Best Dispersed Camping near Chester, NY
Want to go dispersed camping near Chester? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Chester, NY (6)
1. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
Plattekill, New York1 Review•3 Photos•59 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park
Verbank, New York2 Reviews•69 SavesThe 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
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
Claryville, New York1 Review•2 Photos•76 SavesDescription
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
- Dispersed
5. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2
Shawnee on Delaware, Pennsylvania2 Reviews•9 Photos•43 SavesDispersed camping site in Worthington State Forest
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Chester
8 Reviews of 6 Chester Campgrounds
licia S.
GuideTaconic Hereford Multiple Use Park
Great Campground
Was only $25 night. Great looking facilities and friendly staff.
- GGregg T.Guide
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
ScoutHickok 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.
Katharine T.Guide
Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2
Perfect balance of community and space
We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There’s plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. We’ll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking. We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!
Doc B.ScoutTaconic 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.
Traveler
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.
Ranger
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.
- RRenee Z.Scout
Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2
Small but kind of your only option
I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Also it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!
That being said, as you enter the Worthington State Forest there are signs and hand painted maps indicating that this is the only place you can sleep in the forest. So if this is your timing, this is where you'll be sleeping! The site itself is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find.
Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond. There are lots of signs around Sunfish pond itself that there's no camping allowed.
Guide to Chester
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Chester, New York, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy a more rugged and secluded experience. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Chester, New York
- Many dispersed camping areas, like Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, allow you to camp for free without needing a permit, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious adventurers.
- Be prepared for a hike-in experience; for instance, Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping requires a 1.5-mile trek to reach the camping spots, offering a rewarding sense of seclusion.
- Always follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of these areas, especially in spots like Hickok Brook, where the environment is pristine and untouched.
Scenic lakeside spots for dispersed campers
- If you're looking for picturesque views, Hickok Brook offers beautiful lakeside tent sites, perfect for those who enjoy waking up to serene water views.
- The area around Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park is surrounded by lush forests and trails, making it an ideal location for nature walks and wildlife observation.
- Campers at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping can enjoy riverside camping, providing a refreshing atmosphere and opportunities for fishing or swimming.
Activities while free camping near Chester
- For climbing enthusiasts, Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed is a popular spot due to its proximity to the Gunks, making it a convenient base for climbing adventures.
- Hiking is a must-do activity, especially around Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, where numerous trails lead through stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
- If you're into primitive camping, Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 offers a unique experience along the famous trail, allowing for exploration of the scenic surroundings while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Chester, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Chester, NY is Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Chester, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Chester, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.