Adirondack Backcountry Regulations
Adirondack Forest Preserve
Regulations for Backcountry Use
Public lands in the Adirondack Park are called "The Forest Preserve."
These lands are managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Some land in the Adirondack Park is privately owned. Please respect private property.
Please note: Specific land units in the Forest Preserve may have regulations that differ from the rules and guidelines listed below. For information about specific land areas, contact the DEC Region Five offices .
- Groups of ten or more persons OR stays of more than three days in one place require a permit from the New York State Forest Ranger responsible for the area.
- Camping is prohibited within 150 feet of any road, trail, spring, stream, pond or other body of water except at areas designated by a "camp here" disk.
- Lean-tos are available in many areas on a first come first served basis. Lean-tos cannot be used exclusively and must be shared with other campers.
- Use pit privies provided near popular camping areas and trailheads. If none are available, dispose of human waste by digging a hole 6"-8" deep at least 150 feet from water or campsites. Cover with leaves and soil.
- Do not use soap to wash yourself, clothing or dishes within 150 ft of water.
- Drinking and cooking water that you have not packed in from a potable source should be boiled for 5 minutes, treated with purifying tablets or filtered through a filtration device to prevent instances of giardia infection.
- Fires should be built in existing fire pits or fireplaces if provided. Use only dead and down wood for fires. Cutting standing trees is prohibited. Extinguish all fires with water and stir ashes until they are cold to the touch. Do not build fires in areas marked by a "No Fires" disk. Camp stoves are safer, more efficient and cleaner.
- Carry out what you carry in. Practice "leave no trace" camping and hiking.
- Keep your pet under control. Restrain it on a leash when others approach. Collect and bury droppings away from water, trails and camp sites. Keep your pet away from drinking water sources.
- Observe and enjoy wildlife and plants but leave them undisturbed.
- Removing plants, rocks, fossils or artifacts from state land without a permit is illegal.
- The storage of personal property on state land is prohibited.
- Carry an approved personal flotation device (pfd) for each person aboard all watercraft.
- Except in an emergency or between December 15th and April 30th, camping is prohibited above an elevation of 4,000 feet in the Adirondacks.
- At all times, only emergency fires are permitted above 4,000 feet in the Adirondacks.
Advice for Staying Safe
- Be prepared for rapid drops in temperatures. Carry warm and waterproof gear at all times.
- Do NOT depend on your cell phone as back-up - cell phone service is very limited in Hamilton County, even on the tallest mountain peaks.
- Make sure someone knows where you are and when you plan to arrive home.
- Take the appropriate topographic map for your trip and know how to use a compass or GPS.
- Winter campers should carry snowshoes. Not all terrain is suitable for backcountry skiing.
- Hang all food or better yet, use a bear canister.
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