Dispersed camping near Bellvale, New York typically requires navigating forested areas with varying elevations from 800 to 1,200 feet. The region experiences humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and mild summers, making spring through fall the primary camping season. Most dispersed sites are situated within state forests, wildlife management areas, and along hiking trails including sections of the Appalachian Trail.
What to do
Hike mountain trails: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers extensive hiking through its 900+ acres. A camper notes, "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."
River camping: Near Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping, visitors can find secluded spots along waterways. One reviewer shared, "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."
Overnight backpacking: The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 provides a strategic overnight stop for section hikers. A camper reports, "We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There's plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too."
What campers like
Quiet seclusion: Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed offers privacy for those seeking solitude. As one camper describes, "It's quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight... you can set up your own camp anywhere."
Cell service despite remoteness: Despite feeling remote, Taconic Hereford maintains connectivity. According to a visitor, "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."
Bear boxes at some sites: The Appalachian Trail campsite includes practical safety features. A camper mentions they're "Well maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking."
What you should know
Limited parking capacity: Most dispersed sites have minimal parking. At Thunder Swamp Trailhead, you'll find "a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."
Water planning essential: Many sites lack water sources. At the Appalachian Trail campsite, campers report "no water nearby" with the recommendation to "Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond."
Vehicle clearance considerations: Some sites require appropriate vehicles. Hickok Brook access requires "good clearance" as "the road is very rough with huge potholes."
Permit requirements vary: Some locations require permits. At Hickok Brook, a camper learned, "Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."
Tips for camping with families
Hammock camping options: Some sites work better for hammocks than tents. At the Appalachian Trail site, a visitor noted it's "a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!"
Safety planning: Given the remote nature of these sites, proper safety protocols are important. At Thunder Swamp Trailhead, a camper reported, "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."
Limited facilities for children: None of these sites offer traditional amenities. At Hemlock Ridge, one camper plainly states, "This isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities."
Tips from RVers
Not recommended for large vehicles: Most dispersed camping areas near Bellvale cannot accommodate RVs or trailers. At Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, a visitor warns, "The road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."
Car camping limitations: Even for car camping, many sites present challenges. Regarding Hickok Brook, a review cautions, "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."
Small camper considerations: For those with high-clearance, minimalist setups, some sites may work. One visitor to Hickok Brook initially "drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup" but found access challenging.
