For months now, Ryan and I have been keen to go camping — and we weren’t going to let a bit of snow stop us. So last weekend, despite predicted freezing temperatures, we stuffed our backpacks with sleeping bags, snacks and plenty of layers, jumped in the car and headed to the Catskills. If we had more time and money, we would have loved to learn more about the other options abroad, but as it stands we didn’t have either. So, we packed and went right away.
Ryan, the trip-planner between us, had picked Alder Lake in Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest because of its reasonable proximity to the city, its not-too-strenuous hikes and because reviews online told us there wouldn’t be too many rattlesnakes or bears (a good idea, we thought).
We hoisted on our backpacks and started on a three-mile hike past the lake, through the snow-dusted woods, alongside streams and up into much cooler elevations.








It was beautiful and felt so good. The colors, the physical exertion, that gloriously fresh air. I swear, the minute I stepped into the woods, I immediately got the giggles. All my New York anxieties were long forgotten.
But the thing that made me laugh more than anything was Georgia’s backpack.



After I’d composed myself, we headed back down the mountain to claim a spot by the water.
There were very few other camping groups (probably something to do with those freezing temperatures) so we managed to nab a site with an incredible view over the lake, plenty of coverage from nearby paths and even a table set.
Plus, being on the south side meant that we felt the sun when it rose the next morning (again, Ryan can be thanked for that nugget of wisdom).






Despite my 400 layers, the second the sun slipped behind the mountains, I was frozen to the spot. The evening was so cold, and I spent most of the night practically standing in the fire. Thankfully we were prepared with various packs of soups, sausages and hot chocolate to keep me sane warm.



And the next morning, we awoke to more blue skies and a completely undisturbed lake.
Who needs New York eh?



If you’re looking for a city escape and a pretty straight-forward camping trip, Alder Lake is a winner – although you’ll need a car to get there. It was beautiful and remote, and we got some perks we weren’t expecting, such as the table at our campsite. It leads to some great hikes through the woods, and waking up overlooking that lake is not something I’ll easily forget. Plus, it’s a free holiday!

Just don’t forget your layers – and one of these.

For more info about Alder Lake, see this page on the NY Department of Environmental Conservation. It’s free to camp but the challenge will be getting there: it takes between 2.5 and 3 hours by car from the city and there’s a parking lot very close to the lake.
Fabulous photos! Wonderful scenery, Georgia must have loved the trip.
Well I think she loved the hike but she seemed so confused about why we were sleeping out there! Such a city dog!
Stunning photos. I love Georgia’s backpack.
She surprisingly didn’t mind it at all! Good George.
Oh wow! I’ve never actually been camping (unless you count an overnight in an Adirondack lodge, or in a tent in my backyard, which I don’t!) and this makes it look really appealing. Your fire looks beautifully warm. 🙂
It was so lovely — and a very good change from being in the city! It was a little early in the year to go though, so I think going in a month or two will be better 🙂
Wow! It looks stunning there. Really what I imagine the “American Lake” scenery to look like. Also, I adore Georgia’s backpack. Love how she’s always smiling!
Yes, I’d said that I had wanted to wake up looking at a lake, but I didn’t actually think it would be so easy to find!
Looks like such a fun time!!! I love all of your pictures!
Melanie @ meandmr.com
Thank you!
This place looks amazing! I can only imagine how great it must feel waking up to view like that, especially when you have it all to yourself! Very jealous!
Wow, you guys truly had the whole lake to yourselves, that’s incredible! Georgia’s backpack is the cutest:-)
I know, I’m desperate to go back!
Looks like fun but my idea of camping is a nice hotel room with a hot shower, cozy bed, and cold AC!
Wow – you two were alone up there. Almost like a zombie movie or horror flick background!
This looks so fun and your pictures are wonderful as always. You’re inspiring me to get my butt out of the city and into the great outdoors this summer! Good for you for toughing it out in the cold- I’m too big a wuss for that!
[…] Ryan and I love camping but I’m a bit of a wuss when it comes to pitching a tent in the colder months, so we wondered if one of the Getaway cabins could be a warmer winter option. I was so excited for the experience – being secluded in the forest and seeing the nifty design of a tiny house up close. […]