Camping
DEC Campgrounds
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, but can be conveniently purchased on-line or by phone.
Reduce your impacts on the beauty of our natural resources and become a more environmentally friendly camper with these tips.
Find your next adventure using DECinfo Locator - an interactive map featuring campgrounds, primitive campsites, lean-tos, hiking trails, parking areas, and other information to help plan a visit.
Support DEC Campgrounds
Members of the public can support DEC lands, facilities, and programs through our charitable partner, the National Heritage trust (NHT).
Online giving is simple and secure and fully tax-deductible. Donations to NHT directly support projects and programs that enhance facilities, expand access to outdoor recreation and environmental education, provide public land access, and protect natural resources. Donate here (leaves DEC website).
Planning and Management
The Watercraft Decontamination Facilities amendment to the Generic Unit Management Plan for Campgrounds and Day-Use Areas (PDF) has been finalized. The amendment will guide siting, construction, and management of watercraft decontamination equipment storage buildings within DEC Campgrounds and Day Use Areas.
Unit Management Plans (UMPs) for campgrounds guide the DEC's land management activities at a facility for a five to ten-year period, although a number of goals and objectives in the plans will focus on a much longer time period. UMPs address specific objectives and actions for public use at the facilities.
For more information regarding facility specific UMPs, visit the respective campground webpage, or contact the Bureau of Recreation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY12233, telephone 518 457-2500, or email.
Back Country Camping
Back country, or primitive camping, is permitted on most lands managed by DEC including Forest Preserve lands in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks as well as State Forests.
Our regional offices and forest rangers can provide more information about back country camping opportunities.
Don't Move Firewood: To help protect our forests from invasive species, regulations for moving firewood are in effect. See Firewood and Invasive Insects for more information.
Camping Guide
View an interactive version of the guide (leaves DEC's website) or download the camping guide (PDF, 10.1 MB) Please note this is a large file.
To order a paper copy, email us or call 518-457-2500. Check it out and plan your trip of a lifetime!
Visit DEC Campgrounds on Facebook!
More about Camping:
- Camping Reservations - Making reservations to camp at DEC campgrounds.
- DEC Campgrounds & Day Use Areas - Camping in New York State - Department of Environmental Conservation facilities
- 2023 Campground & Day Use Area Schedule - A table that shows all DEC campground schedules.
- NY Camping Loyalty Rewards Program - Earn points for every dollar that you spend on overnight accommodations at New York State Campgrounds.
- Campground Gift Card - Camping Gift Card, camping, DEC campgrounds, DEC Camping Gift Card, DEC
- Campground Ambassador - Campground Ambassador Volunteer Program
- Campground & Day Use Area Virtual Tours - Discover DEC Campgrounds through 360 panoramic virtual tours
- Annual Day Use Pass to DEC Campgrounds and State Parks - General information on Empire Passport including prices, locations that accept Passports, and how to purchase a Passport.
- Campsite Restoration Project - The Campsite Restoration Project is an effort to rehabilitate our 6000+ campsites at all of our campgrounds.
- Campground Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations on Camping in New York State - Department of Environmental Conservation facilities.
- Environmentally Friendly Camping Tips - Camping is a great way to enjoy New York's beautiful natural resources. When you camp, it's important to be a good steward in protecting our lands, air and waters. Follow these guidelines to become a more sustainable camper at DEC campgrounds and help protect our environment, natural resources, and wildlife.
- First-Time Camper Weekend Program - First Time Campers Program, Campground Descriptions
- State Land Camping Rules - Rules for camping on DEC-managed public lands.
- Primitive Camping - Back country camping, also known as primitive 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.
- Fire Safety When Camping - Safety tips when burning outdoors
