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Best Dispersed Camping near Selkirk, NY

28 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options surround Selkirk, New York, with most concentrated in state forests within a 30-mile radius. Ushers Road State Forest provides access to bicycle-friendly trails with potential camping spots at least 150 feet off main paths. Campers report finding established sites with stone fire rings approximately 200 feet down side trails. Duck Pond Campsite offers more remote backcountry camping, though access requires navigating rough dirt roads that can challenge standard vehicles.

Betty Brook Camp and Burnt Rossman State Forest provide primitive sites directly adjacent to streams. Betty Brook features drinking water access and picnic tables, while Burnt Rossman accommodates winter camping with sites easily accessible from the road. Both locations permit fires, though many nearby state forests including Featherstonhaugh and Rensselaerville prohibit them. One camper noted Betty Brook is "rather remote but right along West Kill Road with a stream alongside it." For more options, several dispersed sites exist in Vermont's George D Aiken Wilderness, approximately 30 miles east, where campers describe "large, well-organized camping spots along the road" with "beautifully built fire pits."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Selkirk, New York (14)

    1. Ushers Road State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Round Lake, NY
    26 miles

    "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side."

    2. Rensselaerville State Forest

    Be the first to review!
    Preston Hollow, NY
    21 miles

    3. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    33 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."

    4. Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    South Egremont, MA
    33 miles
    Website

    "Trash cans, but carry out is preferable."

    5. Duck Pond Campsite

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    35 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"

    6. NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    6 Reviews
    Bennington, VT
    42 miles

    "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."

    "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be."

    7. George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Wilmington, VT
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road."

    "Some sites were really wet but we found a nice dry place."

    8. Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp

    2 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    36 miles

    "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"

    "Entrance is soft"

    9. Betty Brook Camp

    2 Reviews
    West Fulton, NY
    36 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"

    10. Featherstonhaugh State Forest Site

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    Duanesburg, NY
    25 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Selkirk, NY

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Selkirk, NY

28 Reviews of 14 Selkirk 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.

  • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Ushers Road State Forest

    Trail head

    This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall over the past week.

    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. The site includes a stone fire ring, indicating prior use.

    Given that camping is permitted anywhere in the woods as long as it’s at least 150 feet off the trail, the surrounding area offers an abundance of potential camping spots.

  • Natasha T.
    Jun. 6, 2022

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Nice wooded little campsite

    A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well. A few miles down the road there is another campsite that is more open and also has a fire pit with a lot less bugs flying around and more open space.

  • 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

  • c H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2023

    George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed

    Cool Spot!

    The camp spots were all pretty spread out from each other and the road was easy to drive on. There were only about 10 spots along the access road. Brewery, distillery, beautiful lakes and scenic towns all within 15 minutes of the sites.

  • SJ W.
    Nov. 1, 2024

    NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot

    Beautiful but surprisingly crowded

    Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be. Many pull offs but a lot were too wet for my van and I was afraid of getting stuck. The road itself was in great condition though.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

Guide to Selkirk

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Selkirk, New York, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers a range of spots perfect for those seeking a more rustic camping experience.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Selkirk

  • Enjoy fishing and swimming at the tranquil Duck Pond Campsite, where you can unwind by the water and soak in the peaceful surroundings.
  • Hike through the scenic trails at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp, which provides easy access to beautiful landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Experience the thrill of winter camping at Betty Brook Camp, known for its remote location and stunning winter scenery.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Betty Brook Camp

  • This spot is well-reviewed for its remote feel, allowing campers to enjoy solitude while being close to a stream for added ambiance.
  • With features like picnic tables and fire pits, Betty Brook Camp is perfect for those who want to cook outdoors and enjoy meals in nature.
  • The area is pet-friendly, making it a great choice for those who want to bring their furry friends along for the adventure.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The picturesque Echo Lake offers a stunning backdrop for camping, with tent sites around the lake and fire pits for evening gatherings.
  • Hikers will appreciate the access to trails that lead to breathtaking views and natural beauty at Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail, a favorite among section hikers.
  • For those looking for a peaceful retreat, NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot provides ample space and a serene environment, perfect for unwinding in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Selkirk, NY is Ushers Road State Forest with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Selkirk, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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