Best Dispersed Camping near Litchfield, CT
Several dispersed camping options exist in the vicinity of Litchfield, Connecticut, primarily along the nearby Appalachian Trail corridor and in public forest lands across the Connecticut-New York-Massachusetts border region. Sage's Revine in Connecticut offers primitive hike-in sites with designated camping platforms. Across state lines, Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park in New York provides free dispersed camping with hike-in and walk-in access across its 900+ acres of forested land. Hemlock Ridge MUA in New York and Jug End in Massachusetts also permit primitive camping, though recent reviews indicate Jug End may no longer allow overnight stays despite being listed as an Appalachian Trail camping area.
Access to these sites varies considerably, with most requiring hikers to walk in from small parking areas. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park features trails leading to suitable camping spots at least 150 feet from main paths, accessible within a 10-minute drive from town. Hemlock Ridge MUA has a small parking lot accommodating 4-6 vehicles with similar requirements to camp away from the main trail. Most of these areas enforce standard Leave No Trace principles. Fire regulations differ by location—fires are permitted at Taconic Hereford and Hemlock Ridge but prohibited at Sage's Revine and Jug End. Cell service is generally available at Taconic Hereford but limited at Hemlock Ridge.
These remote sites offer varying levels of amenities and wilderness experience. Sage's Revine provides 12 camping platforms spaced approximately 50 feet apart near a non-potable water source, with bathroom facilities, bear boxes, but no fires allowed. "Near non-potable stream, no fires allowed, bathroom is fine, bear boxes available," notes one camper about Sage's Revine. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park delivers a more secluded experience while maintaining safety features. A visitor described it as having "the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service." Hemlock Ridge offers no amenities whatsoever, with one review stating it's "quiet and off the beaten path" but "there are absolutely no amenities whatsoever and barely even a signal here." Most sites require proper preparation for primitive camping conditions, including carrying in all water and supplies.
