Tent campsites near Chatham, New York range from accessible drive-in spots to more secluded backcountry sites requiring significant hiking. The region sits at the convergence of the Berkshire Mountains and Taconic Range, with elevations between 700-2,600 feet creating variable camping conditions. Fall camping temperatures typically drop to the 30s at night, while summer can bring afternoon thunderstorms that make trail access challenging.
What to do
Hiking from your site: The Undermountain Trail near Brassie Brook Shelter offers challenging terrain for day hikers. "Be prepared for steep inclines, and lots of rocks. After about a mile, you reach a trail intersection, stay left and continue up the hill until you reach the giant sign that reads 'Appalachian Trail - North and South'," notes a camper.
Summit exploration: From Laurel Ridge campsite, experienced hikers can tackle Mount Race. "We began by making the hike up Mount Race. No matter where you start, you'll be hiking on some of the steepest parts of the Appalachian Trail in the northwestern Connecticut and southwestern Massachusetts," shares one visitor who rated the challenging experience highly.
Water activities: Echo Lake provides swimming opportunities during summer months. "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean to with a few campfire spots. Other campsites are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails (wear pants)," advises a camper who enjoyed the lakeside setting.
What campers like
Genuine seclusion: Alander Trail Campground requires physical effort to reach but rewards with privacy. A visitor notes, "Absolutely love this spot and highly recommend if you're looking for a super private, true primitive camping experience. You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots."
Clean facilities: Despite their remote location, many backcountry sites maintain surprising cleanliness. One Alander Trail Campground visitor shared, "What I liked most about this campground is that it wasn't overcrowded. Each spot is easy to find off the trail. They also have bear boxes at each site! Although we were the only campers at the time the area was emmaculate and not one piece of trash on the ground anywhere!"
Memorable views: The difficult hike to campsites often pays off with scenic vistas. A camper at Riga Lean-To advises, "Last thing; make sure to hit the summit of Bear Mountain; incredible view!" The elevated positioning of sites allows for sunset and sunrise viewing opportunities from camp.
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: Wildlife encounters require proper preparation in this region. At Alander Trail Campground, "You will be in the heart of the forest/woods so definitely make sure to be prepared. We had some scares with coyotes and bears in the past but never anything crazy." Most backcountry sites provide bear boxes for safe food storage.
Weather variability: Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, particularly at higher elevations. One group camping at Laurel Ridge reported, "It was pretty cold in the 50s and down to 40s late at night (this was OCT)." Spring camping often means muddy conditions while summer brings mosquitos near water sources.
Difficult access: Many tent campsites near Chatham require significant physical effort. As one Echo Lake visitor cautions, "This campground was my first backpacking trip and it was perfect! 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."
Tips for camping with families
Consider physical abilities: Many backcountry sites require difficult hiking with full gear. A visitor to Laurel Ridge notes, "This was overall no easy hike in any way, so if you are not in moderate shape I would not recommend this to you. If you hike normally, and do some cardio like spin class or something regularly, try the day hike first."
Pack proper clothing: Changing weather conditions demand preparation. "Our trip was sadly cut short because we were freezing and it was raining a lot LOL but hey it's part of the experience," shares a Brassie Brook Shelter camper who learned this lesson firsthand.
Arrive early: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. An Echo Lake camper advises, "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." Thursday arrival improves chances of securing preferred sites before weekend crowds arrive.
Tips from RVers
Alternative lodging options: For those not equipped for tent camping, consider the unique Chester Railway Station caboose. "It is a really fun place to spend a night, especially for a train enthusiast. The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad. It sleeps 4 and you can set up tents outside too. You hear the trains running at night," reports a visitor.
Accessibility concerns: Standard RVs cannot access most backcountry tent sites. For RVers seeking camping experiences near Chatham, consider the developed campgrounds within an hour's drive that offer both tent and RV accommodations, then take day trips to hiking areas.
Seasonal availability: Most primitive tent campsites in the region close or become extremely difficult to access during winter months (December-March). Call ranger stations before attempting winter camping trips as trail conditions can become dangerous.
