beginner

“I am new to this backpacking/camping world and of course have numerous questions. I have some experience in the wilderness but not a whole lot. I am searching for a camping experience in solitude. I do not want to camp at a campground surrounded by people, with all the amenities of home. Is it possible to take a hike through a state park and just pitch a tent a bit off a hiking path? Precise internet research in this matter has not been very clear, this being my reason for posting this question. Also I live in central/upstate NY and am doing research on parks around my area. Hoping to gain a unique and peaceful camping trip so I can enjoy nature as best as possible. Any insight would be most appreciated, thank you.”

“Never give up.”

“Different parks have different rules about backcountry camping. Check the web sites and give them a call. Ask people at the local stores that sell gear for suggestions. Guide books are really helpful. Something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Fifty-Hikes-Central-New-York/dp/0881503290/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215082832&sr=8-1


And NEVER give up. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER give up!”

“In my experience, most State Parks limit or do not allow back country camping, while most National Forests allow it.

Your best bet would be to contact the State Park or look up a number for the USFS in your area.”

“what chili said - the general rule in a National Forest is that you can camp anywhere you like - BUT they usually want you to be 100 or 200 feet from any trail, road, parking lot, stream or lakeshore.

Any Forest Ranger office will be glad to help you find trailheads/trails appropriate for your desired level of adventure.

There's a pretty good crowd on this site from the NE that might could help you with specific areas - i.e. "The Daks".

have fun”

“I believe the only National Forests lands in New York are the Finger Lakes National Forest
and part of the Allegheny National Forest. Most of the State land in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks allows back country camping.”

“You might be very interested in the Finger Lakes Trail that makes its way 550+ miles through central and western NY with several branches and also a connection/partial common designation with North Country National Scenic Trail. The FLT System has shelters and bivouac (i.e. specific tenting) areas designated on State and private lands, plus other areas on State lands not restricted to the above. The name "FLT" is a bit misleading as it passes within view of exactly one of the Finger Lakes - it's mostly on the hills south of the lakes. And yes it does pass through part of the very small Finger Lakes National Forest as well. http://www.fingerlakestrail.org

In addition you might be not too far from the larger public land areas in PA which are possibly closer to you than the Catskills and Adirondacks.

Plus if you let me/us here know which town specifically you're near, I/we may have additional contacts and suggestions.”

“I agree with the Finger Lakes. plenty of places to see. I do wish Ithaca would allow you to camp out near the trails but they do not. To bad really. It would be a great time to go hiking this time of year and then wonder over to the falls.
How far are you from Harriman State park?
Thet would be a great jump off place for you. not to hard but not to easy if you know what I mean.
If you want to head over to Harriman, let me know and I can help ot with some maps.
last edited: 7/03/08 10:19:26 AM”

“take up golf.”

“I am now planning to hike the FLT in 2010. If all goes well, I may do it both ways in order to return to my car.”

“There are several trailside shelters and campsites near Ithaca on the FLT system - just not alongside the touron trails in the big name parks.”

““take up golf.”
Yogisan
1:51:18 PM
7/03/08

Golf is for people that don't know how to hunt.”

“Hunting is for people that lose stuff (?)”

“golfers are who beat the crap out of hunters”

“I have not golfed in two years
I have never hunted”

“When Berkely caved to Davis the world lost it's footing. Don't ever believe I'm wrong, less you got brains of chit.”