Best Dispersed Camping near Glenham, NY

Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout the forests and state lands near Glenham, New York. Several primitive camping areas include Hemlock Ridge MUA, Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, and Echo Lake, all offering free, undeveloped sites for tent camping. Most locations require hikers to walk in to designated camping spots, typically positioned at least 150 feet from trails and roads. The region contains multiple state-managed parcels that allow responsible backcountry camping without formal facilities or designated campgrounds.

Access roads to many dispersed sites require careful navigation, with several locations having limited parking capacity. Hemlock Ridge parking accommodates only 4-6 vehicles, while other areas demand high-clearance vehicles to manage rough, potholed terrain. Most sites provide no drinking water, restrooms, or waste disposal. Fire regulations vary by location and season, with some areas permitting campfires in established rings while others prohibit fires entirely. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at many locations. Standard Leave No Trace practices apply throughout these primitive camping areas.

These undeveloped camping areas provide quiet, secluded experiences in wooded environments. One visitor noted Hemlock Ridge is "quiet and off the beaten path. There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever and barely even a signal here." Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park remains relatively unknown, with a reviewer stating "99% of people don't even know this area exists." Several locations offer proximity to water features, with Echo Lake providing tent sites around the lake perimeter and one lean-to. Many areas become buggy during warmer months, particularly near water. Sites around Denning Trailhead provide good access points for hikers planning to explore nearby peaks and trail systems.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Glenham, New York (9)

    1. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "If you like dispersed camping, like me- this place is good. There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path."

    2. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    3 Reviews
    Verbank, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "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."

    "This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."

    3. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 652-7365

    "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. "

    "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots."

    4. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    Claryville, NY
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3076

    "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."

    5. Sage's Revine

    2 Reviews
    Taconic, CT
    44 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    49 miles

    "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."

    "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."

    7. Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    South Egremont, MA
    50 miles
    Website

    "Trash cans, but carry out is preferable."

    8. Allaben Primitive Campsites

    1 Review
    Shandaken, NY
    46 miles

    "Nice spot right off the main road and close to town. Small pond-don’t think there are any fish. Picnic table. Fire pit with cooking griddle. Trails to the fishing access across the road."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Glenham, NY

15 Reviews of 9 Glenham Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Corey
    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.

  • 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.

  • Cory D.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Dawn M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2025

    Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    Pretty cool

    If you like dispersed camping, like me- this place is good. There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight. There’s no spectacular mountain views from above, but rather a quiet peaceful wooded area & although I only seen/stayed at one camping spot which is literally at about the required 150ft from the road, you can set up your own camp anywhere. I was the only one here & it was a very peaceful & relaxing night

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    Convenient pit stop

    This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs.

  • James A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Echo Lake

    Beautiful lake with lean to

    Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots. Other campsites are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails (wear pants) We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze.


Guide to Glenham

Primitive camping near Glenham, New York encompasses a network of remote sites across the Catskill and Taconic mountain regions. These locations range in elevation from approximately 400 to 2,000 feet, with terrain characterized by mixed hardwood forests, occasional wetlands, and rocky outcroppings. The camping area extends across multiple state forests and wildlife management units, creating a patchwork of undeveloped sites connected by limited access roads and hiking trails.

What to do

Hiking mountain trails: Primitive sites around Denning Trailhead offer strategic access points for extended backpacking trips. "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," notes Ali B. about Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping.

Fishing access: Several sites provide opportunities for stream and pond fishing. At Allaben Primitive Campsites, campers can find "trails to the fishing access across the road," according to Breanne H., who adds it's a "nice spot right off the main road and close to town" with a "small pond" though she didn't "think there are any fish."

Wildlife observation: The expansive forests connecting these primitive sites create substantial wildlife habitat. "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," explains Doc B. about Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park.

What campers like

Lakeside camping: Echo Lake offers multiple tent sites with water access. James A. reports the "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 (wear pants). We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze." Kate adds that at Echo Lake, "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."

True wilderness solitude: Many sites provide genuine isolation from developed areas while remaining accessible. Cory D. notes about Hemlock Ridge MUA: "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."

Cell service availability: Unlike many remote camping areas, some sites maintain connectivity despite their primitive nature. Tim M. reports Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park "is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service." Similarly, Doc B. notes the area has "the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service."

What you should know

Limited parking capacity: Many sites have extremely restricted vehicle access. Dawn M. cautions about Hemlock Ridge MUA: "The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight."

Variable regulations: Rules differ significantly between sites despite their proximity. Gregg T. warns: "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."

Insects and seasonal conditions: Many locations become challenging during warmer months. Kate advises about Echo Lake: "Note, it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray." Cory D. concurs, stating flatly: "Bugs are relentless."

Tips for camping with families

Choose accessible sites: For families with younger children, select sites with minimal hiking required. Breanne H. describes Allaben Primitive Campsites as having a "picnic table, fire pit with cooking griddle" making it suitable for family groups without extensive backcountry experience.

Water safety considerations: Lakes and streams require careful supervision. Kate notes that Echo Lake "can 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," which might affect family camping experiences.

Bring adequate supplies: No services exist at most locations. "There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever," emphasizes Dawn M. about Hickok Brook, where Gregg T. advises: "Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY."

Tips from RVers

Vehicle clearance requirements: Access roads typically demand high-clearance vehicles. Corey warns about Hickok Brook: "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."

Space limitations: Even at drive-in sites, maneuverability is severely restricted. Tim M. cautions about Jug End: "The road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."

Seasonal road conditions: Unimproved access roads deteriorate significantly during wet seasons, further limiting RV access. At most primitive sites, Luke A. recommends "section hikers and all" use carry-out practices even when minimal facilities exist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Glenham, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Glenham, NY is Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Glenham, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.