Best Dispersed Camping near Shandaken, NY

Want to go dispersed camping near Shandaken? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Shandaken. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your New York camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Shandaken, NY (15)

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Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Shandaken

12 Reviews of 15 Shandaken Campgrounds


  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    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.

  • Corey The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Betty Brook Camp
    Mar. 24, 2024

    Betty Brook Camp

    One of my favorite

    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. There is a couple of spots

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Betty Brook Camp
    Dec. 17, 2023

    Betty Brook Camp

    Pretty good place

    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. 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. 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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake
    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.

  • Doc B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park
    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.

  • Ali B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
    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).

  • Cory D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
    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.

  • Luke A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sage's Revine
    Oct. 3, 2018

    Sage's Revine

    Fantastic spot, right near water. 12 platforms available.

    Near non-potable stream, no fires allowed, bathroom is fine, bear boxes available. 50 feet between platforms. Right over the border of CT into MA on the Appalachian Trail. Great spot, highly recommend.


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Guide to Shandaken

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Shandaken, New York, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll be sure to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Shandaken, New York

  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of areas like Echo Lake, ensuring that future campers can enjoy the same pristine environment.
  • Be prepared for varying conditions; some sites, such as Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping, may require a hike to reach, so pack accordingly.
  • Bring bug spray, especially if you're camping near water sources like Duck Pond Campsite, where mosquitoes can be more prevalent.

Top activities while free camping near Shandaken

Scenic spots for dispersed campers

  • Experience the tranquility of Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping, where you can enjoy the sounds of nature and the beauty of the surrounding forest.
  • For a more remote experience, consider Allaben Primitive Campsites, which offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • The well-maintained sites at Duck Pond Campsite provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation and exploration, with minimal foot traffic ensuring a quiet retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Shandaken, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Shandaken, NY is Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Shandaken, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.