Best Dispersed Camping near Newburgh, NY

Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Newburgh? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your New York camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Newburgh, New York (8)

    1. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    2 Reviews
    69 Saves
    Verbank, New York

    The 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
    Cory D.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Newburgh, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Newburgh, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Newburgh, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Newburgh, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Newburgh, NY

    2. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    61 Saves
    Plattekill, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Jorge P.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Newburgh, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Newburgh, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Newburgh, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Newburgh, NY

    3. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    77 Saves
    Claryville, New York

    Description

    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
    Kate's photo of a dispersed camping area at Echo Lake near Newburgh, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Newburgh, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Newburgh, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Newburgh, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Newburgh, NY

    4. Echo Lake

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    116 Saves
    Woodstock, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Alcohol
    Gregg T.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Hickok Brook near Newburgh, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hickok Brook near Newburgh, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hickok Brook near Newburgh, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hickok Brook near Newburgh, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hickok Brook near Newburgh, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hickok Brook near Newburgh, NY

    5. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    18 Photos
    23 Saves
    Barryville, New York
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table

    6. Sage's Revine

    1 Review
    33 Saves
    Taconic, Connecticut
    • Pets
    • Reservable
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Drinking Water

    7. Allaben Primitive Campsites

    Be the first to review!
    22 Saves
    Shandaken, New York

    There 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

      8. Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping

      Be the first to review!
      26 Saves
      Highmount, New York

      Map: 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
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    Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews near Newburgh, NY

    8 Reviews of 8 Newburgh Campgrounds


    • Ali B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jorge P.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Newburgh, NY
      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).

    • Cory D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Cory D.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Newburgh, NY
      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.

    • 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.

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Kate's photo of a dispersed camping area at Echo Lake near Newburgh, NY
      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 The Dyrt PRO User
      Gregg T.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Hickok Brook near Newburgh, NY
      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.

    • GThe Dyrt PRO User
      Gregg T.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Hickok Brook near Newburgh, NY
      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.

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

      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 Newburgh

    Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Newburgh, New York, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

    Hidden Gems for Dispersed Campers

    • The Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park is a fantastic choice for those looking for a quiet escape, with its beautiful forest setting and easy access to hiking trails.
    • For a more rugged experience, check out Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, where you can camp anywhere 150 feet from the trail, surrounded by 80 acres of forest.
    • If you want to enjoy a lakeside view, Echo Lake offers tent sites with fire pits, making it a lovely spot for a peaceful night under the stars.

    Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Newburgh, New York

    • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep the natural beauty of places like Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping pristine for future visitors.
    • Be prepared for bugs, especially at locations like Hickok Brook, where the lakeside setting can attract them, so bringing bug spray is a must.
    • Make sure to bring all necessary supplies, as places like Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping have no amenities and require a hike to access.

    Top Activities While Free Camping Near Newburgh

    • Hiking is a popular activity, especially at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping, where you can easily access trails leading to stunning mountain views.
    • Wildlife watching is a rewarding experience at Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, where the diverse ecosystem provides opportunities to spot various animals.
    • Enjoying campfires is allowed at many locations, including Echo Lake, making it a great spot for evening gatherings and storytelling under the stars.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Newburgh, NY?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Newburgh, 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 Newburgh, NY?

      TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Newburgh, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.