Best Dispersed Camping near Philmont, NY
Looking for dispersed camping near Philmont? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Philmont, New York (14)
1. Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
2 Reviews•37 SavesSouth Egremont, MassachusettsThis 11.1 mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts starts as the AT enters the state from Connecticut, heading north and features Sages Ravine, Race Mountain, Mount Everett, and Jug End. This section of the AT includes two shelters and a few designated campsites. The shelters are the Hemlock Shelter and the Glen Brook Shelter. This is the southern most section of the AT in Massachusetts.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
2. Sage's Revine
1 Review•33 SavesTaconic, Connecticut- Pets
- Reservable
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
3. Echo Lake
1 Review•3 Photos•115 SavesWoodstock, New York- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
4. 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
5. 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
7. Duck Pond Campsite
1 Review•8 SavesNorth Blenheim, New York- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
9. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
1 Review•3 Photos•61 SavesPlattekill, New York- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews near Philmont, New York
10 Reviews of 14 Philmont 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).
- 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.
- Luke A.Traveler
Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Jug End Campground, Great Spot for Section Hikers and All.
Great spot, I have section hiked the majority of the east coast AT and this is in my top 10 spots to stay at. Trash cans, but carry out is preferable.
licia S.
GuideJug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
No camping per MA.gov website
This is a hiking trail only- no camping per website: https://www.mass.gov/locations/jug-end-state-reservation-wildlife-management-area
- Luke A.Traveler
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.
- 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.
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.Guide
Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park
Great Campground
Was only $25 night. Great looking facilities and friendly staff.
- RRobert B.Scout
Betty Brook Camp
One of my favorite
Love to camp here all year long have been coming to the area for a couple of decades now. Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots
- PPeterScout
Betty Brook Camp
Pretty good place
I live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road. There's a stream alongside it, a fire pit, and a town about 8 mi away. It's a small town, with just a gas station store. I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small, but it's in state park, and there's tons of walking that can be done.
Guide to Philmont
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Philmont, New York, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy a more rugged and secluded experience. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Philmont, New York
- Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of areas like Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp, ensuring that future visitors can enjoy the same pristine environment.
- Be prepared for a lack of amenities; for instance, Duck Pond Campsite offers a beautiful setting but no facilities, so bring everything you need for a comfortable stay.
- Check local regulations before heading out, as some areas may have specific rules regarding campfires and waste disposal, especially in spots like Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping.
Scenic Hiking Trails for Dispersed Campers
- The Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping area provides access to stunning hiking trails, making it an ideal base for those looking to explore the surrounding mountains.
- Campers at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed can enjoy a variety of trails that wind through beautiful forests, perfect for both casual strolls and more challenging hikes.
- For those seeking a peaceful retreat, Echo Lake offers scenic views and nearby trails that lead to breathtaking vistas, ideal for a day of exploration.
Activities While Free Camping Near Philmont
- Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities near Betty Brook Camp, where streams and ponds provide a chance to catch local fish.
- Wildlife watching is a must at Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, where you can spot various species in their natural habitat while enjoying the tranquility of the forest.
- For those who enjoy campfires, Sage's Revine allows fires, making it a great spot for evening gatherings under the stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Philmont, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Philmont, 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 Philmont, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Philmont, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring