Erie Canal Trail

[dej7608]

I am biking the Erie Canal trail in May Buffalo to Albany but I am having trouble finding a camping spot after lock 15 from West to East.  Can I just pitch a tent anywhere along the trail and be ok?

[HikeBikeCook]

Did you try this site? https://bikeeriecanal.com/ We are looking at doing it later in the summer. We had a B&B hotel trip planned in the past we could not do. Now we are thinking of camping as well. I have not looked at all the camp sites. Ryan Douser (SP?) did a video of the Erie and they stealth camped.

[HikeBikeCook]

I also bought the official Trail Guide 2 years ago. It was pricey and filled with ads, but supports the trail. They show camp grounds in almost every section. It is not like the C&O with free hiker/biker campgrounds every 5 miles or so.

[dej7608]

Thanks for the information. I am using the bikeeriecanal.com trip planner and that is where I discovered not camping after lock 15.  I might have to stealth camp as you suggest. I have done the C&O and GAP trail  3 times and those primitive campsites are the best for a quick stop to camp. Thank you I will order the book.

[canalligators]

I think you are permitted to wild camp in any suitable place that’s on canal property. Also most or all locks will let you camp there, but be sure to ask the lock tender where you should set up.  For your particular request, there are suitable places east of Canajoharie.

[SwampYankee]

We completed the EC last August and I think you'll find lock keepers very welcoming and helpful from start to finish. Including allowing you to camp on premise. You'll love the EC. I've not ridden the C&O or Allegheny YET, but looking forward to it sometime in 2021 or 22. Enjoy, SY