: 1202′

Management Unknown

Hickok Brook is open May 1st through Sep 30th. There are 1 night Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location. You may stay 1 at Hickok Brook.

9. Unionville Memorial Park

Address
Unionville, New York
GPS: 41.301792, -74.562821

Management: Public – County Park (Official)

Free New York boondocking campsites in a small park located in downtown Unionville small area with tent camping and a gazebo you can sleep under, pizza across the street 1 mile from the Appalachian Trail. There is a sign that saids a permit is required.

Boondocking Campsites In SW New York

Boondocking in New York can be a hard experience, but it’s especially enjoyable when the weather is pleasant. Camping is permitted in land-designated Forest Preserves, but not in Wildlife Management Areas. If you know where to look, there are lots of fantastic sites from the Catskills in the southeast to the Adirondacks in the north.

When planning your boondocking trip, do your homework and look for state lands with rustic campsites. Make sure you have enough food and drink for several days, as well as warm clothing and flashlights.

Please respect the woodland by packing everything out and not disturbing the wildlife or vegetation. Please bury all human and pet waste if there are no pit privies available. New York prohibits camping beyond 3,500 feet in elevation.

Camping in these regions will provide a relaxing and pleasurable vacation. There are numerous bodies of water where you may go fishing, hunting is permitted, and New York hiking through the forest can provide you with some fascinating wildlife encounters.

15 Southwest New York Boondocking Campsites

Jump directly to the 53 Northern New York Boondocking Campsites
Jump directly to the 9 Southeast New York Boondocking Campsites

1. Route 77

Address
North Java, New York
GPS: 42.677728, -78.388913
Elevation: 1453′

Management: Public – Rest Area (Unofficial)

The road in is Paved. Route 77 is open All year. The maximum RV length at Route 77 is unlimited. New York boondocking campsites in Parking area pull off from main road. No hook ups

2. Sonyea State Forest

Address
Tuscarora, New York
GPS: 42.66014, -77.83445
Elevation: 810′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Gravel and 1.5 miles from a paved road. Sonyea State Forest is open Open 24 hours. There are 1-5 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location and the maximum RV length is 35 feet. You may stay Three days without a ranger permit at Sonyea State Forest.There’s five state park campsites for free and plenty of boondocking sites off the road. Permits are required if you stay longer than 3 days from the conservation ranger

3. Ossian State Forest

Address
Canaseraga, New York
GPS: 42.499272, -77.834355
Elevation: 1686′

Management: Public – State Forest (Unofficial)

The road in is Dirt and 1.5 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location. A large parking area the locals use for camping at the end of a dirt road. If it weren’t for the trash all over it would be a very nice spot to pull your RV in and relax for an evening or two.

4. Ossian State Forest

Address
Scoville Road
Ossian, New York
GPS: 42.491917, -77.819466
Elevation: 1634′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Dirt and 2 miles from a paved road. Ossian State Forest is open year round. There are 1-5 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location. You may stay 3 at Ossian State Forest.

5. Bully Hill State Forest

Address
Almond, New York
GPS: 42.339577, -77.76466
Elevation: 1952′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Dirt and 1 miles from a paved road. Bully Hill State Forest is open Year round. There are 1-5 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location. You may stay 3 days without permit at Bully Hill State Forest. No amenities, just an area to park and camp. At least part of the site is hardened with stone allowing you to pull your vehicle in and not get stuck.

6. Turnpike State Forest – Turnpike Road Sites

Address
Almond, New York
GPS: 42.306062, -77.808133
Elevation: 2129′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Dirt and 5 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location. You may stay 3 nights without permit at Turnpike State Forest – Turnpike Road Sites.

7. Palmer’s Pond State Forest – Geitner Fire Road

Address
Belmont, New York
GPS: 42.283167, -77.880248
Elevation: 2264′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Dirt and 5 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 3 nights without permit at Palmer’s Pond State Forest – Geitner Fire Road.

8. Palmer’s Pond State Forest – Palmer’s Pond Fire Road Sites

Address
Almond, New York
GPS: 42.288223, -77.897912
Elevation: 2178′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Dirt and 10 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location.

9. Palmer’s Pond State Forest – Pond Area Camp Sites

Address
Almond, New York
GPS: 42.283437, -77.897342
Elevation: 2116′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Dirt and 10 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location. You may stay 3 nights without permit at Palmer’s Pond State Forest – Pond Area Camp Sites. The Geitner Fire Road is a little rough due to loose stones, but easily passable by any vehicle willing to go slow. These sites all have fire rings.

10. Vandermark State Forest – Duke Rd and Allen Forest Rd

Address
Alfred Station, New York
GPS: 42.219741, -77.872435
Elevation: 1913′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Dirt and .5 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location.

11. East Otto Forest Campground

Address
East Otto State Forest
East Otto, New York
GPS: 42.425739, -78.787079
Elevation: 1384′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Dirt and .5 miles from a paved road. There are 6-15 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location. You may stay 3 at East Otto Forest Campground. 14 Camping sites with basic fire pits. No water or bathroom facilities. Great little place to camp for free! About 50 minutes from Buffalo, NY. 20 minutes from Elicotville, NY

12. Camp Seneca

Address
North Country Trail
Salamanca, New York
GPS: 42.224465, -78.70006
Elevation: 1739′

Management: Public – State Park

Free Free New York dispersed camping. First come -> First Camped. Reservations not accepted.

13. Little Rock City Camp Area

Address
Little Rock City Road
Salamanca, New York
GPS: 42.208582, -78.708158
Elevation: 2216′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Gravel and 1.75 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location. You may stay 3 days if more must get permit at Little Rock City Camp Area. Four campsites with covered picnic tables. No pull offs for RVs so it’s tent camping only but you could probably get away with van camping.

14. Windfall Campsite

Address
Kill Buck, New York
GPS: 42.11942, -78.63158
Elevation: 1565′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

There are 1-5 Free New York dispersed camping areas at this location. Not a bad spot, but only has one campsite with a picnic table and has 2 small ponds you can swim in, preferably the one on the left upon entering. It does have a stop gate atthe entrance but you can walk around it and still camp here.

15. North Harmony State Forest

Address
Snake Forest Road
Panama, New York
GPS: 42.098463, -79.50929
Elevation: 1786′

Management: Public – State Forest (Official)

The road in is Gravel and 3 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 Free New York boondocking campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 3; 14 days with permit at North Harmony State Forest.

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