Backpacking in New York

Backpack Camping in the New York Metro Region

Harriman-Bear Mountain State Park permits backpack camping in designated spots. See the Harriman-Bear Mountain Trails Map for shelters and tent sites.

In the Catskills, camping is permitted on state land below 3,500 feet in elevation. Except at lean-tos and designated campsites, you must camp at least 150 feet from roads, trails and water sources. Campsite and primitive campsite locations are shown on the Catskill Trails Map Set.

Specific sites where backcountry camping is permitted along the Long Path can be found in the online, updated version of the Long Path Guide.

Along the Shawangunk Ridge Trail, camping is permitted on State Forest lands managed by the Dept. of Environmental Conservation and on lands owned by the Open Space Institute, at least 150 feet off the trail. See the following sections in the Long Path Guide for information: G1. High Point State Park to US Route 6, G2., US Route 6 to NY Route 211, G3. NY Route 211 to Old NY Route 17 and G4. Old NY Route 17 to Long Path.

Fire Island National Seashore has a wilderness camping site for those willing to brave poison ivy and ticks. Check the park website for details or call 631-597-6455 (seasonal).

Check the New York State Department of Environment Conservation and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation web sites for details on other back country camping.

An excellent source of information about backpacking in the Adirondack State Park is the website of the Adirondack Mountain Club.