Top Free Dispersed Camping near West Kill, NY

Want to go dispersed camping near West Kill? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your New York camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near West Kill, NY (12)

    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake

    1. Echo Lake

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    113 Saves
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • Firewood Available
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    2. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    76 Saves

    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
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • No image available

      3. Betty Brook Camp

      2 Reviews
      49 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • ADA Access
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Group
      Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp
      • No image available
        • No image available

          6. Allaben Primitive Campsites

          Be the first to review!
          21 Saves

          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

            • No image available

              7. Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping

              Be the first to review!
              25 Saves

              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
              • No image available

                8. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

                2 Reviews
                69 Saves

                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
                • Tents
                • Group
                • Dispersed
                • No image available
                  • No image available

                    10. Jug End Dispersed

                    2 Reviews
                    36 Saves
                    • Pets
                    • Phone Service
                    • Reservable
                    • Tents
                    • Group
                    • Dispersed
                  Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

                  Recent Dispersed Reviews In West Kill

                  8 Reviews of 12 West Kill Campgrounds


                  • R
                    Camper-submitted photo from Betty Brook Camp
                    Mar. 24, 2024

                    Betty Brook Camp

                    One of my favorite

                    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. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots

                  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
                    Camper-submitted photo from Betty Brook Camp
                    Dec. 17, 2023

                    Betty Brook Camp

                    Pretty good place

                    I live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road. There's a stream alongside it, a fire pit, and a town about 8 mi away. It's a small town, with just a gas station store. I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small, but it's in state park, and there's tons of walking that can be done.

                  • K
                    Camper-submitted photo from Echo Lake
                    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.

                  • Doc B.
                    Camper-submitted photo from Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park
                    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.

                  • Ali B.
                    Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
                    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.
                    Camper-submitted photo from Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
                    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.

                  • Luke A.
                    Camper-submitted photo from Jug End Dispersed
                    Oct. 3, 2018

                    Jug End Dispersed

                    Jug End Campground, Great Spot for Section Hikers and All.

                    Great spot, I have section hiked the majority of the east coast AT and this is in my top 10 spots to stay at. Trash cans, but carry out is preferable.

                  • Luke A.
                    Camper-submitted photo from Sage's Revine
                    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 West Kill

                  Camping near West Kill, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax in nature, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

                  What to do:

                  • Hiking: The area is known for its trails. Many campers enjoy the nearby Kaaterskill Falls, which has a short and easy trail. One visitor mentioned, "The trail to the Mountain House Site is also pretty easy, with more of an incline," making it accessible for various skill levels.
                  • Fishing: If you love fishing, check out the Beaverkill stream, which is close to campgrounds like Little Pond - DEC. A reviewer noted, "Close to the Beaverkill and lots of great fly fishing."
                  • Swimming: Some campgrounds, like Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, have swimming areas. One camper shared, "The lake is quite nice and the swimming area is well-protected."

                  What campers like:

                  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at North-South Lake Campground said, "The Catskills are very scenic, and we enjoyed our time there!"
                  • Privacy: Many sites offer a good amount of space between them. One camper at Woodland Valley Campground - DEC appreciated the foliage, stating, "Each of the campsites in our loop has a lot of foliage around it, creating privacy."
                  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the facilities. A reviewer at Kenneth L. Wilson Campground noted, "The bathrooms were very clean and new, and the showers were free and temperature controlled."

                  What you should know:

                  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have little to no cell service. A visitor at Devil's Tombstone Campground pointed out, "There is NO cell service here. You have to drive about 5 minutes towards Hunter to get service."
                  • Bear Activity: Bears are known to visit some campgrounds. A camper at North-South Lake Campground mentioned, "There are bears that visit the campground, and one came one of the nights."
                  • No Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Woodland Valley Campground - DEC, do not offer electric hookups. A reviewer noted, "This place is all in all a fantastic place for camping... the facilities are ok."

                  Tips for camping with families:

                  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. One camper at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds said, "There are playgrounds for the kids, basketball, pool, and a remote control car track."
                  • Choose Weekdays: If you want a quieter experience, consider camping during the week. A visitor at Woodland Valley Campground - DEC mentioned, "It was really peaceful when we visited in the middle of the week."
                  • Pack Extra Supplies: Be prepared for limited amenities. A camper at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground advised, "Bring extra tarps and rope!"

                  Tips from RVers:

                  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A reviewer at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds noted, "We were assured that it would fit... but we were within 2 inches or less of trees on 4 or 5 instances."
                  • Road Conditions: Be aware of road conditions when driving in. A camper at Rondout Valley RV Campground mentioned, "The roads are worn dirt and look more like a refugee camp to me."
                  • Book Early: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Kenneth L. Wilson Campground suggested, "It can get a little busy on the weekends, so worth reserving in advance."

                  Camping near West Kill, New York, has something for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure, this area is worth exploring!

                  Frequently Asked Questions

                  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near West Kill, NY?

                    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near West Kill, NY is Echo Lake with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

                  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near West Kill, NY?

                    TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near West Kill, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.