Best Dispersed Camping near Barrytown, NY
Dispersed camping options near Barrytown, New York include several primitive sites within driving distance. Echo Lake offers tent sites around the water with fire pits and a lean-to site, though it can become crowded later in the day. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park provides free primitive camping across its 900 acres of forest land. According to reviews, this area remains relatively unknown, offering a "quiet piece of beautiful forest to truly rough it" while maintaining cell service for safety. Hemlock Ridge MUA features a small parking area and allows camping 150 feet from established trails.
Most dispersed sites in this region permit campfires but require visitors to follow Leave No Trace principles. Water availability varies significantly between locations; Echo Lake provides natural water sources that require treatment, while most other sites have no drinking water facilities. Campers report that bug spray is essential, particularly near Echo Lake where "it can get swampy near the edge of the lake." Vehicle access differs by location, with Duck Pond Campsite requiring navigation on unpaved roads that can be challenging for larger vehicles.
Winter camping is possible at several locations, including Burnt Rossman State Forest's Westkill Camp, which remains accessible from the road year-round. The Catskills region experiences significant seasonal variation, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-85°F and winter temperatures often below freezing. Cell service is intermittent throughout the area, particularly at remote sites. Visitors should always inform someone of their planned location and return date when venturing into these primitive camping areas.
