Best Dispersed Camping near Cornwall Bridge, CT

Several dispersed camping areas are available near Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut, primarily in the surrounding regions of New York and Massachusetts rather than directly in Cornwall Bridge itself. Sage's Revine, located just over the Connecticut border into Massachusetts on the Appalachian Trail, offers primitive camping with 12 platforms. Other free dispersed options include Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park in New York, Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, Echo Lake, and potentially Jug End Dispersed, though recent information suggests camping may no longer be permitted at the latter location.

Access conditions vary considerably between sites. Sage's Revine provides basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets but prohibits fires. Echo Lake features tent sites with fire pits surrounding the lake and includes a lean-to. Hemlock Ridge MUA requires camping at least 150 feet from trails with no amenities whatsoever. Most areas are hike-in or walk-in only, with limited parking available. At Hemlock Ridge, "the parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight," according to one visitor. Most sites follow standard Leave No Trace principles, with campers expected to pack out all trash.

The dispersed sites near Cornwall Bridge provide varying wilderness experiences. Echo Lake in the Catskills offers a picturesque setting described by one camper as "surrounded by hills" with "a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze" from hillside camping spots. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park remains relatively unknown, with a reviewer noting "99% of people don't even know this area exists," making it ideal for those seeking solitude. Cell service varies—Taconic Hereford maintains coverage despite feeling remote, while Hemlock Ridge has "barely even a signal." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout these natural areas, particularly in Taconic Hereford's 900+ acres of protected forest. Most locations require preparation for primitive conditions, with Echo Lake visitors advised to "bring bug spray" due to swampy conditions near the lake edge.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut (5)

    1. Sage's Revine

    2 Reviews
    Taconic, CT
    17 miles
    Website

    "Near non-potable stream, no fires allowed, bathroom is fine, bear boxes available. 50 feet between platforms. Right over the border of CT into MA on the Appalachian Trail."

    2. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    3 Reviews
    Verbank, NY
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "99% off people don't even know this area exists. If you want a quiet piece of beautiful forest to truly rough it and go camping for a few days, then this is what you have been looking for."

    "This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."

    3. Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    South Egremont, MA
    23 miles
    Website

    "Trash cans, but carry out is preferable."

    4. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "If you like dispersed camping, like me- this place is good. There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path."

    5. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 652-7365

    "There are tent sites around the whole lake with fire pits and 1 lean-to site at the end of the trail when you first arrive at the lake.  The sites are relatively flat and well shaded with trees. "

    "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Cornwall Bridge, CT

4 Photos of 5 Cornwall Bridge Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cornwall Bridge, CT

11 Reviews of 5 Cornwall Bridge Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Echo Lake

    Lovely Camping in the Catskills

    This campground was my first backpacking trip and it was perfect!  There are tent sites around the whole lake with fire pits and 1 lean-to site at the end of the trail when you first arrive at the lake.  The sites are relatively flat and well shaded with trees.  Note, it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray.  Make sure you practice leave no trace principles and pack out what you bring in!  It does get a little crowded later in the day so you may have to share space with others and it can be a little noisy at night.

  • Doc B.
    Jun. 17, 2021

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    A hidden gem...

    99% off people don't even know this area exists. If you want a quiet piece of beautiful forest to truly rough it and go camping for a few days, then this is what you have been looking for. Less then 10 min drive from town, but hiking in and finding a suitable place to make camp has the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service. There is plenty of trails to explore and wildlife to enjoy, especially since these over 900 acres also back up to another huge plot of protected forests. Please enjoy Mother Nature's healing love, and leave the area cleaner than when you arrived. Always let someone know where you are headed and when you plan to return.

  • Cory D.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    A place to sleep near the gunks

    This isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities. There is a small(10 car) parking lot and a trail that runs thru 80 acres of forest. Camping is allowed anywhere 150ft from the trail. Normal LNT rules apply. Bugs are relentless. Many climbers stay there for access to the gunks.

  • Dawn M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2025

    Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    Pretty cool

    If you like dispersed camping, like me- this place is good. There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight. There’s no spectacular mountain views from above, but rather a quiet peaceful wooded area & although I only seen/stayed at one camping spot which is literally at about the required 150ft from the road, you can set up your own camp anywhere. I was the only one here & it was a very peaceful & relaxing night

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    Convenient pit stop

    This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs.

  • James A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Echo Lake

    Beautiful lake with lean to

    Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots. Other campsites are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails (wear pants) We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze.

  • Luke A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2018

    Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Jug End Campground, Great Spot for Section Hikers and All.

    Great spot, I have section hiked the majority of the east coast AT and this is in my top 10 spots to stay at. Trash cans, but carry out is preferable.


Guide to Cornwall Bridge

Dispersed camping near Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut occurs primarily in designated wilderness areas across state lines. The region sits at the intersection of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York state forests, with elevations ranging from 400-1,200 feet. Most campsites require hiking between 0.5-2 miles from parking areas, and seasonal restrictions apply at several locations between November and April.

What to do

Hiking access required: Echo Lake in the Catskills requires backpackers to hike in to reach campsites. According to visitor James A., "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots. Other campsites are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails (wear pants)." Plan for moderate trail conditions with some elevation change.

Wildlife observation: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers extensive forest habitat for spotting native species. Doc B. notes, "There is plenty of trails to explore and wildlife to enjoy, especially since these over 900 acres also back up to another huge plot of protected forests." Bring binoculars for bird watching opportunities.

Water activities: Fishing and swimming are permitted at certain dispersed camping areas during warmer months. At Echo Lake, Kate comments, "It can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray." Water temperature remains cold through early summer.

What campers like

Solitude and quiet: Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed provides remote camping without crowds. Dawn M. reports, "It's quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight." Weekday visits offer the highest likelihood of isolation.

Scenic lake views: Echo Lake campsites include hillside locations with panoramic perspectives. James A. enjoyed that "We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze." Best views are from the eastern ridge campsites.

Connectivity despite remoteness: Some sites maintain cell coverage despite wilderness settings. Tim M. noted about Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, "This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service." Verizon coverage is similarly reliable in most parts of the park.

What you should know

Limited amenities: Most dispersed sites near Cornwall Bridge lack facilities. According to Cory D., Hemlock Ridge MUA "isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities. There is a small(10 car) parking lot and a trail that runs thru 80 acres of forest. Camping is allowed anywhere 150ft from the trail."

Regulations vary significantly: Each camping area enforces different rules regarding permits, fires, and camping locations. At Sage's Revine, Luke A. states, "Near non-potable stream, no fires allowed, bathroom is fine, bear boxes available. 50 feet between platforms."

Weekend crowds: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. Kate observed at Echo Lake, "It does get a little crowded later in the day so you may have to share space with others and it can be a little noisy at night." Arrive by Thursday or Friday morning to secure preferred spots.

Tips for camping with families

Bear safety measures: Sage's Revine Camp Ground provides bear protection infrastructure. Luke A. mentions, "bear boxes available" which simplifies food storage when camping with children. Teach children proper food handling protocols before arrival.

Best beginner location: Some dispersed sites work well for first-time backpackers with children. Kate found Echo Lake ideal: "This campground was my first backpacking trip and it was perfect! There are tent sites around the whole lake with fire pits."

Campsite selection: When camping with children, prioritize flat terrain and proximity to water sources. At Echo Lake, "The sites are relatively flat and well shaded with trees," according to Kate, making setup easier for families with young children.

Tips from RVers

Limited vehicle access: Jug End Dispersed camping areas typically cannot accommodate large vehicles. Check current status before planning a trip, as licia S. notes, "This is a hiking trail only- no camping per website: https://www.mass.gov/locations/jug-end-state-reservation-wildlife-management-area."

Road conditions: Forest access roads to dispersed camping parking areas may be unpaved and narrow. Tim M. cautions about Taconic Hereford, "the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs." Most access roads lack winterization and become impassable during snow events.

Alternative options: Traditional RV campgrounds within 30-45 minutes of Cornwall Bridge provide better accessibility. For those preferring facilities, licia S. mentions an alternative option that "Was only $25 night. Great looking facilities and friendly staff."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cornwall Bridge, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cornwall Bridge, CT is Sage's Revine with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cornwall Bridge, CT?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Cornwall Bridge, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.