Camping

DEC operates 52 campgrounds located in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks. DEC campgrounds provide a wide variety of experiences, including island camping, tent and trailer camping, boat launching facilities, hiking trails, beaches and day use areas with picnic tables and grills. Fishing licenses are no longer being sold at any of our campground facilities.

For campers who want a wilderness experience, back country camping is available. For more information on the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve call 518-473-9518. For information on State lands outside of the Forest Preserve, please contact the appropriate DEC Regional Office. For a listing of the DEC Regional Offices, please click on the DEC Regional Office Directory link, located on the right under Related Links. State campgrounds outside the Forest Preserve are operated by the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. For more information call (518) 474-0456.

Firewood Alert
Bringing your firewood with you? Most people don't realize they move bugs along with their firewood. You could be spreading diseases from insect invaders that can quickly kill large numbers of trees. Our forests are at risk from the transport of firewood infested with tree killers.Help STOP THE SPREAD of these pests:

Leave firewood at home-do not transport it to campgrounds or parks.
Use only firewood from local sources.
If you bring firewood, burn ALL of it before leaving your campsite.

More about Camping:

Fire Safety Outdoors - Safety tips when burning outdoors

DEC Campgrounds - Camping in New York State - Department of Environmental Conservation facilities
2008 Campground Schedule - A table that shows all DEC campground schedules.
Campground Reservations - Making reservations to camp at DEC campgrounds.
Campground Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations on Camping in New York State - Department of Environmental Cosnervation facilities.
Campground FAQs - Frequently asked questions about DEC campgrounds.
Camping Rules for Forest Preserve Lands - Rules for camping on DEC managed public lands in the Forest Preserve.

Back Country Camping - a self-dependent experience in which campers carry in and out their supplies and tents in order to reach more remote or secluded forest areas and where a leave-no-trace philosophy is expected.