Tent camping near Ghent, New York provides access to the northeastern Taconic Mountains and western Catskills. Most dispersed sites sit at elevations between 1,000-2,000 feet, creating cooler microclimates than the Hudson Valley floor. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from December through March, with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s.
What to do
Hiking mountain summits: Reach Bear Mountain summit from the Undermountain Trailhead for panoramic views. "Make sure to hit the summit of Bear Mountain; incredible view!" notes a camper at Riga Lean-To.
Lake activities: Fish or swim at Echo Lake, where multiple tent sites encircle the water. "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean to with a few campfire spots. Other campsites are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails," reports a camper at Echo Lake.
Wildlife watching: Early mornings offer opportunities to spot deer, foxes, and various birds throughout the region. The hills surrounding Echo Lake create natural habitat pockets where "we camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed sites offer natural separation. At Alander Trail Camground, "theres quite a few sites to choose from and each offer quite a bit of privacy. It's completely free and it usually isn't too busy since most people don't like having to carry all their stuff in that far."
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, many areas maintain good standards. One camper at Alander Trail noted, "Although we were the only campers at the time the area was emmaculate and not one piece of trash on the ground anywhere! The outhouse was even clean!"
Seasonal experiences: Fall camping provides unique color displays. A Laurel Ridge camper shared: "We packed on our backpacks early in the morning and arrived there mid-afternoon. Very beautiful view, and an awesome spot!"
What you should know
Preparation for hiking: Many prime camping spots require significant hiking. At Laurel Ridge, "It's quite a hike to get to this dispersed campground, so be prepared! We packed on our backpacks early in the morning and arrived there mid-afternoon."
Fire restrictions: Rules vary by location and season. While Echo Lake permits fires with existing fire rings, at Laurel Ridge "No fires allowed, however."
Trail conditions: Expect challenging terrain on many access routes. One camper described the Undermountain Trail: "Be prepared for steep inclines, and lots of rocks. After about a mile, you reach a trail intersection, stay left and continue up the hill until you reach the giant sign."
Wildlife precautions: Bear activity requires proper food storage. "You will be in the heart of the forest/woods so definitely make sure to be prepared. We had some scares with coyotes and bears in the past but never anything crazy," reports an Alander Trail camper.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For families with younger children, sites with shorter access trails work better. Brassie Brook Shelter offers a good balance: "We ended up stumbling on this campsite on our way to the Riga lean-to, which was a very happy surprise. We started our hike at the under-mountain trailhead, located right off route 41."
Plan for wet conditions: Lake proximity means higher humidity. An Echo Lake camper advises: "Note, it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray."
Time your arrival: Popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "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," notes an Echo Lake visitor.
Use established facilities: Lean-tos provide shelter during unpredictable weather. The Brassie Brook area features "a small lean-to as well as about 4/5 campsites located all around."
Tips from RVers
Alternative lodging options: When weather turns unfavorable, consider unique lodging. At Chester Railway Station, "The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad. It sleeps 4 and you can set up tents outside too. You hear the trains running at night. Very clean and comfortable."
Prepare for no hookups: The best tent camping near Ghent, New York rarely offers RV amenities. Most locations like Echo Lake and Alander Trail are tent-only with no electrical or water hookups.
