Dispersed camping near Long Eddy, New York primarily consists of primitive sites on state forest lands situated in the western Catskills region, where elevations range from 1,000-2,500 feet. The area experiences seasonal extremes with heavy snowfall limiting winter access to many sites, while summer brings dense foliage and increased insect activity. Most locations require campers to follow Leave No Trace principles and carry in all supplies.
What to do
Hiking from campsites: Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping offers direct access to mountain trails for overnight backpackers. "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 camper Ali B.
Fishing access: Allaben Primitive Campsites provides convenient trails to fishing areas. According to Breanne H., the site has "trails to the fishing access across the road," making it suitable for anglers seeking easy water access without long hikes.
Trail exploration: Thunder Swamp Trailhead in nearby Pennsylvania features multiple connecting paths. Jason R. reports: "Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Primitive sites along waterways offer natural cooling and ambient sound. Denning Trailhead features spots "right by the river," according to reviews.
Quick access to supplies: Allaben Primitive Campsites balances wilderness with convenience. Breanne H. describes it as a "nice spot right off the main road and close to town," valuable for forgotten supplies or weather emergencies.
Privacy in small camping areas: The limited capacity at some sites ensures solitude. At Hickok Brook, Gregg T. notes "there are only 3 spots where we are," creating a more intimate camping experience.
Cooking amenities: Some primitive sites include unexpected cooking features. At Allaben, visitors appreciate the "fire pit with cooking griddle," eliminating the need for portable grills.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Regulations vary by county and land management agency. At Hickok Brook, campers should be aware that you "need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county," as Gregg T. learned after being asked to relocate by a ranger.
Vehicle restrictions: Many sites limit where vehicles can access. Hickok Brook has rules specifying "no motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping," requiring hikers to carry gear from parking areas to campsites.
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging even in good weather. Corey noted 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."
Cell reception: Communication can be unreliable throughout the region. At Beals Pond State Forest, Joshua M. reports being "unable to get cell reception with Verizon," so emergency planning is essential.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible primitive sites: Seek locations with minimal hiking required for younger children. Breanne H. recommends Allaben's setup with "picnic table, fire pit with cooking griddle" as conveniences that make family camping more manageable.
Water features: Small ponds or streams provide natural entertainment. Allaben has a "small pond" according to reviews, though fishing opportunities may be limited.
Short-term options: Thunder Swamp Trailhead works for overnight stays with children. Benjamin H. notes "it's a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me," making it suitable for quick trips with minimal setup.
Tips from RVers
High-clearance vehicles only: Many access roads near Long Eddy are unsuitable for traditional RVs. At Hickok Brook, Corey warns: "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. It's not a good spot for car camping."
Alternative parking options: RV owners can use designated trailheads as overnight spots in some areas. Jason R. reports that "trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble" at Thunder Swamp Trailhead, providing a flat surface for larger vehicles when rustic forest roads are impassable.
Winter considerations: Seasonal road closures affect RV access. Joshua M. cautions about Beals Pond State Forest: "After a certain point, the road is not maintained in the winter," making it inaccessible to larger vehicles during snow season.
