Fishbrook Pond South Lean-to

For New Yorkers seeking a true escape from the noise and complexity of city life, the **Fishbrook Pond South Lean-to** offers an authentic, primitive backcountry camping experience deep within the beautiful **Lake George Wild Forest** of the Adirondack Park. This is not your typical drive-up campground with full hook-ups and amenities; rather, it's a traditional, three-sided log shelter managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), designed for overnight stays by hikers, anglers, and wilderness enthusiasts.

The term "campground" here refers to a designated, protected overnight spot within the State Forest Preserve, offering a significant sense of seclusion and connection with nature that few other places in New York can match. The journey to Fishbrook Pond itself is part of the adventure, involving a multi-mile hike through rugged, beautiful terrain. This destination is perfect for seasoned campers, backpackers, and those who prioritize solitude, pristine forest, and exceptional fishing over convenience and modern comforts.

Fishbrook Pond is a gem of the Adirondacks, renowned for its excellent **brook trout fishing**, which is actively managed by the DEC. The presence of the lean-to on the pond's south shore provides a classic Adirondack shelter for a night under the stars, away from the crowds of more developed areas. It represents the "Forever Wild" spirit of the Adirondack Park, offering an immersive wilderness experience that is a fundamental part of New York's outdoor heritage.

The lean-to is typically accessed via an approximately 2.5 to 4-mile hiking trail from the Dacy Clearing trailhead or the Hogtown trailhead, depending on the season and gate closures. These trailheads are located off of Shelving Rock Road, which is accessible from the eastern side of Lake George near the town of Fort Ann.

Access involves a moderate to strenuous hike, often passing other popular landmarks such as **Sleeping Beauty Mountain** and **Bumps Pond**. Users must be prepared for wilderness travel, including navigating uneven terrain, carrying all necessary gear, and adhering to strict "Leave No Trace" principles. Due to its remote nature, cell service is unreliable or nonexistent. Proper map reading skills and preparedness are essential for anyone planning a trip to this location. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the quiet, secluded pond is the reward for the effort required for this journey.

• Three-Sided Wooden Shelter (Lean-to): Provides basic protection from the elements for overnight use. The shelter is available on a **first-come, first-served** basis.
• Primitive Fire Pit/Ring: A designated area outside the lean-to for safe, legal campfires. Campers must use only dead and down wood and practice proper fire safety.
• Water Access: Located near Fishbrook Pond, the water source for cooking and drinking. All pond water must be **filtered, boiled, or chemically treated** before consumption.
• Designated Toilet Area (Privy): A primitive latrine is usually located a short distance away from the lean-to to manage human waste and protect the surrounding environment.
• Trail Access: Serves as a key stopping point along a network of marked and maintained hiking and horse trails within the Lake George Wild Forest.

• Secluded Waterfront Location: The lean-to sits right near the shore of Fishbrook Pond, offering stunning sunrise views and easy water access for fishing or non-motorized boating.
• Exceptional Brook Trout Fishing: The pond is a highly managed, reclaimed body of water, making it a prime spot for anglers seeking the native Horn Lake strain of **Adirondack brook trout**.
• Wilderness Solitude: Due to the required hike-in access, the area sees significantly less traffic than roadside campgrounds, offering true quiet and a sense of deep wilderness immersion.
• Free Camping: Unlike developed campgrounds, lean-tos on State Forest Preserve lands are typically **free of charge** (though parking fees may apply at trailheads), providing an economical option for New York adventurers.
• Proximity to Sleeping Beauty Mountain: The location is part of the popular trail network leading to the panoramic views from Sleeping Beauty Mountain, offering a full day-hike option from the lean-to.
• Traditional Adirondack Experience: Staying in a lean-to is a quintessential part of the Adirondack backpacking tradition, connecting visitors with a century of park history.

• Location: Fishbrook Pond, Lake George Wild Forest, near Dresden, NY.
• Governing Agency: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 5 Warrensburg Office.
• DEC Region 5 Phone: (518) 623-1200 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.).
• General Email Inquiries: Info.R5@dec.ny.gov.
• Emergency Contacts: For search, rescue, or wildfire matters, call 911 or the Forest Ranger dispatch at 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264).

You should choose this destination for the **unmatched tranquility** of a night by a secluded Adirondack pond, the reward of a challenging hike, and the chance to cast a line for heritage brook trout in a pristine environment. The lack of modern amenities is not a drawback but a feature, guaranteeing that your neighbors are only the dedicated few who value the "Forever Wild" spirit as much as you do. It’s an authentic taste of the vast, rugged New York wilderness, offering a powerful reset button for the mind and soul far removed from the urban sprawl. This location promises an adventure, not just a place to park for the night.

Fishbrook Pond South Lean-to

Dresden, NY 12819, USA