Best Dispersed Camping near Highmount, NY
The Catskill Mountains surrounding Highmount, New York feature predominantly primitive and dispersed camping options across state forests and public lands. Echo Lake offers highly-rated tent sites with fire pits and a lean-to structure accessible via hiking trails, while Allaben Primitive Campsites provides free drive-in access closer to town. Most camping areas maintain a rustic character with minimal amenities, focusing on tent camping and small RVs rather than developed facilities. Denning Trailhead near Peekamoose Mountain provides riverside camping spots approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead, serving as both overnight accommodations and basecamp for hikers exploring nearby peaks.
Road conditions present significant challenges throughout the region, with many campers reporting rough dirt roads requiring high-clearance vehicles. "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse," noted one visitor to Duck Pond Campsite. Cell service remains intermittent across most camping areas, creating potential safety concerns when navigating remote locations. Winter access becomes particularly limited as roads remain unmaintained during snow seasons. Campers should prepare for self-sufficient stays, as most sites lack drinking water, toilets, and trash facilities. Bug activity increases near water bodies, with several reviewers mentioning the need for insect protection, especially during summer months.
Waterfront locations consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, with lakeside and streamside sites filling quickly during peak seasons. Echo Lake campers appreciate the "beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze" from hillside tent spots, though they note it "can get a little crowded later in the day." Many sites feature established fire rings and flat tent pads beneath tree cover. The region's camping experience balances accessibility with wilderness feel—Betty Brook Camp sits "right along West kill road" with a stream alongside it, yet remains "remote" enough that "sometimes you never see anyone." Most locations accommodate only small groups, with Duck Pond Campsite offering "enough room for 2 to 3 campers" and Hemlock Ridge MUA providing limited parking for "4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight."
