In late summer, I began to do some research to find a place where a few youth group guys could do a fall camping trip. All of the state campgrounds close on Labor Day and only a handful are open but most of them are in the southern NY area. However, I did come across a place called the Moose River Plains just beyond the Limekiln Lake State campground that I have visited many times. The nice thing about this place is that its available all year round at a first-come-first-serve basis, at no cost. All 150 campsites are considered primitive sites without running water or electricity. There are privy's or outhouses at each site.
After passing the Limekiln Campground on the right, less than a mile down the road, there is a deceiving sign that says "Limekiln Lake Entrance" with small letters above it, "Moose Rive Plains Wild Forest." To be more precise, its around 4 miles from Route 28. Just beyond the entrance there is a check in on the left. Very similar to starting a trail at a ADK High Peak. They ask for a campsite, unless you specifically know where you are going to stay, but we didn't know and therefore left if blank like many other campers/hunters.
For about 5-6 miles it was all just a narrow road, with the occasional widening where you could pass. The reviews that I read before coming here stated that it was a terrible off roading style road. There are a couple areas that are rougher than normal and the terrain is very hilly with some steep climbs at times but its not that bad. A higher clearance vehicle is ideal but there were plenty of passenger cars in and about traveling slower and avoiding potholes and rocky areas.
Some of the nearer campsites were already taken by RV's and hunting parties. We were also looking for a more open site so that we could set up at least 3 tents. Eventually we came to site 65 and decided to call it our place for a short 24 hrs.
After setting up camp we noticed a trailhead sign to Mitchell Ponds that was about 60 yards from our site. So we all went for a 4 mile plus round trip. It was a good size trail that could easily accommodate an ATV. It was a beautiful walk among the fall colored trees.
About walk halfway there we came across a marshy place that appeared like a dried up pond or river. The remaining water was only a narrow stream. We also noticed a beaver dam up ahead. Later we were able to walk up to it and it appeared to be still in use because there were beaver tracks everywhere. One of the guys was crossing a wetter area and sunk ankle deep in mud. It made for a muddy adventure.
Normal water level on rocks
Cairn at one of the Mitchell Ponds
At the pond we ran into another visiting group. It was a bit crowded on the small dock that went out into the lake. We attempted to fish and it wasn't successful. Although I did read that it had some nice trout.
There was also a trail that went around the lake. Portions of this trail were very wet, and the mud was really deep.
As we headed back to camp, it noticeably started to get colder. It was very pleasant to have big fire going that evening to warm up for the cold approaching night.
I brought an air mattress to sleep on as well as a 0 degree sleeping bag. Halfway through the night I found myself sleeping on a 75% deflated mattress. It was colder that expected, although the new sleeping bag held the warmth in really well.
The next morning we woke up to a nice coat of frost on everything. It was 31 degrees F overnight.
After a hot breakfast of eggs, bacon, bagels, and tea we all decided to check the area out a little more by piling into the truck. Majority sat in the back, although it was a chilly ride. We came across another intersection with a couple signs showing distances in each direction. We made a right and drove in the direction of the Lost Ponds. I learned that the distance from the Limekiln entrance to the Indian lake entrance/exit was around 40 miles.
We never made it to the Lost Ponds but turned around at Helldiver Pond. The next landmark we came to was Icehouse Pond and so we decided to take a short 0.4 mile walk and check it out.
We noticed a couple hunters getting ready to walk in but I think they quickly realized there isn't going to be any good hunting when there is a good size group of guys walking in as well.
At the pond there was a couple guys fishing from a canoe. I tried fishing for about 30 minutes and there was not excitement. Nevertheless it was a really nice spot to hang out and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
We continued to drive until we came to the south branch of the Moose River. I was surprised at how deep it was. I was also intrigued by the idea that it would also be a good place to do some kayaking in the future.
Overall it was a nice trip, it would have been better if it was longer. Its definitely a nice place to camp for a group of guys who don't mind roughing it for a few days. There was a creek across the road from our site where the water could be filtered for drinking and cooking. The sites were also very far from each other and therefore gave you a lot more privacy when compared to state campgrounds.
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