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Best Dispersed Camping near Hunter, NY

17 Reviews

Dispersed camping areas surround Hunter, New York in the Catskill region, with several primitive sites situated on state forest lands. Echo Lake offers backpacking access to tent sites with established fire pits and a lean-to, while Allaben Primitive Campsites and Rider Hollow provide drive-in and walk-in camping opportunities. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose features hike-in campsites along a river, and Burnt Rossman State Forest contains small, remote camping areas. These free camping locations typically follow standard dispersed camping regulations requiring sites to be at least 150 feet from water sources and trails.

Many of the access roads to these primitive campsites require careful navigation. Duck Pond Campsite users report rough dirt roads with one reviewer noting "the road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough" and recommending small vehicles only. Betty Brook Camp sits alongside a stream with limited spots for 2-3 campers. Most sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Cell phone coverage ranges from intermittent to nonexistent at more remote locations. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with several sites featuring established fire rings, though campers should always check current fire restrictions before visiting.

The dispersed camping experience near Hunter emphasizes solitude and natural settings. Echo Lake campers describe "tent sites around the whole lake with fire pits" though it "can get a little crowded later in the day." The area attracts backpackers, with one site serving as "a great spot to camp and then wake up to hike to tabletop/peekamoose mountain." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout these primitive camping areas. Westkill Camp receives positive feedback for winter camping accessibility. Several reviewers note the remoteness as an advantage, with one camper describing Betty Brook Camp as a place where "sometimes you never see anyone." These boondocking options provide off-grid experiences with varying levels of accessibility throughout the year.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Hunter, New York (14)

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Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Hunter, NY

7 Photos of 14 Hunter Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Hunter, NY

17 Reviews of 14 Hunter 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.

  • 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.

  • YThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Open quite campsites

    After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience. Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Small vehicle only

    The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse. The site itself, was pretty nice, Fire pit, trickling stream, but the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it. Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads

  • 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.

Guide to Hunter

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Hunter, New York, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of options for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Hunter

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping, which provides access to stunning trails leading to Tabletop and Peekamoose mountains.
  • For those who enjoy fishing, the tranquil waters near Duck Pond Campsite offer a peaceful setting to cast a line and unwind.
  • Wildlife watchers can explore the diverse ecosystems around Echo Lake, where sightings of various birds and other wildlife are common.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Hunter, New York

  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of areas like Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed and ensure that future visitors can enjoy the same experience.
  • Be prepared for varying conditions, especially when accessing sites like Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, which may require a hike-in to reach the best spots.
  • Bring your own firewood and supplies, as many locations, such as Allaben Primitive Campsites, do not provide amenities or services.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Hunter, NY is Echo Lake with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Hunter, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Hunter, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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