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Best Dispersed Camping near Colonie, NY

44 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Colonie, New York, requires self-reliance but rewards with quiet backcountry sites. Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp sits about 45 miles from town and gives campers a remote spot away from crowds. You'll need to bring everything with you since there are no facilities or water sources at the site. Make sure to camp at least 150 feet from any roads or water, following standard Leave No Trace guidelines. The forest allows stays up to 14 days, which works well for longer trips. Many of the access roads get rough after rain, so vehicles with decent clearance handle the conditions better. Spring and fall camping works best here, as summer can bring humidity and winter brings deep snow. Watch for deer, foxes, and other wildlife around your campsite, and hang food appropriately at night. During dry spells, rangers sometimes restrict campfires, so check current rules before your trip. Betty Brook Camp lies a bit closer to Colonie and has spots near a small stream for those who prefer camping with water sounds. Remember that whatever you bring in needs to come back out with you to keep these undeveloped areas clean.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Colonie, New York (25)

    1. Ushers Road State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Round Lake, NY
    14 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. Featherstonhaugh State Forest Site

    Be the first to review!
    Duanesburg, NY
    16 miles

    3. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    6 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    39 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
    43 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. Rensselaerville State Forest

    Be the first to review!
    Preston Hollow, NY
    25 miles

    6. Duck Pond Campsite

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    36 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"

    7. Betty Brook Camp

    2 Reviews
    West Fulton, NY
    37 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"

    8. Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    38 miles

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

    "Entrance is soft"

    9. Somerset Airfield

    6 Reviews
    West Dover, VT
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 388-4362

    "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."

    "I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning."

    10. Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    3 Reviews
    Fort Plain, NY
    43 miles

    "Continue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area."

    "It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving. There are grills in the grassy area for tent camping, also a potable water tap."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Colonie, NY

36 Photos of 25 Colonie Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Colonie, NY

44 Reviews of 25 Colonie 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 Colonie

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Colonie, New York, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Colonie, New York

  • Always check for accessibility before heading out; for instance, Duck Pond Campsite is accessible via a drive-in route, making it easy to reach.
  • Be prepared for a primitive experience; at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp, you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere with no permits required.
  • Bring your own supplies, as many spots like Betty Brook Camp lack amenities such as trash disposal and restrooms.

Dispersed campers should check out Betty Brook Camp

  • This location allows for a variety of camping styles, including tent and RV setups, making it versatile for different campers.
  • Enjoy the natural beauty along the stream, where you can set up camp and unwind in a tranquil environment.
  • The area is known for its remote feel, often allowing campers to enjoy solitude or occasional friendly encounters with fellow nature lovers.

Rensselaerville State Forest for dispersed campers

  • Located in a picturesque setting, Rensselaerville State Forest offers a great escape into nature without the need for a permit.
  • The drive-in access makes it convenient for those looking to set up camp quickly and enjoy the surrounding wilderness.
  • With its vast open spaces, this area is perfect for hiking and exploring, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the Colonie area?

Dispersed camping regulations near Colonie typically include: camping only in designated areas, staying at least 150 feet from water sources, and limiting stays to 14 consecutive days. At Echo Lake, dispersed sites are available around the lake with established fire pits, but you must follow backcountry regulations. Rensselaerville State Forest requires campers to practice Leave No Trace principles. Always check for site-specific restrictions, as some areas like the Somerset Vt Dispersed on the Deerfield River have been marked with no camping signs due to private property concerns. Verify current regulations before your trip by checking New York State DEC website.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Colonie, NY?

Several free dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of Colonie. Ushers Road State Forest offers bicycle-friendly nature trails and camping opportunities, though parts can be swampy after rainfall. Featherstonhaugh State Forest Site provides drive-in access for dispersed camping. For those willing to travel a bit further, Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail offers riverside camping along the Mohawk River with a large parking area suitable for overnight stays. Be prepared for primitive conditions and follow Leave No Trace principles at all dispersed sites.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Colonie?

Dispersed camping sites near Colonie offer minimal amenities, as is typical with this style of camping. Duck Pond Campsite features established fire rings and access to a small pond and trickling stream, though road conditions can be rough. Somerset Airfield provides basic pit toilets, fire pits at each site, and access to a stream behind some campsites. Most dispersed sites have established fire rings but no running water, electricity, or trash services. Cell service is typically intermittent or unavailable. Pack in all necessary supplies and be prepared to pack out all waste. Bring plenty of drinking water or water purification equipment.

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