Catharine Starmer

Wilderness abounds in New York State. From the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, from the Adirondack Mountains to the Catskills, from the St. Lawrence River to the Hudson, millions of acres of public lands are dotted with hundreds of campgrounds--but you probably only have a precious amount of limited time. Which campgrounds do you choose? Where should you go? When should you go? That's what Best Tent Camping: New York State is for--to help you make the wisest use of your time in the wilds of New York.

Divided geographically into seven sections--Long Island, Catskills/Hudson Valley, Central/Leatherstocking, Adirondacks, St. Lawrence River, Finger Lakes, and Western--the book is a helpful reference for camping enthusiasts throughout the state. And highlighting activities, hiking trails, and local attractions, it will also serve as inspiration when planning a trip. Historical tidbits, descriptions of wildlife and the occasional personal anecdote add flavor to the campground descriptions. Star ratings and maps make choosing the best place to pitch a tent a simple task.

Each campground has been rated on six criteria: beauty, privacy, spaciousness, quiet, security and cleanliness. In addition, campground profiles include vital statistics about each location (fees, restrictions, operating season, amenities, contact information, driving directions and reservation information, to name a few) that help campers plan the perfect trip without unwanted surprises. GPS users will also appreciate that each campground's precise latitude and longitude waypoints are included.

Tent campers will also enjoy a detailed map of each campground included in the site profile. Making reservations online or blindly over the phone can put a camper miles from the restroom, stranded with no shade, or in the middle of a busy campground trail. Maps will help campers avoid those pitfalls, and wherever possible the author has even recommended specific campsites for maximum privacy, spaciousness, or beauty.