Dispersed camping near Florida, New York provides primitive overnight options across several public forest areas. These sites typically sit at elevations between 800-1,200 feet in the western Hudson Valley region, characterized by mixed hardwood forests and occasional waterways. Most dispersed sites in this area require campers to pack in all supplies and practice strict Leave No Trace principles.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Thunder Swamp Trailhead offers excellent access to hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. "Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh," notes camper Jason R. The trailhead parking area serves as a convenient overnight base camp for hikers.
River exploration: At Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping, visitors can enjoy camping spots near flowing water. "Great camping spots about 1.5 mile hike in from Denning Trailhead. A lot of spots right by the river," reports Ali B. This makes an excellent starting point for exploring Peekamoose Mountain.
Wildlife observation: Forest areas around these primitive sites support diverse wildlife. The extensive trail network through protected forests provides opportunities to encounter local species in their natural habitat, particularly during early morning and evening hours when animals are most active.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed offers a quiet forest setting for campers seeking solitude. Cory D. explains, "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."
Cell service availability: Unlike many remote camping areas, Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park maintains reasonable connectivity. Tim M. reports, "This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room."
Natural water features: Several campsites offer proximity to water. Hickok Brook features lakeside tent sites that provide both scenic views and practical water access. According to Gregg T., "Really is a nice quiet place... Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some free camping areas near Florida, New York require permits. At Hickok Brook, Gregg T. advises, "Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county." Always check regulations before setting up camp.
Limited parking availability: Most dispersed sites have very restricted parking. Cory D. notes that Hemlock Ridge has "a small(10 car) parking lot," while Tim M. warns about Taconic Hereford: "The road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."
Water sources: Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 has no immediate water source. Katharine T. advises, "No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip)." Similarly, Renee Z. suggests to "Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond."
Tips for camping with families
Bear awareness: Some sites provide bear protection infrastructure. At Appalachian Trail sites, Katharine T. mentions they're "Well maintained w bear boxes provided." Families should follow proper food storage protocols in all areas.
Site selection for comfort: When camping with children, prioritize flat terrain. Renee Z. cautions about one Appalachian Trail site being "a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping," suggesting hammocks might work better in certain locations.
Access difficulty assessment: With younger children, consider the hike-in distance carefully. Ali B. notes that Denning Trailhead sites require a "about 1.5 mile hike in from Denning Trailhead." Plan accordingly with appropriate gear distribution among family members.
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: Many dispersed camping areas have challenging access roads. Corey warns about Hickok Brook: "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping."
Size limitations: Most free camping near Florida, New York cannot accommodate large vehicles. Tim M. cautions about Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park: "There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."
Alternative parking options: When full hookup camping isn't needed, some RVers use trailhead parking for overnight stays. Benjamin H. reports that Thunder Swamp Trailhead is "a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."
