Northeast - Camping in NYS and DEC parks while bike touring?

I'm planning some first-time touring this year but this is more of a regional question. Normally NYS and DEC campgrounds require reservation. If you're on a bike you may not really have an exact itinerary and a lot of those grounds are often booked.

I heard that if you arrive at a campground as a hiker or cyclist you will be allowed to camp without reservation. Is that right? This is not documented.

I also know that on DEC lands (Catskills and Adirondacks) primitive camping is allowed anywhere (with certain restrictions). How about state parks run by the Office of Parks, such as Harriman or Bear Mountain parks?

Any real life experience bicycle camping in NY State Parks and State Forests? Are any permits or registrations required? What about stoves and cooking in a non-campground designated areas?

Thanks!

Adam

While reservations are not required, they are highly recommended. You can also rent any available campsite, cabin or cottage as a "walkup" on a first-come, first-serve basis when you arrive ready to camp. Services, programs and facilities vary among campgrounds. Contact the park for current schedules.

http://nysparks.state.ny.us/camping/things-to-know.aspx





Harriman State Park

Contact Information
Palisades Interstate Park Commission
Bear Mountain, NY 10911
Phone: (845) 786-2701


http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/145/details.aspx


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I know. I was looking for a more personal experience. I know they have walkups. But what if they're full? Do they send you away or allow to camp somewhere else? I camped at state parks (driving) and I know there is plenty of space to camp besides the designated camping spots. Or you just go into the woods and do "backcountry camping". The problem with backcountry camping is that it requires you to camp minimum 150 feet from any road, trail or body of water. It may be hard to drag your loaded bike through the woods for several hundred feet to find a spot. I know people do stealth camping but I was hoping to be at least a bit more legit and safer to camp on state grounds.

Adam

I don't have any relevant personal experience on camping in NY State parks, though it looks like a lot of fun.

I would advise against wanderer type stealth camping as it could be hazardous for any number of reasons. I think that with a little bit of planning, you should be able to plot out a reasonable itinerary and make campsite reservations and, besides, this way you'll also be safer since people can know you're overdue if you become incapacitated.

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I've camped at Harriman State Park, but it was a planned overnighter leaving from NYC, so I had reservations. It was last summer (2009) during the heatwave - it looked to me like there were some open sites, but it was pretty full. The rangers were friendly enough and I couldn't imagine them sending you off on your own on a bicycle at night just because the campsites are "full." At the very least, you could probably find somebody agreeable to the idea of letting you set up a tent on their site for just one night.

I agree with Konrad, I'm a camper and I would have noooooo problem allowing a bicyclist stay on my site for a beer, good conversation, and a good nights sleep. I feel there are more gracious people / campers out there then one would assume there not to be..Good luck though.

Rich

Thanks guys:)

Adam

I've "stealth camped" in Harriman/Bear Mtn park, with bike, tent, sleeping bag, etc. It should be noted that bicycles are not allowed off paved roads, except for one mountain bike trail network near the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, and backpackers are expected to camp at or near one of the seven lean to shelters in the park. (Enforcement in the 'back country' of the park is practically non existent. Wink.)

Camping rules in DEC and other state land in the Catskills is relatively lenient. Some info here from the Catskill Mtn Club....

http://tinyurl.com/yep4ks5

Have you checked into warmshowers.org? cyclists hosting cyclists, from a spare room to camping in their yard.

I really want to camp, I'd rather not stay in people's homes. Looks like Harriman/Bear Mntn would be my first stop on the way out of NYC.

Adam