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Best Dispersed Camping near Westbrookville, NY

13 Reviews

Multiple dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of Westbrookville, New York. Hickok Brook provides lakeside tent sites accessed via a rough road with large potholes requiring high-clearance vehicles. Camping is limited to three designated spots with no facilities, and parking is restricted. State land permits are required, available from the local ranger office. Hemlock Ridge MUA offers free dispersed camping in a wooded area approximately 150 feet from the trail with a small parking lot accommodating 4-5 vehicles and no amenities.

For backpackers, Denning Trailhead leads to primitive camping spots approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead along a river, serving as a base for hiking Tabletop and Peekamoose mountains. Echo Lake features tent sites surrounding the water with established fire pits and one lean-to. Allaben Primitive Campsites provides drive-in access close to town with picnic tables and fire pits with cooking griddles. Most sites prohibit ground fires, and campers should verify current fire restrictions with forest service offices. A camper noted that Echo Lake "can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Westbrookville, New York (10)

    1. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    16 miles

    "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must."

    "Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."

    2. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "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."

    3. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    Claryville, NY
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3076

    "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."

    4. Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Unity House, PA
    36 miles

    "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."

    "Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."

    5. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    3 Reviews
    Verbank, NY
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3000

    "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."

    "This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."

    6. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    2 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, PA
    44 miles
    Website

    "I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre."

    "We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!"

    7. Echo Lake

    2 Reviews
    Woodstock, NY
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 652-7365

    "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."

    8. Allaben Primitive Campsites

    1 Review
    Shandaken, NY
    44 miles

    "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."

    9. Russell Brook Road

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    Roscoe, NY
    40 miles

    10. Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping

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    Highmount, NY
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 256-3076
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Westbrookville, NY

14 Photos of 10 Westbrookville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Westbrookville, NY

13 Reviews of 10 Westbrookville 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.

  • R
    Jul. 12, 2017

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Small but kind of your only option

    I gave the site only four stars because there's no water nearby, and the views are only mediocre. Also it's a little on the small and sloped side for tent camping, but I was in a hammock and it was a great place for that!

    That being said, as you enter the Worthington State Forest there are signs and hand painted maps indicating that this is the only place you can sleep in the forest. So if this is your timing, this is where you'll be sleeping! The site itself is unmarked when you come to it, but it's the only pretty obvious camping spot on the trail so it's not hard to find.

    Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond. There are lots of signs around Sunfish pond itself that there's no camping allowed.

  • Corey
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Beautiful but buggy lakeside tent sites

    I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road to put up a small tent somewhere. Very gorgeous but not rv friendly.

  • 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.

  • 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.The Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • Katharine T.
    May. 31, 2022

    Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    Perfect balance of community and space

    We stayed here during our section hike through the DWG on the AT. There’s plenty of space. We camped nearer to others but there are secluded spots too. We’ll maintained w bear boxes provided. Good trees for hammocking. We had thought there was a shelter (there isn’t) but it was fine. No ground fires. No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip). Great views!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    Convenient pit stop

    This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs.

  • James A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Echo Lake

    Beautiful lake with lean to

    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) We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze.

Guide to Westbrookville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Westbrookville, New York, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll be able to immerse yourself in the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Hickok Brook

  • The Hickok Brook area features a few secluded spots, perfect for those looking for a quiet retreat. Just remember, it's a hike-in location, so pack accordingly.
  • This site is known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing getaway, especially during busy holiday weekends.
  • Be aware that camping regulations apply, and it's advisable to check with local rangers for any necessary permits.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Westbrookville, New York

  • If you're seeking a no-cost option, consider Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping, where you can camp for free and enjoy stunning river views.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep these beautiful areas pristine, especially in spots like Echo Lake, which can get crowded later in the day.
  • Bring your own water and supplies, as many dispersed sites, including Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, lack amenities and drinking water.

Enjoy hiking and nature exploration while free camping near Westbrookville

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Westbrookville, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Westbrookville, NY is Hickok Brook with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Westbrookville, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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