Dispersed camping opportunities near Big Indian, New York offer primitive sites throughout the Catskill Forest Preserve. Located in Ulster County at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, this region features dense hemlock forests and rocky terrain typical of the eastern Catskills. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with significant snowfall limiting access to many sites from December through March.
What to do
Hiking and fishing access: At Betty Brook Camp, campers can set up directly alongside a stream that provides fishing opportunities. "You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots," notes a regular visitor who has been coming to the area for decades.
Swimming options: The area around Echo Lake provides swimming opportunities during summer months. "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)," advises one camper who found a prime spot "on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze."
Wildlife viewing: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers over 900 acres of protected forest habitat. According to a visitor, "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."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed attracts campers seeking true primitive camping experiences. "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," reports one camper who enjoyed the peaceful woodland setting.
Year-round accessibility: Some sites remain usable throughout winter when many developed campgrounds close. One winter camper at Burnt Rossman State Forest noted it "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"
Proximity to water features: Duck Pond Campsite offers sites near a small pond that helps control mosquito populations. "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," shares a camper who appreciated the serene setting.
What you should know
Vehicle clearance issues: Many dispersed camping areas require driving on unmaintained roads. At Duck Pond Campsite, one visitor warns, "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."
Cell service limitations: Communication options vary widely between sites. One camper at Duck Pond noted "Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads," while Hemlock Ridge has "barely even a signal here."
Established site scarcity: Popular locations fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. The parking lot at Hemlock Ridge "only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight," limiting the number of groups that can camp simultaneously.
Tips for camping with families
Safety precautions: When exploring Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, "Always let someone know where you are headed and when you plan to return," advises a regular visitor, noting that despite feeling remote, the area maintains "full cell service" for emergency communications.
Site selection: At Echo Lake, families should consider camping locations carefully. "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," notes one camper who recommends arriving early to secure preferred spots.
Nearby conveniences: Betty Brook Camp offers proximity to basic services. One local notes, "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."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most free camping near Big Indian, New York cannot accommodate large RVs. A local familiar with Betty Brook Camp advises, "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."
Seasonal access considerations: Winter camping with RVs requires careful planning. While some sites like Duck Pond offer spacious areas, one visitor cautions, "Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions," which worsen significantly during spring thaw and after heavy rainfall.
Parking limitations: Most primitive sites have minimal designated parking. At Allaben Primitive Campsites, parking is available across from the camping area, with one visitor noting the presence of a "Small pond-don't think there are any fish. Picnic table. Fire pit with cooking griddle. Trails to the fishing access across the road."
