Best Dispersed Camping near Otisville, NY
Want to go dispersed camping near Otisville? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Otisville, New York (10)
2. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
1 Review•3 Photos•61 SavesPlattekill, New York- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
1 Review•2 Photos•77 SavesClaryville, New YorkDescription
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
4. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2
2 Reviews•9 Photos•44 SavesShawnee on Delaware, PennsylvaniaDispersed camping site in Worthington State Forest
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
5. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park
2 Reviews•69 SavesVerbank, New YorkThe 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
6. Echo Lake
1 Review•3 Photos•116 SavesWoodstock, New York- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
9. Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping
Be the first to review!•26 SavesHighmount, New YorkMap: 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
10. Allaben Primitive Campsites
Be the first to review!•22 SavesShandaken, New YorkThere 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
Recent Dispersed Reviews near Otisville, NY
9 Reviews of 10 Otisville Campgrounds
Ali B.
Traveler
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).
- RRenee Z.
Scout
Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2
Small but kind of your only option
I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Also it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!
That being said, as you enter the Worthington State Forest there are signs and hand painted maps indicating that this is the only place you can sleep in the forest. So if this is your timing, this is where you'll be sleeping! The site itself is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find.
Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond. There are lots of signs around Sunfish pond itself that there's no camping allowed.
Katharine T.
GuideAppalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2
Perfect balance of community and space
We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There’s plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. We’ll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking. We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!
- Cory D.
Ranger
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.
CoreyScout
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.
- GGregg T.Guide
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.
Doc B.ScoutTaconic 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.
licia S.GuideTaconic Hereford Multiple Use Park
Great Campground
Was only $25 night. Great looking facilities and friendly staff.
- KKateGuide
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.
Guide to Otisville
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Otisville, New York, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll enjoy the tranquility of the great outdoors.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Otisville, New York
- Many areas, such as Hickok Brook, do not require permits, making it easy for campers to set up without hassle.
- Be prepared for a hike-in experience; for instance, Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping offers beautiful spots about 1.5 miles from the trailhead, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
- Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep these natural spaces pristine, especially in popular spots like Echo Lake, where the beauty can attract more visitors.
Scenic lakeside spots for dispersed campers
- If you're looking for picturesque views, Hickok Brook features limited camping spots right by the water, providing a peaceful backdrop for your stay.
- The Echo Lake area offers tent sites around the lake, complete with fire pits, making it an ideal location for evening gatherings under the stars.
- For those who enjoy hiking, Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping is close to trails leading to stunning mountain views, perfect for a day of exploration.
Dispersed campers should check out Hemlock Ridge MUA
- Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed is a great option for those who want to camp without the frills, as it allows camping anywhere 150 feet from the trail.
- This area is popular among climbers looking for easy access to the Gunks, making it a vibrant spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Be prepared for bugs, as the area is known for its natural beauty, which can attract a few pesky insects, so bringing bug spray is advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Otisville, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Otisville, NY is Hickok Brook with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Otisville, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Otisville, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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