Dispersed camping options surround New Baltimore, New York within the foothills of the Catskill Mountains and nearby wilderness areas of Vermont. Most primitive sites sit at elevations between 1,200-2,500 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than the Hudson Valley. Cell service varies widely throughout the region with most campgrounds reporting only intermittent connectivity.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: The Green Mountain National Forest contains multiple access points for hikers at NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot. "Peaceful and quiet dispersed camping spot. Large enough for 2-3 vehicles or one large rig/RV. Very few vehicles pass, some days none," reports Danny D.
Fishing streams: Betty Brook Camp provides direct access to flowing water. According to Robert B., "You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots." The small streamside setting makes this location ideal for anglers seeking solitude.
Year-round camping options: Several sites remain accessible during winter months for cold-weather enthusiasts. At Burnt Rossman State Forest, camper Felix R. notes it "was a great location for winter camping" with sites that are "easily accessible from road."
Visit nearby towns: The George D Aiken Wilderness area provides access to local communities. One camper mentions, "Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites."
What campers like
Solitude and privacy: Many dispersed sites around New Baltimore offer significant separation between campsites. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, campers appreciate that "The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on."
Lake access: Echo Lake provides water-based recreation with Kate noting, "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."
Well-established fire rings: Many primitive sites feature existing fire structures from previous use. At NFR 273, Michele N. reports "At least a dozen spots, some very spacious. Only crashed for 1 night but will be coming back to spend a few, this area was excellent!"
Quick access from main roads: Several free camping areas near New Baltimore remain accessible without extensive backcountry travel. In George D Aiken Wilderness, a camper mentions, "Different size sites, att cell reception. Mostly clean short drive to pond and stores."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many access roads to dispersed sites require careful driving. At Duck Pond Campsite, Yae U. advises, "Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions," while another camper mentions, "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse."
Size limitations: Most free camping near New Baltimore accommodates only small to medium vehicles. Betty Brook Camp has limited space with Peter noting, "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small."
Bring insect protection: Dense forests create favorable conditions for insects, particularly in warmer months. At NFR 273, Natasha T. warns, "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
Seasonal crowding: Despite remote locations, some areas experience unexpected visitor volume. At NFR 273, a late October visitor reports, "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot."
Tips for camping with families
Lean-to options: For families seeking slightly more structure, Sage's Revine provides platforms and basic facilities. Luke A. notes it's "Near non-potable stream, no fires allowed, bathroom is fine, bear boxes available. 50 feet between platforms."
Flat terrain sites: Echo Lake offers family-friendly terrain with a camper describing sites as "relatively flat and well shaded with trees." However, they caution that "it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray."
Avoid swampy areas: Several sites have drainage issues following rain. At Ushers Road State Forest, The L. reports, "The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week."
Sanitation planning: No toilet facilities exist at most sites. At George D Aiken, one camper reported issues with improper waste disposal, indicating families should bring portable toilet solutions and properly dispose of waste.
Tips from RVers
Small trailers only: Most free camping near New Baltimore accommodates only compact RVs. At Betty Brook Camp, a local resident confirms, "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small, but it's in state park, and there's tons of walking that can be done."
Road clearance requirements: Access roads often require higher clearance vehicles. A Duck Pond visitor warns, "The years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it. Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads."
Site selection for larger rigs: NFR 273 provides some options for larger vehicles with one camper noting it's "Large enough for 2-3 vehicles or one large rig/RV." However, another visitor cautions, "Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck."
