Best Dispersed Camping near Redding, CT
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.
