Best Dispersed Camping near Durham, NY

Durham is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Durham is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Durham, NY. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Durham, New York (16)

    1. Duck Pond Campsite

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    18 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"

    2. Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    18 miles

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

    "Entrance is soft"

    3. Betty Brook Camp

    2 Reviews
    West Fulton, NY
    20 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. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    21 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."

    6. Allaben Primitive Campsites

    1 Review
    Shandaken, NY
    22 miles

    "Nice spot right off the main road and close to town. Small pond-don’t think there are any fish. Picnic table. Fire pit with cooking griddle. Trails to the fishing access across the road."

    7. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    Claryville, NY
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3076

    "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."

    9. Ushers Road State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Round Lake, NY
    41 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."

    10. Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    3 Reviews
    Fort Plain, NY
    44 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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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Durham, NY

19 Reviews of 16 Durham 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.

  • Doc B.
    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.


Guide to Durham

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Durham, New York, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With a variety of locations to choose from, each spot offers unique experiences for campers looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Scenic Spots for Fishing while free camping near Durham

  • Betty Brook Camp is nestled along a stream, making it an ideal location for fishing enthusiasts who appreciate a peaceful setting.
  • At Duck Pond Campsite, the small pond provides a tranquil backdrop for fishing, with minimal foot traffic ensuring a quiet experience.
  • For those who enjoy a bit of hiking, Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping offers access to nearby rivers, perfect for casting a line after a scenic trek.

Hiking Trails for Dispersed Campers

  • The area surrounding Echo Lake features numerous hiking trails that lead to stunning views and natural beauty, making it a great base for outdoor adventures.
  • Campers at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp can easily access trails that wind through the forest, offering a chance to explore the diverse flora and fauna.
  • Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping is perfect for those looking to hike in and enjoy the surrounding wilderness, with trails that lead to breathtaking vistas.

Wildlife Watching Opportunities for Dispersed Campers

  • Allaben Primitive Campsites is a hidden gem where campers can spot various wildlife, thanks to its remote location and natural surroundings.
  • The peaceful environment at Rensselaerville State Forest makes it an excellent spot for birdwatching and observing local wildlife in their natural habitat.
  • Campers at Featherstonhaugh State Forest Site can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, with opportunities to see deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Durham, NY is Duck Pond Campsite with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Durham, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.