Dispersed camping near Montgomery, New York includes multiple primitive sites throughout the Catskill Mountains, allowing campers to experience undeveloped wilderness at no cost. Most sites sit at elevations between 1,200-2,800 feet with typical summer temperatures ranging from 50-80°F. Winter access becomes limited by snow accumulation, with many access roads becoming impassable from December through March.
What to do
Fishing access points: Allaben Primitive Campsites provides convenient access to nearby fishing spots. "Trails to the fishing access across the road," notes Breanne H., who appreciated the site's proximity to town and basic amenities that include "a fire pit with cooking griddle."
Mountain hiking: Sites near Denning Trailhead offer strategic positioning for challenging hikes. "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," reports Ali B., who highlighted the convenience for early morning summit attempts.
Wildlife observation: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park's extensive acreage creates ideal conditions for wildlife viewing. "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," explains Doc B., who recommends the area for those seeking solitude.
What campers like
Lake views: Echo Lake earns praise for its scenic water setting. "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots. We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze," shares James A., though he cautions that reaching some sites requires "navigating through small overgrown trails."
Isolation and quiet: Hemlock Ridge MUA provides genuine seclusion for those seeking privacy. Dawn M. describes it as "a quiet peaceful wooded area" where "you can set up your own camp anywhere," noting she "was the only one here & it was a very peaceful & relaxing night."
Riverside camping: Near Denning Trailhead, riverside primitive sites provide natural white noise and water access. Campers appreciate that "a lot of spots [are] right by the river," creating natural boundaries between camping areas and providing ambient sound that masks other campers.
What you should know
Vehicle restrictions: At Hickok Brook, automobile access is severely limited. "There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping," warns Gregg T., emphasizing that "it's a hike back to town" and campers should "bring everything with you."
Permit requirements: New York state lands often require camping permits. "Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county," advises Gregg T., who learned this requirement from rangers at Hickok Brook.
Cell coverage variability: Despite remote settings, some areas maintain surprising connectivity. At Taconic Hereford, Doc B. notes you can experience "hiking in and finding a suitable place to make camp has the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Echo Lake offers an excellent introduction to primitive camping for families. Kate describes it as "perfect" for a first backpacking trip, with "tent sites around the whole lake with fire pits and 1 lean-to site" and relatively flat terrain that accommodates family-sized tents.
Bug protection: Low-lying areas near water sources require insect preparation. Kate warns that "it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray," while another camper at Hemlock Ridge MUA reports "bugs are relentless," making proper repellent essential for comfortable family camping.
Crowding considerations: Arrive early at popular sites, particularly during peak season. Kate notes that Echo Lake "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," suggesting midweek visits for families seeking more solitude.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Hickok Brook's access road presents significant challenges for any vehicle. "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping," cautions Corey, who attempted access with "a full ton diesel pickup" and found conditions unsuitable even for rugged vehicles.
Limited parking availability: Hemlock Ridge MUA has extremely restricted parking. "The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight," according to Dawn M., making this location impractical for multiple RVs or larger camping groups requiring several vehicles.
Small town resources: Free camping near Montgomery provides limited access to supplies. Near Hickok Brook, Gregg T. notes "there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY" for essential resupply, though the limited selection means bringing everything needed for the duration is strongly recommended.
