Best Dispersed Camping near Norwalk, CT

Dispersed camping near Norwalk, Connecticut requires travel to surrounding areas, as limited options exist within the immediate vicinity. Two notable locations in New York state, Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park and Hemlock Ridge MUA, provide primitive camping opportunities approximately 40-60 miles from Norwalk. These areas feature undeveloped forest land where campers can experience backcountry camping without designated sites or facilities.

Access to these dispersed camping areas typically requires hiking in from small parking areas. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park spans over 900 acres of protected forest with multiple trails for exploration. Most sites require campers to follow standard dispersed camping protocols, including camping at least 150 feet from trails or roads. Neither location provides drinking water, toilets, or trash collection, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. As one review notes, "There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever and barely even a signal here, but it's quiet and off the beaten path."

The camping experience at these locations emphasizes solitude and immersion in natural surroundings. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park remains relatively unknown, creating opportunities for quiet wilderness experiences despite being only "10 minutes drive from town." Wildlife viewing is common in both areas, with extensive trail networks for daytime exploration. Hemlock Ridge MUA offers a more limited space with a small parking area that "only holds about 4-5 cars," making weekday visits advisable during peak seasons. Both locations follow Leave No Trace principles, with reviewers emphasizing the importance to "leave the area cleaner than when you arrived." Cell service varies by location, with some areas maintaining coverage despite their remote feel.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Norwalk, Connecticut (3)

    1. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    3 Reviews
    Verbank, NY
    48 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. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    49 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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Norwalk, CT

2 Photos of 3 Norwalk Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Norwalk, CT

5 Reviews of 3 Norwalk Campgrounds


  • 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

  • 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.


Guide to Norwalk

Dispersed camping near Norwalk, Connecticut requires campers to venture beyond city boundaries into New York state's natural areas. During winter months, temperatures in these camping zones can drop into the 20s°F, while summer typically brings humid conditions with daytime temperatures in the 80s°F. Trail access in most dispersed sites becomes challenging after heavy rainfall, with some forest roads closing completely during spring thaw periods.

What to do

Wildlife observation: Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed offers opportunities to encounter native species in their natural habitat. According to one camper, "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."

Trail exploration: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park features extensive hiking trails through varied terrain. One visitor notes it has "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."

Climbing access: Many outdoor enthusiasts use these dispersed camping areas as base camps for climbing expeditions. As one camper at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed explains, "Many climbers stay there for access to the gunks."

What campers like

Cell service reliability: Some dispersed camping areas maintain surprisingly good connectivity despite their remote feel. A Taconic Hereford visitor appreciated "hiking in and finding a suitable place to make camp has the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service."

Quick access from urban areas: The relative proximity to developed areas makes these sites convenient for weekend getaways. One camper described Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park as "easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service."

Cost effectiveness: Free camping options provide budget-friendly alternatives to established campgrounds. One confused reviewer mentioned a Taconic Hereford site "Was only $25 night" with "Great looking facilities" which contrasts with the typical free, no-facility experience most dispersed campers report.

What you should know

Limited parking capacity: Vehicle access constraints affect planning, particularly during peak seasons. A Hemlock Ridge visitor warns "The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight."

Vehicle restrictions: Some dispersed camping areas have narrow access roads unsuitable for larger vehicles. As one Floyd Bennett Field visitor cautions about nearby access roads, "the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."

Insect preparation: Bug protection becomes essential during warmer months in these wooded areas. A straightforward review notes, "Bugs are relentless" at Hemlock Ridge MUA.

Tips for camping with families

Safety protocols: When camping with children in remote areas, establish clear communication plans. A Taconic Hereford camper advises, "Always let someone know where you are headed and when you plan to return."

Site selection strategies: Finding suitable spots requires some exploration from parking areas. At Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, one camper shared, "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."

Timing considerations: Weekday visits can significantly improve the camping experience at popular dispersed sites near Norwalk. During peak seasons, arriving on weekdays increases chances of securing a spot at locations with limited capacity.

Tips from RVers

Limited accommodation: Most dispersed camping areas near Norwalk cannot accommodate recreational vehicles. Taconic Hereford reviews specifically mention "I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs" due to narrow access roads and limited turnaround space.

Alternative options: RV travelers seeking dispersed camping near Norwalk should consider established campgrounds with primitive sites instead. The primitive camping areas within 60 miles of Norwalk primarily support tent camping with hike-in access requirements.

Preparation requirements: RVers attempting to access any dispersed areas should scout locations in advance without their vehicles. A visitor to Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park recommends, "This spot is easy to find and access" but confirms the unsuitable nature for larger vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Norwalk, 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 Norwalk, CT?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Norwalk, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.