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Best Dispersed Camping near Gaylordsville, CT

11 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist within an hour of Gaylordsville, Connecticut, mostly across state lines in New York and Massachusetts. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers true primitive camping with no facilities but allows fires and pets. This area requires hiking in to suitable spots. "99% of people don't even know this area exists," notes one visitor, highlighting its seclusion despite being only "10 minutes from town" with full cell service coverage.

Hemlock Ridge MUA in New York provides another dispersed option with similar minimal amenities - no water, toilets, or trash service. The small parking area accommodates only 4-6 vehicles, and campers must set up at least 150 feet from the trail. Many climbers use this area for access to the Gunks climbing area. For hikers, both Jug End along the Appalachian Trail and Echo Lake in the Catskills offer more remote options. Echo Lake features tent sites surrounding the water and one lean-to, but requires proper backpacking gear and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Gaylordsville, Connecticut (5)

    1. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    3 Reviews
    Verbank, NY
    16 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."

    2. Sage's Revine

    2 Reviews
    Taconic, CT
    28 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."

    3. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    28 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."

    4. Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    South Egremont, MA
    34 miles
    Website

    "Trash cans, but carry out is preferable."

    5. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    44 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 Gaylordsville, CT

4 Photos of 5 Gaylordsville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Gaylordsville, CT

11 Reviews of 5 Gaylordsville 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 Gaylordsville

Dispersed camping near Gaylordsville, Connecticut, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Here are some top spots to consider for your next adventure.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Gaylordsville

  • Explore the scenic trails at Sage's Revine, which is located right on the Appalachian Trail, providing access to stunning views and diverse wildlife.
  • Enjoy a peaceful retreat at Echo Lake, where you can set up camp around the lake and take advantage of the fire pits for evening gatherings.
  • Experience the thrill of hiking in the beautiful forests surrounding Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, where you can camp anywhere 150 feet from the trail and enjoy the serenity of nature.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Gaylordsville, Connecticut

  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep the natural environment pristine, especially at spots like Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, which encourages visitors to leave the area cleaner than they found it.
  • Be prepared for the elements and pack essentials like bug spray, particularly at Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail, where bugs can be relentless during warmer months.
  • Ensure you have a reliable means of communication, as some areas like Echo Lake offer the safety of cell service while still providing a remote camping experience.

Top Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • Discover the hidden gem of Sage's Revine, where you can enjoy a non-potable stream and bear boxes, making it a great spot for those looking to rough it a bit while still having some amenities.
  • Take advantage of the proximity to climbing areas when staying at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, which is popular among climbers heading to the nearby Gunks.
  • Experience the tranquility of Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, where you can hike in and find a secluded spot to camp, all while enjoying the beauty of over 900 acres of protected forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Gaylordsville, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Gaylordsville, CT is Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

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

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