Dispersed camping near Preston Hollow, New York offers numerous primitive sites nestled within the Catskill Mountain region. The area sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation with a mix of hardwood forests and small streams throughout the public lands. Seasonal temperature variations can be significant with winter lows regularly reaching below freezing.
What to do
Hiking from base camp: Echo Lake provides direct trail access to multiple Catskill peaks. "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean to with a few campfire spots. Other campsites are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails (wear pants)," notes camper James A.
Fishing opportunities: Allaben Primitive Campsites offers access to nearby fishing spots. "Trails to the fishing access across the road," reports Breanne H., who also mentioned the presence of a "small pond" at the site itself, though she notes there may not be fish in the immediate pond area.
Winter activities: Burnt Rossman State Forest remains accessible during colder months for those prepared for snow conditions. "Beautiful, peaceful, great time!" writes Felix R. about his winter camping experience at the Westkill Camp area, noting the "site easily accessible from road" even during winter.
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Betty Brook Camp attracts campers seeking minimal crowds. Long-time visitor Robert B. explains, "Love to camp here all year long have been coming to the area for a couple of decades now. Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people."
Waterfront sites: Multiple locations feature proximity to water sources. At Betty Brook Camp, "You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots," according to Robert B., providing both ambiance and practical water access for filtering.
Seasonal flexibility: Ushers Road State Forest offers year-round camping possibilities. "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails," reports a visitor who explored both directions on bike, noting the terrain "eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area" after rainfall.
What you should know
Campsite locations: Proper navigation is essential when locating designated sites. At Ushers Road State Forest, "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," with "a stone fire ring, indicating prior use."
Road condition challenges: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles with clearance. At Echo Lake, accessing campsites beyond the main area requires navigating "through small overgrown trails (wear pants)," according to James A., who found a preferable spot "on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze."
Limited amenities: Most sites provide minimal facilities. At Allaben Primitive Campsites, you'll find basic amenities including a "picnic table" and "fire pit with cooking griddle," but should prepare for otherwise primitive conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible options: Some sites work better for those with young children. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose offers camping spots "about 1.5 mile hike in from Denning Trailhead" with "a lot of spots right by the river," according to Ali B., who recommends it as a "great spot to camp and then wake up to hike."
Weather preparedness: Pack for variable conditions regardless of season. One camper at Echo Lake warns, "it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray" and recommends practicing "leave no trace principles and pack out what you bring in."
Space limitations: Popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons. An Echo Lake visitor cautions "it can 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."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most dispersed sites can only accommodate smaller vehicles. At Fort Plain Lock 15, The L. describes it as "simply a parking lot with a view" where "the parking area is right on the water." While this allows vehicle access, the "parking lot is large, rocky, and uneven," according to Mona M.
Seasonal considerations: Access for larger vehicles varies throughout the year. At Fort Plain Lock 15, a returning visitor noted "the water was significantly lower last time I was here. They have dropped the gates, and the lock is in operation," indicating changing conditions that may affect accessibility.
Noise factors: Unlike remote forest sites, some accessible camping areas have ambient noise. At Fort Plain Lock 15, expect "sounds of the highway and freight trains going by," which The L. notes "my wife and I love," but cautions "if you need quiet, keep on moving."
