Best Dispersed Camping near New Windsor, NY
Several dispersed camping areas surround the New Windsor region in New York, with primitive sites located primarily in multiple use areas and forest lands. The Hemlock Ridge Multiple Use Area offers basic dispersed camping opportunities approximately 150 feet from trails through 80 acres of forest. Other nearby options include Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park with over 900 acres of forested land for primitive camping, and more remote locations in the Catskills such as Echo Lake and Denning Trailhead near Peekamoose Mountain. These areas generally require proper distancing from trails and roads, with standard Leave No Trace practices expected.
Access to most dispersed sites varies significantly by location. Hemlock Ridge features a small parking area that accommodates only 4-6 vehicles, requiring campers to hike in to designated areas. Taconic Hereford sites require hiking in but maintain cell service despite their remote setting. Higher elevation sites like Echo Lake involve backpacking trails through potentially rough terrain. Hickok Brook features a very rough access road with significant potholes requiring high clearance vehicles. Most locations provide no amenities whatsoever - no toilets, drinking water, trash service, or established campsites - though Rider Hollow is an exception with basic toilet facilities.
The primitive nature of these camping areas appeals to those seeking solitude and natural surroundings. Many sites offer opportunities to camp near water features, with Echo Lake providing tent sites surrounding the entire lake and one lean-to. Wildlife viewing is common throughout these areas. These sites remain relatively uncrowded except during peak seasons. A camper noted that Hemlock Ridge offers "a quiet peaceful wooded area" though "bugs are relentless." Another described Echo Lake as having "tent sites around the whole lake with fire pits" but cautioned it "can get a little crowded later in the day." Most locations have no cell service, creating a true wilderness experience despite being relatively close to towns and highways.
