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Best Dispersed Camping near Shrub Oak, NY

5 Reviews

Two free dispersed camping areas exist near Shrub Oak, New York for backcountry campers seeking primitive experiences. Hemlock Ridge Multiple Use Area offers 80 acres of forested land with no amenities or facilities. The small parking lot accommodates 4-6 vehicles, and camping is permitted anywhere 150 feet from the main trail. The area provides quiet, wooded seclusion but lacks cell service, water, and restroom facilities.

Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park encompasses over 900 acres of protected forest with multiple hiking trails. The area requires hikers to walk in to find suitable camping spots, creating a more remote backcountry experience despite being only 10 minutes from town. The narrow access road has limited turnaround space, making it unsuitable for trailers or RVs. A camper noted that despite the off-grid setting, "hiking in and finding a suitable place to make camp has the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service." Both locations follow standard Leave No Trace principles and are free to use.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Shrub Oak, New York (2)

    1. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    24 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

    3 Reviews
    Verbank, NY
    29 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."

    "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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Shrub Oak, NY

2 Photos of 2 Shrub Oak Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Shrub Oak, NY

5 Reviews of 2 Shrub Oak Campgrounds

  • 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

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    Convenient pit stop

    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.

Guide to Shrub Oak

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Shrub Oak, New York, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and the freedom to camp in the wild. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Shrub Oak, New York

  • Make sure to follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the natural environment pristine, especially at locations like Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, where camping is allowed anywhere 150 feet from the trail.

Climbing adventures for dispersed campers

  • If you're a climbing enthusiast, the Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed area is popular among climbers looking for easy access to the nearby Gunks, making it an ideal base for your climbing excursions.

Wildlife exploration while free camping near Shrub Oak

  • For those interested in wildlife, Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers over 900 acres of protected forests, providing ample opportunities to observe local fauna while enjoying a peaceful camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Shrub Oak, NY?

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

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