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Dispersed camping near Thiells, New York exists on several undeveloped public lands where primitive campsites are free to use and allow for a more rustic outdoor experience. The region features multiple areas suitable for backcountry camping, including Hemlock Ridge Multiple Use Area (MUA), Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, and Hickok Brook. These areas provide access to approximately 900+ acres of forested land where camping is permitted in designated zones, typically requiring campers to set up at least 150 feet from trails and roads. Most sites operate under standard Leave No Trace principles with minimal management infrastructure.
Access routes to dispersed camping locations vary significantly in quality and maintenance. Many areas have small, limited parking areas that accommodate only 4-6 vehicles, as noted at Hemlock Ridge MUA. Roads leading to Hickok Brook feature large potholes requiring high-clearance vehicles. No drinking water, toilets, or other amenities exist at these primitive sites, requiring complete self-sufficiency from campers. Cell service varies by location, with some areas offering full coverage while others like Hemlock Ridge provide limited connectivity. Standard restrictions apply regarding camping distance from water sources and existing trails.
The dispersed sites around Thiells provide different wilderness experiences depending on location. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers a sense of remoteness despite being only 10 minutes from town services. Hickok Brook features lakeside camping spots with beautiful water views, though reviewers note these areas can be particularly buggy. The terrain consists primarily of wooded areas without spectacular mountain views but offers peaceful natural settings. Several camping areas serve as convenient bases for outdoor recreation, with Hemlock Ridge frequently used by rock climbers accessing nearby climbing areas. "This isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities. Camping is allowed anywhere 150ft from the trail. Normal LNT rules apply," one camper stated about Hemlock Ridge. Another review noted that Taconic Hereford "has the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service."
"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."
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.
Primitive camping near Thiells, New York concentrates in state-managed forested lands within Rockland County and adjacent regions. The area sits at modest elevations ranging from 400-800 feet with deciduous forest dominating the landscape. Seasonal factors heavily impact these undeveloped sites, with fall offering reduced insect activity while spring brings muddy conditions requiring appropriate footwear and waterproof gear.
Hiking from camp: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers extensive trail networks across its 900+ acres that connect to additional protected forest land. A visitor noted, "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."
Rock climbing access: Hemlock Ridge MUA serves primarily as a basecamp for climbers heading to nearby formations. One camper mentioned, "Many climbers stay there for access to the gunks," highlighting the practical nature of this location for outdoor sport enthusiasts.
Lakeside activities: Hickok Brook provides opportunities for fishing and paddling with primitive tent sites positioned near the water. Visitors should note the limited vehicle access beyond certain points, as one camper explained, "No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you."
Solitude and seclusion: At Hemlock Ridge MUA, the isolation appeals to those seeking quiet primitive camping. One reviewer shared, "There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it's quiet & off the beaten path."
Convenience with wilderness feel: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers a wilderness experience with unexpected conveniences. A camper noted, "This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service," which provides reassurance for those wanting both seclusion and connectivity.
Waterfront sites: The lakeside locations at Hickok Brook attract campers despite challenges. "Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county," advised one visitor, highlighting both the appeal of waterfront camping and the permit requirements.
Limited parking capacity: Most dispersed areas feature extremely small parking areas that fill quickly, especially on weekends. At Hemlock Ridge MUA, a camper observed, "The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight."
Difficult access roads: Roads to primitive sites often require appropriate vehicles. A camper at Hickok Brook warned, "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping."
Permit requirements: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park and other state lands often require permits for overnight stays. A visitor to Hickok Brook learned this firsthand: "Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Need a permit on NY state land."
Pack in all necessities: No facilities exist at these sites, requiring complete self-sufficiency. A visitor to Hickok Brook advised, "Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY."
Manage bug exposure: Insect protection is essential during warmer months. A camper at Hemlock Ridge warned, "Bugs are relentless," suggesting families bring appropriate repellent and protective clothing.
Choose accessible spots: For families, sites closer to parking areas reduce hiking distance with gear. At Hemlock Ridge MUA, a camper noted, "I only seen/stayed at one camping spot which is literally at about the required 150ft from the road," indicating options exist that minimize hiking with children and equipment.
Size restrictions: These primitive sites generally cannot accommodate recreational vehicles of any significant size. A visitor to Hickok Brook explained, "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... Very gorgeous but not RV friendly."
Limited turnaround space: Many forest roads lack adequate space for larger vehicles to maneuver. A camper at Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park cautioned, "the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Thiells, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Thiells, 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 Thiells, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Thiells, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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