Dispersed camping near Lake Katrine offers primitive backcountry experiences within the northern Catskill Mountains. Most sites sit between 1,500-2,500 feet elevation, with summer temperatures typically ranging 10-15 degrees cooler than valley locations. Winter conditions can be severe with accumulations often exceeding 30 inches of snow at higher elevations.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Denning Trailhead provides access to more secluded camping spots approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead. According to Ali B., there are "great camping spots about 1.5 mile hike in from Denning Trailhead" with "a lot of spots right by the river," making it an excellent basecamp for hiking Peekamoose Mountain.
Fishing access: The Allaben Primitive Campsites provide convenient access to local fishing spots. Breanne H. notes there are "trails to the fishing access across the road" from the campsite, which features a "fire pit with cooking griddle" for preparing your catch. The site is situated "right off the main road and close to town," making it convenient for supply runs during extended stays at this rustic camping location.
Winter camping: For those seeking solitude during colder months, Burnt Rossman State Forest offers accessible winter camping options. Felix R. reports it "was a great location for winter camping" with a "site easily accessible from road." The area provides a "beautiful, peaceful" setting for cold-weather outdoor enthusiasts looking to avoid summer crowds.
What campers like
Secluded lake views: Echo Lake offers hillside camping spots with panoramic views. James A. describes camping "on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze" at this primitive camping area. The site features multiple dispersed camping options around a scenic mountain lake.
Backcountry solitude: Hemlock Ridge MUA provides truly rustic camping near Lake Katrine without crowds or amenities. Dawn M. appreciates that "if you like dispersed camping, this place is good" and notes it's "quiet and off the beaten path" with "barely even a signal." The location offers "a quiet peaceful wooded area" rather than mountain views, ideal for campers seeking true wilderness camping.
Proximity to climbing areas: Multiple dispersed sites offer access to popular rock climbing locations. Cory D. reports that at Hemlock Ridge MUA, "many climbers stay there for access to the gunks" despite having "no amenities" and noting that "bugs are relentless." The primitive camping area contains approximately 80 acres of forest with designated sites at least 150 feet from the main trail.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to Duck Pond Campsite requires navigating challenging roads. Yae U. cautions to "be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions," noting they "arrived at surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites" after "driving unpaved dirt road for a while." The L. adds that "the road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough" and suggests considering vehicle clearance before attempting access to this remote camping area.
Limited facilities: Hemlock Ridge MUA offers no amenities whatsoever. Cory D. emphasizes "this isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities" with just "a small(10 car) parking lot and a trail that runs thru 80 acres of forest." Dawn M. confirms "there are absolutely no amenities whatsoever" at this location.
Insect preparation: Bug protection is essential at most locations, particularly during warmer months. Cory D. describes bugs as "relentless" at Hemlock Ridge, while Yae U. notes that at Duck Pond, "the pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad," suggesting smaller water bodies may offer some relief from biting insects.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Echo Lake provides an accessible introduction to backcountry camping. Kate reports, "This campground was my first backpacking trip and it was perfect!" noting "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," making them suitable for families new to primitive camping.
Safety considerations: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers secluded camping with cell service for emergency contact. Doc B. highlights that despite being "less then 10 min drive from town," hiking in and making camp provides "the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service." The 900-acre property allows for exploration while maintaining connectivity for families with children.
Avoid crowded periods: Plan arrival times strategically to secure preferred sites. Kate advises that Echo Lake "does get a little crowded later in the day so you may have to share space with others," suggesting earlier arrival for families seeking more privacy.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance requirements: Small or high-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing remote sites. The L. notes that at Duck Pond Campsite, "the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it" due to rough roads, adding that "intermittent cell service" made driving on rough roads more concerning. Consider vehicle limitations before attempting access to remote dispersed camping areas near Lake Katrine.
Accessible RV options: Allaben Primitive Campsites offers one of the few drive-in dispersed camping options suitable for smaller RVs. Breanne H. describes it as a "nice spot right off the main road and close to town" with amenities including a "picnic table" and "fire pit with cooking griddle," making it more suitable for vehicle-based camping than many other dispersed sites in the region.
