Best Dispersed Camping near Kingsley, PA

Dispersed camping near Kingsley, Pennsylvania includes several primitive sites within New York state forests, approximately 40-60 miles from Kingsley. Beals Pond State Forest and Long Pond Campground provide free-to-low cost primitive camping opportunities with minimal facilities. Long Pond features designated sites spread along the shoreline, while Beals Pond offers more remote options. Hickok Brook and Russell Brook Road represent additional dispersed camping zones in the broader region, each with distinct terrain and access considerations.

Access conditions vary significantly between sites. Beals Pond State Forest has limited winter accessibility with unmaintained roads and no cell reception. Long Pond Campground features gravel driveways off the main highway for each campsite, accommodating tents and small trailers, though the forest canopy may limit solar charging capabilities. Hickok Brook requires high-clearance vehicles due to rough roads with large potholes. Most areas follow standard dispersed camping regulations with stays typically limited to 14 days, no drinking water available, and limited or no toilet facilities beyond occasional porta-potties.

The backcountry experience at these sites ranges from lakeside camping to densely forested settings. Long Pond Campground provides fishing opportunities with multiple access points including a boat launch, carry-in kayak access, and a handicapped accessible fishing pier. "Each spot seems to have plenty of shade and access to downed firewood, and it looks like there are fire pits at each site," notes one camper about Long Pond. At Hickok Brook, visitors mention the area is "very gorgeous but not RV friendly" with limited camping space. Beals Pond State Forest offers a more secluded experience, though winter access challenges should be considered. Sites generally provide adequate privacy despite occasional proximity to roads, with Long Pond offering campsites that are "large and shaded and well spaced from each other."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Kingsley, Pennsylvania (4)

    1. Beals Pond State Forest

    1 Review
    Trout Creek, NY
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 357-2161

    2. Long Pond Campground

    4 Reviews
    Georgetown, NY
    46 miles

    "Aside from that this was a short drive in and I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock."

    "Campground was easy to locate and the road was in good shape. We stayed in the space across from the port-a-pottie."

    3. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    49 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-4 of 4 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Kingsley, PA

9 Photos of 4 Kingsley Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Kingsley, PA

3 Reviews of 4 Kingsley Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 27, 2024

    Beals Pond State Forest

    Not easily accessible in winter

    This state forest is beautiful but not easily accessible in the winter. After a certain point, the road is not maintained in the winter and I was unable to get cell reception with Verizon.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Hickok Brook

    Small, don't blink you'll miss it.

    There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY. Really is a nice quiet place. It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area. 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.


Guide to Kingsley

Dispersed camping near Kingsley, Pennsylvania requires venturing into nearby New York state forests. Sites typically sit between 1,500-2,000 feet elevation in mixed hardwood forests with seasonal temperature variations from below freezing in winter to humid 80°F summers. Most primitive camping options require a 40-60 mile drive from Kingsley, with varying road conditions depending on season and recent weather patterns.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Long Pond Campground features multiple fishing access points including a boat launch, kayak access, and fishing pier. "People have driven in to fish and kayak so I don't feel isolated and afraid, and I am just a few steps away from sitting on the dock and admiring the scenery," reports Katelyn H. about Long Pond Campground.

Seasonal exploration: Winter camping requires additional preparation. At Beals Pond State Forest, campers should note that "the road is not maintained in the winter," according to Joshua M. Roads become difficult to navigate without high-clearance vehicles after snowfall.

Hiking nearby: While some sites lack designated trails, surrounding state forest lands offer truck trails and walking paths. For those camping at Hickok Brook, Gregg T. advises "It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY." Plan accordingly and bring sufficient supplies.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Most dispersed camping locations offer adequate space between campers. Kevin C. notes that at Long Pond Campground, "The other camping spaces were close enough to see their campfire at night but far enough away that it's still quiet."

Natural surroundings: Hickok Brook offers a natural lakeside setting. Corey describes it as "Very gorgeous but not RV friendly," with lakefront tent sites providing direct water access.

Abundant resources: Free firewood availability is common in these forested areas. "Each spot seems to have plenty of shade and access to downed firewood, and it looks like there are fire pits at each site. Lots of good tinder left over from previous guests which has been helpful," mentions Katelyn H.

Level campsites: Terrain at established sites tends to be flat. Kevin C. observes that at Long Pond Campground, "Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer."

What you should know

Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping sites have minimal or no facilities. Kevin C. points out that Long Pond "has no water or garbage service and no phone signal" and "Would rate 5 stars if it had water and a garbage dumpster."

Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging. For Russell Brook Road, high-clearance vehicles are recommended. At Hickok Brook, Corey warns "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must."

Permit requirements: Some locations require permits. At Hickok Brook, Gregg T. discovered "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."

Site limitations: Camping areas may be smaller than expected. Gregg T. describes Hickok Brook as "Small, don't blink you'll miss it. There are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping."

Tips for camping with families

Restroom planning: Toilet facilities are limited or nonexistent. Kevin C. notes about Long Pond Campground, "We stayed in the space across from the port-a-pottie. While this is next to the road, it is also within 40 yards of the only potta potty in the park."

Accessible sites: Some areas offer more family-friendly access. At Long Pond Campground, "Campsite 1 is adjacent to the handicapped fishing pier, and is supposedly an accessible campsite," says Janet R., though she cautions that wheelchair access may still be limited by gravel surfaces.

Insect preparedness: Bug protection is essential during summer months. Corey describes Hickok Brook as having "Beautiful but buggy lakeside tent sites." Bring appropriate repellents and protective clothing.

Solar limitations: Thick forest canopy can restrict solar charging. Kevin C. mentions at Long Pond Campground, "The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel." Pack alternative power sources for extended stays.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: These dispersed sites accommodate only small rigs. Corey found that at Hickok Brook, "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 but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road."

Campsite access: Individual sites typically feature direct access from main roads. Kevin C. notes Long Pond Campground sites "are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The camp sites I saw all seemed to be large and level spots all located beneath the tree canopy."

Stay duration: Standard regulations permit extended stays. Katelyn H. explains, "I am planning on staying here for a week or more and I see no reason to find another location as there is no fee or permit needed and you can stay up to 14 days I believe."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Kingsley, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Kingsley, PA is Beals Pond State Forest with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Kingsley, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Kingsley, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.