Primitive camping near Kiryas Joel, New York occurs primarily on state and municipal lands with elevations ranging from 500-1,200 feet. The region features deciduous forest with mixed hardwood stands of oak, maple, and birch trees creating a dense canopy during summer months. Most dispersed sites require adherence to New York DEC regulations including camping at least 150 feet from any water source, trail, or road.
What to do
Hiking network access: The Thunder Swamp Trailhead provides entry to an extensive trail system in Pennsylvania. "Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh," notes Jason R., who found the "trailhead parking was chill for a night" without disturbances.
Mountain summit attempts: Primitive camping at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose serves as a strategic basecamp for challenging hikes. As Ali B. explains, you can find "great camping spots about 1.5 mile hike in from Denning Trailhead" and then "wake up to hike to tabletop/peekamoose mountain" where additional backcountry options exist.
Lakeside exploration: Multiple sites around Hickok Brook offer water-based activities with primitive access requirements. The area has limited capacity with one visitor noting, "There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping."
What campers like
Complete solitude: Hemlock Ridge MUA provides isolated sites throughout its wooded terrain. According to visitor Cory D., "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."
Proximity to services: Many campers appreciate Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park's relative closeness to civilization while maintaining a wilderness feel. Tim M. found it "easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service," making it suitable for those wanting connectivity during primitive camping experiences.
Established fire rings: Several sites have previously used fire spots, though rangers strictly enforce fire safety regulations during dry conditions. Permits for fires are required in many locations, with seasonal restrictions typically running from May through October.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Camping regulations vary by county with different enforcement levels. At Hickok Brook, one camper learned this firsthand: "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."
Road conditions: Access routes to most primitive sites require appropriate vehicles. As Corey observed at Hickok Brook, "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."
Limited capacity: Most dispersed camping areas near Kiryas Joel accommodate very few groups simultaneously. Benjamin H. describes Thunder Swamp Trailhead as simply "a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me," highlighting the minimalist facilities available.
Tips for camping with families
Supply preparation: Bring all necessities including water when camping at these primitive sites. Gregg T. emphasizes the isolation: "Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY."
Bug protection: Insect activity is substantial throughout warmer months. One camper at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed warns that "bugs are relentless," suggesting comprehensive insect protection for family camping trips.
Weekend planning: Holiday weekends see increased traffic at limited spots. A camper observed at Hickok Brook: "It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area," indicating families should arrive early to secure available spaces.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most dispersed sites near Kiryas Joel cannot accommodate large RVs. Tim M. cautions about Taconic Hereford: "There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."
Alternative parking options: Some trailheads allow overnight parking for smaller vehicles. At Thunder Swamp Trailhead, the setup is basic but functional: "It's a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me," notes benjamin H., making it suitable for compact camper vans but not larger rigs.
Winter accessibility: Most access roads remain unplowed during winter months, effectively closing these areas to RV camping from December through March depending on snowfall amounts.
