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.
