Best Dispersed Camping near Roxbury, NY

Dispersed camping sites surround the Roxbury area in New York's Catskill region, with several primitive camping locations available on state forest lands. The Duck Pond Campsite, Burnt Rossman State Forest, Betty Brook Camp, and Allaben Primitive Campsites offer free or low-cost options for tent and sometimes RV camping. These sites generally feature minimal to no amenities and follow typical state forest camping regulations. Most locations allow camping without permits or reservations, though some areas have seasonal restrictions.

Access roads to many sites require careful navigation, particularly during wet conditions. Several reviews note rough, unpaved dirt roads leading to campsites like Duck Pond, where one visitor cautioned that "the road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough" and recommended "small vehicle only." Cell service is intermittent in many areas, which can be problematic when navigating remote forest roads. Sites are typically primitive with no water sources, bathrooms, or garbage facilities. Campers must pack out all trash and follow leave-no-trace principles throughout the region.

Many locations feature stream access or pond views, providing peaceful natural settings. Betty Brook Camp allows camping directly alongside a stream, and as one visitor noted, it's "remote. Sometimes you never see anyone." The Westkill Camp in Burnt Rossman State Forest has been described as "a great location for winter camping" with sites "easily accessible from road." Echo Lake offers tent sites around the entire lake with established fire pits and a lean-to, though "it can get a little crowded later in the day" according to a visitor. Winter camping is possible in some locations, but accessibility becomes more challenging as roads may not be maintained during snowy conditions.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Roxbury, New York (12)

    1. Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    14 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
    16 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
    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. 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. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    Claryville, NY
    23 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."

    7. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    27 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."

    10. Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    3 Reviews
    Fort Plain, NY
    45 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Roxbury, NY

14 Reviews of 12 Roxbury 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 Roxbury

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Roxbury, New York, where nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in serene landscapes and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers a range of spots that cater to different camping styles, from remote sites by streams to peaceful lakeside locations.

Scenic Streams for Dispersed Campers

  • The Betty Brook Camp provides a tranquil setting right by a stream, allowing campers to enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water while surrounded by nature.
  • For those seeking solitude, the Duck Pond Campsite is a hidden gem, featuring well-maintained sites that are often quiet and less frequented by other campers.
  • The Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping offers spots right by the river, perfect for those who love fishing or simply relaxing by the water.

Hiking Adventures While Free Camping Near Roxbury

  • Campers at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp can easily access hiking trails that lead to stunning views and natural wonders, making it an ideal base for outdoor exploration.
  • The Echo Lake area is perfect for those looking to combine camping with hiking, as it features trails that wind around the lake and into the surrounding woods.
  • For a more rugged experience, the Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping site allows hikers to venture into the wilderness, with trails leading to breathtaking vistas and secluded spots.

Wildlife Watching Opportunities for Dispersed Campers

  • The Allaben Primitive Campsites are situated in a wildlife-rich area, making it a great spot for birdwatching and observing local fauna in their natural habitat.
  • At Rensselaerville State Forest, campers can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, with opportunities to spot deer, foxes, and various bird species.
  • The Russell Brook Road area is known for its diverse wildlife, providing a unique chance for campers to connect with nature and witness the beauty of the local ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Roxbury, 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 Roxbury, NY?

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