There are many ways to experience New York’s great outdoors. Maybe you’ll get hooked on fishing or discover sleeping under the stars is the perfect way to spend a weekend. We have information for beginners up to the more advanced outdoor enthusiast.
Looking for your next adventure? New York has more than 5 million acres, 7,000 lakes and streams, and 52,000 miles of rivers and streams for you to explore. Use our Places to Go search tool to find locations nearby for your favorite outdoor activity.
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Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass and leaves. Pile any extra wood away from the fire.
Campfires must be less than 3 feet in height and 4 feet in diameter. Only charcoal or untreated wood can be used as fuel. A good bed of coals or a small fire surrounded by rocks gives plenty of heat. Scrape away litter, duff, and any burnable material within a 10 foot diameter circle. This will keep the campfire from spreading.
Be sure your match is out. Hold it until it is cold.
Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could cause the fire to spread quickly.
Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Move rocks as there may be burning embers underneath.
Stir the remains, add more water, and stir again. If you do not have water use dirt. Do not bury your coals as they can smolder and break out.
Consider using a small stove for cooking in remote areas vs making a campfire.