Guide to Boondocking in New York
The state of New York is mostly known for its stunning and busy New York City. With busy streets and amazing buildings, this is why it is nickname “The city that never sleeps”. This is why most people presume that it does not have any great outdoor camping locations. However, many do not know that it has amazing natural landscapes that are perfect for any camping trip.
From lush forests to glistening lakes, New York surely offers beautiful campsites that will provide you with an amazing experience. So if you’re wondering where to visit to go boondocking with your RV, then don’t fret. We have listed some great boondocking locations in the state of New York.
Boondocking Destinations in New York
1. Chautauqua Gorge State Forest
Located in Mayville, New York, The Chautauqua Gorge State Forest is consist of 538-acre of woodlands that provides various outdoor opportunities to its guest. The forest features 8 designated campsites located on Hannum Road that is just near day use area.
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Seven of these campsites offer primitive camping while the remaining is reserved for those who wish to have an upgraded picnic shelter that includes a steel fire ring and a gravel parking area. Chautauqua Gorge State Forest provides many recreational activities for its tourist.
These include hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, biking, hunting, trapping, and fishing. For those who wish to camp, the forest practices a “Leave No Trace Principles” to maintain cleanliness in the area as well as to avoid conflict with the next user. The camp is open all year round.
2. North Harmony State Forest
The North Harmony State Forest is a perfect spot for those who love outdoor activities as it offers various activities to its guest. Some of these include hiking, snowmobiling, and hunting. Located north of Panama, New York, it features a peaceful wooded area filled with various types of trees, a scenic marsh, and numerous hiking trails.
North Harmony State Forest provides free primitive camping sites for those who want to stay a bit longer to experience the park. The campsite includes a covered picnic area and a fire ring. Keep in mind to bring all important necessities for camping, such as food and water, as the forest only has limited amenities.
Also, it is considered a carry-in carry-out facility so make sure to bring all the trash you have with you when leaving.
3. East Otto State Forest Campground
The East Otto State Forest Campground is located east of Otto, New York. It is consists of 1,354 acres that contain various types and sizes of trees, man-made ponds, wetlands, and hiking trails. The site is a very popular destination for hunting, fishing, and camping due to its amazing wildlife and beautiful scenery.
The East Otto State Forest offers 14 designated tent sites along Kriedeman Forest Road that allows primitive camping activities. The campsite is on a first come first serve basis so make sure to come early especially during summer months where it is usually crowded. Each of the camping sites includes fire and is numbered to make it organized.
The campsite has no other in-house facilities so make sure to purchase and pack what you need to bring before you visit.
4. Sugar Hill Fire Tower
The Sugar Hill Fire Tower is located in Watkins Glen, New York, inside the Sugar Hill State Forest. Standing at 75 feet tall, The fire tower was built in 1941 and is now recently used as a recreation area for camping and day use.
Its tower cabin can be accessed during some parts of the year while the stairs are open for those who want to climb at their own risk. It also has an access to the Six Nations Trail System for those who want to visit and explore it.
The Sugar Hill Recreation Area is consists of nine acres of free camping making it the largest camping site in the state forest. It includes limited picnic tables and fire rings for tourists and campers to use. However, due to the pandemic, only 26 designated campsites are open to maintain the safety of the campers.
The campground is open all year round and is on a first come first serve basis. Some of its facilities include an accessible horse-mounting platform, a restroom with potable water, and. a picnic area with picnic tables and a pavilion.