Top Free Dispersed Camping near Willow, NY
Planning a dispersed camping trip near Willow? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your New York camping adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Willow, NY (13)
1. Echo Lake
Woodstock, New York1 Review•3 Photos•111 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
- Alcohol
2. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
Claryville, New York1 Review•2 Photos•74 SavesDescription
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
- Dispersed
3. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park
Verbank, New York2 Reviews•67 SavesThe 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
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
7. Allaben Primitive Campsites
Be the first to review!Shandaken, New York•19 SavesThere 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
8. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
Plattekill, New York1 Review•3 Photos•56 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
9. Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping
Be the first to review!Highmount, New York•24 SavesMap: 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
10. Sage's Revine
Taconic, Connecticut1 Review•30 Saves- Pets
- Reservable
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Willow
10 Reviews of 13 Willow Campgrounds
Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park
Great Campground
Was only $25 night. Great looking facilities and friendly staff.
Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
No camping per MA.gov website
This is a hiking trail only- no camping per website: https://www.mass.gov/locations/jug-end-state-reservation-wildlife-management-area
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
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Jug End Dispersed — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
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.
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 Willow
Camping near Willow, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.
What to do:
- Hiking: The area is known for its scenic trails. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking trails, with one reviewer mentioning, "The Catskills are very scenic & we enjoyed our time there!" at North-South Lake Campground.
- Fishing: If you love fishing, you’re in luck! Campers at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds appreciate the fishing options, saying, "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river."
- Swimming: Many campgrounds have swimming areas. One visitor at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground noted, "The lake is quite nice and the swimming area is well-protected."
What campers like:
- Natural Beauty: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. A reviewer at Woodland Valley Campground said, "So the Catskills are amazing of course so scenic wise it’s great obviously BUT."
- Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. One camper at Kenneth L Wilson Campground mentioned, "While some of the spots were fairly close together, they seem more spread out than in other Catskill camping sites."
- Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff. A visitor at Little Pond - DEC shared, "Staff was super friendly and helpful."
What you should know:
- Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at North-South Lake Campground warned, "There is NO cell service & just forget about WiFi. You are unplugged."
- Bear Activity: Be cautious of wildlife. One reviewer at Woodland Valley Campground noted, "There’s a lot of bear activity here, so constantly cleaning up your food is very important."
- Crowded on Weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy. A visitor at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground mentioned, "The park is huge with tons of space for picnics, beachgoing and... unfortunately, all of the campsites are jammed into one quadrant."
Tips for camping with families:
- Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with amenities for children. A parent at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner said, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore."
- Choose Quiet Times: If you want a peaceful experience, consider going during the week. One camper at Kenneth L Wilson Campground noted, "Things were pretty quiet (though that could have been because of the rain)."
- Bring Entertainment: With limited cell service, pack games or books. A visitor at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds suggested, "Bring your inter tubes, bug spray!"
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds mentioned, "We have a large 5th wheel RV, and we were assured that it would fit. It did- technically."
- Look for Full Hookups: Choose campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner appreciated, "Our site included a large concrete pad, picnic table, charcoal grill, and large fire ring."
- Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A visitor at Taconic State Park noted, "The roads to the tent sites are quite rocky and can be difficult to navigate."
Camping near Willow, New York, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Willow, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Willow, NY is Echo Lake with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Willow, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Willow, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.