State Campgrounds off season

[Vermont Scott]

Is it illegal to use sites in the State Campgrounds when they are officially closed? I know people do it but I was just wondering what the DEC policy was. There are only a couple of weekends left

Scott

[swampblaze]

Using campgrounds when they are closed is illegal--- it's concidered tresspassing!!!!

[redhawk]

Using campgrounds when they are closed is illegal--- it's concidered tresspassing!!!!

I don't know about official policy or the law, but I have been told by local rangers that there is no problem being in there in the off season (One is two miles from my house).

I have been camped in there when maintainence crews have been cleaning and getting stuff ready in the spring and I have never been told in my conversations with them that I was trespassing.

I often see people camped in the sites at Indian lake along the road which are part of the state campground.

[lumberzac]

I do know camping on the island sites on the Saranac Lakes is permited off-season. I'm not sure about other State campgrounds.

[Riosacandaga]

It hs never been a problem on Indian lake or the islands. Same for Sacandaga campground. At Sacandaga every once in a while DEC will leave the gate open to drive into the campsite during deer season.

[PIPIGOR]

good question

i have been asking myself that question too..
first time adk visitor.. according to you guys.. i shouldn't have a problem to camp out on indian lake campground if i go there this weekend?

[redhawk]

i have been asking myself that question too..
first time adk visitor.. according to you guys.. i shouldn't have a problem to camp out on indian lake campground if i go there this weekend?

To the best of my knowledge you are OK.

However, if you are arrested, beaten to a pulp, incarcerated incommunicado and then deported to a another country like New Jersey I take no responsibility for giving inaccurate information!

[Rivet]

Pre and Post Season Campground Operation
More information from this division:

Division of Operations
Bureau of Recreation- Campgrounds

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following is the department's management guidance regarding spring and fall operation of the public campgrounds.
A combination of open, closed, and limited use facilities are as follows:

Open facilities - carefully selected on the basis of historical popularity with the best opportunity to generate revenue. Minimum but adequate staff to meet public demand and maintain user control, i.e., no lifeguards, closed camping loops, etc. "THE EXTENT OF SPRING AND FALL OPERATING SEASONS is dependent upon funding, and schedules will be determined based on historical popularity and the allocation of funds."

Closed facilities - posted as closed with signs directing campers to the nearest open facility. When a campground is closed, camping will be prohibited and vehicle access barricaded wherever possible.

Limited use facilities - in cases where the only public access to a body of water is through the campground, access may be maintained to the boat launch facilities. However, camping will be prohibited, and wherever possible access barricaded. Where access to the authorized campgrounds is completely blocked by ice and snow, barricades may be dropped to accommodate winter recreation. Other campground use will be determined on a case by case basis at selected facilities based on public demand and adequate funding.
When decisions have been made regarding all operating seasons, the public will be notified by appropriate means.

http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/do/file132.html

[Rivet]

2006 Campground Schedule

http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/do/schdl.html

[PIPIGOR]

i saw this schedule but .. the question is which of those camprounds are the closest one to indian lake and open? we have to go rafting in the morning and we are coming from new york

[mvgebhard]

I work at one of them...we never stop people from camping...but, technically I dont think it is legal. Please, whatever campground you use...please clean up after yourself and place things back the way you found them, ie. stone in front of outhouse door, picnic table tipped up, etc. We work hard to keep the campsites in the best possible condtion. Trust me, piggies are out there, and I have cleaned up a lot of messes - some very disgusting! So...thanks!

[AdRegion]

Interesting thread and policy debate. I think DEC is doing CYA when you ask for the official rule, liability and all. Truth is, if the campground is gated, then parking is a bigger issue than going in and camping. Even though we are ruled and regulated like crazy, in many ways the Adirondacks remain like a wierd Wild West without many sheriffs. If you are camping in a place like Wilmington Notch or Poke O Moonshine off-season in plain sight, then I'd say to expect to be told to leave. But Meacham Lake in November or Putnam Pond for example, I doubt you'd see a person let alone an authority figure.

[Keithk]

I do know camping on the island sites on the Saranac Lakes is permited off-season. I'm not sure about other State campgrounds.

I'll second that, when I worked there a few summer's back my boss regularly told people that camping was allowed after the campground officially closed, though they couldn't expect anyone to come clean the outhouse for them after Labor Day

Man, that was a tough job....

[Vermont Scott]

thanks

I'm glad to hear all the responses! Especially those that have camped in the off season and not had a problem. I have asked rangers at state campgrounds while they are open and I always got the "you are not supposed to but.... (wink, wink)" kind of response.