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Best Dispersed Camping near Matamoras, PA

7 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of Matamoras, Pennsylvania. Thunder Swamp Trailhead in Pennsylvania provides a basic gravel parking area with shade that serves as a primitive camping spot. Access is drive-in, though visitors report it's primarily used for overnight stays while exploring the extensive hiking network. A permit is required for camping here.

In nearby New York state, Hickok Brook and Russell Brook Road offer more remote options. Hickok Brook features lakeside tent sites accessible via a rough road with large potholes that requires high-clearance vehicles. According to one camper, "The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping." A ranger permit is needed for camping on New York state land. For hikers, the Appalachian Trail Designated Backpacker Campsite 2 in New Jersey provides free tent and hammock camping with bear boxes but no water source. As one visitor noted, "Stock up on water at the Dunnfield creek natural area, or wait until Sunfish pond."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Matamoras, Pennsylvania (6)

    1. Hickok Brook

    2 Reviews
    Barryville, NY
    13 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. Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Unity House, PA
    25 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."

    3. Appalachian Trail- Designated Backpacker Campsite 2

    2 Reviews
    Shawnee on Delaware, PA
    32 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!"

    4. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Plattekill, NY
    39 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."

    5. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

    1 Review
    Claryville, NY
    43 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."

    6. Russell Brook Road

    Be the first to review!
    Roscoe, NY
    45 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Matamoras, PA

10 Photos of 6 Matamoras Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Matamoras, PA

7 Reviews of 6 Matamoras Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • Ali B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2020

    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).

Guide to Matamoras

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Matamoras, Pennsylvania, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Scenic Lakeside Retreats for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience the tranquility of Hickok Brook, where you can set up camp near the water and enjoy peaceful views. Just remember, it's a hike-in site, so pack accordingly.
  • For those looking for a rugged adventure, Thunder Swamp Trailhead offers a drive-in access point, but be prepared to secure a permit before your visit.
  • If you prefer a more accessible option, the Rest Area I-84 provides a safe and clean environment for a quick overnight stay, perfect for solo travelers or those on a road trip.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Matamoras, Pennsylvania

  • Always check for permits before heading to places like Thunder Swamp Trailhead, as some areas require them for camping.
  • Bring all necessary supplies when visiting Hickok Brook, as there are no amenities available and it's a hike back to town for any essentials.
  • Be mindful of the local wildlife and practice Leave No Trace principles, especially in areas like Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed, where camping is allowed throughout the forest.

Hiking and Exploration Opportunities for Dispersed Campers

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Matamoras, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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