Primitive camping near Kinderhook, New York offers diverse backcountry options across multiple state forests within a 60-mile radius. The region features significant elevation changes from the Hudson Valley lowlands (200-300 feet) to higher Catskill terrain (2,000+ feet), creating varied camping microclimates. Most dispersed sites remain accessible from April through November, though seasonal road closures affect winter access to higher elevations.
What to do
Explore fishing opportunities: NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest provides access to nearby fishing areas. "Peaceful and quiet dispersed camping spot. Large enough for 2-3 vehicles or one large rig/RV. Very few vehicles pass, some days none. Two fire rings set up: a large one and a small cooking one," notes camper Danny D.
Experience winter camping: Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp provides year-round primitive camping opportunities. "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!" writes Felix R., highlighting the area's four-season accessibility.
Visit nearby towns: George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed sites offer proximity to local attractions. "Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites," shares one camper. Another adds, "Different size sites, ATT cell reception. Mostly clean short drive to pond and stores."
What campers like
Accessibility with seclusion: NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot offers multiple camping options along forest roads. "At least a dozen spots, some very spacious. Only crashed for 1 night but will be coming back to spend a few, this area was excellent!" reports Michele N. The balance of accessibility and privacy makes these sites popular.
Natural water features: Allaben Primitive Campsites provides streamside camping with additional amenities. "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," notes Breanne H.
Multiple site options: Ushers Road State Forest offers flexibility for campers seeking different experiences. "Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it's at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots," explains a reviewer, highlighting the freedom dispersed camping provides.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Duck Pond Campsite requires careful planning regarding vehicle type. "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived at surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions," advises Yae U.
Seasonal crowding occurs: Despite remote locations, popular sites fill quickly during peak times. "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck," reports SJ W. about NFR 273.
Facilities are minimal: Jug End Dispersed on the Appalachian Trail demonstrates typical primitive amenities. "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," notes Luke A., highlighting the limited waste disposal options common to the region.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with established amenities: George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed offers family-friendly sites with established facilities. "Nice camp fire area," reports MaryA L., while another camper notes, "Large, well organized camping spots along the road. The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit."
Plan for bug protection: Insect activity varies by location and season. "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well. A few miles down the road there is another campsite that is more open and also has a fire pit with a lot less bugs flying around," advises Natasha T.
Consider site privacy: George D Aiken sites offer varying levels of seclusion. "We found a perfect site off the road on the right side. It was large and flat. We were off the road by 100 feet or so. It made it more private," shares David G., emphasizing the importance of choosing sites set back from main access roads.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance matters: Many primitive sites near Kinderhook require 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. The site itself was pretty nice, fire pit, trickling stream, but the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it," cautions a reviewer about Duck Pond Campsite.
Site dimensions vary: Burnt Rossman State Forest offers limited space for larger vehicles. "This spot is right off the road. Nice and quiet. There is enough room for 2 to 3 campers. Parking across the street if it's wet. Entrance is soft," notes a camper, highlighting the need to assess site capacity before arrival.
Know road closure status: Road access can change seasonally or unexpectedly. "The entrance to the road had a sign that said 'road closed ahead'. We chanced it and was able to find a really nice open spot right before the road closure. Was a great spot!" shares Caitlin C. about NFR 273, underlining the importance of having backup plans.
