Dispersed camping near Arden, New York offers secluded options in the Catskill foothills approximately 60 miles northwest of New York City. The forest terrain alternates between dense woodland and accessible trails with camping areas typically located between 1,000-1,500 feet elevation. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, requiring proper cold-weather gear from November through March.
What to do
Hiking interconnected trails: Thunder Swamp Trailhead provides access to extensive woodland hiking networks. "Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh," notes Jason R., who found the "trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble."
Wildlife observation: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park encompasses over 900 acres adjacent to protected forest land. A visitor reports "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."
Lakeside camping: Small but scenic shoreline camping spots are available for those willing to navigate rough roads. Limited spots near water bodies fill quickly during peak season, particularly on holiday weekends.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Most dispersed sites require modest hiking from parking areas, creating natural separation between campers. One reviewer appreciated that Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed is "quiet and off the beaten path" despite being close to recreational areas.
Proximity to civilization: Many sites balance wilderness feel with practical access to towns. Campers at Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park value 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, with the safety of having full cell service."
Budget-friendly options: Free and low-cost camping is widely available. One camper mentioned staying at a site that "was only $25 night. Great looking facilities and friendly staff."
What you should know
Limited capacity: Most parking areas accommodate fewer than 10 vehicles. Benjamin H. described Thunder Swamp Trailhead as simply "a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."
Permit requirements: The New York Department of Environmental Conservation requires permits for camping on state lands. A camper at Hickok Brook noted, "Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."
Limited facilities: Most sites offer no amenities. Cory D. explains that Hemlock Ridge "isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities. There is a small parking lot and a trail that runs thru 80 acres of forest. Camping is allowed anywhere 150ft from the trail."
Insect activity: Woodland camping means significant bug populations throughout warmer months. One camper warned that "bugs are relentless" at Hemlock Ridge, particularly during spring and summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection considerations: Choose locations with shorter hikes from parking areas when camping with children. Many locations offer spots approximately 150 feet from access trails.
Seasonal planning: Avoid holiday weekends for more secluded experiences. A visitor to Thunder Swamp Trailhead noted it was "a gravel lot. Plenty of shade," making it suitable for families looking for accessible sites.
Safety preparations: Cellular service varies significantly between sites. Doc B. recommends: "Always let someone know where you are headed and when you plan to return."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance requirements: Most dispersed camping areas have rough access roads unsuitable for large RVs. A visitor to Hickok Brook found "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road to put up a small tent somewhere. Very gorgeous but not RV friendly."
Limited turnaround space: Narrow access roads make maneuvering difficult for larger vehicles. Tim M. observed that Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park "has only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."
Roadside camping options: For those with truck campers, some areas offer small pull-offs suitable for compact setups. Corey at Hickok Brook attempted this approach: "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup."
