Skip to main content

Primitive Camping Spots

While the comforts of State campgrounds can be nice, there's something special about pitching your tent off the beaten path. We've put together this list of 6 areas you should explore on your quest for the perfect camping spot!

1. Sacandaga River - West Branch

tent near sacandaga river

The West Branch of the Sacandaga is a good trout fishing destination, and also has some great primitive camping spots along it near Wells, NY.

Photo Credit: Andy Arthur via photopin (license)

2. Marcy Dam - Keene Valley, NY

marcy dam

If you're hiking in the High Peaks, Marcy Dam is a great basecamp with a prime location at the foot of Mt. Marcy and less than a five mile hike to Algonquin.

Photo Credit: Marcy Dam via photopin (license)

3. Lake Colden - Newcomb, NY

lake colden

Lake Colden is also in the High Peaks region and can serve as a basecamp for mulitple peaks.

Photo Credit: Mount Adams from Lake Colden Trail via photopin (license)

4. Wolfjaw Mountains - Keene, NY

wolfjaw

Rounding out our trio of High Peaks, there are great places to camp behind the Wolfjaw Mountains.

5. Fishbrook Pond - Dresden, NY

fishbrook pond

Located to the east of Lake George, Fishbrook Pond has a pair of lean-tos campers can use, in addition to other campsites.

6. Santanoni Preserve

camp santanoni

The Santanoni Preserve in Newcomb, NY is a State Historic Site, on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a National Historic Landmark. It's closed to motorized vehicles and is a five-mile hike (or bike) in and out with eight designated camping areas near the Main Lodge.

Photo Credit: Camp Santanoni Bridge via photopin (license)

Learn About Lean-To Camping »

Find NYS Park Campgrounds »