Best Dispersed Camping near Monroe, NY
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.
