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Back Country Camping

backpackers carry their tents and gear

One of the best opportunities to experience the beauty and solitude of the state's forests is through back country camping also known as primitive camping. It is a rustic, self-dependent experience in which campers carry in and out their supplies and tents in order to reach more remote or secluded forest areas.

Contact Information

For information about back country camping in a specific area, you may find what you are looking for in the Places To Go pages, which provide descriptions of individual properties.

If you are seeking a campground with formal campsites, restrooms, showers and other built facilities, please see the camping web page for campground information.

For additional back country camping on specific properties please contact the local office.

tents setup in primitive campsite

Back-country camping is allowed on Forest Preserve lands in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks as well as State Forests (reforestation areas and multiple use areas). Generally, camping is prohibited on Unique Areas, Wildlife Management Areas, Historic and Nature Preserves, and Conservation Easements. Camping for more than three nights or in a group of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger. Camping is prohibited within 150 feet of water, roads or trail.

FIREWOOD ALERT - "DON'T MOVE FIREWOOD"

A NEW REGULATION is now in effect that prohibits the import of firewood into New York unless it has been heat treated to kill pests. The regulation also limits the transportation of untreated firewood to less than 50 miles from its source.

By transporting firewood, you could be spreading diseases and invasive insects that can quickly kill large numbers of trees. Help STOP THE SPREAD and obey the Firewood Regulation:

  • It is best to leave all firewood at home - please do not bring it to campgrounds or parks.
  • Get your firewood at the campground or from a local vendor - ask for a receipt or label that has the firewood's local source.
  • If you choose to transport firewood within New York State:
    o It must have a receipt or label that has the firewood's source and it must remain within 50 miles of that source.
    o For firewood not purchased (i.e. cut from your own property) you must have a Self-Issued Certificate of Source (pdf, 100kb), and it must be sourced within 50 miles of your destination.
    o Only firewood labeled as meeting New York's heat treatment standards to kill pests (kiln-dried) may be transported into the state and further than 50 miles from the firewood's source.
    o For more information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions for Firewood Regulation. For additional questions regarding this regulation, please call this toll-free number: 1-866-640-0652 or e-mail: firewood@gw.dec.state.ny.us

Please see the Camping Rules for Forest Preserve Lands web page for additional guidelines specific to the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve.


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