CAMPING

• Fort Drum Regulation 420-3 Hunting, Fishing, & Other Outdoor Recreation (Unofficial Version effective & updated 4 Sep 2024 -- 18 pages).
• Fort Drum Regulation 420-3 Hunting, Fishing, & Other Outdoor Recreation (Official Version effective & updated 4 Sep 2024 -- 28 pages with summary of changes). 
• Explosives Safety Education Program - Recognize, Retreat, & Report Unexploded Ordnance

Overnight camping in the Fort Drum Training Area is allowed year-round. All camping in the Training Area is primitive. 

NEW: There are currently 20 designated campsites available with another 4 under construction--these sites have a cleared area, a parking spot and/or access trail, and many have a fire ring. They can be reserved before coming to the site when you check into iSportsman and select "camping" as the activity. The campsites that are available in open training areas will be displayed. A description of all the designated camp sites can be viewed in this document but follow the format as the example.

However, campers are not required to camp in a designated campsite. As always, camping is allowed in any area that is open to recreation. When selecting "camping" as an activity, there is one button for "Fort non-designated camping"--select that option and check-in to an open training area as normal.

Campers in the Fort Drum Training Area must check-in/check-out via the Sportsman's Hotline. Upon reaching their destination in the Training Area, campers must contact Range Branch (315-772-7152) and confirm their location.

Camping in the Fort Drum Cantonment Area is allowed at the Remington Park RV Campground. Anyone interested using these RV sites may conctact DFMWR Outdoor Recreation via the web site or go to Bldg. P-11115 Iraqi Freedom Drive or phone 315-772-5169/315-772-8222. Recreationists using the RV Park are NOT required to possess a Fort Drum Recreation Access Pass or check-in/check-out at Range Branch.

Litter & Latrines

No person shall discard, bury, or dispose of any trash, waste, or litter on Fort Drum. Trash receptacles are NOT provided. Recreationists must carry out what they carry in. Camping areas should be returned to their original condition before departing.

Recreationists are responsible for provide their own portable latrines and proper disposal of human waste. However, permanent latrines in the Training Area may be used by recreationists.

Campfires & Firewood

Caution must be exercised in the use of warming or cooking fires in the Training Area and the following provisions must be followed:

• The fire must be contained.
• All combustible materials surrounding the fire must be cleared for a distance of at least 10 feet.
• No cutting or limbing of trees is allowed. Only dead and down material or firewood brought with the recreationist can be used. All regulations regarding the transportation of firewood in New York State apply on Fort Drum.
• The fire must be attended at all times.
• The fire must be completely extinguished (i.e. cool to the touch) when not attended.
• The fire must be contained in a campsite fire ring.

Other Places to Camp in the Region

There are many camping opportunities within a short drive of Fort Drum:

• New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation operates most public campgrounds in New York State.
• New York State Department of Environmental Conservation operates 52 public campgrounds operated in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves. See the NYSDEC web site for information about back country/primitive camping opportunities that are available.
• The Adirondack Campground Association lists private campgrounds throughout the Adirondack region that are open to the public.
• Ontario Parks just north across the border has approximately 100 provincial parks available for camping.  
• Camping in Ontario lists private campgrounds throughout the province of Ontario that are open to the public.

Other Places to Camp

Active duty US military personnel and family members with proper identification (CAC card or DD Form 1173) are eligible for free permits to ender Federal recreation sites including National Parks that charge entrance or standard amenity fees.