Best Dispersed Camping near Athens, NY

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Athens, NY has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Athens. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Athens camping trip.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Athens, New York (14)

    1. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 652-7365

    "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. "

    "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots."

    2. Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    South Egremont, MA
    21 miles
    Website

    "Trash cans, but carry out is preferable."

    3. Sage's Revine

    1 Review
    Taconic, CT
    23 miles
    Website

    "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."

    4. Allaben Primitive Campsites

    1 Review
    Shandaken, NY
    30 miles

    "Nice spot right off the main road and close to town. Small pond-don’t think there are any fish. Picnic table. Fire pit with cooking griddle. Trails to the fishing access across the road."

    5. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    2 Reviews
    Verbank, NY
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "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."

    6. Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    39 miles

    "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"

    "Entrance is soft"

    7. Duck Pond Campsite

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    38 miles

    "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad."

    "Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads"

    9. Betty Brook Camp

    2 Reviews
    West Fulton, NY
    40 miles

    "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."

    "Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots"

    10. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    Claryville, NY
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3076

    "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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Athens, NY

18 Reviews of 14 Athens 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.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Ushers Road State Forest

    Trail head

    This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week.

    About 500 feet down the right-hand trail, there is a smaller path branching off to the left. This leads to a previously used campsite, approximately 200 feet from the main trail. The site includes a stone fire ring, indicating prior use.

    Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it’s at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots.

  • 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.

  • YThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Open quite campsites

    After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience. Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Small vehicle only

    The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse. The site itself, was pretty nice, Fire pit, trickling stream, but the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it. Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads

  • 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

  • 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.


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

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 2 reviews.

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.