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Free Camping For Dumbies (Like Me)

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  • Free Camping For Dumbies (Like Me)

    Hello everyone, this is my first post here. I've gone camping plenty of times in the Adirondacks, but it's always been either on the property of friends or on sites where I had to pay a small fee. I go to school up by the Adirondacks and would like to go camping on a fairly regular basis throughout the year. What are some free camp site (directions preferred) with nice view or hiking areas, that aren't very busy? I'm not very picky, all I need is a place to pitch a tent where I won't get bothered and I won't be trespassing.

    Any help is much appreciated.
    "There is pleasure when a sore is scratched
    But to be without sores is more pleasurable still
    Just so, there is pleasure in worldly desires
    But to be without desires is more pleasurable still"

    -Nāgārjuna (150-250 AD)

  • #2
    First of all, welcome to the forum! Good to have you here.

    Second of all...places to camp in the Adirondacks. Wow, where to begin! There are SO many free camp sites, from places by the road to areas 14 miles on a trial. You're asking a very open ended question. Maybe you could narrow it down a little?
    Where are you going to school? There are probably several places near there.
    Do you have any specific geographic areas you are considering? Do you want to drive to them (car camping), hike to them, paddle to them, or what?
    Any other specifics will be helpful in answering your question.

    So welcome, and camp on!
    Videos --- Camp Loonsong --- Mountains Climbed

    Comment


    • #3
      Thanks the for the welcome!

      I go to school in Plattsburgh, so areas of the northeastern Adirondacks would be ideal. I'd like to be able to drive to an area, and not have to hike too far to get to a site (no more than 5 miles). I'd be open to trying any area with a nice view of a lake, or a nice hike. I would love to just set up a tent right next to a lake if at all possible, and I'm not scared of cold or snow.

      I'm sorry if the question was too general, but I really have no idea what the rules are for where you are and aren't allowed to set up a tent for free in the park.
      "There is pleasure when a sore is scratched
      But to be without sores is more pleasurable still
      Just so, there is pleasure in worldly desires
      But to be without desires is more pleasurable still"

      -Nāgārjuna (150-250 AD)

      Comment


      • #4
        Invest in a guidebook for the Northern Adirondacks, Any of the "Discover the......." Series here

        or any of the adk books.

        Hawk
        "If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it." Lyndon B. Johnson

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by redhawk View Post
          Invest in a guidebook for the Northern Adirondacks, Any of the "Discover the......." Series here

          or any of the adk books.

          Hawk
          Great advise. Also, I would purchase the "Trails of the Adirondack Northern Region" map put out by the ADK. It is excellent, and at least half of my trips have just been picking a spot on the map that looks good, and heading out! There are 6 others as well, here's the link: http://www.adk.org/new_store/categor...16&startpage=2 (you can also get them at the Mountaineer, EMS, etc.)

          The Discover books will give you rules and regulations about camping and such. As will the DEC website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/5263.html

          I think that's plenty to get you started. Have fun!
          Videos --- Camp Loonsong --- Mountains Climbed

          Comment


          • #6
            Have you backpacked before?

            When I started out I just used maps. The new National Geographic maps will be perfect for this because the distances are given.(I had to figure it out using a string on the map). It was fun studying a map all week and exciting just picking out a trail and destination on a map and then just going.

            Be sure to familiarize yourself with the laws.

            The Pharaoh Lake wilderness isn't too far from you. Might be a good place to start.
            “One of the penalties of an ecological education is that one lives alone in a world of wounds.” ~ Aldo Leopold

            Comment


            • #7
              maps

              These 3 are good for the areas closest to you:

              http://www.natgeomaps.com/ti_746

              http://www.natgeomaps.com/ti_742

              http://www.natgeomaps.com/ti_743
              “One of the penalties of an ecological education is that one lives alone in a world of wounds.” ~ Aldo Leopold

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by Adalbjorg View Post
                Thanks the for the welcome!

                , and I'm not scared of cold or snow.

                .
                The question is if you are prepared for the cold or snow. Be careful! Be prepared!
                Be careful, don't spread invasive species!!

                When a dog runs at you,whistle for him.
                Henry David Thoreau

                CL50-#23

                Comment


                • #9
                  its the ones who aren't scared who get into trouble. a little fear is a healthy thing.
                  He found himself wondering at times, especially in the autumn, about the wild lands, and strange visions of mountains that he had never seen came into his dreams.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Thanks a lot! Those laws and regulations were really helpful. That was the kind of stuff that I needed to know.
                    "There is pleasure when a sore is scratched
                    But to be without sores is more pleasurable still
                    Just so, there is pleasure in worldly desires
                    But to be without desires is more pleasurable still"

                    -Nāgārjuna (150-250 AD)

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      I'm plenty prepared for cold and snow and have all the proper gear. I'm not scared of it because I've been camping in the cold and snow ever since I can remember. Never once have I felt like I was unprepared.
                      "There is pleasure when a sore is scratched
                      But to be without sores is more pleasurable still
                      Just so, there is pleasure in worldly desires
                      But to be without desires is more pleasurable still"

                      -Nāgārjuna (150-250 AD)

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Adalbjorg View Post
                        I'm plenty prepared for cold and snow and have all the proper gear. I'm not scared of it because I've been camping in the cold and snow ever since I can remember. Never once have I felt like I was unprepared.
                        I've recovered a few people in my life who had exactly the same thought.

                        And I've been camping in the cold and snow 62 years and I always have a little fear even though I spent some of my life life teaching people how to prepare. That's how I've made it to almost 67.

                        Not questioning your abilities, but the cockiness. I still have a lot of things I can learn.

                        Hawk
                        "If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it." Lyndon B. Johnson

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by Adalbjorg View Post
                          I go to school in Plattsburgh...
                          Do you go to SUNY Plattsburgh? If so do you know about Larry Soroka's program in Adirondack Experience and Expeditionary Studies? Even if you don't, I'm sure Larry could give you some local hiking tips. (get those recommended Discover the Adirondack books too)
                          "Now I see the secret of making the best person, it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth." -Walt Whitman

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by Adalbjorg View Post
                            Hello everyone, this is my first post here. I've gone camping plenty of times in the Adirondacks, but it's always been either on the property of friends or on sites where I had to pay a small fee. I go to school up by the Adirondacks and would like to go camping on a fairly regular basis throughout the year. What are some free camp site (directions preferred) with nice view or hiking areas, that aren't very busy? I'm not very picky, all I need is a place to pitch a tent where I won't get bothered and I won't be trespassing.

                            Any help is much appreciated.
                            Welcome to the forum.

                            Most anything you need to know is just a posted question away. Just be carefull for the crackpots. (This was more for them then you. )

                            Make some friends, go hiking, have a good time. This forum is an excelent resource.

                            ps I'm one fo those crackpots

                            Little Ricke
                            Let there be peace on earth and good will toward all.

                            "One touch of nature makes the whole world kin."

                            William Shakespeare

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              I don't mean to come off as cocky, there are many parts of the wilderness that still do scare me and that's some of the fun of hiking/camping/whatever. But cold and snow is pretty far down on the bottom of the list. I'm always prepared, I'm always cautious, and I always do my research. I realize anything could still happen though.
                              "There is pleasure when a sore is scratched
                              But to be without sores is more pleasurable still
                              Just so, there is pleasure in worldly desires
                              But to be without desires is more pleasurable still"

                              -Nāgārjuna (150-250 AD)

                              Comment

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