Best Dispersed Camping near High Falls, NY
Dispersed camping around High Falls, New York includes several primitive sites within the nearby Catskill Mountains and surrounding wilderness areas. Free camping options are available at locations like Hemlock Ridge Multiple Use Area, a wooded section with no amenities located near the Shawangunk Mountains climbing area known as "the gunks." Additional primitive camping can be found at Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park and at various locations in nearby state forests. These sites typically require campers to follow standard dispersed camping regulations, including camping at least 150 feet from trails, roads, and water sources.
Access to most dispersed sites requires navigating rough roads with significant potholes and limited parking. Hemlock Ridge MUA has a small lot accommodating only 4-6 vehicles, while other areas may have minimal pull-off space. Several locations are accessible only by hiking in, including Echo Lake and the Denning Trailhead near Peekamoose Mountain. Most dispersed sites lack basic amenities - no toilets, no trash service, no drinking water, and no designated fire rings. A recent review noted, "There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever and barely even a signal here," though this contributes to the peaceful atmosphere many campers seek.
These primitive camping areas provide varying experiences based on terrain and location. Echo Lake offers tent sites around a small lake with one lean-to structure at the trailhead. "The lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean-to with a few campfire spots," one camper shared, noting that some sites require navigating "small overgrown trails." The Denning Trailhead area features camping spots about 1.5 miles from the parking area, with sites along a river. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the region, though seasonal insects can be challenging. During peak times, especially summer weekends, the more accessible sites fill quickly. Winter camping is possible in some locations, with Burnt Rossman State Forest's Westkill Camp noted as being "a great location for winter camping" with sites "easily accessible from road."
