Best Dispersed Camping near New Milford, CT

Dispersed camping options near New Milford, Connecticut include several primitive sites within driving distance. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers free camping in a secluded forest setting approximately 20 miles west of New Milford. This 900-acre park provides a true wilderness experience while maintaining cell service accessibility. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, located in New York state, features basic primitive camping with no amenities on 80 acres of forested land. Sage's Revine, situated near the Connecticut-Massachusetts border along the Appalachian Trail, provides more structured facilities with tent platforms and bear boxes.

Most dispersed sites in this region require adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Campers must pack out all trash and camp at least 150 feet from trails and water sources. According to reviews, Hemlock Ridge has "absolutely no amenities whatsoever" but offers "a quiet peaceful wooded area" for those seeking solitude. Fire regulations vary by location; Sage's Revine prohibits fires entirely, while Taconic Hereford allows them with proper containment. Water availability is limited at most sites, so carrying sufficient supplies is essential.

Weather conditions in this region can change rapidly, particularly in spring and fall. Summer brings higher humidity and increased insect activity. Several campers noted that bugs can be "relentless" at certain locations, particularly near water sources. Echo Lake in the Catskills, though farther from New Milford, features tent sites around the lake with fire pits and a lean-to, but "can get swampy near the edge of the lake," necessitating bug spray. For safety, always inform someone of your camping plans and expected return time when venturing into these more remote areas.

Best Dispersed Sites Near New Milford, Connecticut (5)

    1. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    2 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."

    2. Sage's Revine

    1 Review
    Taconic, CT
    32 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
    33 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
    38 miles
    Website

    "Trash cans, but carry out is preferable."

    5. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    50 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-5 of 5 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near New Milford, CT

3 Photos of 5 New Milford Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near New Milford, CT

9 Reviews of 5 New Milford 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

  • 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.

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

    Sage's Revine

    Fantastic spot, right near water. 12 platforms available.

    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. Great spot, highly recommend.


Guide to New Milford

Dispersed camping sites around New Milford, Connecticut provide budget-friendly options in the northeastern Connecticut woodlands. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Most primitive camping locations in this region sit at elevations between 400-1,200 feet and feature mixed hardwood forests typical of the southern New England ecosystem.

What to do

Hiking nearby trails: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers extensive trail networks for day hiking from camp. "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," notes camper Doc B.

Wildlife observation: The forested areas provide habitat for diverse northeastern wildlife. At Echo Lake, campers report excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean to with a few campfire spots," explains James A., noting the elevated campsites provide panoramic views across the water.

Section hiking: For backpackers, accessing the Appalachian Trail makes an excellent option. "I have section hiked the majority of the east coast AT and this is in my top 10 spots to stay at," writes Luke A. about Jug End Dispersed camping area, located within reasonable driving distance of New Milford.

What campers like

Solitude and quiet: The dispersed nature of camping near New Milford appeals to those seeking peace. Dawn M. describes Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed as "a quiet peaceful wooded area" where "you can set up your own camp anywhere," noting "I was the only one here and it was a very peaceful and relaxing night."

Accessibility with wilderness feel: Despite proximity to towns, many sites feel remote. One camper describes Taconic Hereford as "Less than 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."

Water features: Several free camping areas near New Milford feature lakes or streams. Kate describes Echo Lake camping as "perfect" with "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."

What you should know

Bring sufficient water: Most dispersed sites lack potable water sources. Sage's Revine is one exception, with Luke A. noting it's "Near non-potable stream" and has "drinking water" available.

Limited parking: Plan to arrive early at popular sites. Dawn M. warns that at Hemlock Ridge "The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight."

Insect preparation: Northeastern forests can have significant insect populations, particularly in warmer months. Cory D. warns that at Hemlock Ridge "Bugs are relentless," while Kate notes Echo Lake "can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray."

Tips for camping with families

Platform camping for beginners: Families new to dispersed camping might prefer sites with established platforms. Luke A. notes that Sage's Revine has "12 platforms available" with "50 feet between platforms" which helps maintain privacy while providing a level sleeping surface.

First backpacking trip locations: Some sites near New Milford make excellent beginner backpacking destinations. Kate shares that Echo Lake "was my first backpacking trip and it was perfect! The sites are relatively flat and well shaded with trees."

Safety considerations: When camping with children in remote areas, communication options become important. Taconic Hereford provides the unique advantage of cellular coverage despite its wilderness setting, with one camper noting "hiking in and finding a suitable place to make camp has the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service."

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Most free camping near New Milford is primitive and better suited for tent camping or small vehicles. None of the reviewed dispersed camping areas mention RV hookups or dedicated RV sites.

Nearest established alternatives: RV campers seeking free camping near New Milford may need to consider alternatives further from town or opt for established campgrounds with fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near New Milford, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near New Milford, CT is Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

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