Tent camping near Selkirk, New York provides access to multiple forest-based sites within the greater Capital Region and Catskill Mountain areas. The region experiences significant seasonal temperature variations with summer highs averaging 80°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Most dispersed sites sit at elevations between 1,200-2,500 feet, requiring proper preparation for temperature drops even during summer months.
What to do
Hiking near campsites: At Alander Trail Campground, campers can access several trails directly from their site. "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," reports Kay D.
Wildlife observation: Duck Pond Campsite offers a small pond setting that attracts various wildlife. "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," notes Yae U., highlighting the relative comfort despite the natural setting.
Mountain climbing: For experienced hikers, Giant Ledge Primitive Camp offers challenging terrain with spectacular views. Caleb J. warns, "It is a near vertical hike the first mile with 90% or more being over rock gardens. Not some rocks littering the trail. I think the trail used to be a stream or creek."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Getaway Catskill Campground offers a more structured camping experience with privacy. "Each site has a private bathroom and hot shower, as well as a kitchenette," according to Ashley F., making it suitable for campers seeking more amenities than typical dispersed sites.
Natural water features: Many campers appreciate the lake access at Echo Lake. James A. reports, "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)."
Established fire pits: Most primitive sites in the region feature established fire rings. At Alander Trail Campground, Kay D. notes, "They give you a semi-flat area for a tent, a fire pit and grill rack, one picnic table, and a bear box you would be sharing with other campers nearby."
What you should know
Access road conditions: Many primitive sites require navigating rough roads. At Duck Pond Campsite, The L. advises, "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse. The site itself, was pretty nice, Fire pit, trickling stream, but the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it."
Bear safety requirements: Bear activity is common throughout the region. John S. from Giant Ledge reports, "Thought I heard bears come through overnight, but may have been a lucid dream. Bear can was undisturbed in the morning."
Water sources: Water access varies significantly between sites. At Giant Ledge, one camper notes, "The spring water source is a short hike back from the campsite, relatively convenient to restock from camp."
Tips for camping with families
Campsite selection for children: Laurel Ridge requires significant hiking but offers platform sites suitable for families with older children. Nora S. advises, "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."
Lean-to availability: Families with younger children might prefer sites with lean-to structures. At Echo Lake, James A. mentions, "Lake is surrounded by hills and there is a small lean to with a few campfire spots," providing shelter options that can be easier with children.
Trail difficulty assessment: When backpacking with children near Selkirk, consider trail difficulty carefully. Tina D. from 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."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle size restrictions: Most dispersed sites near Selkirk have significant vehicle limitations. At Duck Pond Campsite, The L. warns, "Small vehicle only... the years taken off the life of my truck was not worth it. Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads."
Alternative established campgrounds: For RVers, Ushers Road State Forest offers some accessible dispersed sites. The L. observes, "About 500 feet down the right-hand trail, there is a smaller path branching off to the left. This leads to a previously used campsite, approximately 200 feet from the main trail."
Limited facilities: Even at established campgrounds that permit RVs, services are minimal. Most require self-contained units as shower facilities, electrical hookups, and dump stations are extremely limited throughout the region.
