Best Dispersed Camping near Germantown, NY

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Germantown? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. 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 Germantown, New York (13)

    Kate's photo of a dispersed camping area at Echo Lake near Germantown, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Germantown, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Germantown, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Germantown, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Germantown, NY

    1. Echo Lake

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    116 Saves
    Woodstock, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Alcohol

    2. Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    37 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

    3. Sage's Revine

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

    4. 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
    Jorge P.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Germantown, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Germantown, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Germantown, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Germantown, NY

    5. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    77 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

    6. Betty Brook Camp

    2 Reviews
    49 Saves
    West Fulton, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    7. Duck Pond Campsite

    1 Review
    8 Saves
    North Blenheim, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    felix R.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near Germantown, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near Germantown, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near Germantown, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near Germantown, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near Germantown, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near Germantown, NY
    Cory D.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Germantown, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Germantown, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Germantown, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Germantown, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Germantown, NY

    9. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    61 Saves
    Plattekill, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol

    10. Allaben Primitive Campsites

    Be the first to review!
    22 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

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    Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews near Germantown, NY

    10 Reviews of 13 Germantown Campgrounds


    • Ali B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jorge P.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Germantown, NY
      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
      Cory D.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Germantown, NY
      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.

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Kate's photo of a dispersed camping area at Echo Lake near Germantown, NY
      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.

    • Luke A.The Dyrt PRO User
      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.

    • 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.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      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
      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.


    Guide to Germantown

    Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Germantown, New York, where nature meets adventure. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

    Tips for free and dispersed camping near Germantown, New York

    • Many dispersed camping spots, like Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail, require a permit, so be sure to check local regulations before heading out.
    • Pack out what you pack in; sites such as Echo Lake encourage Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of the area.
    • Bring bug spray, especially if you're camping near water sources like Sage's Revine, where swampy areas can attract insects.

    Scenic hiking trails for dispersed campers

    Activities while free camping near Germantown

    • Fishing and swimming are popular activities at Echo Lake, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip after a day of hiking.
    • Wildlife watching is a must at Rensselaerville State Forest, where you might spot deer, birds, and other local fauna.
    • Campers at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed can enjoy a peaceful night under the stars, making it perfect for stargazing and connecting with nature.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Germantown, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.