Best Tent Camping near Old Chatham, NY
Tent campgrounds near Old Chatham, New York include a mix of primitive sites, walk-in tent areas, and more established facilities. Alander Trail Campground in Mount Washington State Forest offers free primitive tent camping with bear boxes at each site, while Ushers Road State Forest provides dispersed tent camping options. These areas generally require campers to hike in their equipment, with Alander Trail requiring a 1.5-2 mile trek to reach the tent sites.
Most primitive tent camping areas have minimal amenities and require campers to be self-sufficient. Fire pits are common at established sites, though fire bans may be in effect seasonally. Tent pads vary from relatively flat natural surfaces to slightly elevated wooden platforms at some locations. A review noted, "Carry out all your trash, but there are toilets" at some of the lean-to shelters along hiking trails. Many sites provide bear boxes for food storage, especially in areas with known wildlife activity. Water sources are limited, with few locations offering drinking water, so tent campers should plan to carry or filter their own water.
The tent camping experience in this region offers genuine seclusion among wooded settings. Sites in Mount Washington State Forest provide privacy with multiple tent spots spread throughout the area. One camper shared that Alander Trail Campground was "not too busy since most people don't like having to carry all their stuff in that far." Walk-in tent sites typically offer more solitude than drive-in locations. Fall brings particularly pleasant camping conditions with fewer insects and colorful foliage. Many tent campsites serve as excellent basepacking bases, with trail access to scenic highlights including Bear Mountain and numerous ridgelines. Backcountry tent areas typically enforce strict leave-no-trace principles, helping preserve the natural setting.