Dispersed camping near Brewster, New York offers primitive outdoor experiences in the wooded foothills of the Hudson Highlands. The region sits at elevations ranging from 500-1200 feet with predominantly oak and maple forests. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping provides cooler conditions with nighttime temperatures often dropping 15-20 degrees below daytime highs.
What to do
Streamside exploration: At Sage's Revine, campers can access a non-potable stream for cooling off during summer months. A reviewer notes the campground is "Near non-potable stream, no fires allowed, bathroom is fine, bear boxes available."
Wildlife observation: Forested areas provide habitat for deer, turkey, and various bird species. The extensive trail system across multiple camping areas allows for wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the day. According to one camper at Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, "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."
Photography: Fall foliage season (mid-October through early November) creates optimal conditions for nature photography. The mix of maple, oak, and birch trees provides diverse color palettes throughout the dispersed camping areas.
What campers like
Genuine seclusion: The rustic camping options near Brewster provide true escape despite proximity to town areas. One camper at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed shared that "it's quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight."
Cell service reliability: Unlike many remote camping areas, some dispersed sites maintain reasonable connectivity. A visitor to Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park mentioned it was "easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service." This allows campers to maintain emergency contact capabilities while still experiencing backcountry conditions.
Platform camping: Some designated areas provide raised camping platforms that improve tent placement on uneven terrain. At Sage's Revine, platforms are "50 feet between platforms. Right over the border of CT into MA on the Appalachian Trail."
What you should know
Limited parking capacity: Most dispersed camping areas have minimal parking infrastructure. At Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, "The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight." Arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended.
Persistent insects: Summer months bring heavy mosquito and tick populations. One camper at Hemlock Ridge MUA noted the "Bugs are relentless." Long sleeves, pants, and appropriate repellent are essential between May and September.
Variable fire regulations: Fire policies differ significantly between sites. While some permit controlled fires in established rings, others like Sage's Revine have strict fire prohibitions: "no fires allowed."
Tips for camping with families
Safety planning: Ensure children understand boundaries and establish clear meeting points. The 900+ acres at Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park require careful supervision. One experienced camper advises: "Always let someone know where you are headed and when you plan to return."
Water needs: No potable water sources exist at most sites. Families should pack 1-2 gallons per person per day, with additional water for cooking and cleaning. The lack of amenities means complete self-sufficiency is necessary.
Medical preparation: Pack basic first aid supplies and know the nearest urgent care facilities. The primitive nature of these sites means medical assistance requires travel. Hemlock Ridge is described as having "absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Large RVs and trailers face significant access limitations on the narrow approach roads. One visitor to Taconic Hereford notes: "the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."
Alternative parking: Some RVers report using trailhead parking areas as staging points rather than attempting to navigate forest roads. At Sage's Revine, one camper observed "a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs."
Camp selection: RVers with smaller vehicles should scout potential sites before committing. Roads often narrow significantly beyond parking areas, making larger vehicle maneuverability challenging without adequate turnaround space.
