Best Dispersed Camping near Poughkeepsie, NY

Dispersed camping opportunities exist within an hour's drive of Poughkeepsie, New York, primarily in the nearby Catskill Mountains. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers primitive camping on over 900 acres of forested land. This area requires a short hike in but provides a wilderness experience while maintaining cell service. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed camping area features an 80-acre forest with designated sites at least 150 feet from trails. According to reviews, the parking lot accommodates only 4-6 vehicles, and the area has no amenities but offers quiet, peaceful camping.

Echo Lake in the Catskills provides tent sites with fire pits surrounding the lake and one lean-to shelter. The sites are generally flat and well-shaded. Several campers noted that the area can become swampy near the lake edges, so insect repellent is recommended. The campground can become crowded later in the day, potentially requiring site sharing. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping requires a 1.5-mile hike to reach riverside camping spots, serving as an excellent base for hiking to Tabletop and Peekamoose mountains.

Most dispersed sites in the region are free but lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Campers must pack out all waste and follow Leave No Trace principles. Fire regulations vary by location; always use established fire rings where available. Weather in the Catskills can change rapidly, particularly at higher elevations. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most sites except Taconic Hereford. For safety, inform someone of your camping location and expected return date. All sites permit pets but require proper control and waste management.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Poughkeepsie, New York (8)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Poughkeepsie, NY

6 Photos of 8 Poughkeepsie Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Poughkeepsie, NY

11 Reviews of 8 Poughkeepsie Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Echo Lake

    Lovely Camping in the Catskills

    This campground was my first backpacking trip and it was perfect!  There are tent sites around the whole lake with fire pits and 1 lean-to site at the end of the trail when you first arrive at the lake.  The sites are relatively flat and well shaded with trees.  Note, it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray.  Make sure you practice leave no trace principles and pack out what you bring in!  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.

  • Doc B.
    Jun. 17, 2021

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    A hidden gem...

    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. 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.

  • 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

  • James A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Echo Lake

    Beautiful lake with lean to

    Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots. Other campsites are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails (wear pants) We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze.

  • Luke A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2018

    Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Jug End Campground, Great Spot for Section Hikers and All.

    Great spot, I have section hiked the majority of the east coast AT and this is in my top 10 spots to stay at. Trash cans, but carry out is preferable.

  • 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).

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 28, 2025

    Allaben Primitive Campsites

    Quick Weekend Getaway

    Nice spot right off the main road and close to town. Small pond-don’t think there are any fish. Picnic table. Fire pit with cooking griddle. Trails to the fishing access across the road.


Guide to Poughkeepsie

Rustic camping near Poughkeepsie, New York concentrates in the Catskill Mountains and surrounding forest lands where elevations range from 1,000 to 4,000 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Fall camping attracts visitors for foliage viewing while spring brings variable conditions with potential flooding near water bodies.

What to do

Hiking to mountain viewpoints: At Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping, campers can access trails leading to Balsam Mountain (3,600 ft elevation) and Eagle Mountain (3,580 ft elevation). The area serves as a starting point for serious backpackers tackling multiple peaks.

Fishing access: Anglers can find spots at Allaben Primitive Campsites with trails leading to fishing access points. According to Breanne H., the site offers "trails to the fishing access across the road" and includes "a fire pit with cooking griddle" for preparing your catch.

Wildlife observation: The forested areas provide habitats for deer, black bears, and various bird species. One camper at Taconic Hereford noted there are "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."

What campers like

Privacy and isolation: Many sites offer secluded camping away from crowds. Dawn M. describes Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed as "quiet and off the beaten path" adding that "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."

Waterfront sites: Several areas offer lakeside or riverside camping spots. James A. found at Echo Lake that the "lake is surrounded by hills" and mentions camping "on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze."

Proximity to town: Some primitive sites remain close to civilization while feeling remote. A camper noted that Taconic Hereford is a "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."

What you should know

Limited parking: Many dispersed sites have minimal parking capacity. Dawn M. notes that at Hemlock Ridge, "the parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight," requiring early arrival during peak seasons.

Variable conditions: Terrain and comfort vary significantly between sites. At Jug End Dispersed, Luke A. considers it among his "top 10 spots to stay at" after "section hiked the majority of the east coast AT," but another visitor noted camping may not be permitted according to the official Massachusetts website.

Seasonal challenges: The Catskills region experiences significant seasonal variations requiring different preparation. At Echo Lake, campers mention it "can get swampy near the edge of the lake," suggesting waterproof footwear and proper tent placement are essential.

Tips for camping with families

Accessibility considerations: Choose sites with manageable hiking distances for children. Ali B. describes Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping as having "great camping spots about 1.5 mile hike in from Denning Trailhead" with "a lot of spots right by the river," making it suitable for families who can handle the moderate hike.

Wildlife safety: Teach children proper food storage and wildlife awareness. Some areas provide bear boxes, as Luke A. mentions at Sage's Revine where "bear boxes available" reduce wildlife encounters.

Water safety: Lakes and streams require supervision. At Echo Lake, James A. describes a "lake surrounded by hills" that requires appropriate water safety measures, especially with children.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Most dispersed camping areas near Poughkeepsie have limited or no vehicle access. Cory D. notes Hemlock Ridge "isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities" with only "a small (10 car) parking lot," making it impractical for most RVs.

Alternatives: RVers seeking rustic experiences should consider Allaben Primitive Campsites, which offers drive-in access options. Breanne H. describes it as a "nice spot right off the main road and close to town" that accommodates tent and RV camping, though without hookups.

Dump stations: No dispersed sites offer dump facilities. RVers must plan for waste management at commercial facilities in nearby towns before and after their stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free camping available in the Poughkeepsie area?

Yes, free camping can be found near Poughkeepsie. Echo Lake offers free dispersed sites around the lake with fire pits and a lean-to. The sites are relatively flat and well-shaded, making it ideal for backpacking trips. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping provides free camping spots about a 1.5-mile hike in from the trailhead, with many sites located right by the river. This is a great base camp for hiking to nearby mountains, where you'll find additional lean-to options.

What primitive camping facilities are available near Poughkeepsie?

Allaben Primitive Campsites offers basic facilities including picnic tables, fire pits with cooking griddles, and proximity to a small pond. It's conveniently located right off the main road and close to town, with trails leading to fishing access. For those seeking a more rugged experience, Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping provides hike-in access with basic toilet facilities. Most primitive sites in the region follow typical backcountry rules: no running water, pack-in/pack-out waste policies, and primitive fire rings where fires are permitted.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Poughkeepsie, NY?

Several dispersed camping options exist near Poughkeepsie. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers a secluded dispersed camping experience less than 10 minutes from town, requiring you to hike in to find suitable camping spots in a quiet forest setting. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed provides 80 acres of forest with camping allowed 150ft from the trail, making it popular with rock climbers accessing the Gunks. The parking lot is small (4-5 cars), and there are no amenities, but it offers peaceful surroundings. Both locations require following Leave No Trace principles.