Best Dispersed Camping near Fort Montgomery, NY

The forested areas surrounding Fort Montgomery, New York feature primarily dispersed camping options for those seeking a more primitive outdoor experience. Within driving distance, locations like Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed and Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offer free, hike-in tent camping opportunities in wooded settings. These sites typically lack amenities but provide peaceful natural surroundings approximately 30-45 minutes from Fort Montgomery. Hickok Brook and Denning Trailhead near Peekamoose Mountain round out the dispersed camping options in the region, with most sites requiring campers to hike in and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Access to many camping areas requires careful planning and appropriate vehicles. As one camper at Hickok Brook noted, "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must." Limited parking is common at trailheads, with Hemlock Ridge offering space for only "4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight," according to visitor reports. Most dispersed sites in the region require campers to set up at least 150 feet from trails and roads. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with some locations maintaining coverage despite their remote feel. Permits may be required for camping on New York state land, with one Hickok Brook visitor advising to "contact Rangers office of whatever county" before setting up camp.

Campers consistently mention the quiet, peaceful atmosphere as a primary draw to these primitive sites. The Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park spans over 900 acres of forest with hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. According to one visitor, it offers "a quiet piece of beautiful forest to truly rough it" while being "less than 10 min drive from town." Climbers frequently use Hemlock Ridge for access to the nearby "Gunks" climbing area, though visitors warn that "bugs are relentless" in warmer months. Riverside camping is available at Denning Trailhead, where campers report "great spots about 1.5 mile hike in" that provide convenient access to hiking trails up Tabletop and Peekamoose mountains.