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Best Dispersed Camping near Tuxedo Park, NY

9 Reviews

Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed offers free primitive camping in a quiet wooded area near Tuxedo Park. The site requires walk-in or hike-in access with a small parking lot accommodating only 4-6 vehicles. Campers can set up tents anywhere 150 feet from the trail following Leave No Trace principles. The area has no amenities – no water, toilets, or trash facilities.

Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park provides another free dispersed camping option with hike-in access. The 900-acre forest connects to additional protected lands with numerous trails for exploration. A visitor noted, "Finding a suitable place to make camp has the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service." The narrow access road has limited turnaround space, making it unsuitable for trailers or RVs. Hickok Brook offers lakeside primitive camping but requires navigating a very rough road with significant potholes, necessitating high-clearance vehicles.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Tuxedo Park, New York (6)

    1. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "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."

    2. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    3 Reviews
    Verbank, NY
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "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."

    3. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    41 miles

    "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."

    4. Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Unity House, PA
    46 miles

    "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."

    "Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."

    5. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    2 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, PA
    48 miles
    Website

    "I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre."

    "We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!"

    6. Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, NY

    Be the first to review!
    Queens, NY
    45 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Tuxedo Park, NY

9 Photos of 6 Tuxedo Park Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Tuxedo Park, NY

9 Reviews of 6 Tuxedo Park Campgrounds

  • R
    Jul. 12, 2017

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Small but kind of your only option

    I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Also it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!

    That being said, as you enter the Worthington State Forest there are signs and hand painted maps indicating that this is the only place you can sleep in the forest. So if this is your timing, this is where you'll be sleeping! The site itself is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find.

    Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond. There are lots of signs around Sunfish pond itself that there's no camping allowed.

  • Corey
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Beautiful but buggy lakeside tent sites

    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. 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.

  • Doc B.
    Jun. 17, 2021

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    A hidden gem...

    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. 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.

  • Cory D.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    A place to sleep near the gunks

    This 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.

  • Dawn M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2025

    Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    Pretty cool

    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. 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

  • Katharine T.
    May. 31, 2022

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Perfect balance of community and space

    We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There’s plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. We’ll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking. We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    Convenient pit stop

    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.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Small, don't blink you'll miss it.

    There 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.

Guide to Tuxedo Park

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Tuxedo Park, New York, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Tuxedo Park, New York

  • Many dispersed camping areas, like Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, allow you to camp anywhere 150 feet from the trail, giving you the freedom to choose your ideal spot.
  • Be prepared for the bugs; they can be relentless in some areas, so bringing insect repellent is a must when visiting places like Hickok Brook.
  • Always follow Leave No Trace principles to keep these beautiful areas pristine for future visitors, especially in less developed spots like Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park.

Enjoying nature while free camping near Tuxedo Park

  • For those who love hiking, the trails around Thunder Swamp Trailhead offer stunning views and a chance to explore the local flora and fauna.
  • If you're looking for a peaceful lakeside experience, Hickok Brook provides beautiful tent sites near the water, perfect for a quiet getaway.
  • Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse ecosystems found in areas like Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, where you can spot various animals while hiking through the woods.

Dispersed campers should check out Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

  • This area is popular among climbers due to its proximity to the Gunks, making it a great base for those looking to tackle some climbing routes.
  • With no permits required and the option to have fires, Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed offers a laid-back camping experience for those wanting to enjoy a night under the stars.
  • The small parking lot accommodates a limited number of vehicles, ensuring a more secluded experience for campers who prefer to escape the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Tuxedo Park, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Tuxedo Park, 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 Tuxedo Park, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Tuxedo Park, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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