Primitive camping near Saugerties, New York offers access to the eastern Catskill Mountains, where elevations range from 600 to 4,180 feet. Seasonal temperature variations are significant, with summer highs averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Most dispersed camping areas remain open year-round, though winter access requires appropriate vehicles and cold-weather gear.
What to do
Streamside camping opportunities: At Betty Brook Camp, visitors can set up directly along the water. According to one regular visitor, "You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots." This provides immediate water access for filtering drinking water or cooling off during summer months.
Winter exploration: The surrounding state forests remain open during colder months. A camper at Burnt Rossman State Forest noted it was "a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!" Winter camping requires additional preparation but rewards with solitude and unique landscapes.
Hiking on established trails: Many primitive sites connect to regional trail networks. One camper at Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park shared, "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." Most trails are moderate difficulty and interconnect between camping areas.
What campers like
Quieter alternatives to developed campgrounds: Many dispersed sites offer seclusion not found at established campgrounds. A visitor to Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed reported, "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."
Proximity to water features: Several sites feature ponds, lakes or streams. At Allaben Primitive Campsites, a camper described it as a "Cool spot next to a pond. There are a few others that aren't next to a pond, and therefore not as cool… but still pretty cool bc it's free and you can walk up a little to a pond."
Cell service availability: Unlike more remote backcountry areas, some sites maintain limited connectivity. A visitor to Taconic Hereford noted "hiking in and finding a suitable place to make camp has the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service." This allows emergency communications while still experiencing wilderness.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads to many sites are unpaved and may be challenging. A visitor to Duck Pond Campsite warned, "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 parking capacity: Most primitive sites have minimal parking. A reviewer at Hemlock Ridge MUA noted "The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight," while another camper at Taconic Hereford observed "the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."
Seasonal bug activity: Insects can be problematic in warmer months, particularly near water. One camper at Hemlock Ridge MUA stated "Bugs are relentless," while others mention bringing bug spray for camping near water bodies.
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with natural features: Ponds and small streams provide entertainment for children. At Allaben Primitive Campsites, campers noted "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."
Consider accessibility factors: For families with young children, some sites require minimal hiking. At Echo Lake, one camper mentioned "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."
Plan for variable conditions: Weather patterns can change rapidly in mountain terrain. One camper noted, "We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze" at Echo Lake, indicating that site selection can provide natural cooling during warmer periods.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions limit larger vehicles: Most dispersed sites cannot accommodate standard RVs. A visitor to Taconic Hereford stated "This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."
Ground clearance considerations: Vehicle clearance becomes important on unmaintained access roads. The camper who visited Betty Brook Camp mentioned, "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small, but it's in state park, and there's tons of walking that can be done."
Town proximity for resupply: Despite remote feels, many sites remain reasonably close to small towns. A local near Betty Brook Camp noted, "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."
