Fox Lair Campsites

- Johnsburg, NY 12843

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents looking to truly disconnect and embrace the untamed beauty of the Adirondacks without the formality or expense of a large commercial park,

Fox Lair Campsites

presents an ideal opportunity. Unlike typical state or private campgrounds with full hook-ups and extensive facilities, Fox Lair offers a collection of

primitive, roadside camping areas

in the Johnsburg, NY region. These sites are maintained as part of the public Forest Preserve, specifically bordering the Wilcox Lake Wild Forest and offering a gateway to the vast Siamese Ponds Wilderness.

The name "Fox Lair" hints at the area's rich history, as the sites are named for the remnants of a historic, early 20th-century Adirondack estate that once dominated this landscape—a fascinating tidbit for history buffs. Today, the estate is gone, and nature has reclaimed the land, leaving behind a tranquil, forested area perfect for the self-sufficient camper. The tone here is decidedly rustic and focused on immersion in nature, where the primary amenities are the stunning forest, the nearby creek, and the incredible solitude that comes with true backcountry adjacency.

This is an authentic, no-frills camping experience that requires campers to be fully prepared and adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles. It’s perfect for the seasoned camper or those looking to transition from established campgrounds to more independent, wilderness-style camping.

Location and Accessibility

Fox Lair Campsites are situated off State Highway 8, with the general location designated as

Johnsburg, NY 12843, USA

. The collection of sites is specifically located in the Baker’s Mills area, providing convenient access to major wilderness areas. The campground is notable for its excellent proximity to the

Siamese Ponds Wilderness trailhead

, which is often just a two-minute drive north, making it an excellent basecamp for serious hiking.

Accessibility is relatively simple, as the sites are

multiple roadside pull-offs

along Route 8. However, because they are primitive and often unmarked except by official DEC "Camp Here" disks, they require careful attention to spot. The ground is typically dirt or grass, suitable for most vehicles, but potential campers should always be mindful of weather conditions that could affect access roads.

Crucially, Fox Lair Campsites are considered

established, free camping

on government land (Forest Preserve), not a fee-based state campground. This means services are limited, and sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, reinforcing the need for flexible planning and self-reliance.

Services Offered

The services at Fox Lair Campsites are deliberately minimal, focusing on the core necessities of a true primitive camping experience. Campers should view this area as

limited or no services

and plan to pack in everything they require, including adequate potable water and a method for packing out all trash.

• Established Campsites: The area contains a

  concentration of several sites

  , with varying characteristics. Some are smaller and more secluded, while at least one is noted as a

  wide open hill

  .

• Designated Fire Rings: Each usable site typically includes an existing

  fire pit or fire ring

  for safe and contained campfires. Campers must adhere to all DEC regulations regarding fire safety and only use dead and down wood found nearby.

• Picnic Tables: Many of the established roadside sites are equipped with a

  picnic table

  , offering a designated, level surface for cooking and dining.

• Basic Sanitation: While primitive, some sites may offer a shared

  pit toilet house

  or

  handicap accessible bathroom tent thing

  , as one review notes. However, campers should always be prepared to use proper cat hole methods for human waste.

• Water Access: A nearby

  creek

  provides a natural water source, but this water must be fully treated (filtered, boiled, or chemically purified) before consumption.

Features / Highlights

Fox Lair Campsites’ true appeal lies in its wild, rustic features and its location as a hub for Adirondack outdoor adventure:

• Exceptional Stargazing Opportunities: One of the greatest features is the potential for magnificent night sky viewing. One site in particular, located

  at the very top of a wide open hill

  , is highly sought after as

  definitely the site to seek if you’re a star gazer

  due to the minimal light pollution in this remote area.

• Gateway to Siamese Ponds Wilderness: The campsite's close proximity to the popular Siamese Ponds Wilderness trailhead allows for immediate access to miles of challenging and rewarding

  hiking and all-day-hike

  opportunities, including a 12-mile round trip to Siamese Pond itself, which is praised as an

  oasis after a wild trail

  .

• Historic Context: The entire area is the former site of the grand

  Foxlair Great Camp

  —an early 20th-century estate. Campers can explore the remnants of this history, including old staircases down to the river and the remains of old dam walls, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the wilderness experience.

• Privacy in a Primitive Setting: Despite being roadside, the sites are generally

  spread out at least

  , with campers noting that when at their site, they

  see only a small section of the road, no other campsites in view

  , offering a surprising level of seclusion.

• Unexpected Connectivity: While guests should always prepare for no service, the fact that some campers have reported

  cell service

  (albeit sporadically) can be a comforting, unexpected bonus in this typically remote section of the Adirondacks.

Contact Information

As a primitive, non-fee camping area on State Forest Preserve land, Fox Lair Campsites does not have a dedicated campground office or phone number. All management falls under the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for the local Forest Ranger district and the region encompassing the Wilcox Lake Wild Forest and Siamese Ponds Wilderness. Local residents who plan on camping here should be aware that self-sufficiency is required, but general inquiries can be directed to the DEC’s Region 5 (North Creek/Johnsburg) offices, or the Forest Ranger for the area.

Address (General Area):

Johnsburg, NY 12843, USA

Local DEC Contact (General, non-emergency):

Please consult the official NYS DEC website for the current regional non-emergency phone number for the Warrensburg/North Creek area, as this type of primitive camping does not have a direct line.

Emergency Contact:

Always call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New York locals who cherish the state’s commitment to preserving wild spaces, Fox Lair Campsites is a priceless asset. It offers an authentic,

free established camping

experience that is increasingly rare and highly valuable for those on a budget or those seeking true wilderness solitude. Situated just a short drive from communities like Johnsburg and North Creek, the location is geographically convenient for a weekend escape from downstate or points west, yet it feels worlds away in its rustic seclusion.

This campground is perfect for the local adventurer: the dedicated hiker who wants to start their trek into the Siamese Ponds Wilderness at dawn, the amateur astronomer seeking unpolluted skies, or the family looking to teach the principles of self-reliant, Leave No Trace camping. The historical intrigue of the former Great Camp Foxlair adds a unique layer of exploration that goes beyond simple recreation. Fox Lair Campsites invites New Yorkers to embrace their state's wild heritage, promising a challenging, rewarding, and deeply peaceful experience that epitomizes the Adirondack spirit.

Fox Lair Campsites

Johnsburg, NY 12843, USA