Dispersed camping near West Shokan, New York offers remote wilderness experiences within the Catskill Forest Preserve, where elevations range from 1,200 to over 3,500 feet. The region lies within a temperate deciduous forest zone that receives approximately 50 inches of annual precipitation. Access to many sites requires navigating unmaintained forest roads that deteriorate significantly during spring thaw periods from March to May.
What to do
Streamside hiking: At Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping, campers can access multiple stream-adjacent spots after a 1.5-mile hike from the parking area. "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," notes camper Ali B.
Forest exploration: The 900+ acres at Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offer extensive trail systems for day hiking while maintaining proximity to services. "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. There is plenty of trails to explore and wildlife to enjoy," reports Doc B.
Winter adventures: Several camping areas remain accessible during colder months when crowds thin significantly. The Catskills receive an average of 50-75 inches of snowfall annually, creating opportunities for cold-weather camping from December through March. Winter visitors should prepare for overnight temperatures that frequently drop below 20°F.
What campers like
Lake access: Campers at Echo Lake appreciate the waterfront tent sites that surround the mountain lake. "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean to with a few campfire spots. Other campsites are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails (wear pants). We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze," shares James A.
Site privacy: At Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, campers value the solitude despite limited parking. "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," explains Dawn M.
Stream proximity: Betty Brook Camp offers direct access to flowing water adjacent to campsites. "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," reports Robert B.
What you should know
Road conditions: Multiple campgrounds require traveling rough unpaved roads with limited turnaround space. "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse," warns a camper at Duck Pond Campsite. Another visitor adds, "Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions."
Amenities: Most primitive sites lack facilities but occasionally include basic features. At Allaben Primitive Campsites, you'll find "Picnic table. Fire pit with cooking griddle. Trails to the fishing access across the road," according to Breanne H.
Season considerations: Spring camping (April-May) often means dealing with mud and seasonal road closures as snow melts. Summer temperatures average 70-80°F during day and 50-60°F at night, while fall brings colorful foliage from late September through mid-October.
Tips for camping with families
Access planning: When camping with children, consider the hiking distance to sites. Echo Lake offers various options, as one camper explains: "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."
Preparation for basics: Pack all essentials as most sites have no facilities. Hemlock Ridge MUA "isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities... Normal LNT rules apply. Bugs are relentless," notes Cory D.
Cell service awareness: Connectivity varies dramatically between sites, which affects emergency communications. At Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp, the site is "easily accessible from road" according to Felix R., but at Duck Pond Campsite, campers report "Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed camping areas near West Shokan cannot accommodate larger recreational vehicles. At Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, "the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs," advises Tim M.
Seasonal accessibility: For RV and trailer access, Betty Brook Camp offers limited space but potential year-round accessibility. Peter notes, "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."
Entry points: When accessing sites with vehicles, check recent conditions with rangers or previous visitors. At Burnt Rossman State Forest, one camper notes, "Parking across the street if it's wet. Entrance is soft."
