Best Dispersed Camping near Stamford, NY

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Stamford? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your New York excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Stamford, New York (14)

    Camper-submitted photo at Betty Brook Camp near West Fulton, NY

    1. Betty Brook Camp

    2 Reviews
    49 Saves
    West Fulton, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    felix R.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near North Blenheim, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near North Blenheim, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near North Blenheim, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near North Blenheim, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near North Blenheim, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp near North Blenheim, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Duck Pond Campsite near North Blenheim, NY

    3. Duck Pond Campsite

    1 Review
    8 Saves
    North Blenheim, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • 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

    4. 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
    Kate's photo of a dispersed camping area at Echo Lake near Woodstock, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Woodstock, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Woodstock, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Woodstock, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Woodstock, NY

    5. Echo Lake

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    115 Saves
    Woodstock, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo at Rensselaerville State Forest near Preston Hollow, 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
    Camper-submitted photo at Allaben Primitive Campsites near Shandaken, NY

    8. Allaben Primitive Campsites

    Be the first to review!
    21 Saves
    Shandaken, New York

    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

      Camper-submitted photo at Beals Pond State Forest near Trout Creek, NY

      9. Beals Pond State Forest

      1 Review
      2 Saves
      Trout Creek, New York
      • Pets
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Dispersed
      Janet R.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Whaupaunaucau State Forest near Sherburne, NY
      Camper-submitted photo at Whaupaunaucau State Forest near Sherburne, NY
      Camper-submitted photo at Whaupaunaucau State Forest near Sherburne, NY
      Camper-submitted photo at Whaupaunaucau State Forest near Sherburne, NY
      Camper-submitted photo at Whaupaunaucau State Forest near Sherburne, NY
      Camper-submitted photo at Whaupaunaucau State Forest near Sherburne, NY
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    Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews near Stamford, New York

    6 Reviews of 14 Stamford Campgrounds


    • 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).

    • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Whaupaunaucau State Forest
      Oct. 28, 2019

      Whaupaunaucau State Forest

      Hidden gem in Chenango County

      You have to work a bit to find info on the Whaupaunaucau state forest as a camping destination, but for primitive campers that is part of the appeal! This is a relatively unknown oasis outside of the county, but this state forest has a network of miles of trails for both hiking and criss country skiing. There is an offifical lean-to shelter and developed campsite on trail 20 (see map) but there are several primitive sites with tent site and stine fireplace, plus dispersed leave-no-trace camping is allowed anywhere in the state forest, and the possibilities are endless. Lovely hilly vistas, pondside glens, and lots of clearings near clear streams deep in this old stately forest. A great place to get away from it all for hiking and camping but it is also a fantastic place to go if you enjoy botanizing or birding, lots of unusual species to see. Just beware of ticks, they are invading the region

    • 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.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Beals Pond State Forest
      Dec. 27, 2024

      Beals Pond State Forest

      Not easily accessible in winter

      This state forest is beautiful but not easily accessible in the winter. After a certain point, the road is not maintained in the winter and I was unable to get cell reception with Verizon.


    Guide to Stamford

    Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Stamford, New York, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors.

    Tips for free and dispersed camping near Stamford, New York

    • Many dispersed camping areas, like Betty Brook Camp, allow for a peaceful retreat along a stream, perfect for those seeking solitude in nature.
    • If you're looking for a quiet experience, Duck Pond Campsite is known for its well-maintained sites and minimal foot traffic, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.
    • For those who enjoy winter camping, Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp offers easy access and a beautiful, tranquil setting.

    Dispersed campers should check out Echo Lake

    • Echo Lake features tent sites around the lake, providing a picturesque backdrop for your camping adventure, complete with fire pits for cozy evenings.
    • Be prepared for a lively atmosphere at Echo Lake, as it can get a bit crowded later in the day, but the stunning views and shaded sites make it worth it.
    • Remember to bring bug spray, as the area can be swampy near the lake's edge, ensuring a more comfortable stay while enjoying the natural beauty.

    Scenic spots for hiking and camping

    • Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping offers great camping spots just a short hike from the trailhead, making it a perfect base for exploring nearby mountains.
    • The sites along the river at Denning provide a refreshing atmosphere, ideal for those who enjoy fishing or simply relaxing by the water.
    • For a more adventurous experience, consider hiking to the nearby peaks after setting up camp, as the area is known for its stunning views and diverse trails.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Stamford, NY is Betty Brook Camp with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

      TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Stamford, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.