amNewYork, 7-Aug-08
By Ron Bishow
Living in New York City you can go weeks without seeing grass, and when was the last time you actually saw stars? Nature, however, is not as far away as you might think. Within just a few hours of the Big Apple you have some of the most majestic parks and lakes in the Northeast. What better way is there to enjoy them then rolling out a sleeping bag and a tent?
Beaver Pond Campsite, Harriman State Park.
800 County Route 106, Stony Point, NY 10980
nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=57
(845) 947-2792; $13 base rate
Getting There: Short Line Bus from Port Authority to Harriman. Trip takes about an hour.
Just 50 miles northwest of the city, this scenic destination has two public camping areas from where you can enjoy the 31 lakes and reservoirs, 200 miles of hiking trails, three beaches, and not a building in site. Each site at Beaver Pond has a picnic table and fire ring; comfort stations, showers, and laundry facilities are also available because nothing says camping like doing your whites.
New York Recreational Adventures Campground (RAC)
Newburgh/New York City N KOA
Box 134D Plattekill, NY 12568
www.newburghkoa.com
800-562-7220
$41.79-$42.99 base rate (Weekend Rates; based on two adults)
$45.99-$51.99 water/electric (Weekend Rates; based on two adults)
Getting There: I-84 Exit 7 North or I-87 Exit 17, North 3 miles on New York 300, North 6 miles on New York 32 to Freetown Highway. Trip takes about an hour and 40 minutes
If you are looking for a more activity-based camping experience, then this 65-acre Hudson Valley destination is for you. With a playground, basketball court, fishing pond, two swimming pools and hiking trail you will never go wanting for something to do. You can also go apple or pumpkin picking, or check out the local wineries. Also, antique stores abound in the area.
Lake Sacandaga, Adirondak Foothills RV Campground
1327 County Highway 110, Broadalbin, NY 12025
www.visitsacandaga.com
518-883-5025
$40 a night water/electric
Getting There: I-90 (NY Thruway) at Albany, take exit 24 (I-87). Go North on I-87 past Saratoga Springs to exit 17N. Trip takes about two and a half hours
Originally home to the Mohawk Indians, Lake Sacandaga is now a bastion of outdoor fun just 180 miles from the city. Since it is a lake with 125 miles of shoreline, water activities like boating and fishing are the main draw, but you can also go off-roading, horseback riding or hunting, if so inclined. There are also eight golf courses within driving distance and plenty of places to stay if you don't feel like roughing it.
Heckscher State Park
Heckscher Pkwy, Field 1, East Islip, NY 11730
http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=153; 631-581-2100
$8 per vehicle; $17 per night
Getting There: LIRR to Great River Station. Trip takes about an hour and a half.
With 69 campsites, this beautiful Suffolk County shoreline area has twenty miles of trails for hiking and biking, and the Great South Bay and a swimming-pool complex for taking a dip. There are also picnic areas, a boat launch, playing fields and much more. Plus, you can't put a price on being able to take the train instead of trying to rent a car. (Note: Reservations have been suspended due to a potential outbreak of west nile virus that could cause the park to close without warning)
Hither Hills State Park
50 South Fairview Avenue, Montauk, NY 11754
http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkId=48; 631-668-2554
$24 a night
Getting There: LIRR to Montauk. Trip takes about three hours.
Camping in the Hamptons Always wanted to go to the Hamptons but don't have the disposable income? Well, just bring your tent! This 168-site campground has an ocean view for a fraction of the price of a rental in the nearby ritzy community. You can fish year-round and check out the "walking dunes" of Napeague Harbor, some of which are 30 feet high.
Bear Spring Mountain, the Catskills
512 East Trout Brook Road, Downsville, NY13755
www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24454.html; 845-786-2701
$16
Getting There: Route 17 to Exit 90, East Branch take Route 30 north to Shinhopple; turn left on East Trout Brook Road. Trip takes about two hours and forty minutes.
You won't have Patrick Swayze teaching you to dirty dance, but there is still plenty to do up in the Catskills. Forty-one tent and trailer sites are available at this site created in 1885 to protect the region's water resources. It is a great place to hit the water (canoe and boat rentals are available) or go horseback riding if you like. This is no frills camping by the way, no hook-ups and no showers, but how comfy is camping supposed to be anyway?
Bowman Lake State Park, Finger Lakes
745 Bliven Sherman Rd, Oxford, NY 13830
http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=16
607-334-2718
$13 basic rate
Getting There: Off Route 220, 8 miles west of Oxford. Trip takes about four hours.
A great launching point for exploring the Finger Lakes region of New York with roads that wind through forests filled with evergreen and hardwood trees, where deer run wild. When walking through, make sure to look up and maybe you will spot one of the 103 species of birds that live here. The lake is also filled with trout. Hunting is permitted, but only in season, naturally.
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