Best Dispersed Camping near Highland, NY

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Highland. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Highland campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Highland, NY. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Highland, New York (9)

    1. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    7 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

    2 Reviews
    Verbank, NY
    11 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."

    3. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    27 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
    30 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

    1 Review
    Taconic, CT
    34 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. Allaben Primitive Campsites

    1 Review
    Shandaken, NY
    34 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."

    7. Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    South Egremont, MA
    40 miles
    Website

    "Trash cans, but carry out is preferable."

    8. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    50 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Highland, NY

13 Reviews of 9 Highland 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

  • 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.

  • Luke A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2018

    Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Jug End Campground, Great Spot for Section Hikers and All.

    Great spot, I have section hiked the majority of the east coast AT and this is in my top 10 spots to stay at. Trash cans, but carry out is preferable.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.


Guide to Highland

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Highland, New York, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Highland, New York

  • Many spots, like Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, allow for campfires, making it easy to enjoy evenings under the stars while staying warm.
  • If you're seeking a quiet retreat, consider Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping, which offers beautiful river-side camping just a short hike from the trailhead.
  • For those who want to explore while camping, Echo Lake provides access to numerous hiking trails and scenic views, perfect for day adventures.

Dispersed campers should check out Echo Lake

  • The Echo Lake area features tent sites around the lake, complete with fire pits for cozy evenings.
  • Be prepared for some swampy areas near the lake's edge, so bringing bug spray is advisable to enhance your camping experience.
  • This location can get a bit crowded later in the day, so arriving early ensures you secure a great spot and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

A hidden gem for dispersed camping enthusiasts

  • Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed is a lesser-known spot that offers a true wilderness experience, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
  • With no amenities available, this area encourages campers to practice Leave No Trace principles, ensuring the natural beauty remains intact for future visitors.
  • The surrounding forest is home to various wildlife, making it an excellent choice for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Highland, 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 Highland, NY?

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