Primitive camping near Roxbury, New York centers on the eastern Catskill Mountains, where elevations range from 1,400-3,500 feet. State forest dispersed camping areas typically limit stays to 3 consecutive nights and require sites to be at least 150 feet from roads, trails, and water sources. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, with significant snowfall accumulation limiting access to many primitive sites.
What to do
Hiking to mountain summits: Denning Trailhead offers access to both Peekamoose and Table Mountain trails. "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," notes camper Ali B. at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping.
Fishing in local waterways: The Russell Brook Road area provides access to several fishing spots along tributaries. Near Fort Plain Lock, anglers can try their luck with proper licensing. A visitor at Fort Plain Lock 15 shared: "It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and fishing (with a valid license)."
Lake swimming and paddling: Echo Lake offers swimming opportunities during warmer months. The shoreline provides multiple access points for wading or launching small craft. Campers should note that "it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray," according to Kate, who visited Echo Lake.
What campers like
Waterside camping locations: Betty Brook Camp allows campers to set up alongside flowing water. As Robert B. notes at Betty Brook Camp: "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. You camp on the stream."
Established fire rings: Many Roxbury area primitive sites feature established fire rings, particularly around Echo Lake. "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," explains James A. at Echo Lake.
Scenic overlooks: Some campsites offer elevated positions with views across valleys and lakes. A camper at Echo Lake found: "We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze."
What you should know
Road conditions can be challenging: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles and become impassable when wet. Yae U. advises Duck Pond visitors: "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites... Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions."
Limited services nearby: Most locations have no facilities and minimal nearby services. Peter from Betty Brook Camp explains: "It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road. There's a stream alongside it, a fire pit, and a town about 8 mi away. It's a small town, with just a gas station store."
Variable site spacing: Some areas can become crowded during peak seasons. At Echo Lake, Kate notes, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with easier access: For family camping with younger children, consider locations like Allaben. "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," reports Breanne H. at Allaben Primitive Campsites.
Pack extra layers year-round: Even summer nights can be cool at higher elevations, with temperature drops of 15-20 degrees common after sunset.
Bring water purification: No reliable water sources exist at most sites, requiring families to either pack in all water or purify from streams.
Tips from RVers
Site selection limitations: Most dispersed areas have size restrictions for larger vehicles. At Westkill Camp, felix R. notes the site is "easily accessible from road" but The L. adds that there's "enough room for 2 to 3 campers. Parking across the street if it's wet. Entrance is soft."
Level parking challenges: Few primitive sites offer level parking suitable for RVs over 20 feet. Peter cautions about Betty Brook Camp: "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small."
Alternative designated areas: For RVs requiring more space, consider Fort Plain Lock 15, which offers "a large, rocky, and uneven" parking lot that can accommodate larger vehicles while still providing a rustic experience.
