America's largest state park allows free primitive camping across 3 million acres of public land.
The Adirondack Park is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous US — 6 million acres, half of it public Forest Preserve. Primitive camping is allowed for free across nearly all of it, following backcountry rules.
Why it's special
Free camping across an area bigger than Yellowstone, with 3,000 lakes, the High Peaks, and forever-wild forest.
Best time to go
June through early October.
Getting there
I-87 (Northway) runs the eastern edge; lake-region access from Lake Placid or Old Forge.
Know before you go
- Primitive camping must be 150 ft from any road, trail, or water.
- Bears require canisters in the High Peaks region.
- Black flies in early summer can be unbearable.
- DEC permits for camps of 4+ people staying 4+ nights.
Pro tips from boondockers
- Lakes Region (Saranac, Fish Creek) for paddle-in sites — incredible.
- High Peaks for the rugged alpine experience; reserve permits in advance.
- Lake Placid for resupply and Olympic Village walking.
- Late September is peak color and post-bug paradise.
Combine with
Lake George, Vermont (across Lake Champlain), Catskills.