Smith Road 📍

Smith Road is the closest road to Lowville in the Independence River Wild Forest, and is 12 miles east of Watson on Number Four Road. Offers roadside camping over 4 miles of road that wander through the Independence River Wild Forest. The first campsite, which is located at the site of the former ranger’s cabin and firetower (both relocated to the Lowville Demostration Forest), offers cellphone service, in an open field setting. Other campsites along the road are heavily wooded.

🗺️ Maps 🖼️ Photos

Pine Creek

Andy | June 25, 2026

Tuesday June 28, 2011 — Smith Road — Smith Road 🗺

Thematic Map: Most Common Heating Fuel in New York State

Smith Road

Andy | October 26, 2024

All Packed Up Again

Andy | July 6, 2024

Now it's off to Watson's Triangle.

Thursday June 30, 2011 — Smith Road — Smith Road 🗺

Thematic Map: NYS Wildlife Management Areas

Sunny Morning at Smith Road Campsite

Andy | July 3, 2024

While this area is pretty remote, I could still smell the cow manure from the Black River Valley, at least when when air pressure was rising.

Thursday June 30, 2011 — Smith Road — Smith Road 🗺

Map: Doodletown Wildlife Management Area

Campsite 10 on Smith Road

Andy | July 4, 2023

Here it is. No facilities, but there is a stone fire pit, and a nice big grassy campsite. They regularly mow these campsites to keep them from reverting back to woods.

Tuesday June 28, 2011 — Smith Road — Smith Road 🗺

Terrain Map: Mohawk Noses and Gravel Pit in 1956