Primitive or backcountry camping entails setting up a tent or lean-to in the remote wilderness, far removed from any civilization. In this kind of camping, there are minimal or no amenities available, including running water, electricity, picnic tables, or restrooms. Additionally, primitive camping necessitates carrying all of your essential supplies such as equipment, food, clothing, toiletries, and sleeping gear (including a sleeping bag, tent, and pad) using a backpack or by paddling, for the duration of your stay.
State Lands that Allow Primitive Camping
On several DEC lands, including Forest Preserve lands in the Catskills and Adirondacks, as well as State Forest lands outside the Preserve, primitive camping is permitted. However, primitive camping is not allowed on Unique Areas, Wildlife Management Areas, and certain other types of state land.
If you need information about a specific property, you can visit the DEC webpage for that property or get in touch with a DEC Regional Office near the land unit.
Where to Set Up Camp
The most ideal location for camping is at the primitive tent sites that are designated. These sites are usually more level compared to other areas and have soils that are deeper and harder, making them more resistant to heavy usage and erosion. This helps to reduce the negative effects of camping. Additionally, many of these sites have pit privies and fire rings made of rocks located nearby.
Campers are given encouragement to utilize the assigned locations for setting up tents. These sites are frequently situated nearby hiking paths and offer scenic vistas of bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, streams, or rivers, which can serve as water sources after being treated appropriately.
All primitive tent sites that are designated have markers that say “Camp Here” in yellow and black. A majority of the sites that are located on lakes and ponds can be recognized by a yellow number displayed on a dark brown wooden plaque. Usually, this plaque is attached to a tree that is close to the water’s edge.
Sahale Glacier Camp, North Cascades National Park, WA
Ascending Sahale Arm, my friend and I trudged through a relentless downpour whipped by the wind, with visibility limited to a mere hundred feet in any direction. However, upon our arrival at Sahale Glacier Camp, the rain and wind subsided and the clouds descended beneath us, revealing a breathtaking vista of the world plunging into an endless chasm just steps away from our tent entrance. A mountain goat casually wandered by our camp.
Located at an elevation of 7,686 feet, the highest designated campsite in North Cascades National Park is positioned at the top of Sahale Arm and the toe of the Sahale Glacier. From this vantage point, one can observe a seemingly infinite expanse of jagged peaks covered in snow and ice, exposed to the relentless gusts of wind. Among these peaks are Johannesburg, Baker, Shuksan, Glacier Peak, and, visible in the distant horizon, Mount Rainier.
Beside Royal Arch, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
We embarked on a challenging 34.5-mile hike known as the Royal Arch Loop, considered the most isolated and rugged South Rim trail in the Grand Canyon. Accompanied by three friends, we pushed ourselves to complete a grueling first day in order to reach the campsite adjacent to Royal Arch. The arduous descent into Royal Arch Canyon demanded careful navigation through strenuous and exposed sections, yet the reward was the presence of lush hanging gardens along a vibrant creek, punctuated by pristine pools. Eventually, we caught sight of the arch, the largest natural bridge within the Grand Canyon, bearing in mind that it is technically classified as a bridge due to its formation by water erosion rather than an arch.
We went under the high and dense arch, which gave us enough protection from the rain while we had dinner, and continued walking until we reached a level area that was sufficiently spacious for our two tents. This flat space was located directly under a tall sandstone pinnacle. Just a short distance from our spot, there was a steep 200-foot drop into the lower part of Royal Arch Canyon. This served as a warning not to go too far from our tents after it got dark. When morning came, the first light of dawn would illuminate the red walls of the lower canyon, creating a breathtaking sight.
Precipice Lake, Sequoia National Park, CA
Comparing other places to mountain ranges like the Tetons, High Sierra, and North Cascades, or to the Grand Canyon almost appears unfair, as these four destinations dominate this list due to my repeated visits. However, the photos alone tell the story. During a six-day family backpacking trip in Sequoia National Park, we had the opportunity to camp at two alpine lakes that definitely deserve a spot on this list: Precipice Lake and Columbine Lake.
The original plan did not include visiting Precipice, as we intended to go further to camp in the Nine Lakes Basin via Kaweah Gap. However, when we arrived at Precipice on the afternoon of our third day, we quickly decided to halt our journey for the night. The lake’s compact shoreline is surrounded by cliffs of clean, white granite with black streaks. The mouth of the outlet creek offers a great spot for a refreshing swim. There are flat areas on the granite ledges above the lake where tents can be set up or one can simply lay out sleeping bags to sleep under the stars. The added touch of the evening alpenglow on the cliffs and the reflection in the lake, as well as the presence of the towering 12,040-foot Eagle Scout Peak above Precipice, made the experience even more enjoyable.
Death Canyon Shelf, Grand Teton National Park, WY
Instead of providing an extensive list, I have chosen to mention only two camping areas in the Tetons that I personally believe are the most ideal for staying overnight in the backcountry. These two zones, Death Canyon Shelf and the North Fork of Cascade Canyon, are accessible by trail and are particularly remarkable.
I have had the opportunity to camp multiple times at different locations on Death Canyon Shelf, a wide bench that stretches for three miles and sits at an altitude of around 9,500 feet. On one side, the ground abruptly drops into Death Canyon, while on the other side, there are cliffs that rise approximately 500 feet. From this vantage point, one can admire the breathtaking views of the rugged peaks and canyons of the Tetons, which extend all the way to the Grand Teton. There are only a few places that offer such extensive and dramatic panoramas. Using binoculars, I have observed moose in Death Canyon from the cliff tops, and I have also seen deer grazing near our campsite. One night, I was awakened by the sound of a bull elk right outside our tent. Additionally, I have been fortunate to witness remarkable sunsets and equally magnificent sunrises during my camping experiences in this area.
Lake Ellen Wilson, Glacier National Park, MT
There were countless wildlife sightings during our weeklong backpacking trip, including bighorn sheep and many mountain goats. Additionally, we were soon to encounter a sow grizzly bear and her two cubs. The scenery amazed us each day. Despite this, I would have understood if Lake Ellen Wilson, our campsite on the last night, was not as exciting as the rest.
Upon our arrival, we immersed our weary feet in the chilly, emerald waters of the lake, which was merely a short 20-second stroll from our campsite. From there, we admired the basin surrounded by towering cliffs reaching a thousand feet in height, adorned with numerous cascading waterfalls. Following that, we reclined on the sun-kissed pebbles on the shoreline, resembling a cozy bed equipped with a soothing massage. Taking a mid-afternoon snooze on these pebbles became our preferred routine. Ultimately, we discovered that it was the most exceptional campsite of our entire trip.
Campsite Selection
- Primitive tent sites and lean-tos are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved. If you find a tent site or lean-to with no people or gear, then you can camp there.
- If not using a designated primitive tent site, your tent must be at least 150 feet from a water body, road, or trail. Do not camp in areas posted with “Camping Prohibited.”
- Camping for more than three nights or with 10 or more people requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.
- Black bears are present throughout the Adirondacks and Catskills. Campers should store all food, garbage and toiletries in a bear-resistant canister or food hang. Bear-resistant canisters are required in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness.
Lean-To Use
- Tents are not allowed inside lean-tos and must be at least 150 feet from the lean-to.
- Lean-tos are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved.
- It is proper etiquette to share your tent site for one night if a second camper or group of campers arrives after dark, especially when it is raining, cold or windy. In the morning, the second group should pack up and leave to look for another location.
- Lean-tos should be shared by multiple parties until filled to capacity (normally 8 people). These situations are rare, but can happen in heavily used areas, such as the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness.
