Dispersed camping near West Fulton, New York offers primitive sites throughout the Catskill region and surrounding state forests. Located in Schoharie County at elevations ranging from 800-1,200 feet, the area experiences seasonal temperature variations with summer highs in the 70s-80s°F and winter lows often below freezing. The forest terrain alternates between hardwood forests and scattered wetlands, with several sites positioned near small ponds or streams.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail parking area sits directly on the Mohawk River, providing excellent access for anglers. A camper noted, "It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and fishing (with a valid license)."
Hiking the backcountry: At Echo Lake, visitors can enjoy multiple trails surrounding the water. One camper reported, "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots. Other campsites are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails (wear pants)."
Biking forest trails: Ushers Road State Forest provides bicycle-friendly nature trails for day exploration. A visitor shared, "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."
Wildlife observation: Multiple camping areas provide opportunities to spot native wildlife. At Fort Plain Lock 15, one camper mentioned, "The resident peacock has been keeping me company," indicating some unexpected wildlife encounters at certain locations.
What campers like
Solitude and remoteness: Campers consistently appreciate the quiet isolation at Betty Brook Camp. One regular visitor stated, "Love to camp here all year long have been coming to the area for a couple of decades now. Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone."
Water features: Many sites offer streamside or lakeside camping. At Allaben Primitive Campsites, one camper described, "Nice spot right off the main road and close to town. Small pond-don't think there are any fish. Picnic table. Fire pit with cooking griddle. Trails to the fishing access across the road."
Year-round accessibility: Several sites remain open through winter months. A camper at Betty Brook Camp noted, "Love to camp here all year long," confirming the site's four-season usability.
Scenic viewpoints: Echo Lake campers particularly enjoy elevated sites with views. One camper described, "We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze," highlighting the advantages of selecting hillside locations.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many sites requires navigating unpaved roads that can become problematic in wet conditions. At Duck Pond Campsite, a camper warned, "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites," and further cautioned, "Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions."
Campsite availability: All dispersed sites operate on first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Sites can fill quickly during summer weekends and fall foliage season.
Limited amenities: Most primitive sites lack facilities. When available, amenities should be noted. At Allaben Primitive Campsites, a visitor mentioned having "Picnic table. Fire pit with cooking griddle," which distinguishes it from more basic sites.
Cell service variability: Mobile reception ranges from adequate to nonexistent. Duck Pond Campsite has "Intermittent cell service" while Fort Plain Lock 15 offers "Verizon cell service is good here," according to campers.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: For first-time backpacking families, Echo Lake offers an ideal introduction. One camper shared, "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."
Bug preparation: Wetland proximity can increase insect activity. A camper at Echo Lake advised, "Note, it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray."
Noise considerations: Some sites experience unexpected noise sources. At Fort Plain Lock 15, a camper mentioned, "It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by," which might affect light sleepers or young children.
Safety precautions: Limited cell service can impact emergency communications. Families should carry detailed maps and consider satellite communication devices when camping at remote locations.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. Betty Brook Camp has restrictions noted by a local, "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small."
Parking surface conditions: Fort Plain Lock 15 offers RV parking but with limitations. A camper described it as "Simply it's a parking lot with a view. The parking area is right on the water," and another noted the lot is "large, rocky, and uneven."
Water access points: While most dispersed sites lack hookups, Fort Plain Lock 15 provides "potable water available on the side of the building as you enter," allowing RVers to fill tanks before settling in.
Winter RV considerations: Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp has been noted as suitable for cold-weather camping, with accessible parking directly off the road.
