Best Dispersed Camping near Castleton-on-Hudson, NY

Several free dispersed camping options exist within a 50-mile radius of Castleton-on-Hudson, New York, primarily in state forests and wilderness areas. Ushers Road State Forest offers primitive tent and RV camping with established fire rings approximately 200 feet from the main trail. Betty Brook Camp and Duck Pond Campsite provide streamside camping with existing fire pits, though access to Duck Pond requires navigating rough dirt roads unsuitable for large vehicles. Burnt Rossman State Forest features easily accessible roadside camping, with space for 2-3 vehicles.

Across the state border in Vermont, George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed and NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot offer more remote options. Both feature multiple well-spaced sites along forest service roads where alcohol and campfires are permitted. A review mentioned that NFR 273 has "at least a dozen spots, some very spacious," while George D Aiken Wilderness sites are "large, well organized camping spots along the road." For hikers, Echo Lake in the Catskills provides lakeside tent sites with fire pits, though a review noted it "can get a little crowded later in the day" and "swampy near the edge of the lake."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Castleton-on-Hudson, New York (19)

    1. Ushers Road State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Round Lake, NY
    26 miles

    "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."

    2. Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    South Egremont, MA
    31 miles
    Website

    "Trash cans, but carry out is preferable."

    3. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    6 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    40 miles

    "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."

    "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be."

    4. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Wilmington, VT
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road."

    "Some sites were really wet but we found a nice dry place."

    5. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 652-7365

    "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. "

    "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots."

    7. Sage's Revine

    2 Reviews
    Taconic, CT
    36 miles
    Website

    "Near non-potable stream, no fires allowed, bathroom is fine, bear boxes available. 50 feet between platforms. Right over the border of CT into MA on the Appalachian Trail."

    8. Duck Pond Campsite

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    38 miles

    "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad."

    "Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads"

    9. Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    39 miles

    "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"

    "Entrance is soft"

    10. Betty Brook Camp

    2 Reviews
    West Fulton, NY
    39 miles

    "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."

    "Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Castleton-on-Hudson, NY

38 Reviews of 19 Castleton-on-Hudson Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Ushers Road State Forest

    Trail head

    This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week.

    About 500 feet down the right-hand trail, there is a smaller path branching off to the left. This leads to a previously used campsite, approximately 200 feet from the main trail. The site includes a stone fire ring, indicating prior use.

    Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it’s at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots.

  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2023

    Somerset Airfield

    Small open park

    The Airfield Campground is a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits. It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park. The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities. There are other dispersed sites down the road that are free

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Somerset Airfield

    Good stopover location

    Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere.

    Campsites are listed as disbursed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites. The campsites are all next to the road and have fire circles.

    There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service. Basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors.

  • Natasha T.
    Jun. 6, 2022

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Nice wooded little campsite

    A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well. A few miles down the road there is another campsite that is more open and also has a fire pit with a lot less bugs flying around and more open space.

  • YThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Open quite campsites

    After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. 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. Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Small vehicle only

    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. Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads

  • c H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2023

    George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    Cool Spot!

    The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road. Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites.

  • SJ W.
    Nov. 1, 2024

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Beautiful but surprisingly crowded

    Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be. Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck. The road itself was in great condition though.


Guide to Castleton-on-Hudson

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Castleton-on-Hudson, New York, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Castleton-on-Hudson

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Castleton-on-Hudson, New York

  • Always check for accessibility before heading to Rensselaerville State Forest, as some roads may be unpaved and require a suitable vehicle.
  • Bring your own water and supplies when visiting Featherstonhaugh State Forest Site, as amenities are limited and it's essential to practice Leave No Trace principles.
  • Be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially at Echo Lake, where temperatures can fluctuate, and rain can make trails muddy.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The tranquil environment at Allaben Primitive Campsites offers a perfect backdrop for photography and relaxation, making it an ideal spot for capturing nature's beauty.
  • Explore the nearby streams and forests at Ushers Road State Forest, which provide excellent opportunities for exploration and adventure.
  • Enjoy a unique camping experience at Betty Brook Camp, where you can set up camp alongside a stream, creating a peaceful atmosphere for unwinding after a day of outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Castleton-on-Hudson, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Castleton-on-Hudson, NY is Ushers Road State Forest with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Castleton-on-Hudson, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 19 dispersed camping locations near Castleton-on-Hudson, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.