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Camping


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David E Jones from Garnet Valley on 5/4/2021 12:39:21 PM:
Is primitive camping along the erie canal bike trail permitted anywhere you want to stop?

 
wnybubba from Bflo/ROC on 5/4/2021 10:51:49 PM:
No! To the best of my understanding, camping really isn't "permitted" anywhere on Canalway property. There may be a few locks which have some form of dedicated space for camping, but in talks with the Canal Corp. they are not being promoted.

However, you may ask for permission to stay at locks along the canal -- and it is typically suggested that you do this in advance (and most riders should feel comfortable that a place can be found at most locks). Additionally, it is my personal opinion that there are many places along the canal that would make great bivouac sites -- places that are wide, level and mowed grass and could easily accommodate a tent. There is no signage prohibiting camping, so this is a grey area. Obviously these areas would be located a fair distance from homes or roadways -- somewhat set away from things.

A bigger concern is that you do not trespass on private property off the trail without permission. When in doubt, ask.

 
Bktourer1 from Da Bronx (living in Mass) on 5/5/2021 6:44:20 AM:
You can write directly to some of the towns along the way to see if you can get permission to camp on town parks. I did this when I was initially going to camp this year and several town admins. said I should call town hall prior to or arriving in the town. I no longer have the list of towns that were ok to camp prior to arrival.