CathInfo.com

I've been itching to get away from the city and go camping for a while now. Haven't gone camping since I was 10 and don't know much about it, but have been absorbing lots of information the last few days.

There are 3 kinds of places to camp:

1. Touristy places that charge $50/night.
2. State parks that charge about $15/night.
3. And these "Crown Lands," where camping is free, but with some regulations (e.g., no staying in the same spot for more than 21 days)

The downside of camping on Crown Land is that there's no electricity, bathrooms or water (other than bodies of water, if you can find one)

That's fine with me. I like the idea of living off the grid and not running into other campers and RV'ers. I suppose I could bring water with me. I've done some research on camping in the winter and found that it's doable. I want to stay out there for at least a few weeks.

Anyone here done this? I'm looking for free camping spots in the Northeast.

Here's a video on Crown Lands in Canada:

Well I can't suggest any locations but I have done a lot of primitive camping and if this will be your first time try it out for one or two nights at first to make sure your gear and your water purification systems all work the way they should.  Make sure you know the right way to deal with "sanitation".  Things rarely go right the first time so a weekend shake-down trip will be invaluable.  Depending on whether you are backpacking or 4 wheeling will dictate how much and what kind of gear you need.

Marsha

Well I can't suggest any locations but I have done a lot of primitive camping and if this will be your first time try it out for one or two nights at first to make sure your gear and your water purification systems all work the way they should.  Make sure you know the right way to deal with "sanitation".  Things rarely go right the first time so a weekend shake-down trip will be invaluable.  Depending on whether you are backpacking or 4 wheeling will dictate how much and what kind of gear you need.

Marsha

I'm probably going to get there with a carload of gear and supplies. Then make 2 or 3 treks from the car to the campsite, so I won't be taking the bare minimum approach. And I don't plan on leaving the camp much to go exploring.

Have you ever camped in the winter or coldish weather? Any particular gear recommendations?

For heating, I've learned that I should get a zero-degree (or lower) sleeping bag with a closed-cell foam pad underneath. To insulate the floor with space blankets or cardboard. Get a "four season tent." I also might get a Mr. Heater Little Buddy Propane Heater, which I've heard works pretty well and is safe for tent use (they turn off automatically if tipped over).

Here's some good info on winter camping:

https://www.princeton.edu/~oa/winter/wintcamp.shtml
http://www.boyscouttrail.com/library/wintercampingtips.asp
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/winter-snow-camping-checklist.html

I'll look into the sanitation situation, but isn't it just a matter of digging a hole aways from camp?

I was considering hauling big drums of water to the campsite. But camping near a water source would save me a lot of trouble, so I may have to do what you say and take a shake-down trip to make sure I'm picking a good spot.

I haven't had more than a week of solitude in probably 10 years. Finding a quiet, and free, place to camp is just what I need.