We rode the Erie Canal Towpath on a tandem the first week of August 2015 (eight days, seven nights) from Buffalo to Albany via Niagara Falls. We camped all seven nights. The trail guidebook indicates that only a few of the locks are geared for camping, but we found all the locks will accept biker/hiker camping, although it is probably at the whim of the lock operator. All the operators we spoke with had no issues. Even gave us water, and there were portable toilets at all the locks where we stopped. Our nightly itinerary:
Night 1: Lockport (locks 34 and 35). We just asked the lock operator when we got there if it was OK to camp on the lock property. He said it was a rare request, but no problem (and no cost).
Night 2: Brockport (asked at the visitor center next to the docks if we could camp. Again, no problems (no cost), and shower included.
Night 3: Lock # 25. Arrived close to dark. No lock operator on premises (arrived after business hours). went ahead and pitched the tent. Somewhat of an isolated area, but no problems.
Night 4: Verona Beach State Park (an easy ride north, off the Erie Canal Towpath Trail). Large campground right on Oneida Lake. Cost $25. Showers.
Night 5: Lock #20 (outside Utica). No problems.
Night 6: Lock #15 (at Fort Plains). No problems.
Night 7: Lock #8 (outside of Schenectady). No problems.
The western half of the canal system is in flatter terrain, so fewer locks and more distance between locks. Also found the towpath in this section to be in overall better condition. Eastern half of the canal system, steeper terrain, so more locks (although the riding stays fairly flat). Also in this section you follow more of the original canal route as opposed to the newer barge canal so I found the riding a bit more rough, but certainly passable. Plenty of towns along the route for supplies, although some of them have certainly seen better economic times. The area is rich in history. We had a great time.
