Primitive camping near Howes Cave, New York offers remote overnight options within proximity to the Schoharie Valley. Most sites are located within state forests at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,200 feet, with seasonal weather patterns requiring preparation for spring mud and winter snow. Road conditions vary considerably across these areas with some requiring high-clearance vehicles.
What to do
Fishing access points: Multiple primitive sites feature direct water access for anglers. At Allaben Primitive Campsites, visitors can utilize "trails to the fishing access across the road," while Fort Plain Lock 15 provides Mohawk River fishing opportunities where "the parking lot is large, rocky, and uneven, situated right on the Mohawk River. It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and fishing (with a valid license)."
Winter camping options: Several state forests maintain year-round access when weather permits. At Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp, one camper noted it "was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!" Winter camping requires additional preparation including appropriate cold-weather gear.
Trail exploration: The region offers various hiking and biking options. At Ushers Road State Forest, "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side." Trails may become challenging during wet periods as "the terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall."
What campers like
Waterside locations: Several campsites provide direct water access. Betty Brook Camp features stream access as noted by a visitor: "I live near this campground. I'm about a mile away and I pass it every day. It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road. There's a stream alongside it, a fire pit, and a town about 8 mi away."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple sites offer wildlife observation opportunities. Fort Plain Lock 15 provides both expected and unusual wildlife encounters, with one visitor mentioning "The resident peacock has been keeping me company." The riverside location supports various bird species and aquatic wildlife.
Hillside views: Elevated camping positions provide panoramic perspectives. At Echo Lake, campers report "We camped on the hill with a beautiful view of the whole lake and breeze." These elevated positions often provide better airflow which helps reduce insect activity during summer months.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Road conditions present significant challenges at several sites. Duck Pond Campsite requires careful vehicle selection as "After driving unpaved dirt road for a while, we arrived a surprisingly well maintained beautiful campsites... Just be careful driving in the sometimes rough conditions." Most remote sites are inaccessible to larger RVs or trailers.
Site identification: Finding designated camping areas can be challenging. At Echo Lake, "Other campsites are scattered and require navigating through small overgrown trails (wear pants)." Sites typically feature established fire rings as primary indicators of designated camping locations.
Seasonal challenges: Weather patterns impact accessibility and comfort. During peak summer months, Fort Plain Lock 15 experiences higher usage: "Well, I'm back, it's June, and there are 3 other groups here. 1 boat, and 2 tent camping." Spring camping often involves managing mud and potentially impassable access roads.
Tips for camping with families
Noise considerations: Environmental sounds vary significantly between sites. Fort Plain Lock 15 features "sounds of the highway and freight trains going by," which some visitors appreciate but may disturb light sleepers or young children. Sites deeper within state forests generally provide quieter environments.
Town proximity: Emergency access and supply runs require planning. Betty Brook Camp is situated "about 8 mi away" from "a small town, with just a gas station store." Most dispersed sites require 15-30 minute drives to reach supplies or emergency services.
Space limitations: Allaben Primitive Campsites offers family-friendly amenities like "Picnic table. Fire pit with cooking griddle." Site sizes vary considerably with Burnt Rossman State Forest offering "enough room for 2 to 3 campers. Parking across the street if it's wet." Larger family groups should arrive early to secure adequate space.
Tips from RVers
Parking surface conditions: RV parking requires careful assessment. Fort Plain Lock 15 provides a "parking lot is large, rocky, and uneven," which accommodates RVs but requires careful positioning. Burnt Rossman State Forest notes "Entrance is soft," potentially creating traction issues during wet periods.
Size restrictions: Many primitive sites have limited capacity. Betty Brook Camp visitors advise "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small, but it's in state park, and there's tons of walking that can be done." Most dispersed sites in the region accommodate smaller vehicles with lengths under 25 feet.
