Backcountry Hiking and
Camping Rules
The rules associated with using Department of
Environmental Conservation managed public lands in New York
State for recreational purposes are relatively simple and
straightforward.
Hiking and backcountry camping are allowed on Forest
Preserve lands in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks as well
on State Forest areas. Generally, camping is prohibited on
Unique Areas, Wildlife Management Areas and other categories
of state land. Hiking is generally permitted anywhere but
special requirements apply to mountain biking and horseback
riding.
The rules and guidelines for the use of New York State's
public lands are in general as follows.
- Except where marked by a "Camp Here" disk camping is
prohibited within 150 feet of roads, trails, lakes,
ponds, streams or other bodies of water.
- Groups of ten or more persons or stays of more than
three days in one place require a permit from the New
York State Forest Ranger responsible for the area.
- Lean-tos are available in many area on a first come
first served basis. Lean-tos cannot be used exclusively
and must be shared with other campers.
- Use pit privies provided near popular camping areas
and trailheads. If none are available, dispose of human
waste by digging a hole 6"-8" deep at least 150 feet
from water or campsites. Cover with leaves and soil.
- Do not use soap to wash yourself, clothing or dishes
within 150 ft of water.
- Drinking and cooking water should be boiled for 5
minutes, treated with purifying tablets or filtered
through filtration device to prevent instances of
giardia infection.
- Fires should be built in existing fire pits or
fireplaces if provided. Use only dead and down wood for
fires. Cutting standing trees is prohibited.
Extinguish all fires with water and stir ashes until
they are cold to the touch. Do not build fires in areas
marked by a "No Fires" disk. Camp stoves are safer, more
efficient and cleaner.
- Carry out what you carry in . Practice "leave no
trace" camping and hiking
 .
- Keep your pet under control. Restrain it on a leash
when others approach. Collect and bury droppings away
from water, trails and camp sites. Keep your pet away
from drinking water sources.
- Observe and enjoy wildlife and plants but leave them
undisturbed.
- Removing plants, rocks, fossils or artifacts from
state land without a permit is illegal.
- The storage of personal property on state land is
prohibited.
- Carry an approved flotation device for each person
aboard all watercraft.
- Except in an emergency or between December 15 and
April 30, camping is prohibited above an elevation of
4000 feet in the Adirondacks.
- Except in an emergency or between December 21 and
March 21, camping is prohibited above an elevation of
3500 feet in the Catskills.
- At all times, only emergency fires are permitted
above 4000 feet in the Adirondacks and 3500 feet in the
Catskills.
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