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Best Dispersed Camping near Duanesburg, NY

15 Reviews

Several state forests near Duanesburg, New York provide primitive camping options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking free, undeveloped sites. The area includes Featherstonhaugh State Forest, Ushers Road State Forest, and Rensselaerville State Forest, along with multiple dispersed camping areas within an hour's drive. These public lands follow New York State's backcountry camping regulations, generally allowing camping at designated sites or at least 150 feet from water sources, roads, or trails. Most sites are accessible via drive-in or short walk-in routes and accommodate tent camping, with some areas also permitting small RVs.

Road conditions vary significantly across these dispersed sites, with many access routes consisting of unpaved dirt or gravel roads that may become difficult after rain. Duck Pond Campsite requires cautious driving on rough roads, with one reviewer noting "the road in on Old Cemetery Rd was pretty rough" and recommending "small vehicles only." Most sites offer no amenities - no toilets, drinking water, or trash service, requiring campers to pack out all waste. Fire regulations differ between locations, with fires permitted at Ushers Road State Forest, Duck Pond, and Burnt Rossman State Forest, but prohibited at Featherstonhaugh and Rensselaerville State Forests.

The camping experience in these areas ranges from streamside sites to forest settings. Betty Brook Camp provides access to a stream and picnic tables, with one camper describing it as "remote" where "sometimes you never see anyone." Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with no Verizon coverage reported in Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest. Winter camping opportunities exist at sites like Burnt Rossman State Forest, which one visitor called "a great location for winter camping" with "beautiful, peaceful" surroundings. For those seeking more established primitive camping with some facilities, Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail offers toilets, trash service, and drinking water while maintaining a rustic experience, described by one camper as "simply a parking lot with a view" but "right on the water."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Duanesburg, New York (13)

    1. Featherstonhaugh State Forest Site

    Be the first to review!
    Duanesburg, NY
    3 miles

    2. Ushers Road State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Round Lake, NY
    21 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."

    3. Duck Pond Campsite

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    25 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"

    4. Betty Brook Camp

    2 Reviews
    West Fulton, NY
    25 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"

    5. Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    3 Reviews
    Fort Plain, NY
    27 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."

    6. Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    27 miles

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

    "Entrance is soft"

    7. Rensselaerville State Forest

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    Preston Hollow, NY
    19 miles

    8. Rockwood State Forest

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    Caroga Lake, NY
    27 miles

    9. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 652-7365

    "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. "

    "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots."

    10. Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest

    2 Reviews
    Piseco, NY
    46 miles
    Website

    "Site 4 is magical, it is road side, but the view, and access to the river is great. There is a path right from the site."

    "The road is in good condition. No AT&T cell service in this area."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Duanesburg, NY

6 Photos of 13 Duanesburg Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Duanesburg, NY

15 Reviews of 13 Duanesburg 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.

  • 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

  • Mona M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    Just Passed Lock 15

    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. The parking lot is large, rocky, and uneven, situated right on the Mohawk River. It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and fishing (with a valid license). Verizon cell service is good here. At the lock parking area, you'll find pit toilets, a dumpster, and potable water available on the side of the building as you enter.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    Great overnight.

    Simply it’s a parking lot with a view. The parking area is right on the water. 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.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    High season

    Well, I’m back, it’s June, and there are 3 other groups here. 1 boat, and 2 tent camping. The parking lot is still empty. The water was significantly lower last time I was here. They have dropped the gates, and the lock is in operation. The resident peacock has been keeping me company. Tried fishing, without any luck, it had been raining a lot lately, so maybe that was the reason. It still has the highway noise and of course the train noise going by, but I love that. I anticipate another lovely sleep. It’s quite breezy, so the windows will be open. I’m in my happy place!!!

  • James A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Echo Lake

    Beautiful lake with lean to

    Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots. Other campsites are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails (wear pants) We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest

    Site 4

    Site 4 is magical, it is road side, but the view, and access to the river is great. There is a path right from the site. Occasionally you will get the yahoo that speeds by and makes a dust cloud but otherwise it’s great. There is zero Verizon cell service in the whole area. So plan accordingly,

Guide to Duanesburg

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Duanesburg, New York, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Duanesburg, New York

  • Many sites, like Duck Pond Campsite, do not require permits, making it easy to set up camp without the hassle of reservations.
  • Be prepared for unpaved roads; accessing places such as Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp may involve navigating rough terrain, so a reliable vehicle is essential.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of areas like Echo Lake, ensuring that these spots remain pristine for future visitors.

Dispersed campers should check out Duck Pond Campsite

  • Duck Pond Campsite offers a peaceful atmosphere with minimal foot traffic, allowing for a truly immersive nature experience.
  • The small pond nearby helps keep mosquito populations down, making it a comfortable choice for camping enthusiasts.
  • Visitors have praised the well-maintained conditions of the area, which enhances the overall camping experience.

Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest for dispersed campers

  • For those who enjoy hiking, Bear Slide in Lake George Wild Forest provides access to stunning trails and scenic views, perfect for outdoor exploration.
  • The area is known for its tranquility, making it an ideal spot for campers looking to escape the noise of urban life.
  • With no permit required, this location allows for spontaneous trips, giving campers the freedom to enjoy nature on their own terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Duanesburg, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Duanesburg, NY is Featherstonhaugh State Forest Site with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

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

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

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