Best Dispersed Camping near Cold Spring, NY

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Cold Spring? Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Cold Spring, NY (5)

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      1. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

      2 Reviews
      69 Saves
      Verbank, New York

      The 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
      Camper-submitted photo from Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

      3. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

      1 Review
      2 Photos
      76 Saves
      Claryville, New York

      Description

      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
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake

      5. Echo Lake

      1 Review
      3 Photos
      114 Saves
      Woodstock, New York
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Dispersed
      • Firewood Available
      • Alcohol
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    Showing results 1-5 of 5 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews in Cold Spring

    7 Reviews of 5 Cold Spring Campgrounds


    • GThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      Aug. 26, 2024

      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 The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      Jun. 17, 2024

      Hickok 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.

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake
      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.

    • Doc B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park
      Jun. 17, 2021

      Taconic 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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
      Sep. 28, 2020

      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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
      May. 28, 2019

      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.



    Guide to Cold Spring

    Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cold Spring, New York, where nature offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With a variety of locations to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

    Hidden Gems for Dispersed Campers

    • The Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park is a fantastic choice for those seeking a quiet retreat, with its vast forested areas and minimal crowds.
    • For a more rugged experience, Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed offers a no-frills camping experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings without distractions.
    • If you're looking for a picturesque lakeside setting, Echo Lake features tent sites around the lake, complete with fire pits for cozy evenings under the stars.

    Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Cold Spring, New York

    • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the beauty of places like Hickok Brook, ensuring that future visitors can enjoy the same pristine environment.
    • Be prepared for a hike-in experience, as many spots, such as Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping, require a bit of effort to reach, but the reward is well worth it.
    • Bring all necessary supplies, as amenities are limited in areas like Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, where you’ll need to be self-sufficient during your stay.

    Activities While Free Camping Near Cold Spring

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cold Spring, NY?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cold Spring, NY is Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cold Spring, NY?

      TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Cold Spring, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.