Primitive tent camping options surround Delmar, New York, with several sites available within a 60-minute drive. The terrain ranges from the flatter areas near Cherry Plain to the steep, rocky climbs required to reach Giant Ledge in the Catskills. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with higher elevation sites experiencing cooler nighttime temperatures even during peak season.
What to do
Hiking to elevated viewpoints: Giant Ledge Primitive Camp requires a challenging ascent but rewards with panoramic vistas. According to one camper, "It is a near vertical hike the first mile with 90% or more being over rock gardens" and "doesn't wind its way up the mountain, someone picked a side and said 'we go up from here, straight up.'"
Stream exploration: Duck Pond Campsite features a small trickling stream alongside its camping area. One visitor noted, "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived at surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites. The pond is small so the mosquitos were not too bad."
Forest biking: Ushers Road State Forest provides bicycle-friendly nature trails. A recent visitor reported, "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."
What campers like
Natural water features: Echo Lake offers lakeside camping with multiple site options. One camper shared, "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)."
Privacy between sites: Many of the best tent camping near Delmar provides secluded experiences. At Duck Pond Campsite, visitors appreciate that "So few people passed by and very unknown quite and we just loved the experience."
Bear boxes at backcountry sites: At Alander Trail Campground, about 1.5 hours from Delmar, campers appreciate safety features. A visitor mentioned, "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!"
What you should know
Access road conditions: Several tent camping areas near Delmar have challenging approach roads. For Duck Pond Campsite, one visitor warned, "Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads" while another advised to "be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions."
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity is common throughout the region's camping areas. At Alander Trail Campground, a camper reported, "We had some scares with coyotes and bears in the past but never anything crazy."
Water sources: Most primitive sites require campers to carry or filter water. At Giant Ledge, one reviewer noted, "The spring water source is a short hike back from the campsite, relatively convenient to restock from camp."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Echo Lake makes an excellent first overnight trip for families new to backpacking. One camper shared, "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."
Cleanliness: For families concerned about sanitation, Alander Trail Campground maintains exceptional standards. According to a visitor, "The area was emmaculate and not one piece of trash on the ground anywhere! The outhouse was even clean!"
Proximity to amenities: Cherry Plain Sanctuary Farm offers four designated tent campsites with basic facilities that families appreciate. The site provides drinking water and toilets while maintaining a natural setting.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility limitations: Most dispersed tent camping near Delmar isn't suitable for RVs due to rough access roads and limited space. At Duck Pond Campsite, a visitor noted their concern about vehicle damage: "The site itself was pretty nice, fire pit, trickling stream, but the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it."
Alternatives for larger vehicles: Consider established campgrounds with designated RV areas instead of backcountry sites. Getaway Catskill Campground offers a more modern experience with proper infrastructure for larger vehicles, with one reviewer noting, "Each site has a private bathroom and hot shower, as well as a kitchenette."
Weight considerations: When backpacking to sites like Giant Ledge, pack minimally. A camper advised, "I carried 30lbs in my pack, it was exhausting; I haven't climbed something like this in a few years so I wasn't ready for what this trail had."
