Dispersed camping near Tomkins Cove, New York includes several primitive sites on public lands that require minimal planning and offer true backcountry experiences. Hemlock Ridge Multiple Use Area provides free dispersed camping with no amenities approximately 30 miles west of Tomkins Cove. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, located northeast of Tomkins Cove, also permits primitive camping. Hickok Brook offers additional primitive camping options, though it appears to have more limited vehicle access and is situated farther from Tomkins Cove.
Access to these dispersed camping areas requires consideration of road conditions and vehicle capabilities. Hemlock Ridge features a small parking lot accommodating only 4-6 vehicles, with camping allowed at least 150 feet from established trails. Hickok Brook access roads contain large potholes requiring high-clearance vehicles, with one visitor noting the road is "very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must." Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park provides forest access within a 10-minute drive from nearby towns but typically requires hikers to walk in to suitable camping locations. All sites follow standard Leave No Trace principles and lack amenities such as restrooms, potable water, or trash disposal.
These primitive areas attract visitors seeking quiet, natural experiences away from developed campgrounds. The 900-acre Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park connects to additional protected forests, creating an extensive wilderness experience while maintaining cell service for safety. According to one visitor, it offers "a quiet piece of beautiful forest to truly rough it and go camping for a few days." Hemlock Ridge is frequently used by rock climbers accessing nearby climbing areas, though a camper notes "bugs are relentless" during warmer months. Hickok Brook features lakeside tent sites that one visitor described as "very gorgeous but not RV friendly." Most sites require self-sufficiency with all necessary camping equipment and supplies, as towns and services may be considerable distances away.
"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.
Dispersed camping near Tomkins Cove, New York concentrates in the Hudson Highlands region at elevations between 400-1000 feet. The camping areas experience distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Most primitive sites in this region require hikers to trek at least 150 feet from established trails or parking areas before setting up camp.
Hiking exploration: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park connects to extensive trail networks. "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," notes visitor Doc B. about Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park.
Rock climbing access: Primitive camping at Hemlock Ridge MUA serves as a base for rock climbing enthusiasts. "Many climbers stay there for access to the gunks," explains camper Cory D. about Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed.
Lake activities: Several rustic camping options near Tomkins Cove provide lake access for fishing and swimming. At Hickok Brook, campers can set up "next to the lake," according to Gregg T., though he cautions that "where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger."
Complete solitude: Dispersed camping in these areas offers genuine wilderness experiences. Dawn M. found that at Hemlock Ridge MUA, "I was the only one here & it was a very peaceful & relaxing night."
Proximity to amenities: While offering backcountry experiences, camping near Tomkins Cove still provides reasonable access to supplies. "Less then 10 min drive from town, but hiking in and finding a suitable place to make camp has the feeling of the wild," writes Doc B. about Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park.
No reservation hassles: The primitive camping options operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Dawn M. describes Hickok Brook as having "only 3 spots where we are" and advises campers should see "how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area" during holiday weekends.
Permit requirements: Some dispersed camping areas require permits. Gregg T. advises, "Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."
Limited parking: Plan to arrive early as parking fills quickly. Dawn M. notes that at Hemlock Ridge MUA, "The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight."
Road conditions: Access roads to rustic camping near Tomkins Cove vary significantly in quality. Corey describes the approach to Floyd Bennett Field: "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."
Pack complete supplies: No facilities exist at these primitive sites. Gregg T. advises, "Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY."
Cell service available: Despite the wilderness feel, safety communication remains possible. Doc B. notes that Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers "the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service."
Insect preparation: Summer months bring significant insect activity to these wooded camping areas. Dawn M. found that while Hemlock Ridge MUA was "quiet & off the beaten path," campers should note there's "barely even a signal here."
Not suitable for most RVs: The dispersed camping options near Tomkins Cove generally don't accommodate recreational vehicles. Corey found that even with a "full ton diesel pickup," the sites were "very gorgeous but not RV friendly."
Alternative arrangements: RV campers should consider established campgrounds instead of these primitive options. One camper mentioned a nearby location that "was only $25 night. Great looking facilities and friendly staff."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Tomkins Cove, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Tomkins Cove, 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 Tomkins Cove, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Tomkins Cove, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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