Top Free Dispersed Camping near Shandaken, NY

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Shandaken? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Shandaken, NY (13)

    Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    76 Saves

    Description Permits for Peekamoose Blue Hole are only necessary on weekends and holidays from mid-May through mid-September of each year. Permits are available as late as a day in advance, but no more than 7 days in advance. There is a limit of 25 permits issued per day. The Blue Hole is a day-use area and is part of the Rondout Creek, which flows through the Peekamoose Valley to the Rondout Reservoir. The reservoir provides almost half of the drinking water for more than 9 million people in the New York City metropolitan area. Help us protect the area - and your drinking water - by observing these regulations: Use the portable toilets for all human waste. If you carry it in, carry it out - use the dumpsters. Camping, fires and portable generators are allowed only at designated campsites downstream of the Blue Hole. No radios and other audio devices. No glass containers. Except for the designated camping sites, the Peekamoose Corridor is open to the public from onehalf hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake

    2. Echo Lake

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    113 Saves
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp
    • No image available

      4. Betty Brook Camp

      2 Reviews
      49 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • ADA Access
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Group
      • No image available
        • No image available

          6. Allaben Primitive Campsites

          Be the first to review!
          21 Saves

          There are 8 designated campsites, but at-large primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Range

            • No image available

              7. Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping

              Be the first to review!
              25 Saves

              Map: https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/lands_forests_pdf/recmapbiwa.pdf

              There are five lean-tos located trailside throughout the area, each supported by a seasonal water source and pit privy. Other designated campsites are marked with a yellow "Camp Here" disc. In addition, primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

              State law also prohibits camping above 3500 feet in elevation from March 22nd to December 21st each year. In a Wilderness Area, group size is limited to a maximum of 12. Larger groups may be accommodated in any of the Forest Preserve's Wild Forest areas such as nearby Balsam Lake Mountain or Willowemoc Wild Forests.

              Water is relatively scarce in the Catskills. It is not unusual for the springs and streams in this area to run dry during the summer months. The department cannot ensure the purity of any water source. Boil all water for 2 minutes, filter or treat chemically.

              • Pets
              • Fires
              • Tents
              • Group
              • Standard (Tent/RV)
              • Dispersed
              • No image available

                8. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

                2 Reviews
                69 Saves

                The 917-acre Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Area is one of the largest state forests in Dutchess County. Most trails on this property allow multiple uses. It is very popular with mountain bikers, horseback riders, and dog walkers. Please be respectful of all users. Primitive Camping Camping at two designated sites is permitted on a first-come-first-serve basis. They're located on the west side of Brockway Road, south of Tyrrel Road. At-large primitive camping is also allowed. At-large campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

                • Pets
                • Fires
                • Phone Service
                • Tents
                • Group
                • Dispersed
                • No image available
                  • No image available
                  Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

                  Recent Dispersed Reviews In Shandaken

                  10 Reviews of 13 Shandaken Campgrounds


                  • G
                    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.

                  • R
                    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

                  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
                    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.

                  • K
                    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.
                    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.
                    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.
                    Camper-submitted photo from Jug End Dispersed
                    Oct. 3, 2018

                    Jug End Dispersed

                    Jug End Campground, Great Spot for Section Hikers and All.

                    Great spot, I have section hiked the majority of the east coast AT and this is in my top 10 spots to stay at. Trash cans, but carry out is preferable.

                  • Luke A.
                    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.



                  Guide to Shandaken

                  Camping near Shandaken, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

                  What to do:

                  • Hiking: The area is known for its scenic trails. Many campers recommend checking out Kaaterskill Falls, which has a short, easy trail. One visitor noted, "The trail to the Mountain House Site is also pretty easy, with more of an incline," making it accessible for various skill levels.
                  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, you can cast a line in nearby lakes or rivers. One camper mentioned, "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river," highlighting the variety of fishing spots available.
                  • Swimming: Some campgrounds, like North-South Lake Campground, have lakes with swimming areas. A reviewer said, "There are two nice lakes with beaches," perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day.

                  What campers like:

                  • Natural Beauty: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. One visitor described Woodland Valley Campground as "gorgeous," with a brook nearby and easy access to the lake.
                  • Privacy: Many sites are well-spaced, providing a sense of seclusion. A camper at Kenneth L Wilson Campground mentioned, "While some of the spots were fairly close together, they seem more spread out than in other Catskill camping sites."
                  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff at various campgrounds. One reviewer noted, "The staff was friendly and helpful," which can make a big difference in your camping experience.

                  What you should know:

                  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared to disconnect. A camper at North-South Lake Campground mentioned, "There is NO cell service & just forget about WiFi," so plan accordingly.
                  • Bear Activity: Wildlife is a part of the experience. One camper warned, "There’s a lot of bear activity here, so constantly cleaning up your food is very important," reminding everyone to be cautious with food storage.
                  • Facilities: Some campgrounds have mixed reviews about cleanliness. A visitor at Woodland Valley Campground said, "Half the bathrooms don’t work," so it’s good to check the facilities before you go.

                  Tips for camping with families:

                  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds and swimming areas. One parent shared, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities," about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner.
                  • Choose Weekdays: If you want a quieter experience, consider camping during the week. A visitor noted, "It was really peaceful when we visited in the middle of the week," which can make a big difference for families.
                  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. One camper at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds mentioned, "Bring your inter tubes, bug spray!" which is a good reminder to be prepared for outdoor fun.

                  Tips from RVers:

                  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Rondout Valley RV Campground said, "We were assured that it would fit. It did—technically," highlighting the importance of checking dimensions.
                  • Road Conditions: Be aware of the road conditions leading to your site. One camper noted, "The roads are quite rocky and can be difficult to navigate," which is something to consider when driving larger rigs.
                  • Amenities Matter: Look for campgrounds with good amenities. A visitor at New York City North-Newburgh KOA mentioned, "They have a pond for fishing, basketball, a mini golf course," which can enhance your stay.

                  Camping near Shandaken, New York, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful Catskills!

                  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 13 dispersed camping locations near Shandaken, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.