Just Me And The Wilderness (And....a Car)
January 17, 2018 8:51 AM Subscribe
I was planning on an inaugural first-ever solo tent camping trip in Brooklyn this spring, but just learned I'll have access to a car for most of April - so I'm looking for somewhere to car camp instead. Anyone know a good place to try? (particulars inside).
So I'd say I'm a "timid, but game, beginner". I know how to actually set up a tent, I can....sort of start a campfire, and I would have all the stuff I'd need. I probably intellectually know how to do everything, or how to at least think my way out of snags; it's just that I haven't done it on my own and I'm a little nervous. A friend took me camping a couple years back and made a point of explaining everything to me, but it's just my not having had the experience of going solo that is making me fret is all, so the comfort factor of "if things mess up I can just throw everything in the car and go stay in a motel" will appease my nerves enough to jump in.
I'm looking for a place to stay for just one night to start. Hopefully somewhere where there's peace and quiet, some easy-to-moderate trails nearby, and fairly secure. I know that in April I'd be getting into whether it's freezing cold, so maybe not TOO far north...really I just want to be able to drive there, pitch the tent, explore some trails a bit, then come back and practice lighting a campfire and cooking over it, look at stars, then go to sleep, then make breakfast over the campfire again, pack up and go home with confidence that "see, you can do that!"
I'm not fussy about state/federal land vs. private land, and I'm also not fussy about whether it's woods, beach, lakeside, riverside, etc. so long as there are good hiking trails, and there aren't a ton of people (the time my friend and I went camping, it was a crowded campground and some college guys the next tent site over got blitzed drunk and blasted "Country Grammar" at like 1 am and I'd like to avoid that). I'm even comfortable with being the only one there so long as there's a ranger stand on the campground or whatever where I can check in if need be. Toilets and showers preferred, but latrines and no showers are dealable (but I think that "dig your own pit toilet and pack out your poo" is not something I'm ready for just yet; maybe next time).
I've looked into Harriman and Sandy Hook as some initial ideas; but I'm open to other suggestions, especially since I have the car. I'd be going on a weekend, if that matters.
Hit me!
So I'd say I'm a "timid, but game, beginner". I know how to actually set up a tent, I can....sort of start a campfire, and I would have all the stuff I'd need. I probably intellectually know how to do everything, or how to at least think my way out of snags; it's just that I haven't done it on my own and I'm a little nervous. A friend took me camping a couple years back and made a point of explaining everything to me, but it's just my not having had the experience of going solo that is making me fret is all, so the comfort factor of "if things mess up I can just throw everything in the car and go stay in a motel" will appease my nerves enough to jump in.
I'm looking for a place to stay for just one night to start. Hopefully somewhere where there's peace and quiet, some easy-to-moderate trails nearby, and fairly secure. I know that in April I'd be getting into whether it's freezing cold, so maybe not TOO far north...really I just want to be able to drive there, pitch the tent, explore some trails a bit, then come back and practice lighting a campfire and cooking over it, look at stars, then go to sleep, then make breakfast over the campfire again, pack up and go home with confidence that "see, you can do that!"
I'm not fussy about state/federal land vs. private land, and I'm also not fussy about whether it's woods, beach, lakeside, riverside, etc. so long as there are good hiking trails, and there aren't a ton of people (the time my friend and I went camping, it was a crowded campground and some college guys the next tent site over got blitzed drunk and blasted "Country Grammar" at like 1 am and I'd like to avoid that). I'm even comfortable with being the only one there so long as there's a ranger stand on the campground or whatever where I can check in if need be. Toilets and showers preferred, but latrines and no showers are dealable (but I think that "dig your own pit toilet and pack out your poo" is not something I'm ready for just yet; maybe next time).
I've looked into Harriman and Sandy Hook as some initial ideas; but I'm open to other suggestions, especially since I have the car. I'd be going on a weekend, if that matters.
Hit me!
Can't help with a particular location, but I will offer a word of caution. See if you can find out the specific conditions for the location you will be going to, and prepare accordingly. If you have never camped in winter/snow before, consider waiting a bit or bringing along a friend.
I once took a wilderness first aid course, and decided shortly after to try a solo camping trip. I did a bit of looking and found a spot in the White Mountains that I thought would be thawed by March. It turned out to have several feet of snow still in place, and I found myself winter camping instead of spring camping. I ending my trip early after just one night of realizing that camping on snow is a different experience entirely that requires significantly more preparation. On the way out, I slipped and fell into icy cold water at the base of a waterfall -- and it was a good thing I did not get injured and was close enough to my car to make it out.
So - check the conditions, cause we are deep into winter right now. Maybe stay close to your car as well, and be careful out there!
posted by cubby at 9:46 AM on January 17, 2018 [3 favorites]
I once took a wilderness first aid course, and decided shortly after to try a solo camping trip. I did a bit of looking and found a spot in the White Mountains that I thought would be thawed by March. It turned out to have several feet of snow still in place, and I found myself winter camping instead of spring camping. I ending my trip early after just one night of realizing that camping on snow is a different experience entirely that requires significantly more preparation. On the way out, I slipped and fell into icy cold water at the base of a waterfall -- and it was a good thing I did not get injured and was close enough to my car to make it out.
So - check the conditions, cause we are deep into winter right now. Maybe stay close to your car as well, and be careful out there!
posted by cubby at 9:46 AM on January 17, 2018 [3 favorites]
There is no (legal) camping at Storm King.
How far are you willing to drive? I camped last fall at Beartown State Forest in Massachusetts and it was lovely but it's about a three hour drive from the city.
I was not super excited by the campground at Harriman (it's all pretty open and the sites are very closely clustered). However, there are certainly beautiful places nearby to hike and see.
posted by enn at 9:58 AM on January 17, 2018
How far are you willing to drive? I camped last fall at Beartown State Forest in Massachusetts and it was lovely but it's about a three hour drive from the city.
I was not super excited by the campground at Harriman (it's all pretty open and the sites are very closely clustered). However, there are certainly beautiful places nearby to hike and see.
posted by enn at 9:58 AM on January 17, 2018
Response by poster: I'm going to be heading up on a Saturday; I'd get an early start, but would prefer not to spend all day driving. 3 hours is I think the maximum I'd be willing to drive to get to the campsite.
And Cubby: the issues about not wanting to do winter camping is kind of what I'm asking about as well (i.e., if you know that place X would be warm enough in April, but not place Y, I'd want to know that). Assume I would also be checking weather conditions before booking a campsite as well.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:14 AM on January 17, 2018
And Cubby: the issues about not wanting to do winter camping is kind of what I'm asking about as well (i.e., if you know that place X would be warm enough in April, but not place Y, I'd want to know that). Assume I would also be checking weather conditions before booking a campsite as well.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:14 AM on January 17, 2018
For car camping (as opposed to backpacking), check out the Worthington State Forest at the Delaware Water Gap. It's a pretty area and should be warmer than places further north. About a 2 hour drive from NYC.
posted by exogenous at 10:23 AM on January 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by exogenous at 10:23 AM on January 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
Note: cooking over campfires is a pain in the butt, and very difficult if the weather does not cooperate. I highly recommend getting a cheap propane camp stove, even if you consider cooking over the fire to be an important part of your experience. There are also good arguments that they're more environmentally friendly than starting a fire every time you want to eat.
posted by metasarah at 11:00 AM on January 17, 2018 [7 favorites]
posted by metasarah at 11:00 AM on January 17, 2018 [7 favorites]
Maybe as a hedge against weather, consider renting a cabin instead of a campsite. You can still do the campfire thing and practice pitching your tent, and you'll have thinner crowds in April. Looks like the Newburgh KOA has cabins, Stokes State Forest in NJ too, probably many others.
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 11:05 AM on January 17, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 11:05 AM on January 17, 2018 [2 favorites]
Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes DE may be comfortable and uncrowded in April. The park campground has heated bathhouses, quite posh as camp bathhouses go, sandy campsites and miles of trails through the woods and along the beach. It's at the end of your 3 hour driving limit but you could add the adventure of the Cape May Lewes Ferry to the weekend.
It's odd pulling into a campground that's heaving with people in the summer and finding you're almost the only one there in the off season.
posted by jointhedance at 12:08 PM on January 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
It's odd pulling into a campground that's heaving with people in the summer and finding you're almost the only one there in the off season.
posted by jointhedance at 12:08 PM on January 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
Pine Barrens! About 2 hours or less by car from NYC and you'll be astonished at how pretty NJ is. Wharton State Forest is beautiful but there are numerous good options.
On preview, I was just about to suggest Cape Henlopen if you are interested in beach camping, though it's a longer drive.
posted by veery at 12:10 PM on January 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
On preview, I was just about to suggest Cape Henlopen if you are interested in beach camping, though it's a longer drive.
posted by veery at 12:10 PM on January 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Westchester has camping, both tent and lean-tos, and many easy to moderate hikes and is less than 2 hours from NYC. I don't think it'll be crowded in April, and I think it would be perfect for what you're looking for.
posted by Pineapplicious at 1:32 PM on January 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Pineapplicious at 1:32 PM on January 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
Wildwood State Park on Long Island looks appealing.
posted by mareli at 3:50 PM on January 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by mareli at 3:50 PM on January 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
Some general tips since I don't know that region:
Choosing sites without showers or flush toilets will cut down on the noise levels as most people want those amenities, especially families with kids. I've never seen a car campground that requires you to dig your own hole.
You can book a lot of state and federal parks on recreation.gov, which allows you to see where your campsite is relative to the entrance, latrines, trails etc. Most even have a photo of the site. I always pick the farthest from others because the point of going camping is to get away from others, but I'm a misanthrope so YMMV.
Keep your food and toiletries in the car - you may not have bears on the east coast (?) but you'll have raccoons. Bring some food that doesn't have to be cooked in case your stove/fire fails.
You can totally do this - last year I went on a 2 week trip by myself, never having camped solo before, and it was all good. Definitely a confidence builder.
posted by AFABulous at 3:55 PM on January 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
Choosing sites without showers or flush toilets will cut down on the noise levels as most people want those amenities, especially families with kids. I've never seen a car campground that requires you to dig your own hole.
You can book a lot of state and federal parks on recreation.gov, which allows you to see where your campsite is relative to the entrance, latrines, trails etc. Most even have a photo of the site. I always pick the farthest from others because the point of going camping is to get away from others, but I'm a misanthrope so YMMV.
Keep your food and toiletries in the car - you may not have bears on the east coast (?) but you'll have raccoons. Bring some food that doesn't have to be cooked in case your stove/fire fails.
You can totally do this - last year I went on a 2 week trip by myself, never having camped solo before, and it was all good. Definitely a confidence builder.
posted by AFABulous at 3:55 PM on January 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
Since you're a beginner, you want to make things as easy as possible. I'd look for a state park with camping, looks like there's one or more on Long Island. Being surrounded by ocean should mean that it will be warmer. In April, I suspect crowds will not be an issue. Otherwise I'd head south, as even 50 miles can mean warmer weather.
As a beginner, make it easy on yourself. Take foods that are mostly cooked and easy. Maybe hotdogs or sausages to cook over the fire and marshmallows to get that campfire feeling. I have to have coffee, so I have a camp stove. It's a burner that attaches to a propane bottle. It's a bit tippy, but will heat water for morning beverages pretty quickly, and then for oatmeal. I plan my meals quite thoroughly and pack accordingly.
I haven't read it in a while, but The Complete Walker by Colin Fletcher is inspiring on the issue of walking, hiking, camping. You don't need technical equipment or clothing. Craigslist/free and freecycle.net are great places to get camping gear - people buy it for a trip and then retire it to storage.
April can be cold and damp. You want wool and synthetics. Fleece leggings, wool socks, and more of it than you think. Being cold is no fun at all. In warm weather a tent with the flaps unzipped is really pleasant. In cold weather a tent is cold. Put up the tent, but if you're cold, don't hesitate to sleep in the car. If you can, scavenge wood to bring, as you may end up burning a fair amount to feel cozy. I'm 62, and I always bring a camp chair, because sitting by the fire with beer, wine, tea, etc., is even more pleasant that way. You'll have a great time.
posted by theora55 at 7:46 AM on January 18, 2018 [2 favorites]
As a beginner, make it easy on yourself. Take foods that are mostly cooked and easy. Maybe hotdogs or sausages to cook over the fire and marshmallows to get that campfire feeling. I have to have coffee, so I have a camp stove. It's a burner that attaches to a propane bottle. It's a bit tippy, but will heat water for morning beverages pretty quickly, and then for oatmeal. I plan my meals quite thoroughly and pack accordingly.
I haven't read it in a while, but The Complete Walker by Colin Fletcher is inspiring on the issue of walking, hiking, camping. You don't need technical equipment or clothing. Craigslist/free and freecycle.net are great places to get camping gear - people buy it for a trip and then retire it to storage.
April can be cold and damp. You want wool and synthetics. Fleece leggings, wool socks, and more of it than you think. Being cold is no fun at all. In warm weather a tent with the flaps unzipped is really pleasant. In cold weather a tent is cold. Put up the tent, but if you're cold, don't hesitate to sleep in the car. If you can, scavenge wood to bring, as you may end up burning a fair amount to feel cozy. I'm 62, and I always bring a camp chair, because sitting by the fire with beer, wine, tea, etc., is even more pleasant that way. You'll have a great time.
posted by theora55 at 7:46 AM on January 18, 2018 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: I've gotten another recommendation for Wildfood from a book I have. Has anyone actually been there who can check in with a review?
Also - it is sweet of people to be offering general advice about "how to pack" and "what to bring", but I'm specifically looking for locations. I've gotten all the gear all sorted already.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:38 AM on January 18, 2018
Also - it is sweet of people to be offering general advice about "how to pack" and "what to bring", but I'm specifically looking for locations. I've gotten all the gear all sorted already.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:38 AM on January 18, 2018
Didn't mean to emphasize beginner. Did mean to include some links that look useful.
6 places you can go camping near NYC without a car
15 best places to go camping near NYC
Find an adventure
posted by theora55 at 11:07 AM on January 18, 2018
6 places you can go camping near NYC without a car
15 best places to go camping near NYC
Find an adventure
posted by theora55 at 11:07 AM on January 18, 2018
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posted by Marky at 9:42 AM on January 17, 2018