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Best Dispersed Camping near Prattsville, NY

14 Reviews

Several primitive camping areas surround Prattsville in the Catskills region, with Burnt Rossman State Forest and Duck Pond offering tent and small RV camping options. These sites are accessible via dirt roads that can be challenging after rain. A review noted Duck Pond has "pretty rough" access roads with "intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving." Most sites feature simple fire pits with no facilities.

Betty Brook Camp provides a more established dispersed option with drinking water and picnic tables alongside a stream. A camper described it as "remote. Sometimes you never see anyone... You camp on the stream." For backpackers, Echo Lake offers lakeside tent sites and a lean-to accessible by hiking trail. The 14-day camping limit applies to all dispersed sites in the region. Practice leave-no-trace principles as most locations lack trash facilities, and pack extra water as drinking sources are limited to Betty Brook Camp.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Prattsville, New York (12)

    1. Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    12 miles

    "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"

    "Entrance is soft"

    2. Duck Pond Campsite

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    13 miles

    "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad."

    "Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads"

    3. Betty Brook Camp

    2 Reviews
    West Fulton, NY
    14 miles

    "I live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road."

    "Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots"

    4. Allaben Primitive Campsites

    1 Review
    Shandaken, NY
    16 miles

    "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."

    5. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 652-7365

    "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. "

    "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots."

    6. Rensselaerville State Forest

    Be the first to review!
    Preston Hollow, NY
    16 miles

    7. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    Claryville, NY
    25 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."

    8. Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping

    Be the first to review!
    Highmount, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3076

    9. Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    3 Reviews
    Fort Plain, NY
    43 miles

    "Continue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area."

    "It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving. There are grills in the grassy area for tent camping, also a potable water tap."

    10. Russell Brook Road

    Be the first to review!
    Roscoe, NY
    35 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Prattsville, NY

6 Photos of 12 Prattsville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Prattsville, NY

14 Reviews of 12 Prattsville 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 27, 2024

    Beals Pond State Forest

    Not easily accessible in winter

    This state forest is beautiful but not easily accessible in the winter. After a certain point, the road is not maintained in the winter and I was unable to get cell reception with Verizon.

  • YThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Open quite campsites

    After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience. Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Duck Pond Campsite

    Small vehicle only

    The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse. The site itself, was pretty nice, Fire pit, trickling stream, but the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it. Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads

  • Mona M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    Just Passed Lock 15

    Continue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area. The parking lot is large, rocky, and uneven, situated right on the Mohawk River. It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and fishing (with a valid license). Verizon cell service is good here. At the lock parking area, you'll find pit toilets, a dumpster, and potable water available on the side of the building as you enter.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 10, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    Great overnight.

    Simply it’s a parking lot with a view. The parking area is right on the water. It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving. There are grills in the grassy area for tent camping, also a potable water tap.

  • 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.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    High season

    Well, I’m back, it’s June, and there are 3 other groups here. 1 boat, and 2 tent camping. The parking lot is still empty. The water was significantly lower last time I was here. They have dropped the gates, and the lock is in operation. The resident peacock has been keeping me company. Tried fishing, without any luck, it had been raining a lot lately, so maybe that was the reason. It still has the highway noise and of course the train noise going by, but I love that. I anticipate another lovely sleep. It’s quite breezy, so the windows will be open. I’m in my happy place!!!

Guide to Prattsville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Prattsville, New York, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. This area offers a variety of locations perfect for those seeking a more rustic camping experience.

Scenic Streams for Dispersed Campers

  • Enjoy the peaceful ambiance at Betty Brook Camp, where you can set up camp right by the stream and relish the sounds of nature.
  • This spot is known for its remote feel, allowing campers to experience solitude while still being close to a small town for any essentials.
  • With no permits required, you can easily access this well-loved location and enjoy a campfire under the stars.

Tranquil Ponds Await

  • The Duck Pond Campsite offers a beautifully maintained area with minimal foot traffic, making it ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • The small pond nearby helps keep mosquito populations down, allowing for a more enjoyable outdoor experience.
  • After navigating the unpaved road, you'll find a peaceful retreat perfect for unwinding and connecting with nature.

Ideal Spots for Primitive Camping

  • For a true back-to-nature experience, consider Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping, where you can hike in and find numerous spots along the river.
  • This area is perfect for those looking to combine camping with hiking, as it provides access to trails leading to stunning mountain views.
  • Campers are encouraged to practice leave no trace principles, ensuring the beauty of this pristine environment is preserved for future visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Prattsville, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Prattsville, NY is Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Prattsville, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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