The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Livingston Manor. Livingston Manor is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Livingston Manor. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
"Great camping spots about 1.5 mile hike in from Denning Trailhead. A lot of spots right by the river. Great spot to camp and then wake up to hike to tabletop/ peekamoose mountain."
"I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must."
"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."
"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."
"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. "
"Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots."
"Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"
"Entrance is soft"
"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."
"Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads"
"I live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road."
"Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots"
GuideThis 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.
ScoutI drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. 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 to put up a small tent somewhere. Very gorgeous but not rv friendly.
ScoutThis state forest is beautiful but not easily accessible in the winter. After a certain point, the road is not maintained in the winter and I was unable to get cell reception with Verizon.
ScoutAfter 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.
GuideThe 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
RangerThis 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.
TravelerIf 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
TravelerLake 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.
TravelerWas a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Livingston Manor, New York, where nature lovers can immerse themselves in serene landscapes and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. With numerous options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What permits do I need for camping in Livingston Manor?
For dispersed camping in Livingston Manor and the surrounding Catskills region, you typically don't need special permits for most state forest lands. However, you must follow New York State DEC regulations, including camping at designated sites or at least 150 feet from water bodies, roads, and trails. At Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, standard Leave No Trace rules apply with no special permits required. For camping longer than three nights or with groups of 10+ people, you'll need a free permit from the local DEC office. Always check the latest regulations before your trip as rules can change seasonally.
Where can I find dispersed camping in Livingston Manor?
Livingston Manor offers several excellent dispersed camping options in the surrounding area. Echo Lake provides tent sites around the lake with fire pits and a lean-to at the trailhead. The sites are relatively flat and well-shaded. Duck Pond Campsite is accessible via unpaved dirt roads and features well-maintained campsites with fire pits and a trickling stream nearby. Be aware that access roads can be rough, so vehicles with good clearance are recommended. Both locations offer peaceful, primitive camping experiences away from crowds, though they require careful planning as they have no facilities.
What's the best season for dispersed camping in Livingston Manor?
Late spring through early fall (May-October) offers the most comfortable dispersed camping in the Livingston Manor area. Summer provides warm days for swimming and exploring, though some sites like Betty Brook Camp can be busier on holiday weekends. Be aware that Beals Pond State Forest becomes difficult to access in winter when roads aren't maintained. For those prepared for cold-weather camping, sites like Burnt Rossman State Forest remain accessible year-round. Fall brings spectacular foliage but cooler temperatures. Always check road conditions before heading out, especially after rain or snow, as access to many dispersed sites can become challenging.
Are there any free camping spots near Livingston Manor?
Yes, several free dispersed camping options exist near Livingston Manor. Hickok Brook offers primitive camping with no fees, though access requires navigating rough roads with significant potholes, making high-clearance vehicles necessary. There are limited spots available, and some areas restrict motor vehicles. Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp provides another free option with sites accessible from the road, making it suitable for winter camping. Remember that all free sites follow standard dispersed camping rules: no facilities, pack in/pack out, and camping at least 150 feet from water sources.
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