Primitive camping opportunities surround Altamont, New York, with sites ranging from 900 to 3,500 feet in elevation across the Catskill Mountains and nearby forests. Most tent camping areas receive moderate to heavy use during summer weekends and fall foliage season, particularly at higher elevations where temperatures average 5-10 degrees cooler than in Altamont proper. Winter accessibility varies significantly depending on snowfall and road maintenance schedules.
What to do
Hiking with panoramic views: Giant Ledge Primitive Camp offers tent sites along a challenging trail with several viewpoints. According to Emily S., "There's a couple marked campsites scattered along the trail, we camped at the first one on the way up. Good hike with a bit of a challenge climbing rocks at the end towards the ledge but nothing crazy."
Fishing in secluded waters: Duck Pond Campsite provides access to a small pond suitable for casual fishing. The site's remote location ensures minimal disruption from other visitors. "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived at a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsite. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad," reports Yae U.
Wildlife observation: Forest camping at Ushers Road State Forest includes access to bicycle-friendly nature trails with wetland habitats. A camper noted, "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area."
Stargazing from mountain sites: Clear night skies reward campers at higher elevations. Ryan, who camped at Giant Ledge, confirms: "Yes you can camp on top of the mountain. Yes you can make a camp fire. Yes you can star gaze by the views near the camp."
What campers like
Natural swimming spots: Echo Lake offers tent sites surrounding a mountain lake suitable for swimming. Kate mentions, "There are tent sites around the whole lake with fire pits and 1 lean-to site at the end of the trail when you first arrive at the lake. The sites are relatively flat and well shaded with trees."
Elevated camping with breezes: Hillside camping reduces insect encounters at Echo Lake. James A. reports, "We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze." This strategic location helps minimize mosquito exposure during summer months.
Spring water access: Some primitive sites offer natural water sources nearby. John S. from Giant Ledge Primitive Camp notes, "The spring water source is a short hike back from the campsite, relatively convenient to restock from camp."
Campfire-friendly locations: Most dispersed sites permit fires in established rings. As one camper at Giant Ledge Primitive Camp describes, "It has rock benches and a fire pit. Primitive."
What you should know
Vehicle limitations: Access roads to primitive sites can damage standard vehicles. A Duck Pond Campsite reviewer cautions: "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse. The site itself, was pretty nice, Fire pit, trickling stream, but the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it."
Wildlife precautions: Bear activity occurs in the Catskills region. John S. advises, "Thought I heard bears come through overnight, but may have been a lucid dream. Bear can was undisturbed in the morning."
Time restrictions: E16 Canal Lock limits tent camping stays to 48 hours maximum. Mona M. explains, "The Canal Corporation provides designated spots for tent and van camping along the canal. Stays are limited to a maximum of 48 hours. Upon arrival, campers must scan the QR code at the entrance and complete a brief survey."
Trail difficulty ratings: Some sites require strenuous hiking. Caleb J. warns about Giant Ledge: "It is a near vertical hike the first mile with 90% or more being over rock gardens. Not some rocks littering the trail. I think the trail used to be a stream or creek. It doesn't wind its way up the mountain, someone picked a side and said 'we go up from here, straight up'."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible primitive options: Family-friendly camping exists at sites with minimal hiking required. A reviewer at Ushers Road State Forest discovered: "About 500 feet down the right-hand trail, there is a smaller path branching off to the left. This leads to a previously used campsite, approximately 200 feet from the main trail."
Site privacy considerations: Some locations become crowded during peak periods. Kate warns about Echo Lake: "It does get a little crowded later in the day so you may have to share space with others and it can be a little noisy at night."
Terrain assessment: Scout campsite terrain before setting up with children. James A. notes about Echo Lake: "Other campsites are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails (wear pants)."
Tips from RVers
Designated tent camping only: Most primitive areas near Altamont prohibit larger recreational vehicles. At Getaway Catskill Campground, sites accommodate tents with modern amenities. Ashley F. explains, "Each site has a private bathroom and hot shower, as well as a kitchenette."
Cell service variability: Mobile reception varies significantly across camping areas. A Duck Pond Campsite visitor reports: "Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads." At E16 Canal Lock, Mona M. notes "The Verizon signal is good in the area."
