Stillwater Reservoir
The Stillwater Reservoir, located in the western Adirondacks, offers a multitude of recreational possibilities. They include remote wilderness camping, canoeing, boating, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. The area receives considerable use during each of the four seasons.
In 1972, the Adirondack Park Agency was assigned to the task of classifying the different parcels of Forest Preserve lands into various land use categories. Surrounding the Stillwater Reservoir, there are two major classifications: the Five Ponds Wilderness Area and the Independence River Wild Forest. 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.
The Reservoir is 6700 acres, and provides undeveloped, remote camping on both islands and along the shoreline. 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 waterÿs edge to less fragile sites. The only exception is to the north of the Reservoir, which is the Five Ponds Wilderness, where group sizes are limited to nine people or less.
There are excellent flat water canoeing possibilities. There is questionable legal access beyond the eastern end of the reservoir towards Nehashane Lake. Because of its size and the fact that Stillwater lies east and west, high winds often cause wave conditions that give canoeists problems.
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. 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.
Access
Located in northern Herkimer County, the Stillwater Reservoir Boat Launch Site and Forest Ranger Headquarters can be reached by traveling easterly from Lowville or northerly from the Old Forge-Eagle Bay area.
To reach the Reservoir from Lowville, turn easterly off Route 12 in the center of the village onto River Street. After a short distance, River Street becomes the Number Four Road leading to Bushes Landing. At this point, the Number Four Road turns to the left and continues 9.0 miles to the hamlet of Number Four. At Number Four, turn right onto the Stillwater Road, which you will follow 8.6 miles to the Reservoir.
To reach the Reservoir from Eagle Bay, turn north off of Route 28 in the center of the hamlet onto Big Moose Road. At a point 6.5 miles from Eagle Bay, turn left at what is called the Glenmore Corner. In another 1.5 miles, the hamlet of Big Moose is reached. Here the Macadam Road ends and a gravel road continues on for another 10 miles to the Stillwater Road. At this point a right turn leads to the boat launch and the Forest Ranger Headquarters.
General Information:
Camping permits and general information may be obtained from the hamlet of Stillwater at the Forest Ranger Headquarters; 315-376-8030 or Forest Ranger Dispatch Line at Ray Brook at 518-891-0235.
Camping:
Sites: There are no reservations. It is on a first-come, first-serve basis. No camping fee. Forty-six designated sites with capacity for 6 to 9 people, except for 3 sites which are set up for groups of 10 or more.
Sign in and Sign out; completely fill out trailhead register sheets. Not only will you be easier to find if you get lost, information about use is invaluable in justifying expenditures for Forest Preserve staffing, programs, and facilities maintenance. Always leave word with someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
Campfires: 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.
More about Stillwater Reservoir:
- Map of Stillwater - Map of Stillwater
