8 Raw And Remote Camping Escapes In The Catskill Wilderness

The Catskill Mountains offer some of the most breathtaking wilderness camping in the Northeast. Far from crowded campgrounds and noisy RV parks, these remote spots let you reconnect with nature in its purest form.

Whether you’re an experienced backpacker or simply seeking solitude, these eight secluded camping destinations will bring you face-to-face with the wild heart of the Catskills.

1. Slide Mountain Wilderness Area

Standing as the crown jewel of Catskill backcountry, this vast wilderness surrounds the region’s highest peak at 4,180 feet. Designated primitive campsites and lean-tos dot the landscape, offering stunning valley views after challenging hikes.

Experienced backpackers treasure the area’s pristine streams and dense hemlock forests. While a permit is only required for groups of 10 or more or stays longer than three nights, this protected wilderness demands respect from all who seek its untamed beauty and requires following all Leave No Trace principles.

2. Hunter-West Kill Wilderness

Rugged terrain defines this challenging wilderness escape, where portions of the demanding Devil’s Path trail wind through steep slopes. Designated campsites and lean-tos are tucked between ascents. Mountain springs and streams provide essential, though unfiltered, water sources. The reward for your efforts is spectacular solitude beneath ancient maple canopies and star-filled skies, undiminished by light pollution.

3. Big Indian Wilderness

Seasoned adventurers whisper about Big Indian’s untamed character; its approximately 33,500 acres harbor some of the Catskills’ least-visited terrain.

Old-growth forests shield campers seeking genuine isolation from the modern world. Bushwhacking skills prove valuable here, as many prime spots lie off established trails. The silence is profound, broken only by wind through pines and the occasional call of barred owls at dusk.

4. Catskill Forest Preserve Dispersed Sites

Dispersed camping is allowed on state land within the Catskill Forest Preserve, which is approximately 287,500 acres. Campers must pitch their tents at least 150 feet away from roads, trails, and water sources. These unmarked sites offer a pure wilderness experience, but campers must be self-reliant and possess proper navigation skills. Important regulations to follow include camping below 3,500 feet in elevation between late March and late December, carrying out all trash, and adhering to Leave No Trace principles.

5. Devil’s Tombstone Primitive Campground

History and wilderness converge at this historic site nestled in a dramatic mountain pass. While a designated campground, its rustic character and minimal amenities offer a more rugged experience than modern campgrounds.

Massive boulders and steep cliffs create a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for your experience. The nearby trailheads access remote terrain, while the campground itself serves as a perfect basecamp for extended explorations into the surrounding wilderness.

6. Woodland Valley’s Hidden Retreats

Nestled at Slide Mountain’s base, Woodland Valley Campground offers sites for both tents and trailers, though it is a favorite for tent campers. Panther Mountain looms overhead while Woodland Creek’s gentle sounds create a natural soundtrack.

Morning mist clings to the valley floor, creating ethereal scenes as sunlight filters through the dense canopy. The area’s network of challenging trails attracts serious hikers, contributing to a generally peaceful atmosphere, though some campsites can feel close together.

7. Little Pond’s Lakeside Wilderness

Little Pond offers a balance of easy access and lakeside camping with nearby wilderness trails. Located in the Catskill Forest Preserve, it features a pristine pond for fishing or paddling.

Remote, walk-in tent sites on the backside of the pond provide more privacy, while drive-in sites are more typical of state campgrounds and can be closer together. The surrounding forests provide opportunities to spot white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.

8. North-South Lake Backcountry Zones

Beyond the popular main campground, the historic Escarpment Trail accesses remote primitive sites and lean-tos. While camping is not permitted on the dramatic cliff edges, designated spots offer views of the Hudson Valley that inspired the Hudson River School painters.

These remote outposts require proper preparation and adherence to regulations, including camping at least 150 feet from trails, water, and roads and staying below 3,500 feet elevation.