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Best Dispersed Camping near Port Jervis, NY

7 Reviews

Dispersed camping sites near Port Jervis, New York include several primitive options in the surrounding forests and state lands. Hickok Brook offers lakeside tent sites accessible via a rough road with significant potholes, requiring good clearance vehicles. Other nearby options include Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania, Hemlock Ridge MUA in New York, and the Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 in New Jersey. These areas generally follow standard Leave No Trace principles and most provide no amenities, requiring campers to be fully self-sufficient.

Access to these dispersed sites varies considerably, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles or hiking in. Hickok Brook features a particularly challenging access road that isn't suitable for RVs or campers. The Appalachian Trail site requires hiking to reach, with no vehicle access. Several locations, including Hemlock Ridge MUA, permit camping only 150 feet from trails or roads. Water sources are limited or nonexistent at most sites, with a review noting that Appalachian Trail Campsite 2 has "no water nearby" and campers must travel to Sunfish Pond for water access. Fire regulations differ by location, with some areas prohibiting ground fires entirely.

These dispersed camping areas offer varying experiences depending on location and season. Hemlock Ridge MUA provides a quiet wooded experience with "absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal," according to one visitor. The area has a small parking lot holding only "4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight." Thunder Swamp Trailhead offers access to extensive hiking opportunities, with one camper describing it as "chill" with "tons of hiking" available. Hickok Brook features lakeside camping but limited space. A visitor noted: "It's a small, quiet place" but warned that obtaining a permit is necessary for camping on New York state land. The Appalachian Trail site provides bear boxes and suitable trees for hammocking, though it lacks shelter structures.

Map showing campgrounds near Port Jervis, New YorkExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Port Jervis, New York (6)

    1. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    13 miles

    "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."

    2. Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Unity House, PA
    26 miles

    "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."

    "Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."

    3. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    2 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, NJ
    33 miles
    Website

    "I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre."

    "We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!"

    4. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "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."

    5. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    Claryville, NY
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3076

    "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."

    6. Russell Brook Road

    Be the first to review!
    Roscoe, NY
    45 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Port Jervis, NY

10 Photos of 6 Port Jervis Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Port Jervis, NY

7 Reviews of 6 Port Jervis Campgrounds

  • R
    Jul. 12, 2017

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Small but kind of your only option

    I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Also it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!

    That being said, as you enter the Worthington State Forest there are signs and hand painted maps indicating that this is the only place you can sleep in the forest. So if this is your timing, this is where you'll be sleeping! The site itself is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find.

    Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond. There are lots of signs around Sunfish pond itself that there's no camping allowed.

  • Corey
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Beautiful but buggy lakeside tent sites

    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. 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.

  • Cory D.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    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.

  • Dawn M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2025

    Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    Pretty cool

    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. 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

  • Katharine T.
    May. 31, 2022

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Perfect balance of community and space

    We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There’s plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. We’ll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking. We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Small, don't blink you'll miss it.

    There 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.

  • Ali B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2020

    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).

Guide to Port Jervis

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Port Jervis, New York, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Port Jervis, New York

Dispersed campers should check out Hickok Brook

  • This spot offers a peaceful environment with only a few sites available, making it ideal for those seeking solitude in nature.
  • Access is limited to hiking or walking, so it's perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure before reaching their camping destination.
  • Be mindful of the local wildlife and follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of Hickok Brook.

Thunder Swamp Trailhead: A hidden gem for dispersed campers

  • Located in Pennsylvania, Thunder Swamp Trailhead requires a permit, so make sure to secure one before your trip.
  • The drive-in access makes it convenient for those who prefer to bring their vehicles closer to their camping spot.
  • This area is less crowded, providing a more intimate experience with nature, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Port Jervis, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Port Jervis, NY is Hickok Brook with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Port Jervis, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Port Jervis, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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