Primitive camping sites near Hurley, New York offer campers a chance to experience the southern Catskill region with minimal amenities. Located within 40 miles of Hurley, these sites span across multiple state forests and wilderness areas at elevations ranging from 600 to 3,500 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer highs average in the mid-80s with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What to do
Mountain hiking routes: Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping provides direct access to multiple trail systems. "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," notes reviewer Ali B.
Fishing opportunities: Allaben Primitive Campsites offers "trails to the fishing access across the road," according to Breanne H. The nearby Esopus Creek contains brown and rainbow trout populations with public fishing rights along multiple sections.
Photography locations: The campsites around Echo Lake provide excellent landscape photography opportunities. "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean to with a few campfire spots. We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze," shares James A.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Hemlock Ridge MUA offers seclusion for those willing to walk in. "There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it's quiet & off the beaten path," writes Dawn M.
Winter accessibility: Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp remains open year-round. Felix R. notes it "was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"
Cost-free camping: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers rustic camping without fees. "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," states Doc B.
What you should know
Road conditions: Duck Pond Campsite requires careful vehicle selection. "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived at surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites," says Yae U., while adding, "Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions."
Limited facilities: Most primitive camping areas near Hurley lack basic amenities. Cory D. explains Hemlock Ridge MUA "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 regulations: Some sites have specific restrictions. Jug End's status has changed, with Licia S. noting: "This is a hiking trail only- no camping per website: https://www.mass.gov/locations/jug-end-state-reservation-wildlife-management-area."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park combines wilderness with safety features. "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," explains Doc B.
Prepare for insects: Echo Lake requires insect protection, particularly in warmer months. One camper recommends covering up: "Other campsites are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails (wear pants)."
Set arrival time expectations: Popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons. At Echo Lake, one reviewer notes: "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."
Tips from RVers
Site capacity limitations: Most rustic camping near Hurley accommodates only small vehicles. At Taconic Hereford, Tim M. advises, "There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."
Seasonal accessibility: Allaben Primitive Campsites provides one of the few drive-in options with "nice spot right off the main road and close to town," according to Breanne H., who appreciated the "picnic table, fire pit with cooking griddle."
Communication planning: Cell service varies significantly between sites. The Dyrt reviewer at Duck Pond Campsite reported "intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads."
