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About Whitestag
Expertise
I can advise on anything having to do with hiking and backpacking skills and equipment, including map and compass and orienteering skills. I can also advise on hiking with children (see experience). I cannot advise on the use of GPS devices. I cannot advise on car camping or group camping (10 or more people).
My primary geographic expertise is in the US Northeast, but I know how to find information on hiking and backpacking just about anywhere.
Experience
I've been hiking and backpacking for about 40 years, including ongoing section hiking of the Appalachian Trail (over 900 miles so far). I also have experience with hiking and backpacking with children -- I started taking my kids with me when they were five or six and continued well into their teen years. I have hiked extensively in the New York Metropolitan Area, as well as various other areas from Virginia north, including upstate New York, New England, and Eastern Canada.
Organizations belong to
New York - New Jersey Trail Conference
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Publications
New York Walk Book, 7th Ed.
New Jersey Walk Book, 2nd Ed.
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You are here: Experts > Recreation/Outdoors > Camping > Hiking/Backpacking/Camping > Camping in NY State
Expert: Whitestag
Date: 5/6/2008
Subject: Camping in NY State
Question
QUESTION: I was wondering if you knew of a good campground about 1 to 2 hrs from New York City. My friends and I, probably about 6 to 8 people want to do some camping that will allow us to make a small hike from parking to out tent sites, have a fire, and explore some trails druing the day. Can you guide me in the right direction. I have heard that Harriman State Parks is a good choice, but It is huge, and seems like there are small parks within. Any suggestions????
ANSWER: Tell me what you mean by "small hike" -- give me some distances.
That said, there are several sites in Harriman that are within a mile or two of a parking area. You could also go somewhere in NJ, but fires are pretty strictly forbidden at most public campsites in NJ. While fires are generally permitted in Harriman, they might not be such great idea right now, since there have been one or forest fires lately -- we had a lengthy spell of dry weather, and the recent rains may not have been enough to make it safe for fires again. If you see signs that indicate that forest fire danger is high, DON'T BUILD A FIRE!
Some things you should know:
1. There's no running water at any of the designated campsites -- it's all from springs and brooks, so you'll need to filter or treat it.
2. There are no privies at any of designated campsites, so bring a trowel and bury your waste at least 6 inches down.
3. Pack out all your trash -- DO NOT BURN IT.
4. 6-8 people is a goodly number -- if other folks have gotten to the site before you, you might have some difficulty finding enough space for your group, particularly if it's a nice day.
In any case, tell me how far you want to hike in, and I'll give you some options.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I think one to two miles would be great. Bathrooms might be a must, do you have a couple options. I am not familiar with Harriman.
Answer
If bathrooms are a must, then you'll almost certainly need to find a public or private campground somewhere close to the trail. Such places usually charge fees, so it will be a bit more expensive. And it's rare to find them in wilderness areas -- they aren't really designed for backpackers, but are more oriented toward car campers. In Harriman there's the park's Sebago Cabins on Lake Sebago, which are fairly close to the trail network (about 1/2 mile or so). In the same general area is the Baker Camp, a privately run cabin camp also on Lake Sebago.
A bit farther away from NYC are the Kitatinnies, a mountain ridge along the NJ side of the Delaware River north of I-80. There's an extensive network of trails, and several public campgrounds in the area, plus a few private ones. Camp Mohican is right on the ridge -- it's run by the Appalachian Mountain Club and has a number of amenities.
I am focusing more on the comfort level of the campground than the immediate availability of wilderness hiking. The problem is that as the camp comfort level increases, immediate access to the wilderness decreases, at least in the NYC area.
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