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Best Dispersed Camping near New Paltz, NY

13 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near New Paltz, New York provide primitive outdoor experiences on public lands without developed facilities. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed offers free camping within 80 acres of forest, with sites required to be 150 feet from the main trail. The parking area accommodates only 4-6 vehicles, making early arrival advisable. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park spans over 900 acres of protected forest and offers a true wilderness experience despite being only 10 minutes from town. According to reviews, this area maintains cell service despite its remote feel.

Most dispersed sites in the region require strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles. No drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities exist at Hemlock Ridge or most other primitive sites. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire regulations vary by location and season; always use established fire rings where available. Several campers noted that insect activity can be intense, particularly at Echo Lake and Hemlock Ridge, where bugs are described as "relentless" near water edges.

Permits are required for camping on some New York State lands. At Hickok Brook, a ranger verification of proper campsite location is necessary. The Denning Trailhead area provides access to riverside camping spots approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead, serving as an excellent base for hiking Tabletop and Peekamoose mountains. Echo Lake features tent sites circling the water with fire pits and one lean-to, though it can become crowded and noisy during peak periods. Road conditions vary significantly; Hickok Brook access requires high-clearance vehicles due to large potholes and rough terrain.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near New Paltz, New York (10)

    1. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "If you like dispersed camping, like me- this place is good. There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path."

    2. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    2 Reviews
    Verbank, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "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."

    3. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 652-7365

    "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. "

    "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots."

    4. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    Claryville, NY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3076

    "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."

    5. Allaben Primitive Campsites

    1 Review
    Shandaken, NY
    29 miles

    "Nice spot right off the main road and close to town. Small pond-don’t think there are any fish. Picnic table. Fire pit with cooking griddle. Trails to the fishing access across the road."

    6. Sage's Revine

    1 Review
    Taconic, CT
    38 miles
    Website

    "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."

    7. Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    South Egremont, MA
    43 miles
    Website

    "Trash cans, but carry out is preferable."

    8. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    45 miles

    "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."

    "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."

    9. Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping

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    Highmount, NY
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3076

    10. Russell Brook Road

    Be the first to review!
    Roscoe, NY
    47 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near New Paltz, NY

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near New Paltz, NY

13 Reviews of 10 New Paltz Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Corey
    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.

  • Doc B.
    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.

  • Cory D.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Dawn M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2025

    Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    Pretty cool

    If you like dispersed camping, like me- this place is good. There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight. There’s no spectacular mountain views from above, but rather a quiet peaceful wooded area & although I only seen/stayed at one camping spot which is literally at about the required 150ft from the road, you can set up your own camp anywhere. I was the only one here & it was a very peaceful & relaxing night

  • 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.

  • Luke A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2018

    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.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

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

Where can I find dispersed camping sites near New Paltz, NY?

Several dispersed camping options exist near New Paltz. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed offers primitive camping with a small parking lot for about 4-5 cars and permits camping anywhere 150ft from the trail through its 80 acres of forest. Many climbers use this site for access to the Gunks. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park provides a secluded forest experience less than 10 minutes from town, though you'll need to hike in to find suitable camping spots. For those willing to venture a bit farther, Denning Trailhead offers primitive camping spots about 1.5 miles in from the trailhead, with many sites located along the river.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the New Paltz region?

Dispersed camping in the New Paltz region follows standard Leave No Trace principles. At Hickok Brook, camping requires high-clearance vehicles to navigate the rough road with large potholes, and some areas prohibit motor vehicles beyond certain points. For more accessible options, Allaben Primitive Campsites provides designated sites with fire pits (including cooking griddles) and picnic tables. Most dispersed sites in the region require camping at least 150 feet from trails, roads, and water sources. Campfires are permitted at many sites with established fire rings, but always check current fire restrictions. Some areas have specific regulations about food storage due to bears, so proper containment is essential.

What seasons are best for dispersed camping around New Paltz?

Late spring through early fall offers the most comfortable dispersed camping conditions around New Paltz. Echo Lake is ideal during summer months when you can enjoy the lake surrounded by hills, with sites scattered around the water including one lean-to. Summer camping here provides beautiful lake views and cooling breezes on the hillside sites. Be aware that some areas like Sage's Revine can become quite buggy during the warmer months, so insect protection is essential. Fall brings spectacular foliage but cooler temperatures, especially at higher elevations. Winter camping is possible for experienced backpackers but requires proper cold-weather gear. Spring often brings muddy conditions and potential flooding at riverside sites.

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