Best Dispersed Camping near Old Chatham, NY

Old Chatham, NY is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Old Chatham is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Old Chatham and user-submitted reviews.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Old Chatham, New York (22)

    1. Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    South Egremont, MA
    21 miles
    Website

    "Trash cans, but carry out is preferable."

    2. Sage's Revine

    1 Review
    Taconic, CT
    27 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."

    3. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    6 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    37 miles

    "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."

    "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be."

    4. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Wilmington, VT
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road."

    "Some sites were really wet but we found a nice dry place."

    5. Ushers Road State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Round Lake, NY
    34 miles

    "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."

    6. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    36 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."

    7. Somerset Airfield

    6 Reviews
    West Dover, VT
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 388-4362

    "It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park."

    "I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning."

    8. Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    48 miles

    "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"

    "Entrance is soft"

    9. Duck Pond Campsite

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    47 miles

    "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad."

    "Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads"

    10. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    2 Reviews
    Verbank, NY
    49 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Old Chatham, NY

38 Reviews of 22 Old Chatham 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.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Ushers Road State Forest

    Trail head

    This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week.

    About 500 feet down the right-hand trail, there is a smaller path branching off to the left. This leads to a previously used campsite, approximately 200 feet from the main trail. The site includes a stone fire ring, indicating prior use.

    Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it’s at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots.

  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2023

    Somerset Airfield

    Small open park

    The Airfield Campground is a strip of land with several campsites and fire pits. It has pit toilets. These sites are close together with little to no shade. Some sites have access to a stream that flows behind the park. The real attraction is the huge Somerset Resevoir which is up the road. Plenty of fishing, paddling, hiking and picnicking opportunities. There are other dispersed sites down the road that are free

  • 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.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Somerset Airfield

    Good stopover location

    Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere.

    Campsites are listed as disbursed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites. The campsites are all next to the road and have fire circles.

    There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service. Basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors.

  • Natasha T.
    Jun. 6, 2022

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Nice wooded little campsite

    A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well. A few miles down the road there is another campsite that is more open and also has a fire pit with a lot less bugs flying around and more open space.

  • c H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2023

    George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    Cool Spot!

    The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road. Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites.

  • YThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Open quite campsites

    After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience. Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Small vehicle only

    The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse. The site itself, was pretty nice, Fire pit, trickling stream, but the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it. Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads


Guide to Old Chatham

Dispersed camping near Old Chatham, New York, offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Old Chatham, New York

  • Many dispersed camping spots, like Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail, are free to use, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious campers.
  • Always remember to follow Leave No Trace principles to keep these natural areas pristine, especially in places like George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, where amenities are minimal.
  • Be prepared for a hike-in experience at some locations, such as Sage's Revine, which requires a bit of effort to reach but rewards you with beautiful surroundings.

Scenic spots for dispersed campers

  • The picturesque Echo Lake is surrounded by stunning views and offers tent sites with fire pits, perfect for a cozy evening under the stars.
  • For those seeking solitude, NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot provides a peaceful environment, though it can get crowded during peak times, so plan accordingly.
  • The Rensselaerville State Forest is another great option, offering a serene backdrop for campers looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Dispersed campers should check out George D Aiken Wilderness

  • This area is known for its large, well-organized sites, making it a favorite among those who enjoy spacious camping experiences, as highlighted by visitors at George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed.
  • Campers can enjoy the freedom of having no permit requirements, allowing for spontaneous trips to places like Ushers Road State Forest.
  • With features like fire pits and the option to bring pets, George D Aiken Wilde Road Dispersed Site is ideal for those looking to enjoy a campfire while surrounded by nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Old Chatham, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Old Chatham, NY is Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Old Chatham, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 22 dispersed camping locations near Old Chatham, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.