If you're touring in New York State, you can camp for free in most state forests managed by the Dept. of Conservation (DEC). Details about 'primitive camping' here: www. dec. ny. gov/outdoor/camping. html . While the page talks mostly about the Adirondacks and Catskills, primitive camping is allowed in most state forests managed by the DEC: www. dec. ny. gov/lands/34531. html . Click on a state forest near where you want to go, and the page will tell you if camping is permitted within the state forest. Note that camping is not permitted within most wildlife management areas.
Free camping is also allowed along New York State's canal system: www. canals. ny. gov/trails/camping. html . The page lists the sites available along the canals, but you may also be able to camp for free at any of the locks along the canal system. Call ahead to the lock - www. canals. ny. gov/wwwapps/boating/locks. aspx - and ask the lock personnel if you may camp overnight there.
Tip regarding canal camping - railroads often run through the valleys parallel to the canals and they often run all night long. If you think the sound of the trains and the horn blasts will keep you awake, bring along some foam ear plugs like construction workers use.
(Apologies for the "links" in text with the clumsy inserted spaces. It seems I may not post links until I have 10 posts...)
Last edited by MontgomeryMeigs; 01-14-19 at 09:33 PM.