Camping in NYS and DEC parks while bike touring?
#1
Bike addict, dreamer
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Queens, New York
Posts: 5,165
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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
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
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Nueva York
Posts: 647
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
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.
Harriman State Park
Contact Information
Palisades Interstate Park Commission
Bear Mountain, NY 10911
Phone: (845) 786-2701
Palisades Interstate Park Commission
Bear Mountain, NY 10911
Phone: (845) 786-2701
.
Last edited by Stray8; 01-25-10 at 09:04 AM.
#3
Bike addict, dreamer
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Queens, New York
Posts: 5,165
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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
Adam
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Nueva York
Posts: 647
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
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.
.
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.
.
Last edited by Stray8; 01-25-10 at 10:47 AM.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 221
Bikes: Surly Pacer, Trek 520 & gaspipe fixed gear beater
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#6
Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Sanford Maine
Posts: 28
Bikes: 1989 Schwinn LeTour...Mint condition
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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
Rich
#8
Newbie
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Staten Island, NYC
Posts: 2
Bikes: Ancient Brand X ten speed, ancient Brand X mtn bike.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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....
https://tinyurl.com/yep4ks5
Camping rules in DEC and other state land in the Catskills is relatively lenient. Some info here from the Catskill Mtn Club....
https://tinyurl.com/yep4ks5
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Western Ma.
Posts: 960
Bikes: Diamondback "parkway" Spec. "expedition
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 47 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 42 Times
in
33 Posts
Have you checked into warmshowers.org? cyclists hosting cyclists, from a spare room to camping in their yard.
#10
Bike addict, dreamer
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Queens, New York
Posts: 5,165
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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
Adam