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; [email protected]
  • Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911 or 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) 
    A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit.
• Location: Town of Webb, Herkimer County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6J
• Map: Stillwater Reservoir Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

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.

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.

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 

Designated Camping Sites

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace principles 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 [email protected]. 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

• Independence River Wild Forest
• Five Ponds Wilderness
• Pigeon Lake Wilderness
• Pepperbox Wilderness

The Adirondack Regional Tourism Council and Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce 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 for information on outdoor guides.