Can you camp anywhere in the Catskills?

You cannot camp anywhere in the Catskills, but there are designated camping areas and rules for dispersed camping in the region. In the Catskill Park, which covers 700,000 acres, there are both developed campgrounds and primitive camping opportunities. For developed campgrounds, you can find a variety of options on Hipcamp, including tent sites, RV parks, and glamping spots.

For dispersed camping, you can camp in the Catskill Forest Preserve, which is part of the Catskill Park, following the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulations. Some of these rules include:

• Camping at least 150 feet away from roads, trails, and water sources.
• Not camping above 3,500 feet in elevation from March 22 to December 21.
• Not camping in areas posted with "No Camping" signs.
• Obtaining a permit if you are camping with a group of 10 or more people or staying at the same site for more than three nights.

Always practice Leave No Trace principles and be aware of any local regulations or restrictions before camping in the Catskills.