Best Dispersed Camping near Ashley Falls, MA

Several dispersed camping options exist within a short drive of Ashley Falls, Massachusetts. Jug End Dispersed along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail offers free primitive camping with hike-in access only. The area requires permits and allows pets but prohibits fires, alcohol, and lacks amenities such as water, toilets, or trash service. However, recent information indicates potential camping restrictions, with one camper noting, "This is a hiking trail only- no camping per website."

Nearby alternatives include Sage's Revine just over the Connecticut border, featuring tent platforms, bear boxes, toilets, and water access. A camper described it as a "fantastic spot, right near water" with "12 platforms available" and "50 feet between platforms." For those willing to drive farther, Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park in New York provides free dispersed camping with hike-in and walk-in access. This 900-acre area allows fires and alcohol but offers minimal facilities. One reviewer noted it has "the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service," though another mentioned "the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ashley Falls, Massachusetts (6)

    1. Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    South Egremont, MA
    8 miles
    Website

    "Trash cans, but carry out is preferable."

    2. Sage's Revine

    1 Review
    Taconic, CT
    7 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. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    3 Reviews
    Verbank, NY
    31 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."

    4. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    39 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."

    5. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    46 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 Ashley Falls, MA

4 Photos of 6 Ashley Falls Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ashley Falls, MA

10 Reviews of 6 Ashley Falls 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

  • 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.

  • 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 Ashley Falls

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Ashley Falls, Massachusetts, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Ashley Falls, Massachusetts

Top activities while free camping near Ashley Falls

  • Hiking is a popular activity, especially along the trails near Sage's Revine, which offers beautiful views and a chance to explore the local flora and fauna.
  • Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy casting a line in nearby streams and lakes, with spots like Echo Lake providing a picturesque backdrop for a relaxing day by the water.
  • Wildlife watching is abundant in areas such as Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, where you might spot deer, birds, and other native species in their natural habitat.

Scenic spots for dispersed campers

  • The tranquil setting of Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • For a unique experience, consider camping at Echo Lake, where you can enjoy the beauty of the Catskills and take advantage of the well-shaded tent sites.
  • Sage's Revine provides a fantastic location right near water, making it ideal for those who enjoy a refreshing dip after a day of hiking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ashley Falls, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ashley Falls, MA is Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ashley Falls, MA?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Ashley Falls, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.