Best Dispersed Camping near Goshen, NY
Dispersed camping options near Goshen, New York include several primitive sites within an hour's drive. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed provides basic tent camping with no amenities in a quiet wooded setting. The small parking area accommodates only 4-6 vehicles, and camping is permitted 150 feet from the trail. Hickok Brook offers lakeside tent sites but requires high-clearance vehicles due to rough access roads with large potholes. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park spans over 900 acres of forest land with numerous hiking trails and primitive camping opportunities.
Most dispersed sites in this region lack facilities. No drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available at Hemlock Ridge or Hickok Brook. According to reviews, Echo Lake features tent sites around the perimeter with fire pits and one lean-to, but can become crowded later in the day. Several campers noted that insect repellent is essential, particularly near water bodies where conditions can become swampy. The Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 provides bear boxes but no water source.
Permits are required for camping on New York State land. Contact the ranger's office in the appropriate county before your trip. Fire regulations vary by location; while fires are permitted at most sites, always use established fire rings when available. Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all waste. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most locations. Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly in the Catskills region. As one visitor to Taconic Hereford noted, "Always let someone know where you are headed and when you plan to return."
