The forested areas surrounding Southfields, New York feature several dispersed camping options for those seeking primitive outdoor experiences. Hemlock Ridge Multiple Use Area (MUA) and Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park provide free, hike-in tent camping opportunities within wooded settings. Hickok Brook, located within driving distance, offers lakeside camping with limited sites. These areas primarily cater to tent campers willing to hike in their gear, as most locations lack developed facilities and are designed for self-sufficient outdoor enthusiasts. The region's proximity to climbing areas like "the gunks" makes these sites particularly popular with rock climbers looking for convenient overnight options.
Road conditions and limited parking significantly impact the camping experience near Southfields. As one camper at Hickok Brook noted, "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must." Most dispersed sites feature extremely limited parking, with Hemlock Ridge accommodating only "4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight," according to visitor reviews. Cell service varies by location, with some areas maintaining connectivity despite their remote feel. Permits may be required for camping on New York state land, as one Hickok Brook camper learned when a ranger instructed them to "move next to the lake" and "contact Rangers office of whatever county" for proper authorization.
Campers consistently mention the quiet, peaceful atmosphere as a primary attraction of these sites. The areas provide basic outdoor experiences with minimal amenities. A Hemlock Ridge visitor described it as having "absolutely no amenities whatsoever," while noting it's "quiet and off the beaten path." Insects can be problematic, with one camper warning that "bugs are relentless" at Hemlock Ridge. Despite these challenges, the natural setting compensates for the lack of facilities. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park spans approximately 900 acres backed by additional protected forests, providing extensive hiking opportunities. Most sites require adherence to Leave No Trace principles and camping at least 150 feet from trails, creating a genuine wilderness experience within reasonable proximity to towns and climbing destinations.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."
"Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."
ScoutI 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.
Scout99% 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.
RangerThis 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.
TravelerIf 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
GuideThis 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.
RangerThere 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.
RangerWas only $25 night. Great looking facilities and friendly staff.
Dispersed camping sites near Southfields, New York dot the landscape of Orange and Sullivan counties within the greater Catskills region. The area features elevations ranging from 500 to 1,200 feet, with dense deciduous and coniferous forest cover throughout most camping locations. Summer temperatures typically range from 55°F to 85°F with high humidity levels from June through August, while spring and fall camping offer milder conditions but more variable weather patterns.
Trail exploration: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park spans over 900 acres of protected forest with multiple connecting trail systems. According to Doc B., "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."
Camping near climbing areas: Many rustic camping spots near Southfields serve as bases for rock climbing enthusiasts. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed camping area features a "small(10 car) parking lot and a trail that runs thru 80 acres of forest," with Cory D. noting that "many climbers stay there for access to the gunks."
Lakeside camping: Hickok Brook offers waterside camping opportunities with limited sites. Gregg T. reports "where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake" and notes there are "only 3 spots where we are."
Remote feeling with cell service: The primitive camping areas near Southfields provide isolation while maintaining connectivity to civilization. At Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, Doc B. experienced "hiking in and finding a suitable place to make camp has the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service."
Solitude and nature immersion: The dispersed camping options offer quiet experiences away from crowds. At Hemlock Ridge MUA, Dawn M. found "it's quiet and off the beaten path" and "I was the only one here and it was a very peaceful and relaxing night."
Convenient access to towns: Despite their rustic nature, most camping areas maintain reasonable proximity to services. Gregg T. mentioned that near Hickok Brook "there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY."
Access challenges: Roads to primitive camping areas near Southfields can be difficult to navigate. At Hickok Brook, Corey warns "the road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must."
Permit requirements: New York state lands often require camping permits. Gregg T. learned this firsthand: "Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."
Limited parking: Most dispersed sites offer minimal vehicle capacity. Dawn M. notes that at Hemlock Ridge "the parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight."
Seasonal insect populations: Bugs can significantly impact camping experiences in this region. Cory D. found that at Hemlock Ridge "bugs are relentless."
Location scouting: When camping with children at Thunder Swamp Trailhead, look for flatter areas away from marsh sections. Jason R. recommends checking out different trail options, noting they "went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."
Safety precautions: When camping with family at Taconic Hereford, Doc B. advises safety measures: "Always let someone know where you are headed and when you plan to return."
Shade considerations: For summer camping with kids, Benjamin H. points out that Thunder Swamp Trailhead offers "plenty of shade" in the parking area, which can be valuable during hot weather.
Site limitations: When camping with family at Hickok Brook, be prepared for tight quarters as Gregg T. notes "there are only 3 spots" and advises campers to "bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town."
Vehicle size restrictions: Most rustic camping areas near Southfields cannot accommodate large RVs. Corey found Hickok Brook "not a good spot for car camping" even with their "full ton diesel pickup" and concludes it's "not RV friendly."
Alternative options: When standard campsites are full during holidays, Gregg T. observed during "Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area" at Hickok Brook, suggesting holiday weekends require advance planning or alternative locations.
Temporary overnight parking: For those with smaller vehicles or vans, Thunder Swamp Trailhead offers basic overnight options. Jason R. found "trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Southfields, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Southfields, NY is Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Southfields, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Southfields, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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