Best Dispersed Camping near Ashland, NY

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Ashland? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Ashland, including photos, reviews, and tips. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Ashland's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ashland, New York (15)

    Camper-submitted photo at Betty Brook Camp near West Fulton, NY

    1. Betty Brook Camp

    2 Reviews
    49 Saves
    West Fulton, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    felix R.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near North Blenheim, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near North Blenheim, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near North Blenheim, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near North Blenheim, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near North Blenheim, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near North Blenheim, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Duck Pond Campsite near North Blenheim, NY

    3. Duck Pond Campsite

    1 Review
    8 Saves
    North Blenheim, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Kate's photo of a dispersed camping area at Echo Lake near Woodstock, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Woodstock, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Woodstock, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Woodstock, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Woodstock, NY

    4. Echo Lake

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    115 Saves
    Woodstock, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Alcohol
    Jorge P.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Claryville, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Claryville, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Claryville, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Claryville, NY

    5. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    77 Saves
    Claryville, New York

    Description

    Permits for Peekamoose Blue Hole are only necessary on weekends and holidays from mid-May through mid-September of each year. Permits are available as late as a day in advance, but no more than 7 days in advance. There is a limit of 25 permits issued per day. The Blue Hole is a day-use area and is part of the Rondout Creek, which flows through the Peekamoose Valley to the Rondout Reservoir. The reservoir provides almost half of the drinking water for more than 9 million people in the New York City metropolitan area. Help us protect the area - and your drinking water - by observing these regulations: Use the portable toilets for all human waste. If you carry it in, carry it out - use the dumpsters. Camping, fires and portable generators are allowed only at designated campsites downstream of the Blue Hole. No radios and other audio devices. No glass containers. Except for the designated camping sites, the Peekamoose Corridor is open to the public from onehalf hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo at Allaben Primitive Campsites near Shandaken, NY

    6. Allaben Primitive Campsites

    Be the first to review!
    21 Saves
    Shandaken, New York

    There are 8 designated campsites, but at-large primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Range

      Camper-submitted photo at Rensselaerville State Forest near Preston Hollow, NY
      Camper-submitted photo at Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping near Highmount, NY

      8. Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping

      Be the first to review!
      26 Saves
      Highmount, New York

      Map: https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/lands_forests_pdf/recmapbiwa.pdf

      There are five lean-tos located trailside throughout the area, each supported by a seasonal water source and pit privy. Other designated campsites are marked with a yellow "Camp Here" disc. In addition, primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

      State law also prohibits camping above 3500 feet in elevation from March 22nd to December 21st each year. In a Wilderness Area, group size is limited to a maximum of 12. Larger groups may be accommodated in any of the Forest Preserve's Wild Forest areas such as nearby Balsam Lake Mountain or Willowemoc Wild Forests.

      Water is relatively scarce in the Catskills. It is not unusual for the springs and streams in this area to run dry during the summer months. The department cannot ensure the purity of any water source. Boil all water for 2 minutes, filter or treat chemically.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo at Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park near Verbank, NY

      9. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

      2 Reviews
      69 Saves
      Verbank, New York

      The 917-acre Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Area is one of the largest state forests in Dutchess County. Most trails on this property allow multiple uses. It is very popular with mountain bikers, horseback riders, and dog walkers. Please be respectful of all users. Primitive Camping Camping at two designated sites is permitted on a first-come-first-serve basis. They're located on the west side of Brockway Road, south of Tyrrel Road. At-large primitive camping is also allowed. At-large campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Dispersed
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo at Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail near South Egremont, MA

      10. Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

      2 Reviews
      37 Saves
      South Egremont, Massachusetts

      This 11.1 mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts starts as the AT enters the state from Connecticut, heading north and features Sages Ravine, Race Mountain, Mount Everett, and Jug End. This section of the AT includes two shelters and a few designated campsites. The shelters are the Hemlock Shelter and the Glen Brook Shelter. This is the southern most section of the AT in Massachusetts.

      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • Dispersed
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    Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews near Ashland, New York

    10 Reviews of 15 Ashland Campgrounds


    • Ali B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
      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).

    • Cory D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
      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.

    • P
      Camper-submitted photo from Betty Brook Camp
      Dec. 17, 2023

      Betty Brook Camp

      Pretty good place

      I live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road. There's a stream alongside it, a fire pit, and a town about 8 mi away. It's a small town, with just a gas station store. I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small, but it's in state park, and there's tons of walking that can be done.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Betty Brook Camp
      Mar. 24, 2024

      Betty Brook Camp

      One of my favorite

      Love to camp here all year long have been coming to the area for a couple of decades now. Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake
      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.

    • Luke A.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sage's Revine
      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.

    • Doc B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park
      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.


    Guide to Ashland

    Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Ashland, New York, where nature lovers can immerse themselves in serene landscapes and enjoy a more rustic camping experience. With a variety of spots to choose from, you'll find the perfect place to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

    Top Activities While Free Camping Near Ashland

    • Enjoy fishing and relaxing by the stream at Betty Brook Camp, where you can set up your tent right by the water.
    • Hike to nearby peaks after camping at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping, which offers great access to trails leading to stunning mountain views.
    • Experience the tranquility of nature at Duck Pond Campsite, where you can enjoy peaceful surroundings and the beauty of a small pond.

    Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Ashland, New York

    • Always check the road conditions before heading to Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp, as some access roads can be rough, especially after rain.
    • Bring your own firewood when camping at Echo Lake, as firewood is not provided on-site, and it’s essential for a cozy campfire experience.
    • Be prepared for limited amenities at Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping, as there are no drinking water sources or trash disposal facilities available.

    Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Allaben Primitive Campsites

    • Located in a remote area, Allaben Primitive Campsites offers a true escape into nature, perfect for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle.
    • This site is accessible by car, making it convenient for campers who prefer to drive in rather than hike long distances.
    • With no permit required, you can enjoy a spontaneous camping trip without the hassle of reservations or fees.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ashland, NY?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ashland, NY is Betty Brook Camp with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ashland, NY?

      TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Ashland, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.