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Dispersed camping near Pomona, New York centers around several primitive sites in the surrounding region. Hemlock Ridge Multiple Use Area offers free dispersed camping with no amenities approximately 20 miles east of Pomona. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, located northeast of Pomona, provides additional dispersed camping options on its 900+ acres of protected forest land. Hickok Brook, situated southwest of Pomona, features lakeside dispersed camping areas. These public lands follow standard Leave No Trace principles and typically require camping at least 150 feet from trails and water sources.
Access to these dispersed camping areas varies considerably. Hemlock Ridge has a small parking lot accommodating only 4-6 vehicles, with camping permitted 150 feet from the trail that runs through the 80-acre forest. Hickok Brook features rough roads with significant potholes requiring vehicles with good clearance, though the area is not suitable for RVs or campers. Several campsites at Hickok Brook are located near the lake but require hiking in from parking areas. A recent visitor noted, "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must." None of these areas provide drinking water, toilets, or other amenities, so campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.
These primitive camping areas provide quiet, secluded experiences in wooded settings. Hemlock Ridge is popular with rock climbers accessing nearby climbing areas known as "the gunks." One camper described it as "quiet and off the beaten path," though they cautioned about the lack of cell service. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers extensive hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. A visitor remarked that it has "the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service." Hickok Brook features lakeside camping with limited spots. Insects can be problematic at all locations, particularly during warmer months, with one camper describing Hemlock Ridge as having "relentless" bugs. Permits may be required for camping on New York state land, so contacting the local ranger's office before arrival is advisable.
"If you like dispersed camping, like me- this place is good. There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path."
"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."
"This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."
"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."
"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."
ScoutI 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.
Scout99% 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.
RangerThis 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.
TravelerIf you like dispersed camping, like me- this place is good. There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight. There’s no spectacular mountain views from above, but rather a quiet peaceful wooded area & although I only seen/stayed at one camping spot which is literally at about the required 150ft from the road, you can set up your own camp anywhere. I was the only one here & it was a very peaceful & relaxing night
GuideThis spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs.
RangerThere 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.
TravelerArrived at night on a weekday to find two other vehicles parked in the lot, srilll was able to find a fire ring with a level area relatively easy. Very quiet, just the sounds of owls hooting at night. Very nice mixed forest, seems managed well. It is somewhat buggy. But doesn’t seem to be overly infested with ticks at least.
RangerWas only $25 night. Great looking facilities and friendly staff.
Dispersed camping areas around Pomona, New York provide primitive outdoor experiences within the lower Hudson Valley region. The area sits at approximately 500-800 feet elevation with mixed hardwood forests dominating the landscape. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, while summer humidity can make primitive camping challenging without proper preparation.
Hiking exploration: At Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, visitors can access extensive trail systems across its 900+ acres of protected forest. "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," notes camper Doc B.
Rock climbing access: Many outdoor enthusiasts use these free camping areas as base camps for climbing excursions. Hemlock Ridge serves as an affordable overnight option for climbers heading to nearby formations. Cory D. mentions, "Many climbers stay there for access to the gunks."
Fishing opportunities: Lakeside camping at Hickok Brook offers fishing access during warmer months. "Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake," reports Gregg T., indicating that waterfront sites require proper positioning per ranger guidance.
Solitude and simplicity: The primitive nature of these sites appeals to those seeking quiet experiences. Dawn M. from Hemlock Ridge MUA shares, "I was the only one here and it was a very peaceful and relaxing night."
Cell service availability: Unlike many remote camping areas, some sites offer connectivity while maintaining a wilderness feel. Doc B. appreciates that Taconic Hereford "has the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service."
Proximity to town services: Despite the rustic settings, several locations provide relatively quick access to supplies. Gregg T. notes about Hickok Brook, "There is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY." This convenience allows campers to resupply without extended travel.
Limited parking capacity: Free camping near Pomona, New York often comes with restricted vehicle access. Dawn M. cautions about Hemlock Ridge MUA: "The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight."
Road conditions: Several dispersed camping areas require vehicles with appropriate clearance. Corey warns about Hickok Brook: "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."
Permit requirements: New York State land frequently requires camping permits. Gregg T. advises, "Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county." Obtaining the proper documentation before arrival prevents potential issues with enforcement.
Self-sufficient preparation: When utilizing no-cost camping near Pomona, families must bring all necessary supplies. Tim M. at Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park describes it as a "convenient pit stop" but notes limited facilities, emphasizing the need for complete preparation.
Safety communication: Given the primitive nature of these sites, establish safety protocols. Doc B. recommends, "Always let someone know where you are headed and when you plan to return."
Limited site options: Families should arrive early to secure suitable spots. "There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping," reports Gregg T. about Hickok Brook during a holiday weekend, highlighting the scarcity of sites.
Size restrictions: These dispersed camping areas are generally unsuitable for larger recreational vehicles. Tim M. advises about Taconic Hereford, "The road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."
Tent camping alternatives: RV owners seeking free camping near Pomona should consider tent options instead. Corey confirms this limitation at Hickok Brook: "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pomona, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pomona, NY is Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Pomona, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Pomona, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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