Best Dispersed Camping near Athens, NY
Looking for the best dispersed camping near Athens? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Athens, New York (14)
1. Echo Lake
1 Review•3 Photos•115 SavesWoodstock, New York- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
2. Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
2 Reviews•37 SavesSouth Egremont, MassachusettsThis 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
3. Sage's Revine
1 Review•33 SavesTaconic, Connecticut- Pets
- Reservable
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
4. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park
2 Reviews•69 SavesVerbank, New YorkThe 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
6. Duck Pond Campsite
1 Review•8 SavesNorth Blenheim, New York- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
7. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
1 Review•2 Photos•77 SavesClaryville, New YorkDescription
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
10. Allaben Primitive Campsites
Be the first to review!•21 SavesShandaken, New YorkThere 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
Recent Dispersed Reviews near Athens, New York
10 Reviews of 14 Athens Campgrounds
Ali B.
Traveler
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.
Ranger
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.
- KKate
Guide
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.Traveler
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.
licia S.GuideJug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
No camping per MA.gov website
This is a hiking trail only- no camping per website: https://www.mass.gov/locations/jug-end-state-reservation-wildlife-management-area
- Luke A.Traveler
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.
ScoutTaconic 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.
- licia S.Guide
Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park
Great Campground
Was only $25 night. Great looking facilities and friendly staff.
- RRobert B.Scout
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
- PPeterScout
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.
Guide to Athens
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Athens, New York, where nature lovers can immerse themselves in serene landscapes and enjoy the freedom of camping away from crowded sites. With a variety of options available, you'll find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Athens, New York
- Many dispersed camping areas, like Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail, are free to use, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious adventurers.
- Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of places such as Echo Lake, where maintaining the environment is crucial for future visitors.
- Be prepared for a hike-in experience at locations like Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping, as many sites require a bit of effort to reach.
Scenic spots for dispersed campers
- For those seeking picturesque views, Sage's Revine offers a beautiful setting near a non-potable stream, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
- If you enjoy lakeside camping, Duck Pond Campsite provides a tranquil atmosphere with well-maintained sites and minimal crowds.
- The Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping area is known for its stunning forest surroundings, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts.
Dispersed campers should check out Echo Lake
- Echo Lake is a favorite among backpackers, featuring tent sites around the lake with fire pits for cozy evenings under the stars.
- The area is well-shaded and offers relatively flat sites, but be mindful of potential swampy conditions near the water's edge, so bring bug spray.
- Expect a lively atmosphere as the site can get crowded later in the day, providing a chance to meet fellow campers and share stories around the fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Athens, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Athens, NY is Echo Lake with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Athens, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Athens, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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