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Best Dispersed Camping near Redding, CT

5 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Camping options near Redding, Connecticut primarily consist of dispersed sites in nearby New York state, with notable locations including Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park and Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed. These primitive camping areas offer a back-to-basics experience within a reasonable drive from Redding. Taconic Hereford spans over 900 acres of forested land with hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing, while Hemlock Ridge provides a smaller 80-acre wooded area popular with rock climbers visiting the nearby Gunks. Both locations require campers to hike in and establish sites away from main trails, following Leave No Trace principles.

Access to these camping areas involves minimal facilities and preparation for self-sufficiency. Neither location provides drinking water, electric hookups, or toilet facilities, though both allow fires and pets. Taconic Hereford offers a sanitary dump station but no other amenities. According to camper reviews, cell service is generally available at Taconic Hereford despite the wilderness feel. Parking is limited at Hemlock Ridge, with space for only 4-6 vehicles in the small lot. Campers must follow regulations requiring sites to be established at least 150 feet from trails. One visitor noted, "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."

The camping experience in these areas emphasizes solitude and natural surroundings rather than amenities. Visitors to Hemlock Ridge report "absolutely no amenities whatsoever" but appreciate the "quiet and off the beaten path" atmosphere. The small parking areas and hike-in requirements naturally limit crowds, with one camper mentioning they were "the only one here" during their stay. Taconic Hereford receives praise for its extensive trail network and proximity to additional protected forests. While some reviews mention a $25 nightly fee at Taconic Hereford with "great looking facilities," most descriptions emphasize the primitive, dispersed nature of camping in the region. Insects can be problematic, with one visitor describing bugs as "relentless" at Hemlock Ridge.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Redding, Connecticut (2)

    1. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    3 Reviews
    Verbank, NY
    36 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
    41 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 Redding, CT

2 Photos of 2 Redding Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Redding, CT

5 Reviews of 2 Redding 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 Redding

Dispersed camping options near Redding, Connecticut consist primarily of primitive sites across state lines in New York. The region's forested terrain rises from approximately 500 feet at Redding to elevations between 700-1100 feet at nearby camping areas. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer humidity creates challenging camping conditions from June through August.

What to do

Rock climbing access: Hemlock Ridge MUA provides convenient overnight options for climbers visiting the Gunks. "Many climbers stay there for access to the gunks," notes Cory D., who uses the area as a simple base camp for climbing adventures.

Forest exploration: The extensive woodland at Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers numerous hiking trails through mature forest. Tim M. describes it as "easy to find and access," making it suitable for day hikers and overnight campers seeking woodland immersion without extended travel.

Digital detox: Limited connectivity at Hemlock Ridge creates opportunities for genuine disconnection. Dawn M. reports "barely even a signal here," perfect for those seeking to minimize digital distractions during their camping experience.

What campers like

Solitude and privacy: Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed provides a secluded camping experience with minimal crowds. Dawn M. appreciates that it's "quiet & off the beaten path" and notes she "was the only one here" during her stay.

Proximity to amenities: Despite wilderness surroundings, campers at Taconic Hereford appreciate staying connected when needed. Tim M. reports "decent ATT service" throughout the area, allowing campers to maintain essential communications.

Value and accessibility: Free camping near Redding, Connecticut primarily consists of these no-cost dispersed sites. The reasonable driving distance from Redding makes these locations practical for weekend trips without significant travel time.

What you should know

Limited parking capacity: Vehicle space constrains visitor numbers at both locations. Dawn M. cautions that Hemlock Ridge's parking area "only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight," requiring early arrival on busy weekends.

Seasonal pest management: Insect activity varies seasonally but can significantly impact comfort. Cory D. warns that "bugs are relentless" at Hemlock Ridge MUA, suggesting campers bring appropriate repellents and protective clothing.

Road conditions: Access roads may not accommodate larger vehicles. Tim M. notes the road to Taconic Hereford is "narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs," limiting options for larger camping setups.

Tips for camping with families

Safety preparations: Despite feeling remote, some areas maintain connectivity for emergencies. When camping at Taconic Hereford, you'll likely have "the safety of having full cell service," according to Doc B., though service should never be assumed.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park connects to additional protected areas, expanding habitat for diverse species. Doc B. mentions "plenty of trails to explore and wildlife to enjoy," particularly valuable for nature education with children.

Established vs. created sites: While dispersed camping allows flexibility, some areas have informal sites already established. Dawn M. mentions finding "one camping spot which is literally at about the required 150ft from the road" at Hemlock Ridge, potentially easier for families than creating a new site.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Neither primary camping area near Redding accommodates RVs well. Tim M. specifically advises against bringing RVs to Taconic Hereford due to "narrow" roads and limited "turnaround room."

Alternative options: RV campers seeking free camping near Redding, Connecticut should explore established campgrounds instead of these dispersed areas. licia S. mentions paying "$25 night" at facilities near Taconic Hereford with "Great looking facilities and friendly staff," suggesting more developed options exist for those requiring vehicle access.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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