Camping in the Adirondacks, New York

Due to an overwhelming response to the Top Five Camp Sites in the summer issue of The Traveler, we have been given a nice thorough list of links and locations for camping in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. A special thanks to everyone who sent us information on New York, as always we look forward to our return, this summer in August. Also look for our upcoming article on Lake George (at the southern tip of the Adirondack Park) in Venture Travel Magazine's fall issue.

First visit the Accessible Recreation page of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)'s website for destinations, coordinators, recreation, and fishing; NY recommends you contacting specific DEC coordinators directly, as they are the most informed on the state's outdoor access in general.

Camping (and the plethora of it available!) can be found just inside that first link at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/34038.html; you can count about 35 accessible camping locations in the counties of Clinton, Delaware, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Lewis, Oneida, St. Lawrence, Sullivan, Ulster, and Warren!

Also don't forget about the John Dillon Park, associated with Paul Smith's College, which is open until the end of August, and all 200 acres are 100% accessible and impressively designed for visitors with disabilities. We covered this park in the May 2006 issue of The Traveler, and the park's wonderful access includes camping and picnic pads, fishing and hiking access, and bathrooms with lowered shower heads and grab bars. We continue to use this model as the best example of accessibilty in the outdoors and inclusive design for public use areas, and are thrilled to hear from a professor at Paul Smith's that the park is still thriving in it's 7th year of operation.

As many of you know, upstate New York is Craig's birthplace and will always remain very close to our hearts. If you live in the area, please make sure to check out the wonderful camping and outdoor fun the Adirondacks have to offer!