Best Dispersed Camping near Plattekill, NY
Several dispersed camping options exist in the Catskill region surrounding Plattekill, New York. Free primitive camping is permitted at multiple Multiple Use Areas (MUAs) and state forest locations, including Hemlock Ridge MUA, Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, and Denning Trailhead. Additional backcountry sites can be found at Echo Lake, Allaben Primitive Campsites, and Hickok Brook. Most sites require hikers to travel at least 150 feet from designated trails before setting up camp, following standard Leave No Trace practices.
Access varies considerably between sites, with some areas requiring high-clearance vehicles due to rough, potholed forest roads. Many locations are accessible only by hiking in, particularly Echo Lake and portions of the Appalachian Trail near the New York-Massachusetts border. Most sites lack amenities—no drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available. Fire regulations differ by location, with fires prohibited at some sites like Hickok Brook but permitted at others including Hemlock Ridge and Echo Lake. Campers must carry in all supplies and pack out all waste, as these are true primitive camping experiences.
The dispersed sites near Plattekill provide seclusion among wooded Catskill terrain, often near water features. Echo Lake offers a particularly scenic setting with tent sites circling the lake and a lean-to available for overnight use. Hemlock Ridge provides quiet forest camping popular with rock climbers accessing nearby routes. Some locations have specific terrain challenges to consider. "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must," notes one visitor to Hickok Brook. Another camper at Echo Lake warns, "It can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray." Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with some areas maintaining coverage while others offer true disconnection from technology.
