Best Dispersed Camping near Sparrow Bush, NY

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Sparrow Bush? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your New York camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Sparrow Bush, New York (7)

    Gregg T.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Hickok Brook near Barryville, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hickok Brook near Barryville, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hickok Brook near Barryville, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hickok Brook near Barryville, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hickok Brook near Barryville, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hickok Brook near Barryville, NY

    1. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    18 Photos
    23 Saves
    Barryville, New York
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    Katharine T.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 near Shawnee on Delaware, NJ
    Camper-submitted photo at Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 near Shawnee on Delaware, NJ
    Camper-submitted photo at Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 near Shawnee on Delaware, NJ
    Camper-submitted photo at Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 near Shawnee on Delaware, NJ
    Camper-submitted photo at Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 near Shawnee on Delaware, NJ
    Camper-submitted photo at Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 near Shawnee on Delaware, NJ

    2. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    2 Reviews
    9 Photos
    44 Saves
    Shawnee on Delaware, Pennsylvania

    Dispersed camping site in Worthington State Forest

    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    Jorge P.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Claryville, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Claryville, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Claryville, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Claryville, NY

    3. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    77 Saves
    Claryville, New York

    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
    • Dispersed
    Cory D.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Plattekill, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Plattekill, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Plattekill, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Plattekill, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Plattekill, NY

    4. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    61 Saves
    Plattekill, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo at Thunder Swamp Trailhead near Unity House, PA
    Camper-submitted photo at Russell Brook Road near Roscoe, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping near Highmount, NY

    7. Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping

    Be the first to review!
    26 Saves
    Highmount, New York

    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
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Showing results 1-7 of 7 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Sparrow Bush, New York

6 Reviews of 7 Sparrow Bush 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.

  • Katharine T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2
    May. 31, 2022

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Perfect balance of community and space

    We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There’s plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. We’ll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking. We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!

  • 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.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2
    Jul. 12, 2017

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Small but kind of your only option

    I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Also it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!

    That being said, as you enter the Worthington State Forest there are signs and hand painted maps indicating that this is the only place you can sleep in the forest. So if this is your timing, this is where you'll be sleeping! The site itself is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find.

    Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond. There are lots of signs around Sunfish pond itself that there's no camping allowed.


Guide to Sparrow Bush

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Sparrow Bush, New York, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Scenic Lakeside Retreats for Dispersed Campers

  • For a peaceful experience, consider the Hickok Brook, which offers a few secluded spots near the water, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • If you're up for a rugged adventure, the Thunder Swamp Trailhead provides access to beautiful trails and a chance to immerse yourself in nature, though a permit is required.
  • The Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping is ideal for those who enjoy hiking in, with great spots right by the river and proximity to scenic mountain trails.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Sparrow Bush

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the surrounding wilderness at the Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, where you'll find well-maintained areas and bear boxes for your convenience.
  • For those who love climbing, the Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed is a popular spot among climbers, offering access to the Gunks and plenty of space to set up camp.
  • If you're looking for a safe and clean place to rest, the Rest Area I-84 is a great option, especially for solo travelers, with clean facilities and a friendly atmosphere.

Unique Experiences for Dispersed Campers

  • The Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping offers a more rustic experience, allowing pets and fires, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a campfire under the stars.
  • If you're seeking solitude, the Russell Brook Road provides a drive-in option with plenty of space to set up your tent away from the crowds.
  • For a truly primitive experience, the Hickok Brook allows you to immerse yourself in nature without the distractions of modern amenities, perfect for a digital detox.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sparrow Bush, NY is Hickok Brook with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Sparrow Bush, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.