Dispersed camping options near West Hurley, New York extend beyond the immediate Catskill region into surrounding state forests and wildlife management areas. The area sits at elevations ranging from 500 to over 3,000 feet, creating varied terrain for primitive camping. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer daytime temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with cooler nights, especially at higher elevations.
What to do
Hiking from campsites: At Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping, portable toilets provide minimal amenities while maintaining wilderness feel. The location serves as an excellent starting point for accessing multiple trails in the western Catskills.
Stream fishing: Denning Trailhead area offers campsites with river access. According to one camper, there are "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."
Photography opportunities: Allaben Primitive Campsites provides easier access for those seeking free camping near West Hurley without extended hiking. "Nice spot right off the main road and close to town. Small pond...Picnic table. Fire pit with cooking griddle. Trails to the fishing access across the road," notes Breanne H.
What campers like
Solitude and cell service: Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers the unique combination of remote feeling with safety backup. "Less than 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," reports one camper.
Winter accessibility: Burnt Rossman State Forest remains accessible during colder months. One winter camper found it "a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"
Lake views: Lake-based camping provides additional recreational options. At Echo Lake, one camper reports, "We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze."
What you should know
Road conditions: Duck Pond Campsite requires careful vehicle planning. "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived at surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites," notes one visitor, while another cautions about "sometimes rough conditions" and mentions "the road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse."
Insect preparation: Bug activity varies by season and location. An Echo Lake visitor warns, "it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray," while at Hemlock Ridge, one camper reports "bugs are relentless."
Site availability: Popular areas fill quickly on weekends. At Echo Lake, a camper notes 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."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Echo Lake provides an accessible introduction to backcountry camping. "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."
Safety considerations: Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed camping requires proper preparation. "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."
Environmental education: Practice Leave No Trace principles. One Echo Lake visitor reminds campers to "practice leave no trace principles and pack out what you bring in!"
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most dispersed camping areas near West Hurley cannot accommodate larger vehicles. Duck Pond Campsite reviews specifically mention "small vehicle only" due to access road conditions.
Parking strategies: At Burnt Rossman State Forest's Westkill Camp, note that the "entrance is soft" and you may need "parking across the street if it's wet," according to recent visitors.
Seasonal considerations: For RV or vehicle camping, monitor weather forecasts carefully. Duck Pond visitors mentioned "intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads," highlighting the importance of preparation.
