Best Dispersed Camping near Wappingers Falls, NY

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Wappingers Falls? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your New York excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Wappingers Falls, New York (8)

    1. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    2 Reviews
    69 Saves
    Verbank, New York

    The 917-acre Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Area is one of the largest state forests in Dutchess County. Most trails on this property allow multiple uses. It is very popular with mountain bikers, horseback riders, and dog walkers. Please be respectful of all users. Primitive Camping Camping at two designated sites is permitted on a first-come-first-serve basis. They're located on the west side of Brockway Road, south of Tyrrel Road. At-large primitive camping is also allowed. At-large campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Cory D.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Wappingers Falls, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Wappingers Falls, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Wappingers Falls, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Wappingers Falls, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Wappingers Falls, NY

    2. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    61 Saves
    Plattekill, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Kate's photo of a dispersed camping area at Echo Lake near Wappingers Falls, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Wappingers Falls, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Wappingers Falls, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Wappingers Falls, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Echo Lake near Wappingers Falls, NY

    3. Echo Lake

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    116 Saves
    Woodstock, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Alcohol
    Jorge P.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Wappingers Falls, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Wappingers Falls, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Wappingers Falls, NY
    Camper-submitted photo at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Wappingers Falls, NY

    4. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    77 Saves
    Claryville, New York

    Description

    Permits for Peekamoose Blue Hole are only necessary on weekends and holidays from mid-May through mid-September of each year. Permits are available as late as a day in advance, but no more than 7 days in advance. There is a limit of 25 permits issued per day. The Blue Hole is a day-use area and is part of the Rondout Creek, which flows through the Peekamoose Valley to the Rondout Reservoir. The reservoir provides almost half of the drinking water for more than 9 million people in the New York City metropolitan area. Help us protect the area - and your drinking water - by observing these regulations: Use the portable toilets for all human waste. If you carry it in, carry it out - use the dumpsters. Camping, fires and portable generators are allowed only at designated campsites downstream of the Blue Hole. No radios and other audio devices. No glass containers. Except for the designated camping sites, the Peekamoose Corridor is open to the public from onehalf hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Dispersed

    5. Sage's Revine

    1 Review
    33 Saves
    Taconic, Connecticut
    • Pets
    • Reservable
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Drinking Water

    6. Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    37 Saves
    South Egremont, Massachusetts

    This 11.1 mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts starts as the AT enters the state from Connecticut, heading north and features Sages Ravine, Race Mountain, Mount Everett, and Jug End. This section of the AT includes two shelters and a few designated campsites. The shelters are the Hemlock Shelter and the Glen Brook Shelter. This is the southern most section of the AT in Massachusetts.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed

    7. Allaben Primitive Campsites

    Be the first to review!
    22 Saves
    Shandaken, New York

    There are 8 designated campsites, but at-large primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Range

      8. Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping

      Be the first to review!
      26 Saves
      Highmount, New York

      Map: https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/lands_forests_pdf/recmapbiwa.pdf

      There are five lean-tos located trailside throughout the area, each supported by a seasonal water source and pit privy. Other designated campsites are marked with a yellow "Camp Here" disc. In addition, primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

      State law also prohibits camping above 3500 feet in elevation from March 22nd to December 21st each year. In a Wilderness Area, group size is limited to a maximum of 12. Larger groups may be accommodated in any of the Forest Preserve's Wild Forest areas such as nearby Balsam Lake Mountain or Willowemoc Wild Forests.

      Water is relatively scarce in the Catskills. It is not unusual for the springs and streams in this area to run dry during the summer months. The department cannot ensure the purity of any water source. Boil all water for 2 minutes, filter or treat chemically.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Dispersed
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    Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews near Wappingers Falls, NY

    8 Reviews of 8 Wappingers Falls Campgrounds


    • Ali B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jorge P.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping near Wappingers Falls, NY
      Sep. 28, 2020

      Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

      Dispersed primitive camping

      Great camping spots about 1.5 mile hike in from Denning Trailhead. A lot of spots right by the river. Great spot to camp and then wake up to hike to tabletop/ peekamoose mountain. (near the top of tabletop there is also a lean-to for camping).

    • Cory D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Cory D.'s photo of a dispersed camping area at Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed near Wappingers Falls, NY
      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.

    • 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.

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Kate's photo of a dispersed camping area at Echo Lake near Wappingers Falls, NY
      Jul. 9, 2021

      Echo Lake

      Lovely Camping in the Catskills

      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.  The sites are relatively flat and well shaded with trees.  Note, it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray.  Make sure you practice leave no trace principles and pack out what you bring in!  It does get a little crowded later in the day so you may have to share space with others and it can be a little noisy at night.

    • Luke A.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 3, 2018

      Sage's Revine

      Fantastic spot, right near water. 12 platforms available.

      Near non-potable stream, no fires allowed, bathroom is fine, bear boxes available. 50 feet between platforms. Right over the border of CT into MA on the Appalachian Trail. Great spot, highly recommend.


    Guide to Wappingers Falls

    Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Wappingers Falls, New York, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll find the perfect place to pitch your tent and enjoy the wilderness.

    Dispersed campers should check out Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    • This area is a hidden gem, perfect for those seeking a quiet escape into nature. The Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers a beautiful forest setting with plenty of trails to explore.
    • With no permits required and the ability to have fires, it’s an ideal spot for a rustic camping experience. Just remember to bring your own firewood, as it’s not provided.
    • The park is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for the adventure, making it a great choice for families.

    Tips for free and dispersed camping near Wappingers Falls, New York

    • When visiting Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, be prepared for a more rugged experience, as there are no amenities available. This is perfect for those who enjoy a true back-to-nature experience.
    • Make sure to follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the area pristine for future visitors. This is especially important in places like Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping, where the natural beauty is the main attraction.
    • Bring bug spray, as some areas can be buggy, particularly near water sources. This is a common tip for camping at spots like Echo Lake, where the lush surroundings can attract insects.

    Enjoy hiking and wildlife while free camping near Wappingers Falls

    • The trails around Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping offer fantastic opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation, making it a great base for outdoor enthusiasts.
    • If you're looking for a scenic backdrop, Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail provides stunning views and access to the famous Appalachian Trail, perfect for day hikes.
    • Many of these areas are close to protected forests, enhancing the chances of spotting local wildlife and enjoying the tranquility of nature.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Wappingers Falls, NY?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Wappingers Falls, NY is Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Wappingers Falls, NY?

      TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Wappingers Falls, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.