A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS

Camping in the Adirondacks is a tried and true tradition that has been celebrated for many years. Whether you prefer backcountry expeditions or a site with more amenities, there is a place for you here. But, before you head out, be sure to keep scrolling to make sure you have all the information you need!

WHERE TO CAMP

Deciding where to camp is probably the hardest part! There are beautiful sites spread throughout the entire Adirondack Park. You can opt for “glamping” at select locations, hike deep into the backcountry to a remote site (otherwise known as “primitive camping”), spend the night in an Adirondack lean-to, or reserve a “back-to-basics” site at an area campground.

Things to keep in mind:

Primitive camping and lean-to sites are first come, first serve
Permits are only required for stays for longer than three nights in one location or for oversized groups
If not using a designated primitive tent site, your tent must be at least 150 feet from a waterbody, road, or trail. However, camping is not allowed in all locations. Please check local land use regulations before heading out.
Set up tents on durable surfaces only. Minimizing site creep by keeping all campsite activities within the existing impacted area.
Do not camp in areas posted with "Camping Prohibited"
Follow campfire rules and safety regulations. This includes making fires in designated rings.
Tents are not allowed to be set-up inside lean-tos

CAMPFIRE RULES AND SAFETY

Who doesn’t love a good campfire? S’mores and campfire stories are definitely fun, but there are some rules and regulations to follow that help create a safe environment for you and for others.

Campfires should be built in existing fire pits or fireplaces, unless there is an emergency. Do not build fires in areas marked by a “No Fires” disk.

Use only dead and down wood to build your fire, and be sure to scrape away litter, duff, and any burnable material within a 10-foot diameter circle. When you’re done, make sure all fires are extinguished with water and stir ashes until they are cold to the touch.

There are also certain areas where campfires are not allowed, except for emergencies. There are no campfires allowed in the Central High Peaks.

Bear cans for dinner

Let’s be real: you love to eat, and so do bears! Especially when camping in the Adirondack backcountry, it is important to store food, food containers, toiletries, and garbage in a bear can. Bear cans are a tool campers use to ensure bears cannot get into snacks or other things that might seem appetizing. On the whole, black bears in the Adirondacks are not a threat to humans, but when they have easy access to human food, they can become problematic. Using a bear can is the best way to avoid human / bear interactions.

just a reminder to store food, cook/eat, and sleep at three different points at least 100-feet from one another.

Keep critters away

Don’t leave food unattended or in your tent
Change your clothes before bed; bears can sniff out that fire-cooked hot dog scent on your clothes
Clean up after eating and wash food dishes away from campsite
Wash dishes away from water sources
Try to eat before dark since bears become more active at dusk

Of course, eating in the backcountry also leads to waste in the backcountry. Be sure to pack out all waste, and follow guidelines for human waste disposal.

Following all rules and regulations will help create a safer environment and a fun camping experience, for you, your campmates, and the wildlife that calls the forest home!

Don’t bring uninvited guests to your campfire!

make sure your fire is extra safe and you are not spreading unwanted non-native invasive species. Firewood is sometimes moved long-distances by people and new infestations of invasive species, such as Asian longhorned beetle, emerald ash borer, and gypsy moth, are often found in and around campgrounds. Want to learn more about how you can prevent the spread of non-native invasive species? Visit our invasive species page!