Top Free Dispersed Camping near Starlight, PA

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Starlight, PA (9)

    Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground

    2. Long Pond Campground

    4 Reviews
    68 Photos
    15 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Rest Area I-84
    • No image available
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

        6. Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping

        1 Review
        2 Photos
        76 Saves

        Description 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
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Dispersed
        Camper-submitted photo from Whaupaunaucau State Forest
        Camper-submitted photo from Whaupaunaucau State Forest
        Camper-submitted photo from Whaupaunaucau State Forest
        Camper-submitted photo from Whaupaunaucau State Forest
        Camper-submitted photo from Whaupaunaucau State Forest
        Camper-submitted photo from Whaupaunaucau State Forest
        Camper-submitted photo from Balsam Swamp State Forest
        Camper-submitted photo from Balsam Swamp State Forest
        Camper-submitted photo from Balsam Swamp State Forest
        Camper-submitted photo from Balsam Swamp State Forest
        Camper-submitted photo from Balsam Swamp State Forest
        Camper-submitted photo from Balsam Swamp State Forest

        8. Balsam Swamp State Forest

        1 Review
        31 Photos
        41 Saves

        Camping primitive camping General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations 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 Ranger. A small rustic camp ground is also located at Balsam Pond. Camping spaces are available at no cost on a first-come, first-serve basis and there is no running water or electricity. A fire ring, outhouse, and picnic table are provided for each camping space.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Tents
        • Dispersed
        • Picnic Table
        • No image available

          9. Rider Hollow Dispersed Camping

          Be the first to review!
          25 Saves

          Map: 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

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Starlight

        5 Reviews of 9 Starlight Campgrounds


        • G
          Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
          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.

        • Corey The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Hickok Brook
          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.

        • Ali B.
          Camper-submitted photo from Denning Trailhead Peekamoose Primitive Camping
          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).

        • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Whaupaunaucau State Forest
          Oct. 28, 2019

          Whaupaunaucau State Forest

          Hidden gem in Chenango County

          You have to work a bit to find info on the Whaupaunaucau state forest as a camping destination, but for primitive campers that is part of the appeal! This is a relatively unknown oasis outside of the county, but this state forest has a network of miles of trails for both hiking and criss country skiing. There is an offifical lean-to shelter and developed campsite on trail 20 (see map) but there are several primitive sites with tent site and stine fireplace, plus dispersed leave-no-trace camping is allowed anywhere in the state forest, and the possibilities are endless. Lovely hilly vistas, pondside glens, and lots of clearings near clear streams deep in this old stately forest. A great place to get away from it all for hiking and camping but it is also a fantastic place to go if you enjoy botanizing or birding, lots of unusual species to see. Just beware of ticks, they are invading the region

        • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Balsam Swamp State Forest
          Nov. 28, 2017

          Balsam Swamp State Forest

          Balsam Pond campsites

          Update: since my original visit, there have been some good upgrades including new portapotty. Some of the campsites are still in need of some TLC. The location is beautiful, but the campground seems to get heavy use and has some wear and tear. Balsam Pond has a reputation as a good local fishing spot featuring trout, bass, and even tiger muskies. The pond itself is beautiful and Is one of the larger state forest ponds in the area preserved in a natural state with no shoreline development other than the small campground and the public boat launch. If you are coming for a good fishing or boating experience, you wont be disappointed as the newly built boat launch can accommodate trailers for easy access and also has a well built handicapped accessible fishing pier. Once out on the water you will enjoy good fishing or wildlife watching or paddling.

          However, if you are coming here primarily for the camping experience you may be disappointed. Though the natural setting is picturesque and secluded, the campground is not well maintained. Some of the sites have new picnic tables, some have old tables that are falling apart, and some have none at all. Some have official steel fire rings, some have stone fire rings that are crumbling. All are drive in sites, some meant for trailers and others with green space for tents. A few sites are much too close to the entrance road, most are set back further in the woods, and a few are right by the lake. Unfortunately, when we were there, previous campers had strewn garbage around most of the sites; it seemed to have been there for a while so it seems there is not regular maintanence by the DEC. There is also supposed to be an outhouse at the campground, but there isnt one now. Hence my low ranking of the campground despite its nice setting.

          if you would like to camp at Balsam Pond but prefer a better option than the campground, there is one paddle-in site set away from the campground where you can Leave No Trace and hopefully other like-minded campers have done the same. You are also allowed to make your own dispersed campsite at any location of your choice within the Balsam Swamp State Firest, as long as you are more than 150 feet from the lakeshore.



        Guide to Starlight

        Camping near Starlight, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.

        What to do:

        • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the local lakes and rivers. One visitor at Keen Lake Resort Campground said, "Beautiful lake great fishing," highlighting the opportunities for anglers.
        • Hiking: Explore the trails around Chenango Valley State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "Tons of biking and hike trails," making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
        • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim at the beach area. A camper at Oquaga Creek State Park Campground noted, "Lake with a nice beach and swimming area," perfect for families looking to cool off.

        What campers like:

        • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One visitor at Lackawanna State Park Campground said, "The bathhouse was adequate and clean," which is a big plus for many.
        • Friendly Staff: Many reviews mention the helpfulness of campground staff. A camper at Little Pond - DEC shared, "Staff was super friendly and helpful," making the experience more enjoyable.
        • Variety of Accommodations: Campers love the options available, from tents to cabins. A reviewer at Kittatinny Campground noted, "Good overall campground," appreciating the different types of sites.

        What you should know:

        • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A visitor at Kittatinny Campground mentioned, "It's pretty much one person on top of the other," so plan accordingly.
        • Noise Levels: Be prepared for noise from other campers. One camper at Beaverkill Campground said, "The sound of the neighbors literally 6 ft from you wasn’t pleasant," indicating that privacy can be an issue.
        • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Little Pond - DEC noted, "No Verizon service and Starlink was spotty," so it’s best to disconnect while you’re there.

        Tips for camping with families:

        • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with planned activities. A reviewer at Keen Lake Resort Campground mentioned, "Activities all day long for the children," making it a great choice for families.
        • Pet-Friendly Options: If you’re bringing pets, check for dog-friendly campgrounds. A visitor at Lackawanna State Park Campground said, "Pets allowed," which is a bonus for pet owners.
        • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Oquaga Creek State Park Campground advised, "Great for tents or self-contained RV," ensuring a safe environment for families.

        Tips from RVers:

        • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for a more comfortable stay. A camper at Kittatinny Campground appreciated the "water and electric hookups," making their experience easier.
        • Site Size Matters: Check the size of RV sites before booking. A visitor at Beaverkill Campground mentioned, "Most sites are fairly small," which could be a concern for larger RVs.
        • Plan for Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper at Roscoe Campsites noted, "The general store isn’t always open," so stock up on supplies before you arrive.

        Camping near Starlight, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Starlight, PA?

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

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

          TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Starlight, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.