Camping along the Canalway Trail

Overview of Camping on the Canal Trails

The NYS Canal Corporation offers 18 Cycler-Hiker-Boater campsites along the Canalway Trail and Canal waterways. The campsites make touring easier for trail users, boaters and paddlers during the navigation season (May-October).

The campsites are considered “primitive” with limited on-site amenities. Porta potties are provided at these campsites but visitors should be prepared with their own potable water, first aid kits, and camping and cooking supplies.

The campsites include an area for four tents. Stays are limited to 48 hours and are available on a first come, first served basis.

Several days in advance of your trip, contact the Section Office, where you want to camp, during business hours (9 am – 5 pm) to confirm the campsite is open. We recommend you also inquire about gate hours, parking locations, boat or paddle access, hand launches and any other questions to get a good awareness of campsite conditions.

Upon arrival, seek out the Lock Operator—if available—to notify them of your intent to camp. Then take a one-minute survey using the posted QR code.

General Camping Rules

• Camping is first come first serve; lock operators should be contacted in advance so you can receive information on the campsite’s status as open. Weather or safety conditions can close campsites unexpectedly
• Campsites are limited to 4 tents and 10 people
• Campers must be at least 18 years old, unless accompanied and supervised by an adult
• Stays are limited to 48 hours
• No campfires or bonfires are allowed
• Campsite sites are carry-in, carry-out for garbage unless a waste receptacle is present
• Quiet hours must be observed between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
• No motorized vehicles are allowed in the campsites
• For camping space for groups larger than 10 people/4 tents, you must reach out to the Canal Real Property Management Department to obtain a permit: (518) 449-6000