Get wild: Camping in the Great Outdoors

By Ron Bishow | Special to amNewYork

1:25 PM EDT, August 7, 2008

Camping in NY (BY RON BISHOW)

Living in New York City you can go weeks without seeing grass, and when was the last time you actually saw stars? Nature, however, is not as far away as you might think. Within just a few hours of the Big Apple you have some of the most majestic parks and lakes in the Northeast. What better way is there to enjoy them then rolling out a sleeping bag and a tent?

Beaver Pond Campsite, Harriman State Park. Just 50 miles northwest of the city, this scenic destination has two public camping areas from where you can enjoy the 31 lakes and reservoirs, 200 miles of hiking trails, three beaches, and not a building in site. Each site at Beaver Pond has a picnic table and fire ring; comfort stations, showers, and laundry facilities are also available because nothing says camping like doing your whites.
(800 County Route 106, Stony Point, NY 10980; nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=57; (845) 947-2792; $13 base rate. Getting There: Short Line Bus from Port Authority to Harriman. Trip takes about an hour)

New York Recreational Adventures Campground (RAC), Newburgh/New York City N KOA If you are looking for a more activity-based camping experience, then this 65-acre Hudson Valley destination is for you. With a playground, basketball court, fishing pond, two swimming pools and hiking trail you will never go wanting for something to do. You can also go apple or pumpkin picking, or check out the local wineries. Also, antique stores abound in the area.

(Box 134D Plattekill, NY 12568; www.newburghkoa.com; 800-562-7220; $41.79-$42.99 base rate, $45.99-$51.99 water/electric. Weekend Rates; based on two adults. Getting There: I-84 Exit 7 North or I-87 Exit 17, North 3 miles on New York 300, North 6 miles on New York 32 to Freetown Highway. Trip takes about an hour and 40 minutes)

Lake Sacandaga, Adirondak Foothills RV Campground. Originally home to the Mohawk Indians, Lake Sacandaga is now a bastion of outdoor fun just 180 miles from the city. Since it is a lake with 125 miles of shoreline, water activities like boating and fishing are the main draw, but you can also go off-roading, horseback riding or hunting, if so inclined. There are also eight golf courses within driving distance and plenty of places to stay if you don't feel like roughing it.
(1327 County Highway 110, Broadalbin, NY 12025; www.visitsacandaga.com; 518-883-5025; $40 a night water/electric. Getting There: I-90 (NY Thruway) at Albany, take exit 24 (I-87). Go North on I-87 past Saratoga Springs to exit 17N. Trip takes about two and a half hours)

Heckscher State Park With 69 campsites, this beautiful Suffolk County shoreline area has twenty miles of trails for hiking and biking, and the Great South Bay and a swimming-pool complex for taking a dip. There are also picnic areas, a boat launch, playing fields and much more. Plus, you can't put a price on being able to take the train instead of trying to rent a car.
(Note:: Reservations have been suspended due to a potential outbreak of west nile virus that could cause the park to close without warning. Heckscher Pkwy, Field 1, East Islip, NY 11730; http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=153; 631-581-2100; $8 per vehicle; $17 per night. Getting There: LIRR to Great River Station. Trip takes about an hour and a half.)

Camping in the Hamptons Always wanted to go to the Hamptons but don't have the disposable income? Well, just bring your tent! This 168-site campground has an ocean view for a fraction of the price of a rental in the nearby ritzy community. You can fish year-round and check out the "walking dunes" of Napeague Harbor, some of which are 30 feet high.
(Hither Hills State Park, 50 South Fairview Avenue, Montauk, NY 11754; http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkId=48; 631-668-2554; $24 a night. Getting There: LIRR to Montauk. Trip takes about three hours)

Bear Spring Mountain, the Catskills You won't have Patrick Swayze teaching you to dirty dance, but there is still plenty to do up in the Catskills. Forty-one tent and trailer sites are available at this site created in 1885 to protect the region's water resources. It is a great place to hit the water (canoe and boat rentals are available) or go horseback riding if you like. This is no frills camping by the way, no hook-ups and no showers, but how comfy is camping supposed to be anyway?
(512 East Trout Brook Road, Downsville, NY13755; www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24454.html; 845-786-2701; $16. Getting There: Route 17 to Exit 90, East Branch take Route 30 north to Shinhopple; turn left on East Trout Brook Road. Trip takes about two hours and forty minutes)

Bowman Lake State Park, Finger Lakes A great launching point for exploring the Finger Lakes region of New York with roads that wind through forests filled with evergreen and hardwood trees, where deer run wild. When walking through, make sure to look up and maybe you will spot one of the 103 species of birds that live here. The lake is also filled with trout. Hunting is permitted, but only in season, naturally.
(745 Bliven Sherman Rd, Oxford, NY 13830; http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=16; 607-334-2718; $13 basic rate. Getting There: Off Route 220, 8 miles west of Oxford. Trip takes about four hours)