Top Free Dispersed Camping near Downsville, NY

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Downsville? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Downsville, NY (13)

Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Downsville

7 Reviews of 13 Downsville Campgrounds


  • G
    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.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Betty Brook Camp
    Mar. 24, 2024

    Betty Brook Camp

    One of my favorite

    Love to camp here all year long have been coming to the area for a couple of decades now. Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Betty Brook Camp
    Dec. 17, 2023

    Betty Brook Camp

    Pretty good place

    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. There's a stream alongside it, a fire pit, and a town about 8 mi away. It's a small town, with just a gas station store. I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small, but it's in state park, and there's tons of walking that can be done.

  • K
    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.

  • Ali B.
    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).

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Whaupaunaucau State Forest
    Oct. 28, 2019

    Whaupaunaucau State Forest

    Hidden gem in Chenango County

    You have to work a bit to find info on the Whaupaunaucau state forest as a camping destination, but for primitive campers that is part of the appeal! This is a relatively unknown oasis outside of the county, but this state forest has a network of miles of trails for both hiking and criss country skiing. There is an offifical lean-to shelter and developed campsite on trail 20 (see map) but there are several primitive sites with tent site and stine fireplace, plus dispersed leave-no-trace camping is allowed anywhere in the state forest, and the possibilities are endless. Lovely hilly vistas, pondside glens, and lots of clearings near clear streams deep in this old stately forest. A great place to get away from it all for hiking and camping but it is also a fantastic place to go if you enjoy botanizing or birding, lots of unusual species to see. Just beware of ticks, they are invading the region



Guide to Downsville

Camping near Downsville, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The area is known for its scenic trails. Campers have enjoyed the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "The Catskills are very scenic & we enjoyed our time there!" at North-South Lake Campground.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near great fishing spots. One camper at Little Pond - DEC noted, "Close to the Beaverkill and lots of great fly fishing."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip at local lakes. A visitor at Chenango Valley State Park Campground described the swim area as "like a resort."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Glimmerglass State Park Campground said, "Facilities were clean and well taken care of."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at Keen Lake Resort Campground mentioned, "The sites are average in size, but we had enough room to enjoy our site."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Kenneth L Wilson Campground stated, "The staff was friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. A parent at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner said, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore."
  • Choose quieter sites: Look for sites that are a bit more secluded. A camper at Kenneth L Wilson Campground noted, "Site 71 was separated a little bit from other sites."
  • Pack snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A visitor at Keen Lake Resort Campground mentioned, "The nachos and ice cream are the best."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Downsville, New York, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Downsville, NY is Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Downsville, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.