Best Dispersed Camping near Elka Park, NY

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Elka Park? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your New York excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Elka Park, NY (14)

    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake

    1. Echo Lake

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    114 Saves
    Woodstock, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    2. 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
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp
      • No image available
        • No image available

          6. 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
          • No image available

            7. Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

            2 Reviews
            36 Saves
            South Egremont, Massachusetts

            This 11.1 mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts starts as the AT enters the state from Connecticut, heading north and features Sages Ravine, Race Mountain, Mount Everett, and Jug End. This section of the AT includes two shelters and a few designated campsites. The shelters are the Hemlock Shelter and the Glen Brook Shelter. This is the southern most section of the AT in Massachusetts.

            • Pets
            • Phone Service
            • Dispersed
            • No image available

              8. Sage's Revine

              1 Review
              33 Saves
              Taconic, Connecticut
              • Pets
              • Reservable
              • Dispersed
              • Trash
              • Picnic Table
              • Drinking Water
              • No image available

                9. Allaben Primitive Campsites

                Be the first to review!
                21 Saves
                Shandaken, New York

                There are 8 designated campsites, but at-large primitive camping is allowed. 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 Range

                  • No image available

                    10. Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping

                    Be the first to review!
                    25 Saves
                    Highmount, New York

                    Map: https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/lands_forests_pdf/recmapbiwa.pdf

                    There are five lean-tos located trailside throughout the area, each supported by a seasonal water source and pit privy. Other designated campsites are marked with a yellow "Camp Here" disc. In addition, primitive camping is allowed. 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.

                    State law also prohibits camping above 3500 feet in elevation from March 22nd to December 21st each year. In a Wilderness Area, group size is limited to a maximum of 12. Larger groups may be accommodated in any of the Forest Preserve's Wild Forest areas such as nearby Balsam Lake Mountain or Willowemoc Wild Forests.

                    Water is relatively scarce in the Catskills. It is not unusual for the springs and streams in this area to run dry during the summer months. The department cannot ensure the purity of any water source. Boil all water for 2 minutes, filter or treat chemically.

                    • Pets
                    • Fires
                    • Tents
                    • Group
                    • Standard (Tent/RV)
                    • Dispersed
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                  Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

                  Recent Dispersed Reviews in Elka Park

                  10 Reviews of 14 Elka Park Campgrounds


                  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
                    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

                  • P
                    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.

                  • 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.

                  • Luke A.The Dyrt PRO User
                    Camper-submitted photo from Sage's Revine
                    Oct. 3, 2018

                    Sage's Revine

                    Fantastic spot, right near water. 12 platforms available.

                    Near non-potable stream, no fires allowed, bathroom is fine, bear boxes available. 50 feet between platforms. Right over the border of CT into MA on the Appalachian Trail. Great spot, highly recommend.



                  Guide to Elka Park

                  Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Elka Park, New York, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors.

                  Tips for free and dispersed camping near Elka Park, New York

                  Dispersed campers should check out Duck Pond Campsite

                  • The Duck Pond Campsite offers well-maintained sites that are perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
                  • Access is easy via a drive on unpaved roads, making it a convenient choice for campers with various vehicles.
                  • Enjoy the tranquility of the area, as it tends to be less crowded, allowing for a more intimate camping experience.

                  Hiking and exploring while free camping near Elka Park

                  Frequently Asked Questions

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

                    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Elka Park, NY is Echo Lake with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

                    TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Elka Park, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.