Primitive camping opportunities around Pine Bush, New York extend throughout the Catskill region, where elevations range from 1,200 to 4,000 feet. Free dispersed camping sites typically require visitors to hike away from parking areas to establish campsites in accordance with state land use regulations. The region experiences harsh winters with significant snowfall, making most primitive camping accessible primarily from April through November.
What to do
Hiking to summits: Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping provides access to several Catskill peaks including Balsam Mountain. The area features primitive sites along a network of trails leading to challenging summit hikes through dense forest.
Fishing access: Allaben Primitive Campsites offers proximity to quality fishing areas. "Trails to the fishing access across the road," notes camper Breanne H., who appreciated the convenient location "right off the main road and close to town."
Stargazing: Hickok Brook provides excellent dark sky viewing opportunities away from light pollution. "Really is a nice quiet place," reports Gregg T., who camped near the lake during a holiday weekend. The limited number of camping spots helps maintain darkness for optimal night sky viewing.
What campers like
Lakeside camping: Echo Lake offers waterfront primitive camping with tent sites circling the water. "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean to with a few campfire spots. Other campsites are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails (wear pants)," advises James A., who found a prime spot "on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze."
Accessibility to wilderness: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park provides a balance of convenience and remoteness. "This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service," reports Tim M., though he cautions the "road is narrow with not much turnaround room."
Isolation opportunities: The various dispersed sites offer different levels of solitude. One camper described Hickok Brook as "Small, don't blink you'll miss it. There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some areas require camping permits from ranger offices. At Hickok Brook, one visitor learned this firsthand: "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."
Road conditions: Access roads to many sites require appropriate vehicles. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping requires preparation for a hike. "Great camping spots about 1.5 mile hike in from Denning Trailhead. A lot of spots right by the river," reports Ali B., who used the location as a base for mountain hikes.
Limited parking capacity: Most free camping areas near Pine Bush have minimal parking. At Hickok Brook, the road conditions add challenges: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Plan for no facilities: Bring all supplies including water, food, and waste disposal bags. "Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY," advises a Hickok Brook camper.
Time your arrival: For popular spots like Echo Lake, arriving early is essential. Kate noted that "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."
Bug protection: Swampy areas around Echo Lake require proper preparation. "Note, it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray," recommends Kate from her backpacking experience there.
Tips from RVers
High-clearance vehicles only: Hemlock Ridge MUA has limited access for larger vehicles. "The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight," explains Dawn M., who enjoyed the dispersed camping options despite the lack of amenities.
Size limitations: Most free camping near Pine Bush restricts RV access. At Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, Tim M. warns, "There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."
Town proximity for supplies: When free camping near Pine Bush, locate the nearest towns for restocking. At Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, one camper appreciated being "Less than 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."
