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.
