Best Dispersed Camping near New Kingston, NY

Dispersed camping options near New Kingston, New York include several primitive sites throughout the Catskill region. Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp provides a peaceful setting with sites accessible from the road, suitable for winter camping. Betty Brook Camp features streamside camping with fire pits, though the site remains relatively small and unsuitable for large trailers. Duck Pond Campsite offers well-maintained sites near a small pond, while Allaben Primitive Campsites provides easy access from main roads with picnic tables and fire pits with cooking griddles.

Most dispersed sites in this region lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Several campers noted rough road conditions, particularly at Duck Pond Campsite where one reviewer warned, "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough... intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads." Small vehicles are recommended for accessing many of these sites. Fire rings are available at most locations, but campers should bring their own firewood from local sources to prevent spreading invasive species.

The region experiences typical Catskill Mountain weather patterns with cold winters and mild summers. Winter access becomes limited at several sites, with Beals Pond State Forest noted as "not easily accessible in winter" as "the road is not maintained." For those seeking more remote experiences, Denning Trailhead offers primitive camping spots about 1.5 miles from the trailhead with riverside sites. Echo Lake provides tent sites around the lake with fire pits and a lean-to, though it can become crowded later in the day. All sites operate under Leave No Trace principles, requiring campers to minimize their impact on these natural areas.

Best Dispersed Sites Near New Kingston, New York (11)

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near New Kingston, NY

12 Reviews of 11 New Kingston Campgrounds


  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2019

    Whaupaunaucau State Forest

    Hidden gem in Chenango County

    You have to work a bit to find info on the Whaupaunaucau state forest as a camping destination, but for primitive campers that is part of the appeal! This is a relatively unknown oasis outside of the county, but this state forest has a network of miles of trails for both hiking and criss country skiing. There is an offifical lean-to shelter and developed campsite on trail 20 (see map) but there are several primitive sites with tent site and stine fireplace, plus dispersed leave-no-trace camping is allowed anywhere in the state forest, and the possibilities are endless. Lovely hilly vistas, pondside glens, and lots of clearings near clear streams deep in this old stately forest. A great place to get away from it all for hiking and camping but it is also a fantastic place to go if you enjoy botanizing or birding, lots of unusual species to see. Just beware of ticks, they are invading the region

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 27, 2024

    Beals Pond State Forest

    Not easily accessible in winter

    This state forest is beautiful but not easily accessible in the winter. After a certain point, the road is not maintained in the winter and I was unable to get cell reception with Verizon.

  • YThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Open quite campsites

    After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience. Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Small vehicle only

    The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse. The site itself, was pretty nice, Fire pit, trickling stream, but 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

  • James A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Echo Lake

    Beautiful lake with lean to

    Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots. Other campsites are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails (wear pants) We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze.

  • P
    Dec. 17, 2023

    Betty Brook Camp

    Pretty good place

    I live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road. There's a stream alongside it, a fire pit, and a town about 8 mi away. It's a small town, with just a gas station store. 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.

  • Ali B.The Dyrt PRO User
    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).


Guide to New Kingston

Dispersed camping near New Kingston, New York offers primitive sites scattered throughout the eastern Catskill Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 feet. The region features numerous small streams and ponds within state forest lands, with camping opportunities typically located on unmarked forest roads. Most sites experience temperatures ranging from 75-85°F in summer to below freezing in winter, with higher precipitation in spring and fall.

What to do

Streamside exploration: Campers at Betty Brook Camp enjoy direct access to water activities. As camper Robert notes, "You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots," making it ideal for creek wading, small-scale fishing, or simply enjoying the ambient sound of running water.

Hiking to backcountry sites: For those seeking more solitude, hike-in options provide greater seclusion. At Echo Lake, camper James shares, "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots. Other campsites are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails (wear pants)." Bring proper footwear and long pants to navigate these less-maintained pathways.

Bird and wildlife observation: The region's mixed hardwood forests support diverse wildlife. Early mornings at the smaller water bodies like Duck Pond provide opportunities to spot various woodland birds, deer, and occasionally black bears from a safe distance.

What campers like

Quiet weekday experiences: The more remote sites offer true solitude, especially mid-week. One camper at Betty Brook Camp mentions, "Love to camp here all year long have been coming to the area for a couple of decades now. Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people."

Lake view camping spots: Higher elevation sites provide expansive views. At Echo Lake, James found an optimal spot: "We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze," offering both scenery and natural cooling during warmer months.

Well-maintained primitive sites: Despite the remote nature, some sites remain surprisingly well-kept. At Duck Pond Campsite, camper Yae discovered: "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived at surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad."

What you should know

Road condition challenges: Access to many sites requires navigating unpaved forest roads. A Duck Pond camper warns about specific access points: "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse... Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads."

Seasonal accessibility: Winter access varies significantly by site. At Beals Pond State Forest, Joshua notes: "This state forest is beautiful but not easily accessible in the winter. After a certain point, the road is not maintained in the winter and I was unable to get cell reception with Verizon."

Site arrival timing: Popular locations fill quickly, especially on weekends. One Echo Lake visitor cautions: "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."

Tips for camping with families

Lean-to options for easier setup: Families with young children may appreciate the lean-to structures available at select sites. At Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping, Ali mentions, "near the top of tabletop there is also a lean-to for camping," which can simplify setup and provide more shelter.

Stream-adjacent sites: Children often enjoy playing near shallow water features. Select sites with gentle stream access for supervised water play, but be aware most lack formal swimming areas.

Proximity to emergency services: The remote nature of dispersed camping means limited cell service and considerable distance from medical facilities. Families should plan accordingly with first aid supplies and emergency communications.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Most dispersed sites near New Kingston accommodate only smaller rigs. A local camper at Betty Brook Camp advises: "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."

Limited turning radius: Forest roads often lack adequate turn-around space for larger vehicles. Scout potential sites first without your trailer or consider smaller, more maneuverable rigs under 20 feet.

Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at most sites. Bring adequate leveling blocks and stabilizers as most primitive sites lack the grading found at developed campgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near New Kingston, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near New Kingston, NY is Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near New Kingston, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near New Kingston, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.