Top Free Dispersed Camping near Highland Falls, NY

Want to go dispersed camping near Highland Falls? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your New York camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Highland Falls, NY (3)

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      1. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

      2 Reviews
      69 Saves

      The 917-acre Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Area is one of the largest state forests in Dutchess County. Most trails on this property allow multiple uses. It is very popular with mountain bikers, horseback riders, and dog walkers. Please be respectful of all users. Primitive Camping Camping at two designated sites is permitted on a first-come-first-serve basis. They're located on the west side of Brockway Road, south of Tyrrel Road. At-large primitive camping is also allowed. At-large 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.

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      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

      3. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

      1 Review
      2 Photos
      76 Saves

      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.

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    Recent Dispersed Reviews In Highland Falls

    5 Reviews of 3 Highland Falls Campgrounds


    • G
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      Aug. 26, 2024

      Hickok Brook

      Small, don't blink you'll miss it.

      There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY. Really is a nice quiet place. It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area. 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.

    • Corey The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
      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.
      Camper-submitted photo from Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park
      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.

    • Ali B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
      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).

    • Cory D.
      Camper-submitted photo from Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
      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.



    Guide to Highland Falls

    Camping near Highland Falls, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: The area is known for its scenic trails. For example, at North-South Lake Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "This is a hiking park... Kaaterskill Falls is an exception - short, easy trail."
    • Fishing: Many campgrounds are close to great fishing spots. A visitor at Little Pond - DEC noted, "Close to the Beaverkill and lots of great fly fishing."
    • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip at nearby lakes. A camper at Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park shared, "This is also an ideal place to relax and explore."

    What campers like:

    • Natural beauty: Campers appreciate the stunning landscapes. One reviewer at Clarence Fahnestock State Park said, "It was incredible! It was so quiet at night— not a sound after 11pm during my visit."
    • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Woodland Valley Campground - DEC mentioned, "The campsites all have fire pits with grills and picnic tables... the campsite was clean and well maintained."
    • Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A reviewer at Kenneth L Wilson Campground noted, "The ladies that run this campground are absolute queens and were so nice and helpful."

    What you should know:

    • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor reception. A camper at Little Pond - DEC stated, "No Verizon service and Starlink was spotty."
    • Bear activity: Some areas have bear warnings, so be cautious. A visitor at North-South Lake Campground mentioned, "There are bears that visit the campground."
    • Facilities vary: Not all campgrounds have the same amenities. One reviewer at Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park said, "The bathrooms are very outdated and not cleaned often enough."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Choose quieter times: Weekdays are often less crowded. A camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park advised, "When I plan my trip around the spring, fall, or summer weekends that look sparse it is quiet, clean."
    • Bring entertainment: With limited Wi-Fi, pack games and books. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner noted, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore."
    • Plan meals ahead: Cooking can be tricky without proper facilities. A camper at Woodland Valley Campground - DEC mentioned, "The campsites are super close together and very very small spaces."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check site sizes: Some sites may not accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Stokes State Forest said, "The campsites themselves are a little too close together in some spots with little coverage or privacy."
    • Look for full hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary connections. A visitor at Mahlon Dickerson Reservation noted, "There are level padded sites with electric and water."
    • Be prepared for rough roads: Some campgrounds have unpaved access roads. A camper at High Point State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites were pretty overgrown and rugged."

    Camping near Highland Falls, New York, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying nature, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Highland Falls, NY is Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Highland Falls, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.