Dispersed tent camping in the Voorheesville, New York region offers primitive experiences in the surrounding Catskill Mountains and nearby state forests. The area sits at elevations ranging from approximately 300 feet in the Hudson Valley to over 3,000 feet in the western Catskill peaks. Winter conditions can be severe with deep snow accumulation, while summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Tackle challenging hiking trails: Giant Ledge Primitive Camp provides access to demanding rocky ascents with worthwhile views. "There are a couple marked campsites scattered along the trail, we camped at the first one on the way up. Good hike with a bit of a challenge climbing rocks at the end towards the ledge but nothing crazy," notes one camper at Giant Ledge Primitive Camp.
Explore state forest trails: Ushers Road State Forest offers bicycle-friendly trails suitable for day exploration. "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area," reports a visitor at Ushers Road State Forest.
Lakeside camping: Find secluded spots around Echo Lake for water-adjacent camping. "We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze," shares a camper who found higher ground preferable to lakeside areas at Echo Lake.
What campers like
Hilltop views: Elevated campsites provide better ventilation and panoramic vistas. "Yes you can camp on top of the mountain. Yes you can make a camp fire. Yes you can star gaze by the views near the camp," explains a camper at Giant Ledge Primitive Camp.
Private wilderness campsites: Alander Trail Campground offers remarkable seclusion for those willing to backpack in. "Absolutely love this spot and highly recommend if you're looking for a super private, true primitive camping experience. You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back," reports a camper at Alander Trail Camground.
Established fire rings: Most primitive sites include stone fire rings for safe campfires. According to a Duck Pond visitor: "The site itself was pretty nice, fire pit, trickling stream, but the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it."
What you should know
Vehicle access challenges: Unpaved roads to many sites require high-clearance vehicles. "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived at surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions," advises a camper at Duck Pond Campsite.
Bear safety preparations: Bear activity requires proper food storage and precautions. "Thought I heard bears come through overnight, but may have been a lucid dream. Bear can was undisturbed in the morning," recounts a Giant Ledge camper, while another recommends: "Bring a bear bell and bear mace can to be safe."
Limited facilities: Most tent camping sites near Voorheesville lack amenities. One Alander Trail camper notes: "They give you a semi-flat area for a tent, a fire pit and grill rack, one picnic table, and a bear box you would be sharing with other campers nearby."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with shorter access trails: Some campsites require significant hiking to reach. For Echo Lake, a camper advises: "This campground was my first backpacking trip and it was perfect! There are tent sites around the whole lake with fire pits and 1 lean-to site at the end of the trail when you first arrive at the lake."
Prepare for insects: Lakeside camping areas can be buggy during warmer months. "Note, it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray," recommends a visitor to Echo Lake.
Pack all necessities: No services exist at primitive sites. An Alander Trail camper explains: "You will be in the heart of the forest/woods so definitely make sure to be prepared. We had some scares with coyotes and bears in the past but never anything crazy."
Tips from RVers
Scout road conditions first: Many tent camping areas near Voorheesville have difficult access roads unsuitable for RVs or trailers. One Duck Pond camper warned: "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse. Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads."
Consider established campgrounds for larger vehicles: Rather than dispersed options, RVs may require campgrounds with designated sites and amenities. Whitetail Meadows offers only four sites but provides toilets, showers, and picnic tables suitable for smaller RVs or vans.
Park at trailheads for backcountry access: Several tent camping areas require hiking in from parking areas. "You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots," notes an Alander Trail camper.
