Boondocking, or dispersed camping, is legal in some areas of New York, particularly on public lands managed by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the U.S. Forest Service. The Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves are popular destinations for boondocking, where you can camp for free at designated sites or at least 150 feet away from water, roads, and trails. Additionally, the Finger Lakes National Forest allows dispersed camping in specific areas. When boondocking, it's essential to follow the Leave No Trace principles and respect the environment.
For more options and information on boondocking in New York, consider visiting Hipcamp.