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Best Dispersed Camping near Mount Washington, MA

12 Reviews

The Berkshire region surrounding Mount Washington, Massachusetts features primarily primitive camping options, with several sites located along the Appalachian Trail corridor. Jug End Dispersed Camping along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail serves as a popular stopping point for section hikers, though recent reports indicate potential restrictions on camping at this location. Nearby, Sage's Ravine offers year-round camping with 12 platforms, bear boxes, and basic facilities just over the Connecticut border. Most camping in this area requires hiking in, with few drive-up options available. The mountainous terrain and protected forest lands create a landscape dominated by dispersed, primitive camping rather than developed campgrounds with full amenities.

Permit requirements vary significantly between sites in the Mount Washington area, with some locations requiring advance permits while others operate on a first-come basis. Limited parking is common at trailheads, with several locations accommodating only 4-6 vehicles, as noted at Hemlock Ridge MUA. Cell service ranges from full coverage near some sites to completely absent in more remote areas. According to one camper, "There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever and barely even a signal here, but it's quiet and off the beaten path." Weather conditions can change rapidly in the Berkshire mountains, particularly at higher elevations, making proper preparation essential. Many sites enforce Leave No Trace principles, with pack-in, pack-out policies for all waste.

Campers consistently mention the peaceful forest settings and water features as highlights of the region. Echo Lake receives particularly high ratings, with visitors noting the "beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze" from hillside camping spots. The area includes a lean-to and scattered tent sites around the lake, though some report it "can get a little crowded later in the day." Insect activity can be significant, especially in swampy areas near water. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park provides a balance of accessibility and wilderness feel, with one visitor noting it's "less than 10 min drive from town, but hiking in and finding a suitable place to make camp has the feeling of the wild." Most sites in the region lack amenities but compensate with natural beauty, wildlife viewing opportunities, and relative solitude.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Mount Washington, Massachusetts (9)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mount Washington, MA

12 Reviews of 9 Mount Washington 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.

  • Ali B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    Dispersed primitive camping

    Great camping spots about 1.5 mile hike in from Denning Trailhead. A lot of spots right by the river. Great spot to camp and then wake up to hike to tabletop/ peekamoose mountain. (near the top of tabletop there is also a lean-to for camping).

Guide to Mount Washington

Primitive camping near Mount Washington, Massachusetts centers around the Appalachian Trail and surrounding wilderness areas. The region features elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,600 feet with mixed hardwood forests and numerous stream corridors. Temperatures fluctuate significantly with season, averaging 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands, making spring and fall optimal for backcountry camping.

What to do

Hiking to remote campsites: Access backcountry sites at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping requires approximately 1.5 miles of hiking. As one camper notes, "Great camping spots about 1.5 mile hike in from Denning Trailhead. A lot of spots right by the river. Great spot to camp and then wake up to hike to tabletop/peekamoose mountain."

Explore lesser-known forest trails: The extensive network of trails in Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers over 900 acres of connected forest to explore. According to a regular visitor, "99% of 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."

Fishing opportunities: Several primitive sites provide access to local streams and ponds. Allaben Primitive Campsites features "Trails to the fishing access across the road" and is positioned close to prime fishing locations, though one camper notes the "Small pond-don't think there are any fish."

What campers like

Natural water features: Many campers appreciate the streams and lakes adjacent to campsites. At Echo Lake, campers value the "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." Another camper mentions the "beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze" from hillside camping locations.

Solitude with safety: Primitive camping near Mount Washington provides isolation without complete disconnection. At Taconic Hereford, campers appreciate "hiking in and finding a suitable place to make camp has the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service." The balance of remoteness and accessibility appeals to many visitors.

Established platforms: Some primitive sites offer basic infrastructure. At Sage's Revine, campers appreciate the "12 platforms available" with "50 feet between platforms" and practical amenities like "bear boxes available," making this Connecticut-Massachusetts border location popular with Appalachian Trail hikers.

What you should know

Limited parking availability: Most trailheads have restricted parking capacity. At Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, "The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight," requiring early arrival during peak seasons.

Variable permit requirements: Some sites require advance permits while others operate on first-come basis. Always check current regulations before arrival.

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between sites. One camper at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed notes, "There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever and barely even a signal here, but it's quiet and off the beaten path."

Environmental considerations: Most primitive sites enforce strict Leave No Trace principles. A camper at Echo Lake advises, "Make sure you practice leave no trace principles and pack out what you bring in!"

Tips for camping with families

Choose accessible sites: For families with younger children, select locations with shorter approach hikes. Allaben Primitive Campsites offers a "Nice spot right off the main road and close to town" with amenities like a "Picnic table. Fire pit with cooking griddle."

Consider bug protection: Insect activity varies by location and season. One Echo Lake camper warns, "it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray."

Plan for variable weather: The mountainous terrain experiences rapid weather changes. Pack additional layers regardless of forecast.

Safety precautions: Always inform others of your plans when taking children to remote sites. As one Taconic Hereford camper advises, "Always let someone know where you are headed and when you plan to return."

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Most primitive camping near Mount Washington requires hiking access and cannot accommodate RVs. Allaben Primitive Campsites represents one of few options suitable for smaller RVs with drive-in access.

Consider base camping: RV travelers typically use established campgrounds in surrounding communities as base camps for day excursions to primitive areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping in Mount Washington?

Dispersed camping in the Mount Washington area follows standard Leave No Trace principles. At Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, camping is allowed anywhere 150 feet from trails, which is a common regulation throughout Massachusetts dispersed camping areas. No formal permits are typically required, but camping is prohibited in some areas like Jug End State Reservation where only hiking is permitted. Generally, campers should set up at established sites when available, pack out all trash, properly store food to prevent wildlife encounters, and follow fire regulations which may change seasonally. Always check with the local ranger district or forest service office before your trip as regulations can change.

Where is dispersed camping allowed in Mount Washington, Massachusetts?

Dispersed camping is permitted in several areas around Mount Washington, Massachusetts. The Appalachian Trail corridor offers opportunities like Sage's Revine, located just over the Connecticut border into Massachusetts. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping offers spots about 1.5 miles from the trailhead with riverside camping options. Some areas like Allaben Primitive Campsites provide slightly more developed dispersed camping with basic amenities like fire pits and picnic tables. Always camp in designated areas or follow the 150-foot rule from trails and water sources when truly dispersed camping.

When is the best season for dispersed camping in Mount Washington?

Late spring through early fall (May-October) offers the best conditions for dispersed camping in Mount Washington. Summer provides warm days and comfortable nights, though at places like Echo Lake, insects can be abundant—wear pants for overgrown trails and bring bug repellent. Early fall brings spectacular foliage and fewer bugs. At Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, the beautiful forest setting is particularly stunning in autumn with fewer visitors. Spring can be wet with muddy conditions, while winter camping is possible but requires proper cold-weather gear and experience. Check weather forecasts and be prepared for temperature drops at higher elevations year-round.

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