Newbie Camper Chick Looking to Fly Solo in her Little Guy - Talk me into it, please

Ro@dChill

I am bit of a nervous newbie who is looking to muster up the courage to camp solo (hubby has to work but he doesn't want me to miss the fall foliage). I am looking for recommendations for Central New York sites, camping hacks...don't be shy with your advice!

Thanks in advance

ChanW

Ro@dchill! Check out Hamlin Beach State Park up on Lake Ontario just outside Rochester. It's beautiful.
Also Watkins Glen.
Letchworth is pretty amazing.

jkjenn

@Ro@dChillI am from south central N,originally. You really can't go wrong with the NY State Parks.

Photomom

The state parks near Ithaca are very beautiful in the fall. Not sure when they close for the year though. 

ChanW

Photomom has a point re closing times. Check their websites. I've forgotten when they close. If nothing else, there's Allegheny National Forest in northwest PA. I'm pretty sure they stay open til December or January. 

Nomad

Good point on closings - I ran into a lot of closed Forest Service sites in northern MN even 3 weeks ago.

ChanW

@Ro@dChill, here's one near Ithaca - a National Forest campground that's open all year. I've wanted to check it out, haven't had a chance yet.

Finger Lakes National Forest Backbone Horse Campground.

Between Memorial Day and Columbus Day, it's for horse people only.

mikey

Hi;
I am also a newbie, just bought a T@G in mid September. Have done two trips in it, and it works extremely well. I am a solo flying woman too - the only issue I've run into is the old backing up into campsites business, my Subaru and I are still learning. I'm looking at a trailer dolly to assist, so I don't have to get help in parking in tighter spaces. Beyond that - the little tin can feels secure, safe and really wonderful. No need to talk you into it I suspect! I'm in western Canada, and the campgrounds are all closing now...I bought at the end of the season but spring will come soon enough. Good luck on your trip.

Photomom

ChanW said:

@Ro@dChill, here's one near Ithaca - a National Forest campground that's open all year. I've wanted to check it out, haven't had a chance yet.

Finger Lakes National Forest Backbone Horse Campground.

Between Memorial Day and Columbus Day, it's for horse people only.

That one really isn't very nice. I'd recommend instead the Blueberry Patch campground if you want to camp in the Finger Lakes National Forest.  http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5318999.pdf

Photomom

This is not Central NY, but if you want to go a little farther afield I can recommend the campgrounds in Allegany State Park. Both close 11/1. I prefer Cain Hollow but Red House is nice too. The only time we've actually had a bear in our campsite was at Red House.

South of the border in PA they spell it wrong - it's Allegheny National Forest. There are many developed campgrounds open through December I believe. Red Bridge, Tracy Ridge, and Willow Bay are very nice, haven't been to the others.

Another charming little campground is in Ontario County Park near Bristol NY. There is nice hiking and relatively dark skies - UofR has an observatory nearby. You will want good brakes coming down off Gannett Hill. 

Photomom

Remembered another one - Oquaga Creek SP in Delaware County. I've camped there before when hiking on the FLT. Very nice and quiet. Closing after this weekend though!

Ro@dChill

You guys and g@ls are the best...th@nks!!!!

Lisa33

I loved Watkins Glen State Park.  The gorge hike is amazing!!

ChanW

That's good to know @Photomom , thanks. I think the Blueberry Patch CG has an earlier closing for the season, though.

Photomom said:

ChanW said:

@Ro@dChill, here's one near Ithaca - a National Forest campground that's open all year. I've wanted to check it out, haven't had a chance yet.

Finger Lakes National Forest Backbone Horse Campground.

Between Memorial Day and Columbus Day, it's for horse people only.

That one really isn't very nice. I'd recommend instead the Blueberry Patch campground if you want to camp in the Finger Lakes National Forest.  http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5318999.pdf

Photomom

ChanW said:

That's good to know @Photomom , thanks. I think the Blueberry Patch CG has an earlier closing for the season, though.

Photomom said:

ChanW said:

@Ro@dChill, here's one near Ithaca - a National Forest campground that's open all year. I've wanted to check it out, haven't had a chance yet.

Finger Lakes National Forest Backbone Horse Campground.

Between Memorial Day and Columbus Day, it's for horse people only.

That one really isn't very nice. I'd recommend instead the Blueberry Patch campground if you want to camp in the Finger Lakes National Forest.  http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5318999.pdf

We hiked thru there on the off season and I recall the horse camp had kind of an isolated, desolate feel. I wouldn't be comfortable camping there alone. 

victoriajo20

For those who are interested in NY camping; there are great campgrounds in the Adirondack Mountains.  There is a teardrop reunion at Fishcreek Pond in June 2016. There are sites reserved for it and last I checked, there are still some available. Check out TearUp ADK