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Camping

While camping is not allowed in the Minnewaska or Mohonk preserves, a privately owned, award-winning camp that hosts RV vehicles, meadow tent sites, and cabins as well is close by in Gardiner, with the Ridge clearly overlooking the scene. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort, sited by a beautiful cascading river, is not for the diehard naturalist and tent camper who values peace and solitude; instead, its main appeal is for families who like organized camp activities, including swimming, games, and other "tame" forms of recreation. However, for those who come to the Gunks from outside the area to climb, hang glide, or hike and like convenience, the camp is perfect. New cabins are available this year. To find out more about Jellystone, see www.lazyriverny.com on the web.

Always check that campfiures are PERMITTED where you camp! many campsites do not allow them.At the same time, there is a vast number of backwoods campgrounds in the nearby Catskills that are more appealing for those who enjoy the isolation of the backwoods. (Catskill trail networks and camps are available on a vast number of web sites. Use "catskill campgrounds" as the keywords for your search.) Traveling from the Catskill Mountains to the Gunks for a day climb or major hike is well worth the drive, and can complement wilderness vacations that focus on taking advantage of the mountains, the trails, the climbs, and the extreme beauty of the mountain lakes in both the Shawangunks and the Catskills.

Primitive Camping

To protect backcountry resources, state law requires all campsites to be at least 150 feet from any road, trail or water source, except at sites designated by the DEC. A designated site is either a lean-to or a campsite marked with a yellow "camp here" disc.

  • Camping is also prohibited above 3,500 feet in elevation from March 22 until December 20 each year to protect the fragile summit environment.
  • Groups of 10 or more must obtain a camping permit from the area Forest Ranger before entering state land. In a wilderness area, group size is limited to a maximum of 12 individuals to protect the wilderness character of the area, especially the opportunity for other visitors seeking solitude. Larger groups can be accommodated in Wild
  • Forest areas such as Balsam Lake Mountain or Sundown Wild Forests.
  • Whenever possible use an existing designated campsite to lessen your impact.
  • Campfires are permitted below 3,500 feet in elevation, but only dead and down wood may be used. In a designated campsite, use the existing fire ring and burn wood no larger than that which can be snapped in your hands - it?s sure to be dead and dry, and will burn down to ash. Never leave a fire unattended and make sure your fire is cold before breaking camp. Camp stoves are a much safer option.
  • Keep a clean camp. Wastewater should be taken a minimum of 150 feet from any water source and gently sprayed into the underbrush as against pouring it into a sump hole. Cooking water should be strained of any food particles and treated in a similar fashion. This distributes rather than concentrates the dirty water, dispersing both the impact and related odors that attract wildlife. All food waste should be packed out.
  • Human waste - If available, use the privy. If not, dig a ?cat-hole? 6-8 inches deep, a minimum of 150 feet from any water source. Cover waste with soil and leaf litter. Minimize the use of toilet paper and burn or pack it out. When appropriate, use leaves instead. (But be careful what you use!) Treat feminine products as you would all other garbage and pack out as well.
  • Drinking water - The DEC can?t ensure the purity of any water source. Giardia lamblia is a water bourne parasite which can cause severe and prolonged intestinal disorder and has infected the water supply as a result of poor human sanitation habits. Boil all water for 2 minutes, filter or treat chemically. Water can be scarce, especially in the summer, so make sure you bring enough!
  • If you bring a pet - Your pet must be under control at all times. When others approach, particularly small children and other animals, leash your dog. Keep your pet quiet. Remove droppings from the trail and camping areas.

Detailed trail maps, published by The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, are available on their website or at The Catskill Hiking Shack.



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