The Catskill region in New York promises spectacular scenery from not only your campground, but also some of the finest climbing, kayaking, trail running, mountain biking, zip-line, and fishing spots around. Roscoe, NY, is one of the country’s best fly-fishing destinations. There’s also a good reason why people call it the Camptons. This is mainly because the Catskills is popular for its farm-to-table restaurants, specialty breweries, curated antique stores, and awesome coffee shops.
There’s a lot to digest if you want to have the best experience when you decide to camp in the City of Dreams, but fear not — camping in New York isn’t extremely difficult. While expert campers could share one or two funny stories of a campground misadventure, it’s still worthwhile. Not to mention, sometimes new campers learn things the hard way, and even seasoned campers sometimes overlook small details. So if you want to do things right the first time, it is important to become attuned to the common mistakes of new campers and avoid them yourself.
Whether you are a tenderfoot camper or have been in the wilderness countless times, here are some tips to make camping in New York a lot better.
1. Safety First
While camping in the Catskills is a fun-filled outdoor activity, your safety should always be on top of your excitement. Make sure your first-aid kit is secured, including band-aids, ointments, and other essential first aid supplies. Also, ensure that flashlights and extra clothes are included in case of emergencies. Your preparedness will surely make your camping more worthwhile.
2. Check Your Camping Equipment
Perhaps you had already packed your camping gear such as the tent, sleeping bags, kitchen equipment, and even an RV might have been included in your checklist. Moreover, make sure your camping equipment is checked in advance to make sure everything is working properly. As much as possible, give it time to air out after it has been stored for several months. Now, if you need repairs or replacements, then you will have plenty of time to fix it before the camping date arrives.
3. Don’t Forget Food and Water
For meals and snacks, it is advisable to have non-perishable food prepared. Some of these can be bought ahead of time, such as grain bars, trail mix, canned goods, beans, etc. While the Catskills is famous for providing good food, this is beneficial for reducing costs. It’s also a good idea to bring some bottled water for drinking purposes or personal use, such as brushing your teeth during night time.
4. Protect Your Skin
It’s important to carry your sunscreen and bug spray whether you’re staying in a tent, cabin, RV, or other accommodation. Sunscreen is always a great thing to have, especially when camping. Not to mention, even if it’s overcast, the sun can still affect your skin. Bug Spray helps protect you from mosquitoes and other biting insects that might irritate your skin.
5. Know The Rules
New campers may not know that a campground does not contain true privacy and security. Noise spreads so well that campers will generally whisper on the surrounding location. In other words, a noisy campsite can deter campers from sleeping well. So, it is advisable to respect the space selected by other campers and do not walk through another campsite to find a spot. Follow the rules of the campground, and you’ll be fine.
6. Check The Weather
Camping is for outdoor recreation, so don’t camp if you think the weather would be bad. This is why it important to check the forecast ahead of time to know if the date you chose will not ruin your plans of having a good time while camping in New York. Therefore, learn to avoid bad conditions and be a wise camper.
