Dispersed camping near Tivoli, New York provides access to several primitive sites throughout the Catskill Mountain region. Most locations sit at elevations between 1,000-2,500 feet where summer temperatures average 65-75°F during the day, dropping into the 50s at night. Winter camping is possible at several sites, though access roads may become impassable after heavy snowfall, particularly at higher elevations.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Burnt Rossman State Forest offers multiple hiking routes with varying difficulty levels. "This spot is right off the road. Nice and quiet," notes reviewer The L., making it convenient for quick access to trails.
Stream exploration: Camp alongside water at Betty Brook Camp where you can wade, fish, or simply relax. "You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots," explains Robert B., who has visited the area for decades.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at Duck Pond Campsite provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. "The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience," shares Yae U.
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed appeals to those seeking isolation. Dawn M. reports, "it's quiet & off the beaten path... I was the only one here & it was a very peaceful & relaxing night."
Winter camping access: Some sites remain accessible year-round. Felix R. recommends Burnt Rossman State Forest during colder months: "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"
Proximity to climbing: The Gunks climbing area attracts many campers to Hemlock Ridge. "Many climbers stay there for access to the gunks," explains Cory D., though he cautions that the "bugs are relentless."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to remote sites can be challenging. At Duck Pond Campsite, The L. found "the road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough... The years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it."
Limited parking: Most primitive sites have minimal parking. Hemlock Ridge MUA "parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight," according to Dawn M.
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies significantly between locations. Duck Pond offers "intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads," while Hemlock Ridge has "barely even a signal."
Tips for camping with families
Look for pond-side options: Allaben Primitive Campsites offers family-friendly spots next to small ponds. Robert F. notes, "Cool spot next to a pond. There are a few others that aren't next to a pond, and therefore not as cool."
Consider established amenities: Some primitive sites offer basic infrastructure. Breanne H. found Allaben has a "picnic table. Fire pit with cooking griddle. Trails to the fishing access across the road."
Stay near services: Betty Brook Camp sits approximately 8 miles from the nearest town. Peter explains it's "a small town, with just a gas station store," but provides essential supplies for families forgetting items.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most dispersed camping near Tivoli limits vehicle size. At Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, Tim M. cautions "the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."
Seasonal accessibility: Winter conditions impact vehicle access significantly. Peter from Betty Brook Camp advises, "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small."
Primitive setup required: No hookups exist at these sites. Bring self-contained systems and prepare for true primitive camping, as reviewers consistently mention the complete lack of amenities at most locations.
