Tent campsites near Craryville, New York range from primitive backcountry sites requiring significant hiking to more accessible walk-in locations. The region sits within the Taconic Mountains along the Massachusetts and Connecticut borders, with elevations ranging from 700 to 2,600 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 70-85°F during the day, while spring and fall camping brings cooler 45-65°F conditions with frequent rain.
What to do
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: Experience rugged terrain on the AT section near Laurel Ridge, where hikers encounter some of the steepest parts of the trail in southwestern Massachusetts. One camper notes, "This was one of my favorite all time hiking/camping experiences... On the way up you will see signs for Race Brook Falls; its pretty beautiful and worth a day hike if you aren't camping or whatnot."
Summit Bear Mountain: From Brassie Brook Shelter, take the challenging rock-strewn trail to Bear Mountain's summit. "Great weekend overnight backpacking. The fall views made it worth it," reports one hiker who completed the route. The trail features steep inclines and significant rock scrambling, requiring appropriate footwear and moderate fitness levels.
Swimming and fishing: Many campers at Echo Lake combine their tent camping with lake activities. The lake is completely surrounded by hills, creating a secluded swimming spot. "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean to with a few campfire spots," mentions one visitor who enjoyed the lakeside setting.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Alander Trail Campground, campers appreciate the secluded feeling. "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."
Bear boxes for food storage: Several primitive campsites around Craryville provide bear boxes, addressing the significant bear activity in the region. An Alander Trail camper mentions, "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!"
Strategic tent placement: Experienced campers at Echo Lake recommend setting up on higher ground. "We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze," notes one visitor who found this strategy minimized both bugs and dampness that can affect lower sites.
What you should know
Challenging access: Many tent camping spots require significant hiking with full gear. At Riga Lean-To, campers must navigate the Appalachian Trail after a steep ascent. "We absolutely loved this little lean-to next to Bear Mountain... Brassie Brook was actually on the way to Riga and offers a very similar experience."
Varying regulations: Fire policies differ significantly between sites. While Echo Lake permits fires in established rings, other areas like Laurel Ridge prohibit them entirely: "No fires allowed, however," notes one camper who visited the site.
Weather preparation: Tent campers should prepare for rapid weather changes, particularly at higher elevation sites. A Laurel Ridge visitor reported: "It's quite a hike to get to this dispersed campground, so be prepared! We packed on our backpacks early in the morning and arrived there mid-afternoon."
Tips for camping with families
Gradual introduction to backpacking: Echo Lake provides an excellent first backpacking experience for families with children. A camper shares: "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."
Unique accommodations: For families seeking an unusual camping experience, Chester Railway Station offers a converted caboose plus tent sites. "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."
Site selection for weather protection: Choose more elevated tent sites when possible, especially during rainy periods. At Echo Lake, campers report that "it can get swampy near the edge of the lake" while sites on surrounding hills stay drier and catch cooling breezes during summer months.
Tips from RVers
RV alternatives: Most campgrounds near Craryville accommodate tents only, but Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground provides a compromise. "Shawangunk was SUCH a nice place to stay... The nicest, most level tent site you'll ever find. So easy to set up, and no worries whatsoever about roots or rocks."
Limited parking: RV owners should note that most primitive sites have strict parking limitations. At Samuel F. Pryor campground, "It was pretty empty and we were able to have two cars in the parking spots (usually you can only have one in the assigned spot) without putting anyone out."
Cooking restrictions: Many primitive sites have specific regulations about where cooking can occur. A camper at Samuel F. Pryor notes: "There are bear lockers but I just cooked at the car in the parking lot" to minimize bear attraction at the tent site itself.
