Dispersed camping near Westbrookville, New York provides access to the Catskill and Shawangunk Mountain regions with elevations ranging from 400 to 2,200 feet. This area experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall and mild summers with temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Primitive sites typically require visitors to carry in all supplies and practice strict Leave No Trace principles on state forest lands.
What to do
Hiking trail exploration: Tackle the trails near Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park which connects to extensive protected forest lands. According to Doc B., "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."
Backpacking connections: Use primitive camping as a base for longer treks through the Catskills. The Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping area serves as a strategic starting point for multi-day expeditions. Ali B. notes, "Great spots about 1.5 mile hike in from Denning Trailhead. A lot of spots right by the river."
Fishing access: Many sites provide river and pond access for fishing. The primitive sites at Allaben offer "trails to the fishing access across the road," according to Breanne H., making them convenient for anglers who want quick access to water without a long hike.
What campers like
Natural seclusion: Primitive camping near Westbrookville provides escape without extreme isolation. At Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, Dawn M. found, "it's quiet & off the beaten path. The parking lot only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight... you can set up your own camp anywhere."
Lake views: Tent sites with water views create natural focal points. James A. describes Echo Lake camping: "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean two with a few campfire spots. We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze."
Cell service reliability: Unlike many remote camping areas, some sites maintain connectivity. The Thunder Swamp Trailhead area, according to Tim M., "had decent ATT service," while Doc B. notes that Taconic Hereford offers "the feeling of the wild, with the safety of having full cell service."
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles. At Hickok Brook, Corey noted, "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must." Similarly, Tim M. warns about Thunder Swamp Trailhead: "the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs."
Permit regulations: New York State lands typically require camping permits. Gregg T. learned this at Hickok Brook: "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."
Limited capacity: Most primitive sites accommodate only a few campers. Hemlock Ridge MUA features a "small(10 car) parking lot" according to Cory D., while Gregg T. warns about Hickok Brook: "There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety planning: Lakes and streams require supervision. James A. describes Echo Lake having "a small lean two with a few campfire spots" surrounding the water, but families should establish clear boundaries when camping near water features.
Bug prevention: Insect activity varies by season and location. Kate from Echo Lake advises, "it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray," a consideration especially important when camping with children who may be more sensitive to bites.
Emergency preparation: While some sites maintain cell service, families should have backup plans. At Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2, Katharine T. reports, "We'll maintained w bear boxes provided," but advises "No Water (nearest is sunfish pound- easy hike about a 1 round trip)."
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Most primitive sites cannot accommodate larger rigs. Corey's experience at Hickok Brook confirms this limitation: "I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup... It's not a good spot for car camping."
Alternative camping setups: Tent camping remains the primary accommodation. At Hemlock Ridge MUA, Cory D. notes this "isn't a fancy campsite and has no amenities," making it better suited for tent camping than RVs, adding "Many climbers stay there for access to the gunks."
Parking challenges: Limited parking affects RV accessibility. According to Dawn M., Hemlock Ridge MUA has a parking lot that "only holds about 4-5 cars, 6 if you park real tight," making it impractical for most recreational vehicles beyond small camper vans.
