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Dispersed Camping near West Kill, NY

16 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    Dispersed camping opportunities exist in multiple locations around West Kill, New York, primarily on state forest lands in the Catskill region. Echo Lake provides primitive tent sites around a small mountain lake, accessible via hiking trails. The Denning Trailhead area offers backcountry camping spots approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead, with sites positioned along a river. Burnt Rossman State Forest and the Allaben Primitive Campsites feature free, off-grid camping areas accessible from roadways, while Rider Hollow has scattered dispersed sites with minimal facilities.

    Access to most dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved roads or hiking trails. The road to Duck Pond Campsite features rough conditions suitable only for small vehicles with adequate clearance, with intermittent cell service creating potential safety concerns. Many areas like Echo Lake require hikers to pack in all supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles, as no facilities or trash removal services exist. Winter access remains possible at some locations like Burnt Rossman State Forest, though preparation for seasonal conditions is essential. Most sites provide fire rings but require campers to bring their own water or filter from natural sources.

    The region's backcountry campsites vary from lakeside settings to stream-adjacent locations, offering different experiences based on elevation and terrain. Echo Lake campsites surround a small mountain lake with both tent sites and a lean-to structure, though spots can become crowded during peak periods. Multiple reviews indicate the natural beauty and remoteness as primary attractions despite limited amenities. "The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quiet and we just loved the experience." Proximity to hiking opportunities on nearby peaks enhances the camping experience, with sites near Denning Trailhead providing convenient access to Peekamoose Mountain and other trails. Winter camping remains popular at certain locations for those seeking greater solitude.

    Best Dispersed Campgrounds near West Kill (16)

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      1. Allaben Primitive Campsites

      4.0(2)7mi from West KillRVs, Tents

      "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."

      "Cool spot next to a pond. There are a few others that aren’t next to a pond, and therefore not as cool… but still pretty cool bc it’s free and you can walk up a little to a pond."

      2. Mink Hollow Lean-to

      5.0(1)13mi from West KillTents

      "Lean-to is just off the Mink Hollow trail near the Devil's Path there is an outhouse near lean-to. A reliable piped spring is a quarter mile away."

      3. Echo Lake

      5.0(2)17mi from West KillTents

      "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. "

      "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots."

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      4. Devil's Kitchen Lean-to

      5.0(1)17mi from West Kill

      "Lean-to is right on the overlook trail so a lot of hikers passing by."

      5. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

      5.0(1)17mi from West Kill

      "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."

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      6. Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp

      5.0(2)20mi from West KillRVs, Tents

      "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!"

      "Entrance is soft"

      7. Duck Pond Campsite

      4.5(2)21mi from West KillTents

      "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad."

      "Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads"

      8. Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping

      Be the first to review10mi from West KillTents
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      9. Betty Brook Camp

      4.5(2)23mi from West KillRVs, Tents

      "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."

      "Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots"

      10. Rensselaerville State Forest

      Be the first to review22mi from West Kill
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    Dispersed Camping Reviews near West Kill, NY

    22 Reviews of 16 West Kill Campgrounds

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      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.

    • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 6, 2026

      Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

      Dispersed Camping?

      Between Sage's Ravine and Jug End Road there are five backcountry campsites on the Appalachian Trail. Sage's Ravine Laurel Ridge Race Brook Falls (with a shelter) The Hemlocks (with a shelter) Glen Brook (with a shelter) After descending Mt. Everett, you descend to Guilder Pond State Park. It is a day use park with trash cans and in season it also has a porta potty and a few picnic tables. No camping besides those already mentioned, which are all A.T. campsites. Jug End Road allows overnight parking (often used by folks hiking the A.T.) but I wouldn't classify that as dispersed camping unless you just need a place to pull over and sleep for a night. Each site mentioned, with the exception of Race Brook, is no more than .2 off the A.T.

    • P
      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.

    • 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.

    • YThe Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 2, 2024

      Duck Pond Campsite

      Open quite campsites

      After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad. So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience. Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions.

    • The L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 10, 2025

      Duck Pond Campsite

      Small vehicle only

      The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse. The site itself, was pretty nice, Fire pit, trickling stream, but the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it. Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads

    • Cory D.The Dyrt PRO User
      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.

    • Dawn M.
      Apr. 25, 2025

      Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

      Pretty cool

      If you like dispersed camping, like me- this place is good. There are absolutely no amenities whatsoever & barely even a signal here, but it’s quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight. There’s no spectacular mountain views from above, but rather a quiet peaceful wooded area & although I only seen/stayed at one camping spot which is literally at about the required 150ft from the road, you can set up your own camp anywhere. I was the only one here & it was a very peaceful & relaxing night

    • BThe Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 16, 2025

      Sage's Revine

      Not highest recommended

      There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

    Guide to West Kill

    Several dispersed camping areas exist in state forests near West Kill, New York. Echo Lake receives high ratings for its backcountry tent sites around the lake perimeter and one lean-to. The 1.5-mile hike to reach the lake rewards campers with natural surroundings and flat camping spots. Allaben Primitive Campsites offers more accessible off-grid camping with drive-in access, a small pond, fire pit with cooking griddle, and picnic table. Sites at Betty Brook Camp feature stream access and drinking water but have limited space for vehicles.

    Burnt Rossman State Forest and Duck Pond Campsite provide additional primitive camping options but require careful navigation on rough forest roads. "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough," notes one camper about Duck Pond, adding that intermittent cell service made travel on these roads concerning. Winter camping is possible at some sites, with Burnt Rossman specifically mentioned as "a great location for winter camping" with sites easily accessible from the road. Most dispersed areas permit fires and allow pets but lack facilities, requiring strict adherence to leave-no-trace principles.

    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 Allaben Primitive Campsites with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near West Kill, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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