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Sophie P
We'll be renting a car so it doesn't have to be accessible to public transportation. We're looking for a real wilderness type of camping experience, rather than putting up a tent on a large lawn or within view of other campers. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Answer
The closest place for REAL wilderness camping would be six or seven hours away (depending on the specific location chosen) in the Adirondack Park. It's over six million acres and includes a 2.3 million acre forest preserve which the NY State Constitution mandates must be "forever wild." That preserve is the only public land in New York in which you can camp anywhere you want to (except, during the summer, anywhere over 6,000 feet elevation, because of fire risk) without having to be in an actual campground -- though there is that option, there are dozens of campgrounds that vary greatly in the level of amenities that are available and how crowded the sites are.
Wikipedia has a pretty good writeup about the park:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adirondack_Mountains
One campground that is worth considering, and is one of my favorites, is called Indian Lake Islands. The appeal, if you can get one reserved, is that there are campsites on islands that can be reached only by boat. Some islands have as few as one or two sites, so privacy is better than most organized campgrounds. The whole area is heavily forested, so even if there are other sites around it's not like that "large lawn" feeling. Info on the facility is here:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24471.html
I also like Eighth Lake (apparently at some point they ran out of names for the many lakes, and just started using numbers!):
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24465.html
There are some reasonably similar campgrounds in the Catskills, but generally it's more crowded there and you don't have the freedom to just pitch a tent (or use an available public lean-to at no charge) like you would in the Adirondacks. The upside there is it's less than three hours away from NYC.
The closest place for REAL wilderness camping would be six or seven hours away (depending on the specific location chosen) in the Adirondack Park. It's over six million acres and includes a 2.3 million acre forest preserve which the NY State Constitution mandates must be "forever wild." That preserve is the only public land in New York in which you can camp anywhere you want to (except, during the summer, anywhere over 6,000 feet elevation, because of fire risk) without having to be in an actual campground -- though there is that option, there are dozens of campgrounds that vary greatly in the level of amenities that are available and how crowded the sites are.
Wikipedia has a pretty good writeup about the park:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adirondack_Mountains
One campground that is worth considering, and is one of my favorites, is called Indian Lake Islands. The appeal, if you can get one reserved, is that there are campsites on islands that can be reached only by boat. Some islands have as few as one or two sites, so privacy is better than most organized campgrounds. The whole area is heavily forested, so even if there are other sites around it's not like that "large lawn" feeling. Info on the facility is here:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24471.html
I also like Eighth Lake (apparently at some point they ran out of names for the many lakes, and just started using numbers!):
http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24465.html
There are some reasonably similar campgrounds in the Catskills, but generally it's more crowded there and you don't have the freedom to just pitch a tent (or use an available public lean-to at no charge) like you would in the Adirondacks. The upside there is it's less than three hours away from NYC.
What kinds of food should I bring camping with me?
SuFi ChIcK
going camping for the first time alone with my bf and this is our first time going with out our parents or family.
Answer
Assuming TENT CAMPING! If you are taking a Trailer/RV you can take just about anything you desire!
Short trip car> Bread, Peanut butter and jelly, canned stew and vegetables, tea/instant coffee, at least 2 gallons of drinking water, grate/grill for cooking over fire, Kitchen matches with the striker from the box in a plastic bag to protect from moisture, Instant potatoes, box Macaroni & Cheese, Canned Baked Beans. Instant Oatmeal in whatever flavors you desire. Salt and pepper in sealed plastic containers, Sugar and /or any other seasonings likewise in sealed containers. A coffee pot, for heating water for coffee or tea. Anything else you like, which does not absolutely require refrigeration. Ice chest and camp stove are optional but highly recommended! Cold Soda or beer is definitely a plus!
Longer trip car> Ice chest and camp stove become mandatory! But that also allows more flexibility in meal plans, with ice chest and stove you can take eggs, butter and milk to prepare a more traditional breakfast including if you desire Bacon! You can also take steak and other meats to grill ( do not forget to take suitable seasonings!) and if space permits a large cast griddle or fry pan you can take pancake mix (requires egg and milk, and do not forget the spatula!) Take along 2, 10 quart metal buckets to be your wash basins and I recommend Dawn brand dish soap and Scotch Bright Pads to clean up those greasy pots and pans. At least 2 flat hot pads and an oven glove. Durable plastic plates and glasses, and plastic insulated mugs and a set of flatware including a sharp (steak) knife for each person and serving spoons and forks.
Other important items: You will need a multi-purpose pocket knife ( Swiss Army style - not necessarily brand - and make sure it is SHARP and well lubricated ) Trash Bags. A 6 way screwdriver, a small hatchet with sheath, Take lots of 5/32" nylon line and a couple of pocket lighters when you cut a length of the line seal the end with the lighter so it will not fray. A pack of thumb size candles for fire starting. Pocket Flashlights.
A table lantern - Colman White Gas AKA "Camp Fuel" lantern or battery - Coleman Lanterns last forever and produce vast amounts of bright white light, but they require a steady supply of fuel, Mantels and the occasional replacement Generator and Globe, if you choose the Coleman Lantern be sure to practice lighting it several times during daylight in an outdoor location well away from anything flammable and NEVER EVER EVEN THINK ABOUT LIGHTING IT INSIDE OF YOUR TENT OR ANY OTHER STRUCTURE!!!!!)
Take about twice as many towels as you might want at first thought, 1 wash cloth per person plus 1 dish cloth are sufficient. Pack large zip-lock bags to carry wet clothing / swimwear in.
Collapsible Chairs and camp stools are great but don't break the bank to buy them for your first trip.
Take Clothing suitable for Winter and Rainy Conditions in the area where you will be camping! (Ponchos! And heavy coats! ) Nothing worse than getting frozen stiff because the weatherman blew it! This includes a Knit Cap which covers your ears if the temperature could possibly fall below 50 Degrees F!
Take good warm sleeping bags (rated ZERO Degrees F ) which can be joined together and AIR MATTRESSES! One for each person and a SPARE! Do not even think about camping without air mattresses!
Please plan on purchasing your firewood where you camp to avoid moving around BAD Insects! Take newspaper in a plastic bag for fire starting too.
If Space and Funds permit a set of poles and a camp Fly (10'X10' Tarp) are very desirable to keep the table area dry in the event of rain ( minimum 6 poles and a dozen 14' long lines, stakes, S-Hooks and O-rings - the O-ring prevents sharp edges on the Stake from damaging the line and the S-Hook makes it real easy to attach to the tarp eyes.
Proper equipment and preparation make all the difference between comfortably riding out the storm when camping and being cold wet and miserable when the unexpected .
Have Fun!
Assuming TENT CAMPING! If you are taking a Trailer/RV you can take just about anything you desire!
Short trip car> Bread, Peanut butter and jelly, canned stew and vegetables, tea/instant coffee, at least 2 gallons of drinking water, grate/grill for cooking over fire, Kitchen matches with the striker from the box in a plastic bag to protect from moisture, Instant potatoes, box Macaroni & Cheese, Canned Baked Beans. Instant Oatmeal in whatever flavors you desire. Salt and pepper in sealed plastic containers, Sugar and /or any other seasonings likewise in sealed containers. A coffee pot, for heating water for coffee or tea. Anything else you like, which does not absolutely require refrigeration. Ice chest and camp stove are optional but highly recommended! Cold Soda or beer is definitely a plus!
Longer trip car> Ice chest and camp stove become mandatory! But that also allows more flexibility in meal plans, with ice chest and stove you can take eggs, butter and milk to prepare a more traditional breakfast including if you desire Bacon! You can also take steak and other meats to grill ( do not forget to take suitable seasonings!) and if space permits a large cast griddle or fry pan you can take pancake mix (requires egg and milk, and do not forget the spatula!) Take along 2, 10 quart metal buckets to be your wash basins and I recommend Dawn brand dish soap and Scotch Bright Pads to clean up those greasy pots and pans. At least 2 flat hot pads and an oven glove. Durable plastic plates and glasses, and plastic insulated mugs and a set of flatware including a sharp (steak) knife for each person and serving spoons and forks.
Other important items: You will need a multi-purpose pocket knife ( Swiss Army style - not necessarily brand - and make sure it is SHARP and well lubricated ) Trash Bags. A 6 way screwdriver, a small hatchet with sheath, Take lots of 5/32" nylon line and a couple of pocket lighters when you cut a length of the line seal the end with the lighter so it will not fray. A pack of thumb size candles for fire starting. Pocket Flashlights.
A table lantern - Colman White Gas AKA "Camp Fuel" lantern or battery - Coleman Lanterns last forever and produce vast amounts of bright white light, but they require a steady supply of fuel, Mantels and the occasional replacement Generator and Globe, if you choose the Coleman Lantern be sure to practice lighting it several times during daylight in an outdoor location well away from anything flammable and NEVER EVER EVEN THINK ABOUT LIGHTING IT INSIDE OF YOUR TENT OR ANY OTHER STRUCTURE!!!!!)
Take about twice as many towels as you might want at first thought, 1 wash cloth per person plus 1 dish cloth are sufficient. Pack large zip-lock bags to carry wet clothing / swimwear in.
Collapsible Chairs and camp stools are great but don't break the bank to buy them for your first trip.
Take Clothing suitable for Winter and Rainy Conditions in the area where you will be camping! (Ponchos! And heavy coats! ) Nothing worse than getting frozen stiff because the weatherman blew it! This includes a Knit Cap which covers your ears if the temperature could possibly fall below 50 Degrees F!
Take good warm sleeping bags (rated ZERO Degrees F ) which can be joined together and AIR MATTRESSES! One for each person and a SPARE! Do not even think about camping without air mattresses!
Please plan on purchasing your firewood where you camp to avoid moving around BAD Insects! Take newspaper in a plastic bag for fire starting too.
If Space and Funds permit a set of poles and a camp Fly (10'X10' Tarp) are very desirable to keep the table area dry in the event of rain ( minimum 6 poles and a dozen 14' long lines, stakes, S-Hooks and O-rings - the O-ring prevents sharp edges on the Stake from damaging the line and the S-Hook makes it real easy to attach to the tarp eyes.
Proper equipment and preparation make all the difference between comfortably riding out the storm when camping and being cold wet and miserable when the unexpected .
Have Fun!
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