Best Dispersed Camping near Gilboa, NY

Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Gilboa? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your New York excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Gilboa, New York (14)

    1. Betty Brook Camp

    2 Reviews
    49 Saves
    West Fulton, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    felix R.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near Gilboa, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near Gilboa, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near Gilboa, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near Gilboa, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near Gilboa, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near Gilboa, NY

    3. Duck Pond Campsite

    1 Review
    8 Saves
    North Blenheim, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Kate's photo of a dispersed camping area at Echo Lake near Gilboa, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Gilboa, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Gilboa, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Gilboa, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Gilboa, NY

    4. Echo Lake

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    116 Saves
    Woodstock, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Alcohol
    Jorge P.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Gilboa, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Gilboa, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Gilboa, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Gilboa, 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

    7. 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

      8. Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping

      Be the first to review!
      26 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

      10. Beals Pond State Forest

      1 Review
      2 Saves
      Trout Creek, New York
      • Pets
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Dispersed
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    Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews near Gilboa, NY

    5 Reviews of 14 Gilboa Campgrounds


    • Ali B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jorge P.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Gilboa, 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).

    • 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.

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

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Dec. 27, 2024

      Beals Pond State Forest

      Not easily accessible in winter

      This state forest is beautiful but not easily accessible in the winter. After a certain point, the road is not maintained in the winter and I was unable to get cell reception with Verizon.


    Guide to Gilboa

    Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Gilboa, New York, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers a range of options for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

    Top Activities While Free Camping Near Gilboa

    Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

    • The picturesque landscapes surrounding Betty Brook Camp make it a perfect spot for photography and nature walks, with streams and wooded areas to explore.
    • Campers at Echo Lake can enjoy the serene beauty of the lake, which is ideal for swimming and relaxing by the water's edge.
    • The remote setting of Rensselaerville State Forest offers a chance to connect with nature, making it a great destination for wildlife watching and stargazing.

    Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Gilboa, New York

    • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of areas like Featherstonhaugh State Forest Site and ensure future campers can enjoy the same experience.
    • Be prepared for limited amenities at places like Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping, where you may need to bring your own water and supplies.
    • Check road conditions before heading to Allaben Primitive Campsites, as some access routes may be unpaved and require careful navigation.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Gilboa, NY is Betty Brook Camp with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Gilboa, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.