Want to get away from it all? Primitive (or backcountry) camping may be for you. Primitive camping involves camping in a tent or lean-to deep in the woods, away from the hustle and bustle of civilization. There are few or no amenities, such as running water, electricity, picnic tables, or restrooms. Primitive camping requires you to backpack or paddle all of your equipment, food, clothing, toiletries, and sleeping gear that you will need during your trip. Careful planning is required.
Primitive camping is allowed on many DEC lands, including forest preserve lands in the Catskill and Adirondack parks, as well as other state forest lands outside the preserve.
For information about a specific property, you can visit that property’s webpage, contact a DEC Regional Office near the land unit, or go to the primitive camping webpage: dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/camping/primitive for more assistance.
