Best Dispersed Camping near Pomona, NY
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.
