Best Dispersed Camping near Gardiner, NY

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Gardiner, look no further. Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the trees or wide open spaces, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect dispersed campsite.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Gardiner, NY (10)

    • No image available

      1. 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
      Camper-submitted photo from Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

      3. 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
      Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake

      4. Echo Lake

      1 Review
      3 Photos
      114 Saves
      Woodstock, New York
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Dispersed
      • Firewood Available
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      • No image available

        6. Sage's Revine

        1 Review
        33 Saves
        Taconic, Connecticut
        • Pets
        • Reservable
        • Dispersed
        • Trash
        • Picnic Table
        • Drinking Water
        • 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. 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

                9. 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
                • No image available
                Show More
                Showing results 1-10 of 10 campgrounds

                Recent Dispersed Reviews in Gardiner

                10 Reviews of 10 Gardiner Campgrounds


                • GThe Dyrt PRO User
                  Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
                  Aug. 26, 2024

                  Hickok Brook

                  Small, don't blink you'll miss it.

                  There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY. Really is a nice quiet place. It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area. Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county.

                • Corey The Dyrt PRO User
                  Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
                  Jun. 17, 2024

                  Hickok Brook

                  Beautiful but buggy lakeside tent sites

                  I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road to put up a small tent somewhere. Very gorgeous but not rv friendly.

                • 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.


                Drive Time


                Guide to Gardiner

                Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Gardiner, New York, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, there's something for everyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

                Tips for free and dispersed camping near Gardiner, New York

                • Many areas, like Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, allow for campfires, making it perfect for cozy evenings under the stars.
                • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep these beautiful spots pristine, especially in places like Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping, where the natural environment is a key attraction.
                • Be prepared for a hike-in experience, as many dispersed camping areas, such as Echo Lake, require you to carry your gear to your chosen site.

                Dispersed campers should check out Hemlock Ridge MUA

                • Located in a beautiful forest setting, Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the crowds.
                • With no amenities available, this spot is ideal for experienced campers who enjoy a more rugged experience and are comfortable with basic camping conditions.
                • The area is popular among climbers, making it a great base for those looking to explore the nearby climbing routes.

                Scenic spots for nature lovers: Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping

                • Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping provides a tranquil setting for those who appreciate the sounds of nature, with plenty of wildlife to observe.
                • This location is accessible via a hike-in, ensuring a more secluded experience away from the noise of more developed areas.
                • Campers should be aware that there are no facilities, so it's essential to bring everything you need, including water and food, for a comfortable stay.

                Frequently Asked Questions

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

                  According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Gardiner, NY is Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

                  TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Gardiner, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.