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New York State is famous for its ever-busy beautiful New York City, also called "the city that never sleeps" – thanks to the stunning buildings and busy streets. Because of this, many people actually believe that there are no great spots for camping in this area. New York features scenic natural landscapes, perfect for any kind of socially-distance camping trip. After all, a weekend bordered by natural scenery may sound like a dream – but could be what one needs to escape the daily overwhelming life routine. From flourishing vegetation to pristine lakes, New York guarantees amazing campsites to offer a travel experience to remember. Here is where travelers can go boondocking in New York.
Where To Do Boondocking In New York
There are various places where tourists can go boondocking in New York and have a beautiful experience of natural scenes and incredible wildlife. Many forests within the state allow for boondocking. They just a few rules to guide travelers while camping, including:
- Travelers must make a camp not less than 150 ft away from many hiking trails and roads nearby.
- Build a camp at least 150 ft away from any water bodies.
- Tourists can go boondocking on the state's northern side – thanks to the many spectacular camping areas, most of which are located to the west in remote locations.
- Those wishing to build a fire must have firewood within 50 miles of their destinations.
- Fires built must not exceed 3 ft tall and 4 feet wide.
- Travelers can only build fires in the existing firepits within the site.
- No visitor is allowed to camp above 3500 ft elevation in New York.
Tips For Boondocking In New York
- Travelers should conduct some research to find areas with primitive campsites for their boondocking trips.
- Pack enough food and water that will last for a couple of days.
- Carry warm clothes and flashlights.
- With numerous black bears around the Adirondacks and Catskills, tourists should store their food where the animals can't reach them, probably hanging in a tree, or keep it in a bear-resistant canister.
- Be sure to bury all the pet and human waste if there are no pit privies on the campsite.
Sites For Boondocking In New York
Chautauqua Gorge State Forest
Covering an area of 538 acres, Chautauqua Gorge State Forest is a perfect spot for hiking and fishing – and features picnic tables, outhouses, and fire rings. Situated in Mayville, New York, this park has 8 designated campsites, seven of which provides primate type of camping while the rest are designed for travelers looking for a more upgraded experience with gravel parking slot and a steel fire ring. Other outdoor activities the forest offers include trapping, hunting, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Travelers can visit this camp at any time of the year.
North Harmony State Forest
North Harmony State Forest is a perfect spot for outdoor lovers as it offers numerous activities, including cross-country skiing, hiking, hunting, and snowmobiling. This forest is situated in Panama in the southwest corner of New York - and features beautiful hiking trails, different types of trees, and a scenic marsh. Stretching 2561 acres, this enchanting park offers up to five campsites to travelers. The forest is home to incredible wildlife, such as rabbits, turkey, grouse, and deer. Visitors can always use the sites marked by yellow camp disk located in either Jasper Park Area, Wiltsie Marsh Area, or Snake Forest Road.
East Otto State Forest Campground
Mounted near East Otto, East Otto State Forest Campground covers 1354 acres and is a popular destination for camping. Travelers can also engage in fishing and hunting in this spot and are bound to experience different tree species as well as spectacular hiking and manmade ponds. While the campground doesn't guarantee formal hiking trails, a good hike is always possible by following the old skid and farm roads. They are 14 sites in the campground, mounted along the Kriedeman Forest Road. Travelers can have these campsites on a first-come, first-serve basis. A good fishing experience is guaranteed at Stickney Pond.
Sugar Hill Fire Tower
Located in Watkins Glen, New York, Sugar Hill Fire Tower is another destination for boondocking. Constructed in 1941, this spot stands 75 ft tall and is used for camping. Travelers can access the tower cabin at certain times of the year. From the park, one can visit and explore the Six Nations Trail System. There are 9 acres of free camping sites within the Sugar Hill Recreation Area, making this place the state forest’s largest campground. Visitors can use the fire rings and picnic tables, which are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. This campground is available at any time of the year.
- Facilities: Picnic area, picnic tables, pavilion, a restroom with potable water, and a horse-mounting spot.
Boondocking in New York offers a fascinating, scenic travel experience – thanks to the plenty of water bodies for fishing and hiking in the forest areas, which guarantees fabulous wildlife sightings.