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Best Dispersed Camping near Preston Hollow, NY

17 Reviews

Several primitive camping areas surround Preston Hollow in upstate New York, with Duck Pond Campsite, Betty Brook Camp, and Burnt Rossman State Forest's Westkill Camp within 15 miles. These free dispersed sites typically feature basic fire rings but minimal other amenities. Access requires navigating unpaved forest roads that can be challenging for standard vehicles, especially after rain.

Betty Brook Camp offers slightly more developed facilities with picnic tables and drinking water available, while most sites remain truly primitive. Roads to Duck Pond Campsite are particularly difficult, with one visitor noting "the road in on Old Cemetery Road was pretty rough" and another warning about "sometimes rough conditions." These public land camping areas primarily accommodate tents, though some sites can fit small RVs. Winter camping is possible at certain locations, with a visitor reporting Westkill Camp as "a great location for winter camping" with the "site easily accessible from road."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Preston Hollow, New York (15)

    1. Duck Pond Campsite

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    15 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"

    2. Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    16 miles

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

    "Entrance is soft"

    3. Betty Brook Camp

    2 Reviews
    West Fulton, NY
    17 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. Rensselaerville State Forest

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

    5. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    25 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. Allaben Primitive Campsites

    1 Review
    Shandaken, NY
    24 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."

    7. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    Claryville, NY
    35 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. Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    3 Reviews
    Fort Plain, NY
    40 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."

    9. Featherstonhaugh State Forest Site

    Be the first to review!
    Duanesburg, NY
    26 miles

    10. Ushers Road State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Round Lake, NY
    39 miles

    "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Preston Hollow, NY

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Preston Hollow, NY

17 Reviews of 15 Preston Hollow 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.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Ushers Road State Forest

    Trail head

    This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week.

    About 500 feet down the right-hand trail, there is a smaller path branching off to the left. This leads to a previously used campsite, approximately 200 feet from the main trail. The site includes a stone fire ring, indicating prior use.

    Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it’s at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots.

  • 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 Preston Hollow

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Preston Hollow, New York, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, there's something for everyone.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Preston Hollow, New York

  • Many dispersed camping spots, like Betty Brook Camp, allow for a peaceful retreat where you might not see another soul for days.
  • Be prepared for a remote experience; sites such as Duck Pond Campsite are accessible via unpaved roads, so a reliable vehicle is essential.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of areas like Echo Lake, ensuring that future visitors can enjoy the same pristine environment.

Dispersed campers should check out Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp

  • This location is known for its accessibility and beautiful surroundings, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced campers.
  • With no permit required, Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp offers a hassle-free experience for those looking to escape into nature.
  • The peaceful atmosphere here is perfect for winter camping, providing a unique opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the forest during the colder months.

Scenic spots for hiking and camping near Preston Hollow

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Preston Hollow, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Preston Hollow, NY is Duck Pond Campsite with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Preston Hollow, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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