Dispersed camping near Olivebridge, New York provides backcountry opportunities within the western Catskill Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,000-2,500 feet. The area contains multiple state forests and wildlife management areas accessible via dirt roads and hiking trails. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing with substantial snowfall, while summer brings moderate temperatures with occasional thunderstorms.
What to do
Mountain hiking trails: Access several trailheads near Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping, which connects to the Catskill trail system. From nearby Denning Trailhead, campers can "wake up to hike to tabletop/peekamoose mountain" where "near the top of tabletop there is also a lean-to for camping."
Stream fishing: Many dispersed sites provide fishing access to local streams and ponds. At Allaben Primitive Campsites, campers appreciate "trails to the fishing access across the road." The site features a "small pond" though campers note they "don't think there are any fish" in the immediate pond.
Winter camping: Cold-weather adventurers can access certain sites year-round. At Burnt Rossman State Forest, the site remains "easily accessible from road" in winter conditions. One camper noted their winter experience was "beautiful, peaceful, great time!"
Wildlife observation: The extensive forest tracts provide habitat for diverse wildlife. At Hemlock Ridge MUA, campers report peaceful seclusion within "a quiet peaceful wooded area" with opportunities to "enjoy Mother Nature's healing love" in a relatively undisturbed forest environment.
What campers like
Lakeside camping options: Echo Lake provides multiple camping locations around its shoreline. Campers report finding "tent sites around the whole lake with fire pits" and options for camping "on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze."
Private, secluded sites: Dispersed camping areas offer opportunities for solitude away from crowds. At Hemlock Ridge MUA, one camper reported "I was the only one here and it was a very peaceful and relaxing night" while noting the area consists of "absolutely no amenities whatsoever."
Proximity to towns: Despite wilderness settings, some sites maintain convenient access to supplies. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park is "less than 10 min drive from town" while still providing "the feeling of the wild" with the added security of "having full cell service."
Fire pits and cooking options: Many sites include established fire rings. Allaben Primitive Campsites provides a "fire pit with cooking griddle" along with a "picnic table" making meal preparation more convenient in a primitive setting.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many roads leading to campsites require high-clearance vehicles. At Duck Pond Campsite, campers warn "the road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough" and advise "small vehicle only" as larger vehicles may struggle with "sometimes rough conditions."
Trail navigation challenges: Some campsites require finding unmarked paths. At Echo Lake, camping spots "are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails (wear pants)" to locate suitable tent sites.
Campsite availability: Popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons. Echo Lake "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."
Variable amenities: Facilities differ significantly between sites. While most lack basic amenities, Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park might have more developed areas as one camper noted it "was only $25 night" with "great looking facilities and friendly staff."
Tips for camping with families
Consider accessibility: For families with younger children, select sites with minimal hiking required. Allaben Primitive Campsites offers a "nice spot right off the main road" making it suitable for families who need easier access.
Bring full water supplies: With no reliable water sources at most sites, families must pack in all drinking water. As one camper at Jug End Dispersed noted, despite being highly rated, these primitive sites typically have "no drinking water" available.
Pack insect protection: Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially near water. Campers suggest "you may want to bring bug spray" as "it can get swampy" near lakes and "bugs are relentless" at many forested sites.
Check regulations before arrival: Some areas have specific rules or may prohibit camping entirely. One visitor to Jug End warned "this is a hiking trail only- no camping per website" highlighting the importance of verifying current regulations.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodations: Free camping near Olivebridge, New York primarily serves tent campers with few suitable RV options. At Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, a visitor noted "the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."
Park at designated lots: When accessing dispersed areas, use established parking. Hemlock Ridge MUA provides "a small(10 car) parking lot" where visitors can leave vehicles before walking to camping spots located "at about the required 150ft from the road."
Plan for no hookups: RVers should prepare for primitive conditions with no electric, water or sewer connections. Sites are typically "rough it" locations where campers should "practice leave no trace principles and pack out what you bring in."
