Dispersed camping around Claryville, New York offers access to the Catskill Forest Preserve's remote woodland terrain at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 feet. The area experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, with summer nighttime temperatures often dropping into the 40s even after warm days. Access roads to most sites remain unplowed during winter months, restricting camping to three-season use at many locations.
What to do
Backpacking trails: Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping serves as an excellent basecamp for accessing nearby trail networks. The area connects to multiple hiking routes without requiring additional driving once camp is established.
Fishing opportunities: Russell Brook Road provides anglers with direct access to streams stocked with brown and rainbow trout. Morning fishing typically yields better results, with catch-and-release encouraged during summer months.
Stargazing sessions: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers exceptional dark sky viewing conditions. As one camper noted, "99% of 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."
What campers like
Solitude and accessibility: Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed balances isolation with manageable access. A camper explains, "There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it's quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight."
Waterfront camping: At Echo Lake, campers can position tents with lake views. "We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze," reports a visitor, though they caution about the need to "navigate through small overgrown trails" to reach prime spots.
Winter options: Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp remains accessible during colder months unlike most other sites. One visitor confirmed it "was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road."
What you should know
Water availability: No potable water exists at any dispersed sites near Claryville. Campers must carry in all drinking water or filter from streams, which can run low during late summer and early fall.
Fire regulations: Despite allowing fires, several sites have seasonal restrictions not posted on-site. Check current fire danger levels before visiting, as bans often begin in mid-summer.
Cell service limitations: Most campsites have extremely limited connectivity. Duck Pond Campsite offers "intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads," according to one visitor.
Road conditions: Many access roads deteriorate following rain. As one camper warned about Duck Pond: "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived at surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites... Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly option: Allaben Primitive Campsites provides an easier introduction to rustic camping near Claryville. "Nice spot right off the main road and close to town. Small pond... Picnic table. Fire pit with cooking griddle," notes a visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning hours between 6-8am offer the best wildlife sightings, particularly deer and various bird species. Keep food secured at all times to prevent raccoon encounters.
Navigation challenges: Most sites lack trail markers or clear campsite boundaries. Bring physical maps as GPS often fails in the dense forest cover throughout the region.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Small trailers under 18 feet can access only a select few sites. One camper at Taconic Hereford notes, "The road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."
Level parking concerns: Designated parking areas rarely offer level surfaces. Bring leveling blocks and test ground firmness before positioning any vehicle, especially after rainfall.
Alternative options: Consider using established campgrounds in Claryville as a base while exploring dispersed sites during daytime hours if traveling with larger vehicles or trailers.
