Best Dispersed Camping near Accord, NY
Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout the Catskill region near Accord, New York, with several primitive sites on public lands. Hemlock Ridge Multiple Use Area offers free dispersed camping with designated sites at least 150 feet from trails. Echo Lake provides lakeside tent camping with a lean-to and multiple primitive sites around the water. Other options include Denning Trailhead near Peekamoose Mountain, Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, and Hickok Brook. These areas generally follow standard dispersed camping regulations requiring campers to set up at least 150 feet from water sources, roads, and trails.
Access to most sites requires some hiking or walking in, with few drive-in options available. Hemlock Ridge has a small parking area accommodating only 4-6 vehicles, while Echo Lake requires backpacking to reach the campsites. Roads leading to areas like Hickok Brook feature rough terrain with large potholes, necessitating high-clearance vehicles. Most sites lack amenities—no drinking water, toilets, trash service, or established facilities are provided. Campers must pack out all waste and follow Leave No Trace principles. Cell service varies significantly by location, with some areas maintaining coverage despite their remote feel.
"This campground was my first backpacking trip and it was perfect," notes one visitor to Echo Lake, highlighting the relatively flat, shaded tent sites with fire pits surrounding the lake. Another camper describes Hemlock Ridge as "a quiet peaceful wooded area" though warns "there are absolutely no amenities whatsoever." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout these areas, with most sites offering seclusion despite occasional weekend crowding. Visitors to Taconic Hereford appreciate that 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." Bug activity can be significant, especially near water—multiple reviews mention bringing insect repellent, particularly for swampy areas around Echo Lake.
