Best Dispersed Camping near Salisbury Mills, NY

Dispersed camping opportunities near Salisbury Mills, New York include several primitive sites within driving distance. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed offers basic tent camping with no amenities in a wooded setting. The small parking area accommodates only 4-6 vehicles, and camping is permitted 150 feet from the trail. According to reviews, the area provides quiet, peaceful camping but has limited cell service and no facilities whatsoever.

Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park features over 900 acres of forested land with hiking trails and wildlife viewing. This primitive camping area requires visitors to hike in and establish campsites. Several campers noted that despite being only 10 minutes from town, the park offers a genuine wilderness experience while maintaining cell service for safety. Permits are not required at most sites, but always check current regulations before arrival.

Hickok Brook provides lakeside tent camping but presents access challenges. The road contains large potholes requiring high-clearance vehicles. As one camper reported, "The road is very rough with huge potholes, so good clearance is a must." Motor vehicles are prohibited beyond designated areas, and camping is limited to approximately three established sites. A ranger permit may be required for camping on New York state land.

Echo Lake offers tent sites around the water with fire pits and one lean-to. The sites are generally flat and well-shaded, though they can become crowded later in the day. Campers should prepare for insects, especially near water edges. All dispersed camping in the region requires adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash, bring necessary supplies including drinking water, and check seasonal fire restrictions before your trip.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Salisbury Mills, New York (6)

    1. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "If you like dispersed camping, like me- this place is good. There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path."

    2. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    2 Reviews
    Verbank, NY
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "99% off people don't even know this area exists. If you want a quiet piece of beautiful forest to truly rough it and go camping for a few days, then this is what you have been looking for."

    3. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    40 miles

    "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must."

    "Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."

    4. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    Claryville, NY
    41 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."

    5. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    46 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
    48 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Salisbury Mills, NY

10 Reviews of 6 Salisbury Mills 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.

  • Corey
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Beautiful but buggy lakeside tent sites

    I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road to put up a small tent somewhere. Very gorgeous but not rv friendly.

  • Doc B.
    Jun. 17, 2021

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    A hidden gem...

    99% off people don't even know this area exists. If you want a quiet piece of beautiful forest to truly rough it and go camping for a few days, then this is what you have been looking for. Less then 10 min drive from town, but hiking in and finding a suitable place to make camp has the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service. There is plenty of trails to explore and wildlife to enjoy, especially since these over 900 acres also back up to another huge plot of protected forests. Please enjoy Mother Nature's healing love, and leave the area cleaner than when you arrived. Always let someone know where you are headed and when you plan to return.

  • Cory D.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    A place to sleep near the gunks

    This isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities. There is a small(10 car) parking lot and a trail that runs thru 80 acres of forest. Camping is allowed anywhere 150ft from the trail. Normal LNT rules apply. Bugs are relentless. Many climbers stay there for access to the gunks.

  • Dawn M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2025

    Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    Pretty cool

    If you like dispersed camping, like me- this place is good. There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight. There’s no spectacular mountain views from above, but rather a quiet peaceful wooded area & although I only seen/stayed at one camping spot which is literally at about the required 150ft from the road, you can set up your own camp anywhere. I was the only one here & it was a very peaceful & relaxing night

  • 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.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Small, don't blink you'll miss it.

    There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY. Really is a nice quiet place. It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area. Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county.

  • Ali B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2020

    Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    Dispersed primitive camping

    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. (near the top of tabletop there is also a lean-to for camping).

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 28, 2025

    Allaben Primitive Campsites

    Quick Weekend Getaway

    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.


Guide to Salisbury Mills

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Salisbury Mills, New York, where nature awaits with serene landscapes and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a novice, these spots offer a unique experience in the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Salisbury Mills, New York

  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep the natural environment pristine, especially at places like Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, where camping is allowed anywhere 150 feet from the trail.
  • Be prepared for bugs, as they can be relentless in certain areas. Campers at Hickok Brook have noted the need for bug spray, especially during warmer months.
  • Ensure you have all necessary supplies, as many spots, like Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping, require a hike-in and lack amenities.

Top activities while free camping near Salisbury Mills

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the numerous trails available, particularly around Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, which offers access to over 900 acres of protected forests.
  • Fishing and wildlife watching are popular activities at Echo Lake, where you can find tent sites around the lake and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
  • For climbers, Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed is a favored spot due to its proximity to climbing areas, making it a great base for outdoor adventures.

Dispersed campers should check out Allaben Primitive Campsites

  • Located in a secluded area, Allaben Primitive Campsites offers a drive-in option, making it accessible for those looking to set up camp without a long hike.
  • This site is perfect for those who want to enjoy a quiet retreat, as it is less known and often less crowded than other camping areas.
  • Remember that no permits are required here, allowing for a more spontaneous camping experience without the hassle of paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Salisbury Mills, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Salisbury Mills, NY is Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Salisbury Mills, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.