Boondocking in New York can make for a challenging adventure, but it is especially fun if you are traveling when the weather is mild. There are plenty of great spots from the Catskills of the southeast to the Adirondacks in the north area of the state if you know where to look.
Not sure where to look? You’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ve listed our New York boondocking spots.
Boondocking Sites in New York
North Harmony State Forest
The North Harmony State Forest is a charming park near Panama in the southwest corner of the state. The forest covers 2,561 acres and has up to five free sites available. This state forest is a gorgeous area for free camping in New York, and it is a terrific option for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, and hiking. This forest serves as the home for a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbit, turkey, and grouse. You can camp at one of the sites marked by a yellow camp disk located along the Wiltsie Marsh Area, Jasper Park Area, and Snake Forest Road.
Chautauqua Gorge State Forest
The Chautauqua Gorge State Forest covers 538 acres near Chautauqua and is a great place for fishing and hiking. The day-use area has fire rings, picnic tables, and outhouses, along with a nice quarter-mile loop trail that is a great way to stretch your legs. Two stopping places give you the opportunity to rest and to observe the scenery. When the leaves are sparse, you can even catch sight of the gorge. There are eight designated primitive campsites along Hannon Road where you can spend the night, but only one of these is suitable for an RV.
Sugar Hill Fire Tower
The Sugar Hill Fire Tower is near Watkins Glen and is open year round with free camping. It was built in 1941, and it stands 75 feet tall. The tower cabin is open during part of the year, and the stairs are always open to climb at your own risk. This is one of the last fire towers accessible to the public in New York; you can see about 15 miles from up there. This is also a spectacular area to spot wildlife like black bears, white-tailed deer, beaver, and mink. Be sure to keep an eye out for the many bird species that roam here, including the state-endangered Henslow’s sparrows.
East Otto State Forest Campground
The East Otto State Forest Campground is located near the town of East Otto. This forest covers 1,354 acres and is popular especially for camping, hunting, and fishing. You will find a good mix of sizes and species of trees, as well as some manmade ponds and wetlands. There are no formal trails here, but you can follow old skid roads and farm roads for a good hike. There are 14 sites located along Kriedeman Forest Road that are numbered with a yellow camp disk, and they are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. The sites are on the smaller side, so only those with pop up trailers, teardrops, and campervans should plan on staying here.
Where to Boondock in New York
- As you can see, many state forests allow boondocking in New York. These are usually the first place to look.
- The Department of Natural Resources also offers some dispersed opportunities.
- Finger Lakes National Forest has some free and low cost dry camping.
- Some casinos, Walmarts, and Cracker Barrel locations offer free or low cost overnight parking for RVs.
Although boondocking may not be something that immediately comes to mind when one thinks of New York, it’s actually a great state for it. This place is rich in wildlife, outdoor activities, and all the peace and quiet that New York state has to offer. Don’t have an RV of your own? Consider RVing in New York in a rental rig!
