There are several ways to enjoy camping in New York State. The comforts of "glamping" can be refreshing when pitching a tent doesn't appeal to you. For others there are traditional campgrounds with with a nearby store for supplies and maybe a swimming hole. Did you know there are also free, primitive campsites all around the Capital Region?

Scroll through the 5 FREE campsites listed below. All within 50 miles of Albany!

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According to Reserve America, primitive camping is less formal than typical camping, if you can imagine that. No reservations, no bathrooms and no money needed. It's FREE! You may need to venture out to a more remote location and sometimes these sites are as close as your local Hannaford.

Free Campsites has an extensive list of sites around the country. I have narrowed the search down to the Capital Region. Here are 5 free campsites within 50 miles of Albany.

Photo by Timothy Dykes on Unsplash
Photo by Timothy Dykes on Unsplash
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Bear Slides  - Lake George Wild Forest, Warrensburg, NY

  • There are approximately 5 free campsites at the Bear Slides in the Adirondacks, near Lake Luzerne.

Featherstonhaugh State Forest Primitive Site - Duanesburg, NY

  • Free primitive camping is allowed. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.
Photo by Scott Goodwill on Unsplash
Photo by Scott Goodwill on Unsplash
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Shelving Rock - Lake George Wild Forest, Fort Ann, NY

  • Approximately a dozen primitive sites available.

Ushers Road State Forest - Clifton Park, NY

  • There are no designated campsites; but primitive camping is allowed.
Photo by Mike Erskine on Unsplash
Photo by Mike Erskine on Unsplash
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Archer's Vly  - Lake Desolation State Forest - Providence, NY

  • Primitive camping is allowed.
  • Close to half-dozen sites at this location

Primitive camping is FREE but is NOT "glamping". For more on this New York State adventure visit the New York State DEC site.

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