Stillwater Reservoir
- Open for Recreation: Year-round. Some sections may be closed to public use periodically for safety and administrative reasons
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 6 Lowville Office (M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 315-376-3521; information.r6@dec.ny.gov
- Backcountry Emergency (Search, Rescue, Forest Fire): 518-891-0235 (24 hours a day) or dial 911
- State Land Law Enforcement: 315-785-2558
- Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Law Enforcement: 315-785-2231
- To report an environmental conservation law violation, please call 1-844-DEC-ECOs (1-844-332-3267) or email central.dispatch@dec.ny.gov
- Location: Town of Webb, Herkimer County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 6J
- Map: Stillwater Reservoir Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Description
The 6,700-acre Stillwater Reservoir is located in the western Adirondacks, and provides undeveloped, remote camping on both islands and along the shoreline. The Reservoir offers a multitude of recreational possibilities including remote wilderness camping, canoeing, boating, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. The area receives considerable use during each of the four seasons.
Featured Activities
Camping
General Information on backcountry camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
All campsites on Stillwater Reservoir are available on a first come-first serve basis. Campsites cannot be reserved. All campers must register for Stillwater Reservoir campsites 1-46 at the kiosk located at the Stillwater Reservoir boat launch. Please sign the registration book and slide the site number you will be staying at from "vacant" to "occupied". When you return from camping, sign-out and move the site number back to "vacant". Camping is only permitted at designated campsites 1-46, or at least 150-feet inland from the high -water mark of any waterbody, stream, trail or road. The high-water mark is generally that point where the sand beaches end and the forested/vegetative area begins. Camping permits are required for groups of 10-12 campers and/or groups staying longer than 3 nights. When designated campsites become filled, users may choose waterfront campsites on Moshier Reservoir (paddle-in only), or nearby campsites on Big Moose, Basket Factory, McCarthy or Necessary Dam Roads.
Campers must comply with DEC regulations governing the use of state lands. These regulations are posted at the registration kiosk at the Stillwater Reservoir Boat Launch and are listed on the reverse side of the Interior Use Camping Permit.
Registration
Campsites on Stillwater Reservoir cannot be reserved. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. All campers must register for campsites 1-46 at the kiosk located at the Stillwater Reservoir boat launch. Please sign the registration book and slide the site number you will be staying at from "vacant" to "occupied". When you return from camping, sign-out and move the site number back to "vacant". 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.
Permits
Groups of 9 or fewer campers, who are staying less than 4 nights do not need a camping permit, just register at the boat launch. Camping permits are required for groups of 10 - 12 campers and/or groups staying longer than 3 nights. Camping permits will not be issued to groups larger than 12 campers. To obtain a camping permit, speak with a Forest Ranger on duty at Stillwater Reservoir, call the DEC office in Lowville at (315) 376-3521. Please note that Forest Rangers are not always available at the Stillwater Reservoir boat launch, so you should not plan on obtaining a permit in person when you arrive.
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.
Sites
| # | Site Name | Max. Caps. |
# | Site Name | Max. Caps. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kettle Hole | 9 | 24 | Gun Harbor Entrance | 9 |
| 2 | The Lagoon | 9 | 25 | North Branch | 9 |
| 3 | Evergreen Landing | 9 | 26 | North Point-East End | 12 |
| 4 | Peaked Mtn. Outlet | 9 | 27 | Fox Island | 9 |
| 5 | West end of Long Is. | 9 | 28 | Loon Island | 9 |
| 6 | East end of Long Is. | 9 | 29 | Bay Island Point | 9 |
| 7 | The Notch | 9 | 30 | Picnic Point | 9 |
| 8 | Lone Pine Point | 9 | 31 | Picnic Point West | 9 |
| 9 | North Shore | 9 | 32 | Hat Point | 9 |
| 10 | Island 26 | 9 | 33 | Spruce Island | 9 |
| 11 | Halstead's | 9 | 34 | Twin Pine Island | 9 |
| 12 | Popple Point | 9 | 35 | Sandy Point | 9 |
| 13 | Rockwell Point | 9 | 36 | Island 16 | 9 |
| 14 | Shallow Cut | 9 | 37 | Little Burnt Point | 12 |
| 15 | Smokey Bear Stump | 9 | 38 | Gull Nest Point | 9 |
| 16 | Hemlock Knoll | 9 | 39 | Melody Island | 9 |
| 17 | Island 33 | 9 | 40 | Devil's Hole | 9 |
| 18 | Deer Bay | 9 | 41 | Island 2 South | 9 |
| 19 | High Knoll-Big Burn | 9 | 42 | Island 2 North | 9 |
| 20 | Picnic Island | 12 | 43 | Sein's Knoll | 9 |
| 21 | Dead Man's Curve | 9 | 44 | Tower Trail | 9 |
| 22 | North Shore Narrows | 9 | 45 | Loon Hollow | 9 |
| 23 | Osprey Point | 9 | 46 | Raven Point | 9 |
Paddling
General Information on paddling includes safety tips with inks to rules and regulations and lists of DEC boat launches by county. 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.
Boating
General Information on boating includes safety tips with links to rules and regulations and lists of DEC boat launches by county. DEC has an accessible hard surface ramp on Stillwater Road, 28 miles east of the Village of Lowville. (43.8906939°N, 75.0350278°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
Fishing
General Information on fishing includes fishing tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations. Anglers may find Brook Trout, Splake, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, and Brown Bullhead roaming Stillwater reservoir. Fish over 15 inches are common.
Accessible Features
Raven Lake Primative Camping site
Raven Lake Primitive Accessible Campsite at Stillwater: This is a drive-to campsite which is located on the water. It features an accessible tent pad, fire ring, picnic table and privy connected by a surface suitable for use with mobility devices. Reserved parking is provided at the site.
Site #44 at Stillwater Reservoir: This is a drive-to campsite which is accessed by a short trail suitable for use with mobility devices. Reserved parking is provided for at the road. An accessible privy, picnic table and tent pad are located here. The site is situated in a wooded area above the reservoir.
Stillwater Reservoir Boat Launch Site: The boat launch (directions below), has been improved for universal access and has an accessible loading dock, restrooms and pavilion.
Full listing of DECs Accessible Recreation Destinations.
Directions to Accessible Campsites
Site #44 at Stillwater Reservoir
These campsites are located in the Independence River Wild Forest. Take Number Four Road east out of Lowville. At mile 4, Number Four branches to the left from Pine Grove Road. After another 13 to 14 miles Number Four ends at the intersection with Buck Point and Stillwater Road. Turn right onto Stillwater Road. At mile 2, just past Moshier Road, the Herkimer County Line, the road reverts back to the name Number Four Road.
Get to the Raven Lake Campsite by going straight to the hamlet of Stillwater. Take the first left in Stillwater then another left. Proceed approximately a mile to the Stillwater dam. Go another quarter mile and the campsite is on the right just before the bridge.
Get to site #44 by continuing to the intersection with the Stillwater Big Moose Road a half mile shy of the hamlet of Stillwater. Turn right (south). Proceed approximately 2 miles. The campsite is on the left.
Directions
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.
Stillwater 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. (911 address- 2600 Stillwater Road, Lowville, NY 13367)
Parking is found off of Stillwater Road near the Stillwater Forest Ranger Headquarters (43.8906939°N, 75.0350278°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety
Practice Leave No Trace principles (leaves DEC website) when recreating in the Adirondacks to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other backcountry users.
All users of the Stillwater Reservoir must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.
Planning and Management
DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Independence River Wild Forest Unit Management Plan (UMP) and Five Ponds Wilderness UMP. In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural & human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.
The Independence River Wild Forest UMP (PDF, 7.8 MB) was adopted in 1986. DEC is currently working on a revision to that UMP. If you have questions or comments about the UMP, please email us at r6.ump@dec.ny.gov. There have been several amendments to this UMP over the years, they are listed below:
- 1988 amendment (PDF) - Otter Creek Horse Tail Development
- 1990 amendment (PDF) - Trail and Bridge Construction
- 1993 amendment (PDF) - Bicycle Trail Designation
- 1995 amendment (PDF) - Otter Creek Horse Trail System Expansion
- 2004 amendment (PDF) - Closure of Roads to ATV Use
- 2010 amendment (PDF) - Parking/Trailhead Relocation
- 2011 amendment (PDF) - Snowmobile Trail Configuration
The Five Ponds Wilderness UMP (PDF, 9.1 MB) was adopted in 1994. It was amended in 1996 (PDF) with a re-route to the High Falls Loop Trail and amended again in 2003 (PDF) to propose a re-introduction of a snowmobile trail.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
The Adirondack Regional Tourism Council (leaves DEC website) and Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce (leaves DEC website) can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.
Numerous guide books and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.
Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.
Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association (leaves DEC Website) for information on outdoor guides.
