Dispersed camping in the Catskill region near Cairo, New York provides primitive outdoor experiences on undeveloped public lands. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,500 and 2,500 feet with mixed hardwood forests dominating the landscape. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing while summer evenings cool significantly compared to daytime highs, requiring campers to pack appropriate seasonal gear.
What to do
Stream fishing access: Betty Brook Camp offers direct streamside camping where anglers can fish for native brook trout. "You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots," notes camper Robert B., who has visited the area "for a couple of decades."
Hiking trailheads: Jug End Dispersed serves as an access point to the Appalachian Trail with multiple connecting paths. "I have section hiked the majority of east coast AT and this is in my top 10 spots to stay at," reports Luke A., though recent visitors should note "this is a hiking trail only" according to a 2024 review.
Winter camping: Burnt Rossman State Forest maintains year-round accessibility including snow season. Felix R. found it "a great location for winter camping" with sites that remain "easily accessible from road" during colder months.
What campers like
Solitude opportunities: Remote locations like Betty Brook Camp offer significant isolation. Robert B. notes, "Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people," making it ideal for those seeking privacy.
Wildlife viewing: Duck Pond Campsite provides natural habitat observation opportunities around the small pond. Camper Yae U. found it offers "open quite campsites" where "so few people passed by" creating an "unknown quite" experience.
Natural water features: Sage's Revine offers campsites with water proximity. Luke A. describes it as a "fantastic spot, right near water" with "12 platforms available" and mentions it sits "near non-potable stream" with "bear boxes available."
Minimal development: Primitive sites maintain natural character without facility infrastructure. Camper Brendan M. noted Sage's Revine "is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access routes to Duck Pond Campsite require careful vehicle selection. The L. warns "the road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough" and they experienced problems when "we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse." They add that "intermittent cell service" made driving on rough roads particularly concerning.
Site availability: Echo Lake fills quickly during peak periods. James A. describes the layout as having "a small lean two with a few campfire spots" where "other campsites are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails."
Water considerations: Some locations experience seasonal wetness. Kate from Echo Lake warns "it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray" and recommends visitors "practice leave no trace principles and pack out what you bring in."
Communication limits: Cell service varies significantly between locations. Tim M. reports that Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park "had decent ATT service" while others may lack connectivity entirely.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose developed areas when camping with children. At Allaben Primitive Campsites, Breanne H. found a "nice spot right off the main road and close to town" that includes a "small pond" plus "picnic table" and "fire pit with cooking griddle."
Terrain navigation: Echo Lake requires preparation for overgrown paths. James A. advises visitors to "wear pants" when navigating the small trails between campsites.
Safety considerations: Limited services require extra planning. When visiting Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, Doc B. recommends "always let someone know where you are headed and when you plan to return" despite the area having "full cell service."
Facility availability: Most dispersed sites lack restrooms and potable water. Robert F. notes that Allaben Primitive Campsites remains "cool bc it's free" but lacks services, making it important to "walk up a little to a pond" for water access.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many forest roads restrict larger vehicles. Tim M. found at Taconic Hereford that "the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."
Alternative parking: When direct access proves difficult, consider roadside options. The L. recommends at Burnt Rossman to use "parking across the street if it's wet" since the "entrance is soft."
Site dimensions: Most dispersed areas accommodate limited vehicles. The L. notes Burnt Rossman State Forest has "enough room for 2 to 3 campers" but not larger groups or equipment.
Seasonal considerations: Spring access varies with ground conditions. Peter from Betty Brook Camp, who lives "about a mile away," cautions "I would not recommend this for large trailers" as "the site is fairly small."
