The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Woodstock, NY

17 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Woodstock, New York concentrates primarily in the surrounding Catskill Mountain region, where several primitive sites exist within state forests and public lands. Echo Lake offers hike-in tent camping with established fire pits around the lakeshore and a lean-to site, while Allaben Primitive Campsites includes drive-in access for both tents and small RVs. Denning Trailhead provides primitive camping approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead, with sites positioned along riverbanks. Additional options include Hemlock Ridge MUA, which permits tent camping on 80 acres of forested land with sites required to be at least 150 feet from trails.

Many dispersed camping areas require traveling on unpaved or rough roads that may present challenges during wet conditions. Duck Pond Campsite access roads are particularly rugged, with reviewers noting they are suitable only for small vehicles with adequate clearance. Most sites lack amenities such as potable water, toilets, or trash service. Fire regulations vary by location and season, with some areas permitting campfires in established rings while others prohibit them entirely. Cell service ranges from intermittent to nonexistent at more remote locations. Parking is often limited, with some areas accommodating only 4-6 vehicles.

The dispersed camping experience near Woodstock combines woodland seclusion with proximity to hiking trails and natural features. Echo Lake sites provide lake views from surrounding hills, though the area can become crowded later in the day. Hemlock Ridge MUA offers quiet woodland camping but visitors should prepare for persistent insects. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park provides a sense of wilderness while maintaining cell service, with a reviewer noting it feels like "a quiet piece of beautiful forest to truly rough it" despite being just minutes from town. Winter camping is possible at some locations, with Burnt Rossman State Forest's Westkill Camp noted as "a great location for winter camping" with sites easily accessible from the road.

Map showing campgrounds near Woodstock, New YorkExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Woodstock, New York (13)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Woodstock Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Woodstock, NY

7 Photos of 13 Woodstock Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Woodstock, NY

17 Reviews of 13 Woodstock 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.

  • 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.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

  • 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 Woodstock

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Woodstock, New York, where nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in serene landscapes and enjoy the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Woodstock

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping, where a scenic 1.5-mile hike leads to beautiful spots by the river, perfect for setting up camp before tackling nearby mountains.
  • For those who enjoy fishing, Echo Lake offers a picturesque setting with tent sites around the lake, making it an ideal spot to cast a line and relax by the water.
  • Wildlife watchers will find plenty to observe at Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park, where over 900 acres of protected forest provide a habitat for various species, enhancing the outdoor experience.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Woodstock, New York

  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles when visiting Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping to ensure the area remains pristine for future visitors and wildlife.
  • Be prepared for the elements; sites like Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed have no amenities, so bring all necessary supplies, including food, water, and bug spray to combat the local insects.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp, which can get crowded later in the day.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Allaben Primitive Campsites

  • Located in a tranquil area, Allaben Primitive Campsites offers a drive-in option, making it accessible for those looking to set up camp without a long hike.
  • This site is perfect for those who want to enjoy a peaceful retreat, as it allows for a more secluded experience compared to busier camping areas.
  • With no permit required, Allaben Primitive Campsites provides an easy and hassle-free way to enjoy the great outdoors without the need for reservations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in Woodstock?

Dispersed camping sites around Woodstock are typically very minimalist. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed offers no amenities whatsoever—no bathrooms, water sources, or developed facilities. It provides basic camping with a small parking lot and trails through 80 acres of forest. Similarly, Duck Pond Campsite features simple fire pits and access to a small pond and trickling stream, but no formal facilities. Most dispersed sites in the area have established fire rings but require you to bring your own water, pack out all trash, and handle waste according to Leave No Trace principles. Cell service is generally intermittent or non-existent.

Where can I find primitive camping near Woodstock?

Several excellent primitive camping options exist near Woodstock. Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park offers a secluded forest experience just minutes from town, ideal for truly roughing it. Hiking in is required to find suitable spots to make camp. For primitive camping with a water feature, Echo Lake provides tent sites around the entire lake with established fire pits and a lean-to. Both locations require you to pack in all supplies and follow Leave No Trace principles. These spots offer the authentic wilderness experience many primitive campers seek, with the benefit of being relatively accessible from Woodstock.

Do I need a permit for dispersed camping in Woodstock?

Permit requirements for dispersed camping near Woodstock vary by location. At Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping, no advance permits are needed, but you should check seasonal restrictions. For camping in Betty Brook Camp and similar state forest areas, permits aren't typically required for stays under 3 nights, but you should camp at designated sites where available. Always verify current regulations before your trip as rules can change seasonally. Most dispersed camping in the region follows standard regulations: camp at least 150 feet from water sources, trails, and roads, and follow all fire regulations, which may include seasonal bans.

Keep Exploring