Best Dispersed Camping near Tannersville, NY
Several primitive dispersed camping areas are available in the Catskills region near Tannersville, New York. Echo Lake provides hike-in tent camping with established sites surrounding the lake and one lean-to. Other options include Allaben Primitive Campsites with drive-in and walk-in access, Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping reached by hiking approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead, and Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping. The Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp and Betty Brook Camp offer additional primitive camping locations.
Road access varies significantly across these dispersed sites. Echo Lake requires backpacking to reach camping areas, while locations like Duck Pond Campsite feature rough unpaved roads that may challenge standard vehicles. Fire regulations permit campfires at most sites, but several areas have no drinking water available. Most dispersed sites lack facilities such as toilets, trash service, or picnic tables. Camping duration limits typically follow standard Forest Service guidelines, though specific restrictions may apply. Cell service is intermittent or unavailable at many locations, particularly in more remote areas.
These primitive sites provide quiet, secluded camping experiences with natural features like streams, ponds, and forest surroundings. Campers note the peacefulness and natural beauty of the region. At Echo Lake, tent sites are "relatively flat and well shaded with trees" though it "can get swampy near the edge of the lake." Duck Pond Campsite reviews mention "surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites" but caution about "rough conditions" on access roads. Betty Brook Camp is described as "remote" with camping spots along a stream, while Burnt Rossman State Forest offers camping "right off the road" with "enough room for 2 to 3 campers."
