A camping adventure is right around the corner!
Imagine stepping out of your tent to the sound of birds chirping, the fresh scent of pine filling the air, and a stunning sunrise casting a golden glow over a serene landscape. Backcountry camping, even when it’s not too remote, offers a perfect blend of adventure and comfort. For those who crave the thrill of nature without venturing too far off the beaten path, this type of camping is ideal. Let’s jump into the fun and excitement of camping in the wilderness, close enough to civilization for convenience but far enough to feel like a true escape.
Picking the perfect spot
When choosing your camping spot, there are options around the entire Adirondack Hub, providing a balance of wilderness and accessibility. This makes your adventure both exciting and manageable!
Here are a few backcountry campsite options that are all first come, first served, and don’t require an all-day trek to reach.
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Roosevelt Truck Trail
The Roosevelt Truck Trail offers two accessible camping sites that can be driven to with a Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD) permit. It sounds scary, but it opens up opportunities to experience backcountry camping if you are unable to hike over varied terrain. The sites on the Roosevelt Truck Trail are firm and level, with accessible picnic tables and privies. Located in a boreal habitat, animals here, especially bird species, are typically found further north. It’s a unique location, one you definitely want to check out! The best part, if you are hiking in, is that the first campsite is only about 1.0-mile from the parking area off Route 28N.
Wolf Pond
Clocking in at 2.3-miles, the trail to Wolf Pond is worth checking out for a day-trip, but for those who want to extend their outing, a new lean-to at the end of the trail is a great place to hang up your boots at night. There are some ups and downs along the trail, but the striking scenery, especially of the High Peaks across the water, make it all worthwhile. And if you want to add fishing to your Wolf Pond bucket list, the pond is typically stocked with native strain brown trout. Here, you won’t spend your whole day hiking, so you have more time to relax at the lean-to and enjoy the peaceful forest.
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High Peaks, with a cultural twist
Great Camp Santanoni is a fine piece of Adirondack history, but it’s also a great place to backcountry camp. And there are plenty of sites! Eight designated primitive tent sites are in the immediate area, plus two lean-tos. The path to these sites is a little longer than the previous two options (5-miles one-way), but it is along a road which the Department of Environmental Conservation and its partners use to access the Great Camp for maintenance and administrative purposes. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Robert C. and Anna Pruyn were entertaining guests at the sophisticated Great Camp Santanoni, enjoying all that the Adirondack wilderness had to offer. In 2024, you can try out a more rustic version of this at a primate campsite. Gravel bikes are also permitted on the Newcomb Lake Road, so this is one spot where you could bike to camp!
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Pharaoh Lake Wilderness
It doesn’t have the high elevation mountains of the High Peaks Wilderness, but the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness is equally dramatic and impressive. To accommodate campers in this 46,283-acre Wilderness, there are 38 designated primitive tent sites throughout the area and 14 lean-tos, all on a first come, first served basis. Many of these sites are around the Wilderness’s namesake, Pharaoh Lake. Sleep here and wake up in the morning feeling refreshed as the vocal Common Loons and other bird species sing. Depending on where you’re starting from and where you plan on going, trips can greatly vary in length, so it’s best to get a guide book and map to make the best plan.
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High Peaks Wilderness
If you’re on your way to becoming an Adirondack 46er, you have probably heard of Dix Mountain and the Dix Range. These five mountains are demanding. While some people opt to do all five in a very rugged 16-20-mile day-trip, camping out is another option that can split up your time so you can spend more time enjoying the journey instead of powering through it! There are multiple primitive tent and lean-to sites available.
Helpful tips and tricks
Packing for a wilderness camping trip is like preparing for an epic treasure hunt. You need all the essentials, but with a touch of flair. A tent that’s easy to set up, a sleeping bag that will keep you warm, and a sleeping pad make all the difference. Your camp can be functional and fun! Don’t forget to check the weather before you head out, have a fully stocked First-aid kit, and know the local rules and regulations.
If you’re still not sure you want to go backcountry camping, try a frontcountry site at a state-run campground or a glamping site! Both are good step stones.
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The joy of disconnecting
One of the best parts of camping is the chance to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature and your companions. Leave the screens behind and immerse yourself in the simplicity and beauty of the great outdoors. These sites in the Adirondack Hub, even though not too remote, offer delightful escapes filled with adventure, relaxation, and a touch of wild fun. It’s about finding that sweet spot where you can enjoy the wonders of nature without straying too far from comfort. So, grab your gear, pick a nearby nature spot, and embark on a camping adventure that promises the best of both worlds. Happy camping!