Allaben Designated Dispersed Campsites

The only spot I found for a van to pull in would be the first spot near the water on the right side. The left side is longer but not any van spots from what I saw. Both ends have a circle to turn around. I parked on the side of the road next to a spot and just slept there. Not in a spot entirely but I made out fine. Will not fit a camper, unless it’s a teardrop and you get real lucky with spot #1 (it’s apparently popular so don’t bet on it). Some highway sounds but not bad, quiet other than that. There’s a handicap portapotty on the end but s**t was stacked so high I had to hover. Beautiful scenery and it stayed pretty cool. Better for tent camping but it’ll do.

I really loved my 5-night stay at this site. Fire pit and picnic tables at each site. The sites are private but not far from each other (maybe 400 yards). There is the Esopus Creek right across the street on 28, so you can bathe there. Woodstock is a 25 minute drive. There are hiking trails within driving distance in Phoenicia, but I didn't come across any trails within walking distance.

“Allaben Campsite” on Google Maps, turn at the Federal Preserve Parking sign. Pretty nice spot with a few walk-in sites and one spot you can drive into at the pond. Near a main road which you can hear from most sites but it’s still beautiful and secluded and right near lots of nature spots and the cute town of Phoenicia. Mosquitos weren’t as bad as I expected even near the pond, and flies were only brutal in high heat. Lots of poison ivy! No phone service for Verizon.

Basic primitive camping in a beautiful location. Nice smaller downtown area two miles away. Only bathrooms available during my trip in July 2019 was one portable toilet. Two locals popped by my site to take a dip in the pond right next to the site, but they were very friendly and courteous. Saw a bear and lots of birds during my stay. No permit needed unless you’re a group of 10 or more, or if you plan to stay more than 3 nights. I saw a ranger or something of that sort drive by a couple times during my stay just keeping an eye on things, but wasn’t a bother. Only two other sites were being used during my stay there. Roads in were totally fine. I made it in with my Honda Fit. I have AT&T and was able to make calls/texts. Will go back again if I’m in the area again.