Dispersed camping near Monroe, New York centers primarily around several public lands and multiple use areas. The region includes Hemlock Ridge Multiple Use Area, a popular free camping zone for climbers visiting the Gunks, and Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, which provides primitive camping across its 900+ acres of forested land. Additional options include Hickok Brook, which features lakeside tent sites, and for those willing to travel slightly farther, Denning Trailhead offers primitive camping approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead parking area. These areas permit camping without established facilities or designated sites.
Access to these dispersed camping areas varies significantly, with many requiring proper planning and appropriate vehicles. Hemlock Ridge features a small parking lot accommodating only 4-6 cars, requiring campers to hike at least 150 feet from trails to set up camp. The road to Hickok Brook contains large potholes demanding high-clearance vehicles, making it unsuitable for RVs or trailers. Several sites require hiking or walking to reach suitable camping spots, as drive-in options are limited. Most areas enforce standard Leave No Trace principles and lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region.
These primitive camping areas provide varying experiences based on their specific locations and terrain. Hemlock Ridge offers quiet, wooded sites with limited cellular connectivity. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park provides a more secluded backcountry feel while still maintaining cell service and relative proximity to town. Hickok Brook features small lakeside camping spots with restrictions on motorized vehicles in certain areas. Permits may be required for camping on New York state land, as noted by visitors. According to one reviewer, Taconic Hereford feels like "a quiet piece of beautiful forest to truly rough it," while another noted that Hemlock Ridge is "off the beaten path" with "absolutely no amenities whatsoever." Campers at Denning Trailhead appreciate the riverside spots that serve as good basecamps for hiking nearby mountains.
"If 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."
"99% off people don't even know this area exists. If you want a quiet piece of beautiful forest to truly rough it and go camping for a few days, then this is what you have been looking for."
"This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."
"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."
"Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."
"Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."
"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."
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.
Scout99% off people don't even know this area exists. If you want a quiet piece of beautiful forest to truly rough it and go camping for a few days, then this is what you have been looking for. Less then 10 min drive from town, but hiking in and finding a suitable place to make camp has the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service. There is plenty of trails to explore and wildlife to enjoy, especially since these over 900 acres also back up to another huge plot of protected forests. Please enjoy Mother Nature's healing love, and leave the area cleaner than when you arrived. Always let someone know where you are headed and when you plan to return.
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
GuideThis spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs.
RangerThere are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY. Really is a nice quiet place. It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area. 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.
TravelerGreat 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. (near the top of tabletop there is also a lean-to for camping).
RangerWas only $25 night. Great looking facilities and friendly staff.
Dispersed camping near Monroe, New York requires proper preparation for primitive conditions. The surrounding Catskill region sits at elevations ranging from 500-4,000 feet with seasonal temperature variations of 20-85°F depending on the time of year. Most sites lack basic amenities and enforce standard wilderness regulations requiring campers to position tents at least 150 feet from water sources and trails.
Hiking trails access: Thunder Swamp Trailhead offers extensive trail connections. "Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh," notes Jason R., who found the "trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble."
Lakeside camping: Hickok Brook features several tent sites adjacent to water. Gregg T. explains, "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."
Mountain climbing basecamp: Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping serves as a starting point for summiting nearby peaks. "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," reports Ali B.
Cell service reliability: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers unexpected connectivity despite its remote feel. Doc B. appreciates that it provides "the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service," while being "less than 10 min drive from town."
Peaceful seclusion: Rustic camping spots around Monroe offer genuine isolation. Tim M. found Taconic Hereford "easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service," though he cautions the "road is narrow with not much turnaround room."
Budget-friendly options: Free and low-cost camping predominates in this region. At Taconic Hereford, licia S. reported it "was only $25 night. Great looking facilities and friendly staff."
Vehicle requirements: High-clearance vehicles are necessary for accessing many sites. At Hickok Brook, Corey observed, "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."
Parking limitations: Most dispersed sites have minimal parking. At Thunder Swamp Trailhead, benjamin H. describes simply "a gravel parking lot. Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."
Permit requirements: Certain locations require camping permits from New York state authorities. Gregg T. cautions at Hickok Brook, "Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."
Limited amenities preparation: Bring all supplies as most areas have no facilities. At Hemlock Ridge MUA, Cory D. confirms, "This isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities... Bugs are relentless."
Site selection strategy: Scout locations early for flat ground. Dawn M. notes at Hemlock Ridge, "you can set up your own camp anywhere," though she "only seen/stayed at one camping spot which is literally at about the required 150ft from the road."
Weather preparedness: The Catskills region experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. Doc B. at Taconic Hereford advises, "Always let someone know where you are headed and when you plan to return."
Size restrictions: Most rustic camping locations near Monroe cannot accommodate large rigs. Corey states about Hickok Brook, "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup... It's not a good spot for car camping."
Alternative lodging options: Consider alternatives if traveling with an RV or trailer. Tim M. warns 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."
Supply planning: No hookups or dump stations exist at most locations. Gregg T. emphasizes about the Hickok Brook area, "Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Monroe, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Monroe, NY is Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Monroe, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Monroe, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
