Top Free Dispersed Camping near Monticello, NY

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Monticello? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Monticello, NY (10)

    Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    2. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    76 Saves

    Description Permits for Peekamoose Blue Hole are only necessary on weekends and holidays from mid-May through mid-September of each year. Permits are available as late as a day in advance, but no more than 7 days in advance. There is a limit of 25 permits issued per day. The Blue Hole is a day-use area and is part of the Rondout Creek, which flows through the Peekamoose Valley to the Rondout Reservoir. The reservoir provides almost half of the drinking water for more than 9 million people in the New York City metropolitan area. Help us protect the area - and your drinking water - by observing these regulations: Use the portable toilets for all human waste. If you carry it in, carry it out - use the dumpsters. Camping, fires and portable generators are allowed only at designated campsites downstream of the Blue Hole. No radios and other audio devices. No glass containers. Except for the designated camping sites, the Peekamoose Corridor is open to the public from onehalf hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rest Area I-84
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake

    4. Echo Lake

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    113 Saves
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Alcohol
    • No image available

      5. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

      2 Reviews
      69 Saves

      The 917-acre Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Area is one of the largest state forests in Dutchess County. Most trails on this property allow multiple uses. It is very popular with mountain bikers, horseback riders, and dog walkers. Please be respectful of all users. Primitive Camping Camping at two designated sites is permitted on a first-come-first-serve basis. They're located on the west side of Brockway Road, south of Tyrrel Road. At-large primitive camping is also allowed. At-large campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Dispersed
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite
        Camper-submitted photo from Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite
        Camper-submitted photo from Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite
        Camper-submitted photo from Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite
        Camper-submitted photo from Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite
        Camper-submitted photo from Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite
        • No image available

          8. Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping

          Be the first to review!
          25 Saves

          Map: https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/lands_forests_pdf/recmapbiwa.pdf

          There are five lean-tos located trailside throughout the area, each supported by a seasonal water source and pit privy. Other designated campsites are marked with a yellow "Camp Here" disc. In addition, primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

          State law also prohibits camping above 3500 feet in elevation from March 22nd to December 21st each year. In a Wilderness Area, group size is limited to a maximum of 12. Larger groups may be accommodated in any of the Forest Preserve's Wild Forest areas such as nearby Balsam Lake Mountain or Willowemoc Wild Forests.

          Water is relatively scarce in the Catskills. It is not unusual for the springs and streams in this area to run dry during the summer months. The department cannot ensure the purity of any water source. Boil all water for 2 minutes, filter or treat chemically.

          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Tents
          • Group
          • Standard (Tent/RV)
          • Dispersed
          • No image available

            9. Allaben Primitive Campsites

            Be the first to review!
            21 Saves

            There are 8 designated campsites, but at-large primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Range

              • No image available

              Recent Dispersed Reviews In Monticello

              8 Reviews of 10 Monticello Campgrounds


              • G
                Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
                Aug. 26, 2024

                Hickok Brook

                Small, don't blink you'll miss it.

                There 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.

              • Corey The Dyrt PRO User
                Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
                Jun. 17, 2024

                Hickok Brook

                Beautiful but buggy lakeside tent sites

                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 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.

              • Katharine T.
                Camper-submitted photo from Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite
                May. 31, 2022

                Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite

                Perfect balance of community and space

                We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There’s plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. We’ll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking. We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!

              • K
                Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake
                Jul. 9, 2021

                Echo Lake

                Lovely Camping in the Catskills

                This 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.

              • Doc B.
                Camper-submitted photo from Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park
                Jun. 17, 2021

                Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

                A hidden gem...

                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. 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.

              • Ali B.
                Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
                Sep. 28, 2020

                Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

                Dispersed primitive camping

                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. (near the top of tabletop there is also a lean-to for camping).

              • Cory D.
                Camper-submitted photo from Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
                May. 28, 2019

                Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

                A place to sleep near the gunks

                This 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.

              • R
                Camper-submitted photo from Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite
                Jul. 12, 2017

                Appalachian Trail - designated backpacker 2 campsite

                Small but kind of your only option

                I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Also it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!

                That being said, as you enter the Worthington State Forest there are signs and hand painted maps indicating that this is the only place you can sleep in the forest. So if this is your timing, this is where you'll be sleeping! The site itself is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find.

                Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond. There are lots of signs around Sunfish pond itself that there's no camping allowed.



              Guide to Monticello

              Camping near Monticello, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

              What to do

              What campers like

              • Natural beauty: Campers appreciate the scenic views. A review for Clarence Fahnestock State Park stated, "It was incredible! It was so quiet at night—not a sound after 11pm during my visit."
              • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. One visitor at Woodland Valley Campground - DEC mentioned, "Our site was right next to the bathroom and the water which was a plus for us."
              • Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner have plenty of activities for kids. A parent shared, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities."

              What you should know

              • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor reception. A camper at Beaver Pond Campground noted, "There is NO cell service & just forget about WiFi. You are unplugged."
              • Crowded on weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak times. A visitor at Worthington State Forest Campground mentioned, "If you’re looking for a place to be a recluse, this is not the campsite to go."
              • Facilities vary: The quality of bathrooms and showers can differ. One reviewer at Clarence Fahnestock State Park said, "The bathrooms were very old and very clean."

              Tips for camping with families

              • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids, like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner. A family shared, "The kids are kids!!! They play in the creek, get dirty, build fires and hike on the premises."
              • Plan for meals: Bring food and snacks, as some campgrounds lack markets. A camper at Pickerel Point Campground mentioned, "The rod into the campground was full of pot holes."
              • Pack games and activities: Keep kids entertained with games or crafts. One family at Camp Taylor Campground enjoyed the "small arcade and playground."

              Tips from RVers

              • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Keen Lake Resort Campground said, "The sites are average in size. The site we had was a little tight to get into."
              • Be prepared for hills: Some campgrounds have steep roads. A visitor at Camp Taylor Campground advised, "Make sure if you’re towing, you have a good tow vehicle because the hills on the way there are epic."
              • Bring extra supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at North-South Lake Campground noted, "Generators are allowed for 5 hours & they tell you when you can use them."

              Camping near Monticello, New York, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you want to hike, swim, or just relax, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

              Frequently Asked Questions

              • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Monticello, NY?

                According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Monticello, NY is Hickok Brook with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

              • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Monticello, NY?

                TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Monticello, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.