Best Dispersed Camping near New Paltz, NY
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Best Dispersed Sites Near New Paltz, NY (10)
1. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park
Verbank, New York2 Reviews•69 SavesThe 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
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
2. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
Plattekill, New York1 Review•3 Photos•59 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
Claryville, New York1 Review•2 Photos•76 SavesDescription
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
- Dispersed
4. Echo Lake
Woodstock, New York1 Review•3 Photos•114 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
5. Sage's Revine
Taconic, Connecticut1 Review•33 Saves- Pets
- Reservable
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
6. Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
South Egremont, Massachusetts2 Reviews•36 SavesThis 11.1 mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts starts as the AT enters the state from Connecticut, heading north and features Sages Ravine, Race Mountain, Mount Everett, and Jug End. This section of the AT includes two shelters and a few designated campsites. The shelters are the Hemlock Shelter and the Glen Brook Shelter. This is the southern most section of the AT in Massachusetts.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
8. Allaben Primitive Campsites
Be the first to review!Shandaken, New York•21 SavesThere 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
9. Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping
Be the first to review!Highmount, New York•25 SavesMap: 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
Recent Dispersed Reviews in New Paltz
10 Reviews of 10 New Paltz Campgrounds
licia S.
GuideTaconic Hereford Multiple Use Park
Great Campground
Was only $25 night. Great looking facilities and friendly staff.
- licia S.Guide
Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
No camping per MA.gov website
This is a hiking trail only- no camping per website: https://www.mass.gov/locations/jug-end-state-reservation-wildlife-management-area
- GGregg T.Guide
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
ScoutHickok 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.
- KKateGuide
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.ScoutTaconic 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.
Traveler
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.
Ranger
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.
- Luke A.Traveler
Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Jug End Campground, Great Spot for Section Hikers and All.
Great spot, I have section hiked the majority of the east coast AT and this is in my top 10 spots to stay at. Trash cans, but carry out is preferable.
- Luke A.Traveler
Sage's Revine
Fantastic spot, right near water. 12 platforms available.
Near non-potable stream, no fires allowed, bathroom is fine, bear boxes available. 50 feet between platforms. Right over the border of CT into MA on the Appalachian Trail. Great spot, highly recommend.
Guide to New Paltz
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near New Paltz, New York, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you can enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness while still being close to town.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near New Paltz, New York
- Many areas, like Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, allow for free camping without the need for permits, making it an accessible option for spontaneous trips.
- Always practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the natural beauty of places such as Echo Lake, where visitors are encouraged to pack out what they pack in.
- Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed has no facilities, so bring everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Scenic hiking trails for dispersed campers
- The Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping offers access to beautiful hiking trails, including routes to Tabletop and Peekamoose mountains, perfect for adventurous campers.
- Explore the picturesque surroundings of Hickok Brook, where you can find trails that lead to stunning lakeside views and peaceful nature walks.
- For those looking to combine camping with climbing, Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed is a popular spot for climbers heading to the nearby Gunks.
Wildlife watching opportunities while free camping near New Paltz
- Experience the rich wildlife at Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping, where you can spot various species while enjoying the tranquility of the forest.
- The expansive grounds of Echo Lake are home to diverse flora and fauna, making it an ideal location for nature lovers and photographers alike.
- Keep an eye out for local wildlife at Allaben Primitive Campsites, where the natural habitat provides a perfect backdrop for observing animals in their environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near New Paltz, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near New Paltz, NY is Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near New Paltz, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near New Paltz, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.