Top Free Dispersed Camping near Big Indian, NY

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Big Indian? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Big Indian, NY (12)

    Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    76 Saves

    Description 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
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake

    2. Echo Lake

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    113 Saves
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp
    • No image available

      4. Betty Brook Camp

      2 Reviews
      49 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • ADA Access
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Group
      • No image available
        • No image available

          6. Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping

          Be the first to review!
          25 Saves

          Map: https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/lands_forests_pdf/recmapbiwa.pdf

          There are five lean-tos located trailside throughout the area, each supported by a seasonal water source and pit privy. Other designated campsites are marked with a yellow "Camp Here" disc. In addition, 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 Ranger.

          State law also prohibits camping above 3500 feet in elevation from March 22nd to December 21st each year. In a Wilderness Area, group size is limited to a maximum of 12. Larger groups may be accommodated in any of the Forest Preserve's Wild Forest areas such as nearby Balsam Lake Mountain or Willowemoc Wild Forests.

          Water is relatively scarce in the Catskills. It is not unusual for the springs and streams in this area to run dry during the summer months. The department cannot ensure the purity of any water source. Boil all water for 2 minutes, filter or treat chemically.

          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Tents
          • Group
          • Standard (Tent/RV)
          • Dispersed
          • No image available

            7. Allaben Primitive Campsites

            Be the first to review!
            21 Saves

            There 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

              • No image available

                8. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

                2 Reviews
                69 Saves

                The 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
                • Tents
                • Group
                • Dispersed
                • No image available
                  Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
                  Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
                  Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
                  Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
                  Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
                  Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
                Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

                Recent Dispersed Reviews In Big Indian

                8 Reviews of 12 Big Indian Campgrounds


                • G
                  Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
                  Aug. 26, 2024

                  Hickok Brook

                  Small, don't blink you'll miss it.

                  There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY. Really is a nice quiet place. It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area. 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.

                • Corey The Dyrt PRO User
                  Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
                  Jun. 17, 2024

                  Hickok Brook

                  Beautiful but buggy lakeside tent sites

                  I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. 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.

                • R
                  Camper-submitted photo from Betty Brook Camp
                  Mar. 24, 2024

                  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

                • PThe Dyrt PRO User
                  Camper-submitted photo from Betty Brook Camp
                  Dec. 17, 2023

                  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.

                • K
                  Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake
                  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.

                • Doc B.
                  Camper-submitted photo from Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park
                  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.

                • Ali B.
                  Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
                  Sep. 28, 2020

                  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.
                  Camper-submitted photo from Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
                  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.



                Guide to Big Indian

                Camping near Big Indian, New York, offers a fantastic escape into nature with a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

                What to do:

                • Hiking: The Catskills are known for their stunning trails. Many campers enjoy the nearby Kaaterskill Falls, which is an easy hike with beautiful views. One visitor mentioned, "The trail to the Mountain House Site is also pretty easy, with more of an incline."
                • Fishing: If you love fishing, check out the lakes at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds. A reviewer said, "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river."
                • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip at the lakes. Campers at North-South Lake Campground appreciate the swimming options, with one stating, "There are two nice lakes with beaches."

                What campers like:

                • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One visitor at Woodland Valley Campground said, "Gorgeous. There was a brook not far from our campsite, and it was only a short stroll to the lake."
                • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Kenneth L Wilson Campground noted, "While some of the spots were fairly close together, they seem more spread out than in other Catskill camping sites."
                • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff. A reviewer at Little Pond - DEC mentioned, "Staff was super friendly and helpful."

                What you should know:

                • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cell service. A visitor at Devil's Tombstone Campground said, "There is NO cell service here. You have to drive about 5 minutes towards Hunter to get service."
                • Basic Facilities: Some campgrounds may have limited amenities. A camper at Woodland Valley Campground pointed out, "Half the bathrooms don’t work, no firewood for sale."
                • Bear Activity: Be cautious of wildlife. A visitor at North-South Lake Campground shared, "There’s a lot of bear activity here, so constantly cleaning up your food is very important."

                Tips for camping with families:

                • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with plenty of activities. One parent at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner said, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore."
                • Choose Weekdays: If you want a quieter experience, consider camping during the week. A visitor at Woodland Valley Campground mentioned, "It was really peaceful when we visited in the middle of the week."
                • Bring Entertainment: Since some campgrounds may have limited Wi-Fi, pack games or books. A camper at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds suggested, "Bring your inter tubes, bug spray!"

                Tips from RVers:

                • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Rondout Valley RV Campground noted, "The sites are very spacious and have lots of trees and shade."
                • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A visitor at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds mentioned, "We were assured that it would fit. It did- technically."
                • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have firewood or other essentials. A camper at Woodland Valley Campground said, "No firewood for sale."

                Camping near Big Indian, New York, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With beautiful scenery and a variety of campgrounds, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next getaway!

                Frequently Asked Questions

                • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Big Indian, NY?

                  According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Big Indian, NY is Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

                • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Big Indian, NY?

                  TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Big Indian, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.