Back Country Camping
One of the best opportunities to experience the beauty and solitude of the state's forests is through back country camping also known as backpacking and 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.
Watch a clip about backwoods camping and check out other camping clips on DEC TV.
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.
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"
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.
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.
More about Back Country Camping:
- Contacts for Local Information about Back Country Camping - Local forestry offices and forest rangers can answer back country camping questions for individual properties.
