When the lights go out, everything changes. If you’ve ever been caught in a power outage—especially a long one—you know how quickly our modern comforts can disappear. For those of us living in New York State, where population density, weather extremes, and infrastructure vulnerabilities converge, losing power isn’t just inconvenient; it can be downright dangerous. Whether you’re in the heart of Manhattan or in a small upstate town, being prepared means more than having a flashlight and a few cans of soup.
Let’s talk about how to stay safe, smart, and sane when the grid goes down, especially during a situation where everything hits the fan (SHTF). From hard-earned survival skills to practical DIY electricity hacks, this guide is here to empower you with both knowledge and confidence.
5 Survival Skills for Living Without Electricity
Living without power can feel like stepping back a century. But people lived that way for thousands of years, and so can we—with the right mindset and skills. Here are five critical abilities every New Yorker should learn before the lights go out.
1. Fire Craft and Off-Grid Cooking
Cooking is one of the first hurdles you’ll face in a blackout, especially if your stove or microwave relies on electricity. Being able to start a fire safely is a foundational survival skill. Learn how to make a Dakota fire hole—an efficient, smokeless fire pit—and how to cook over an open flame using cast iron. If you have a propane grill, keep extra tanks stored safely. Bonus points if you know how to cook with a solar oven, which works wonders in summer.
2. Water Procurement and Purification
In a prolonged power outage, municipal water systems can fail, especially if the pumps rely on electricity. You’ll need to locate alternate sources of water (like rainwater or streams) and purify them. Learn how to make a gravity-fed water filtration system using activated charcoal, sand, and gravel. Always keep a stash of water purification tablets, and know how to boil water over an open fire if needed.
3. Food Preservation Without Refrigeration
Food spoilage is one of the biggest threats when the fridge dies. Learn traditional methods of preservation like canning, pickling, smoking, fermenting, and dehydration. For example, salt-cured meats can last weeks unrefrigerated, and fermented vegetables can supply essential nutrients long after the fresh stuff is gone.
4. Manual Sanitation and Waste Management
Let’s be honest—when the toilet won’t flush and the water stops running, things get… uncomfortable. In urban areas especially, this can quickly become a health hazard. Learn how to create a sawdust toilet (composting toilet alternative), manage gray water safely, and maintain personal hygiene with minimal water. Keep a well-stocked sanitation bucket system with heavy-duty trash bags, baking soda, and bleach.
5. Situational Awareness and Community Communication
When the grid goes down, you lose not only power but also connection—no internet, no news, and possibly no phone signal. Train yourself to rely on local radio, ideally a hand-crank emergency radio. Form neighborhood alliances and have a community plan. Understand the signs of civil unrest or worsening conditions and how to respond calmly and smartly.
3 DIY Electricity Hacks When the Grid Goes Down
You don’t have to be an electrical engineer to generate a bit of power during a blackout. Here are three practical, do-it-yourself hacks that can bring light, charge your devices, or even run small appliances in a pinch.
1. DIY Solar Charger with USB Output
With a small solar panel kit (available online or at hardware stores), you can build a basic solar charging system for phones, radios, or flashlights. You’ll need:
A 10-20W solar panel
A solar charge controller
A 12V battery (like a deep-cycle marine battery)
A USB car adapter
Connect the panel to the charge controller, then to the battery, and plug in your USB adapter. This can keep your essential devices running for days.
2. Bicycle Generator for Small Power Needs
If you’re handy, convert an old bike into a pedal-powered generator. You’ll need a bike stand, a belt or chain drive, and a small alternator or motor. This setup can generate enough electricity to charge a battery pack or power a few LED lights. It’s also great exercise and a morale booster during dark times.
3. Saltwater Battery Lamp
When resources are scarce, even salt and water can make a difference. Using magnesium and copper plates (or coins), you can make a rudimentary battery with saltwater. Connect enough of these cells in series, and you can power an LED. It won’t light up your whole house, but in an emergency, every little bit of light helps.
3 Most Important Survival Products Without Electricity
While survival is mostly about mindset and skill, having the right gear can make a night-and-day difference. If I had to choose just three must-haves for a no-electricity scenario, these would be it:
1. Multi-Fuel Camp Stove (e.g., MSR WhisperLite) Reliable, versatile, and portable, these stoves can burn white gas, kerosene, or even unleaded gasoline. It’s your best bet for cooking or boiling water safely when the power is out and fire pits aren’t an option.
2. Solar Generator (like Jackery or Bluetti) A solar generator is a quiet, clean way to power essentials like a CPAP machine, lights, or small appliances. Look for one with at least 500Wh capacity and a foldable solar panel. It may be an investment—but in a long-term blackout, it can be a lifeline.
3. Headlamp with Rechargeable Battery Hands-free lighting is more useful than a flashlight, and using a rechargeable model with a solar bank or hand crank makes it even better. Always have backup lights and extra power sources available.
5 Worst Cities in New York to Be in During a Power Outage
Not all places in New York are created equal when the grid goes dark. The following cities pose unique challenges due to their infrastructure, population density, crime potential, and lack of immediate resources.
1. New York City No surprise here. The Big Apple is deeply reliant on electricity for everything—transportation, water pumps, elevators, and communication systems. A prolonged outage could result in gridlock, water shortages, looting, and a breakdown in services. If you’re in NYC, you must have a robust bug-in or bug-out plan.
2. Buffalo Heavy snowfall in winter combined with aging electrical infrastructure makes Buffalo a risky place for long-term outages. Frozen pipes, inaccessible roads, and limited local resources can make it extremely challenging to stay warm and safe.
3. Albany The capital city is a central hub, but its aging grid and colder winters make power outages especially tough. Hospitals and government systems may get backup generators—but residential areas might not. Additionally, it’s prone to flooding, adding another layer of risk.
4. Rochester Another cold-weather city with a high dependency on the grid. Its older buildings and infrastructure are not well-equipped for extended blackouts, especially during storm season. Food spoilage and heating become urgent concerns here.
5. Yonkers Close to NYC but with fewer resources, Yonkers faces the double threat of population density and limited emergency services. If an outage leads to cascading failures in sanitation, water, or policing, residents could be left fending for themselves.
Staying Safe, Staying Smart
Preparedness isn’t about fear—it’s about confidence. When you have the skills, tools, and mindset to meet challenges head-on, you’re not just surviving. You’re thriving under pressure.
If you live in New York or any other urban or semi-urban area, take the time now—while the lights are still on—to build your resilience. Practice your fire-starting skills in a controlled setting. Stock up on clean water, batteries, canned goods, and medical supplies. Make sure your family knows the plan.
Don’t wait for FEMA or the city to come knocking. When the grid goes down, you’ll be glad you took the time to prepare.
Stay safe, stay aware, and above all, stay kind. In the darkest times, a little light from a helping hand can go a long way.
Let’s be real — when chaos strikes in a place like New York City, it happens fast, and it hits hard. I’ve lived through enough urban unrest and trained others on how to navigate it without freezing up or making deadly mistakes. Riots are unpredictable, and the average person doesn’t have a plan. But you’re not average — not if you’re reading this. So let me give it to you straight, skill for skill, tool for tool, mindset for mindset. Here’s how to stay safe and survive during a riot in New York.
First Rule of Survival: Know the Terrain
New York is dense. That’s both your greatest challenge and greatest advantage. High population means riots escalate quickly, but it also means there are more exits, more cover, and more places to hide. If you live here, walk your neighborhood weekly. Know alternate exits in every subway station. Know where alleyways connect, which buildings have open lobbies, and where construction zones give access to makeshift cover.
A prepper doesn’t wait for things to go sideways to start learning the streets.
8 Self-Defense Skills You Need to Master
1. Situational Awareness (SA) This isn’t just “looking around.” SA means understanding what people are doing and why. If you see crowds forming, tension rising, and aggressive energy building — that’s your signal to exit. Notice patterns. Stay off your phone. Constant scanning of exits, people’s hands, and body language can give you a 30-second advantage. That’s life or death.
2. Verbal De-Escalation It’s not cowardly to avoid a fight — it’s smart. Learn how to lower your voice, use non-threatening body posture, and speak in a way that calms aggressors. You want to give off the vibe: “I’m not your enemy, and I don’t want trouble.” That buys you time.
3. Close Quarters Elbow Strikes In a crowd, you don’t have space for wide punches. Your elbows are devastating and fast. Strike to the jaw, neck, or ribs. Your goal isn’t to fight — it’s to escape. Learn how to use your elbows like daggers.
4. Knife Defense If someone pulls a blade on you in a riot, distance is king. But if you’re trapped, you need to know how to redirect, trap, and disable. Look into techniques like the “Pak Sao” (slap-and-trap) used in Filipino martial arts and Krav Maga. Practice with a training knife at home.
5. Escape from Holds and Grabs Get someone trained to help you drill escapes from wrist grabs, shirt grabs, and rear chokes. You’re more likely to be grabbed in a riot than punched. Your escape moves need to be muscle memory. There’s no time to think.
6. Improvised Weapons Turn what you have into a tool. A pen in your hand is a stabber. A heavy keychain is a flail. Your belt buckle? A swing weapon. Everything around you can become a defense mechanism when you’re trained to see it.
7. Mobility Training Learn how to jump fences, scale small walls, and squeeze through tight spaces. If you’re boxed in, mobility is your freedom. Practice parkour basics — vaulting, rolling, and wall climbs — in safe environments.
8. Striking for Distraction, Not Domination You don’t need to knock someone out. A quick jab to the throat, kick to the knee, or rake across the eyes gives you a chance to run. That’s your win condition.
3 DIY Survival Weapons You Can Make at Home
1. Tactical Baton from a Flashlight Get a heavy-duty flashlight like a Maglite. Wrap the handle in paracord for grip and stability. It’s legal, useful, and when used right, it’s a powerful blunt-force tool. Bonus: you’ve still got a working light source.
2. PVC Pipe Blow Dart Launcher You’d be surprised how easy this is. Use a 1/2” PVC pipe, 2 feet long. Carve darts from wooden skewers or nails. Fletch with duct tape. Add a mouthpiece from rubber tubing. Can be used for distraction, pest control, or quiet defense if you train with it.
3. Slingshot with Steel Ball Bearings Use surgical tubing and a forked branch or 3D-printed frame. Aim for temple, throat, or knee shots if you’re forced to defend. It’s silent, powerful, and easy to hide. Practice precision at 15–25 feet.
Remember: weapon legality in New York is strict. Keep these tools for survival, not aggression. And always know the law.
Shelter In or Bug Out?
If a riot breaks out while you’re home — shelter in. Secure your doors with a bar lock or wedge. Turn off lights, stay silent, and stay away from windows. Keep water and canned food in a blackout kit. Have a backup escape route — like a fire escape or rear hallway — if the building gets compromised.
If you’re caught outside, get out of the crowd. Head perpendicular to the mob’s direction. Avoid getting funneled into alleys or dead ends. Blend in — don’t make yourself stand out. Drop flashy gear and logos. A gray hoodie and jeans go unnoticed.
Survival Gear Checklist for Riot Conditions
N95 mask (for smoke, dust, pepper spray)
Impact-resistant goggles
Compact first aid kit (with clotting agent and bandages)
Sturdy gloves (for climbing, protection)
Water bottle with filter
Tactical flashlight (doubles as weapon)
Multi-tool
Bandana or shemagh (disguise or filter air)
Cash (small bills)
Burner phone or power bank
Everything fits in a small, inconspicuous backpack. This is your Riot Go-Bag. Always ready, never flashy.
Mental Fortitude
A lot of survival is mindset. Fear makes people freeze or panic. You’ve got to stay calm, assess, act. Practice stress inoculation: train under pressure, simulate chaos, learn how your body reacts. Breathe slow. Focus your senses. Move with purpose.
You aren’t a hero in a riot. Your goal is survival. You save yourself, your family, your gear. Anyone looking to play vigilante ends up in jail — or worse.
Team Up and Have a Plan
If you’ve got family or close friends in the city, establish a rendezvous point. Make a signal — a phrase or emoji — that means “Meet now.” Text is better than voice. Don’t rely on GPS or phone service. Have an offline map.
Train together. If someone panics, it drags the whole group down. Practice drills. Role-play. Even one hour a month of coordinated prep makes a difference.
Final Word
Riots are like wildfires — unpredictable and destructive. But they’re survivable if you’re trained, aware, and prepared. Whether you’re in Queens, the Bronx, or downtown Manhattan, the same rules apply: stay calm, be smart, and use what you’ve got.
You don’t need to be a Navy SEAL to survive. You need street sense, grit, and the will to keep moving when others freeze. I’ve trained a lot of people, and the ones who make it through the chaos are the ones who prepared when it was calm.
This city tests you. But you’ve got the tools now. So prep smart — and walk safe.
New York’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster—and How to Survive Them Behind the Wheel By a Well-Traveled Survivalist
I’ve driven across deserts on three gallons of diesel, crawled through hurricane-flooded streets in Louisiana, and pushed a rusted-out pickup across half of Bolivia. But nothing quite tests your nerve like driving through New York during a full-blown disaster—be it a blackout, blizzard, flash flood, or something worse. The Empire State has beauty and bite in equal measure, and if you’re not prepared when things go sideways, you’re either stuck or someone else’s burden.
Let’s talk survival. Specifically, survival behind the wheel.
The Most Treacherous Roads in New York During a Disaster
Before I get into the skills and hacks that’ll keep your rig moving, you need to know which roads are a deathtrap when crisis hits.
1. BQE (Brooklyn-Queens Expressway)
This is a tight, crumbling mess in the best of times. During a disaster? It turns into a concrete coffin. It floods easily, has limited exits, and the elevated portions make for slow and exposed travel.
2. Major Deegan Expressway (I-87)
Running through the Bronx, this stretch clogs up with the smallest incident. Add an evacuation order or a flash flood, and you’re locked in.
3. Cross Bronx Expressway
I call this one “the artery of misery.” In gridlock, there’s no escape—bridges, overpasses, and concrete all around. It’s the first to freeze and the last to be cleared.
4. FDR Drive
Scenic, sure, but sandwiched between the East River and Manhattan’s east side, you’ve got water on one side, high-rises on the other. When the storm surge hits, it’s underwater faster than you can turn around.
5. I-278 Staten Island
A critical connector that’s exposed, easily bottlenecked, and prone to wind damage. If the bridges shut down, you’re stranded on the island.
6. Route 17 in the Catskills
Beautiful drive—until snow buries it or a landslide turns it into a hiking trail. Cell service is spotty and help is hours away.
7. Taconic State Parkway
This one’s narrow, winding, and has overpasses too low for trucks. Come winter, it’s a slippery chute lined with trees and ditches.
8. I-84
Heavy truck traffic, frequent fog, and icy hills. It’s a freight artery that jams fast in bad weather.
9. Southern State Parkway
Winding, fast, and crowded with commuters—when panic hits, this becomes a NASCAR track full of amateurs.
10. The Thruway (I-90) between Buffalo and Rochester
Snow, wind, and whiteout conditions make this stretch notorious in winter. If you’re not driving something with clearance and chains, you’re a hood ornament.
Now, just because you’re on one of these roads doesn’t mean you’re doomed. You’ve got the advantage of knowledge, and if you can master a few critical survival driving skills, you’ll do more than survive—you’ll thrive.
15 Survival Driving Skills for Disaster Scenarios
Situational Awareness Always know what’s ahead, behind, and around you. Scan exits, spot alternative routes, and watch people—crowds give away danger.
Off-Road Navigation Know how to steer a 2WD sedan through mud, fields, or gravel. In an emergency, the shoulder or forest trail might be your only option.
Flood Water Judgment Six inches of water can stall a sedan. A foot can carry off a car. Learn to judge depth by fixed objects like mailboxes or tires on other vehicles.
Manual Transmission Mastery If you ever have to steal—I mean, “borrow”—a vehicle in a crisis, it might be stick. Learn it.
Driving Without Headlights Use parking lights or no lights at all during nighttime evasion. Stay unseen, avoid attracting trouble.
Engine Cooling Tricks If you’re overheating and there’s no coolant? Crank the heater to full blast. It’ll draw heat off the engine enough to limp another mile or two.
Tire Patch & Plug on the Go Learn to plug a tire with a kit—no jack needed. Saved me from spending the night in a ditch outside Syracuse.
Hotwiring Basics I’m not saying break the law. But if it’s between you and freezing to death in a blizzard, a basic understanding of ignition wiring might save you.
Driving in Reverse Some exits are only back the way you came. Practice controlled, confident reverse driving.
Braking Without ABS If the system fails or you’re in an older vehicle, pump those brakes on ice or water. Learn cadence braking.
Evading Roadblocks Know how to U-turn on narrow roads, cut across medians, or drive through soft barriers like fences or ditches.
Fuel Efficiency Driving Learn hypermiling techniques. Coast in neutral. Minimize braking. Every drop counts in a gas-dead world.
Reading Smoke and Sky Dark plumes mean fires. Yellow-gray? Chemical. Learn to read clouds, smoke direction, and wind. It’ll inform your next move.
Quick Vehicle Concealment Know where to stash a vehicle: under tree canopy, behind structures, or under bridges. Visibility is vulnerability.
Portable GPS with Topo Maps Cell towers die fast. GPS units with offline topographic maps are gold. Know how to use grid coordinates, not just “turn left at Starbucks.”
3 DIY Hacks When You Run Out of Gas
If you’re out of gas, you’re not out of options. I’ve used all three of these in the wild. They’re field-tested and road-worn.
1. Siphon from Abandoned Vehicles
Carry clear vinyl tubing, at least 6 feet. Push it into the tank of a vehicle parked nose-up. If you can’t get suction, use a squeeze bulb or create a siphon starter with a plastic bottle. Works best with older cars that don’t have anti-siphon filters.
2. DIY Ethanol Boost
If you can find pure grain alcohol or even high-proof vodka, you can mix it with your fuel in emergencies. Small engines will tolerate it in a pinch. Ratio? Start low—10% max.
3. Scavenge Small Engine Fuel
Lawnmowers, chainsaws, and generators often sit untouched. Their gas may be old, but if it’s not varnished or contaminated, it’ll burn. Filter through a T-shirt or coffee filter. Desperate? It’ll run.
Final Thoughts from the Road
Look, survival isn’t about gadgets and gear—it’s about grit, knowledge, and the will to move when others freeze. New York’s worst roads will chew up the unprepared. But you? You’ll see the jam and take the field. You’ll smell floodwater on the wind and know when to cut and run.
There’s no cavalry coming in a gridlocked city or a frozen mountain pass. You’re the cavalry. Your tires are your boots. Your car? It’s your last shelter, your battering ram, your ride-or-die.
Know your vehicle. Pack it like your life depends on it—because one day, it just might.
Listen here, city slickers and wannabe homesteaders who think this is some romantic, Instagram-worthy fairy tale. New York is NOT just the Big Apple and flashy skyline. For those of us who’ve dragged our sorry selves out of the rat race and planted roots deep in the dirt of this unforgiving state, homesteading is a fight. A daily battle against weather, regulations, and sometimes even our own stubborn selves. This lifestyle isn’t about pretty farmhouse Pinterest boards — it’s about raw grit, hard work, and skills earned in sweat and bruises.
And if you want to make it here, you better learn quick and work harder.
Homestead Skills Every New York Homesteader Should Master — Or Prepare to Fail
Soil Testing and Amendment – New York soils can be tricky; rocky and acidic in some parts, clay-heavy in others. If you don’t know your soil pH and how to amend it, you’ll grow nothing but weeds and frustration.
Raised Bed Gardening – Because some New York soil is just that bad. Raised beds let you control your dirt, drain water properly, and stretch your growing season.
Season Extension Techniques – Frost hits early and late here. Learn to build cold frames, hoop houses, or use row covers to protect your crops.
Composting – If you’re not turning kitchen scraps and yard waste into black gold, you’re wasting money on fertilizers you don’t need.
Rainwater Harvesting – New York gets plenty of rain, but the city water bills and droughts in summer make collecting rain a no-brainer.
Basic Carpentry – From fixing fences to building coops and sheds, if you can’t swing a hammer and saw, you’re hiring yourself out of your own homestead.
Animal Husbandry – Chickens, goats, bees — New York zoning might limit you, but where you’re allowed, you better know how to care for them or they’ll die on you fast.
Preserving and Canning – Summer crops don’t last forever. If you can’t can, ferment, or dry your produce, you’re wasting your harvest.
Firewood Splitting and Stacking – Heat in winter doesn’t come cheap. Firewood is life, and splitting it is a brutal workout you either love or hate.
Basic Plumbing Repairs – When your pipes freeze or your septic clogs in the middle of winter, waiting for a plumber ain’t an option.
Trap and Pest Control – New York is crawling with critters. You’ll need to protect your garden and livestock from deer, raccoons, groundhogs, and those ever-nasty mice.
Seasonal Crop Rotation – Keep your garden healthy and your soil from dying by knowing what to plant where and when.
Basic Welding – From repairing metal tools to building gates, welding saves you money and headaches.
Seed Saving – Don’t be a slave to the seed companies. Save your own seeds to maintain hardier, adapted plants year after year.
Foraging and Wildcrafting – New York’s forests and fields have wild edibles, and if you know your plants, you can supplement your pantry for free.
Why I’m Mad: The Grit Behind Every Good Homestead
New York is a state of contradictions. Sure, you’ve got the Hudson Valley, the Adirondacks, and the Catskills, all gorgeous and rich with resources. But you’ve also got frost that will bite your seedlings in May and September, zoning laws that make raising a pig a bureaucratic nightmare, and neighbors who don’t understand why you’re raising chickens instead of dogs.
I’m mad because homesteading here means double the work and half the support. There’s no sugarcoating it: this is a place where you either toughen the hell up or pack it in.
But for those of us who stay, who fight through every problem and every bad weather day, the reward is a self-sufficient, sustainable lifestyle that the city slickers will never understand.
3 DIY Homestead Hacks to Save Your Sanity in New York
1. DIY Cold Frame from Old Windows Don’t spend a fortune on fancy hoop houses or greenhouses. Raid your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore or thrift stores for old windows. Build a simple cold frame box and prop the windows at an angle. This baby extends your growing season by protecting your seedlings from late frost without sucking up your wallet.
2. Chicken Waterer from a Buckets and PVC Pipe Chickens need clean water, especially when it freezes overnight. Take a 5-gallon bucket, drill a small hole at the bottom, and attach a length of PVC pipe to create a gravity-fed waterer. Add a simple float valve system (or improvise with weights) to keep water flowing without spilling. It saves you from freezing your fingers off every morning scraping ice off the coop waterer.
3. Pallet Compost Bin with Layers Grab 3 old pallets, stand them up in a square, and fasten together to create a cheap compost bin. Layer green yard waste, kitchen scraps, and brown leaves, turning often to speed decomposition. The pallets allow for airflow and make managing your compost easier. Bonus: if you stain or paint it, it lasts longer against New York’s wet weather.
The Reality Check: No Sugar-Coating This New York Homestead Life
Forget the cute stories about waking up to chickens clucking and drinking fresh milk at dawn. Here, the chicken might have a broken leg from a fox attack, the milk goat might be sick, the snow might be piled six feet high blocking your access to your root cellar, and your well might freeze solid.
If you want to succeed on a New York homestead, you need:
Patience to wait out the seasons
Knowledge to prevent and fix disaster
Grit to keep working even when it all goes sideways
We’ve got short growing seasons, fierce winters, and a state bureaucracy that will frustrate the hell out of you.
But if you tough it out, you’ll grow food you can trust, create a sustainable life for your family, and maybe—just maybe—build something worth passing down.
The Homestead Life: Not for the Faint of Heart
So, to all the dreamers who think New York homesteading is just about planting heirloom tomatoes and making artisanal goat cheese—wake up. It’s about fighting nature and neighbors, learning hard skills like firewood splitting and carpentry, and improvising like hell when the tractor breaks down on a freezing April morning.
If you’re not ready to get your hands dirty, sweat, and sometimes curse, this life will chew you up and spit you out.
But if you are? Welcome to the wild, stubborn, sometimes maddening New York homestead lifestyle. It’s brutal, but it’s ours. And nothing tastes better than food you grew with your own damn hands.
Listen up. You’re being lied to. The bureaucrats and their polished PR puppets want you to believe New York’s drinking water is some pristine nectar dripping from the gods of the Catskills. But you know what it really is? A chemical cocktail seasoned with lead pipes, agricultural runoff, and trace pharmaceuticals flushed down Manhattan toilets. You think some sanitized press release or a pat on the head from the Department of Environmental Protection means you’re safe? Wake up.
I’ve been off-grid, I’ve filtered swamp water, I’ve drunk from snowmelt and desert creeks — and I trust that water more than the faucet in your overpriced Brooklyn apartment.
So, let’s get one thing straight: If you’re not filtering your water — every damn drop of it — you’re playing Russian roulette with your kidneys. You want to survive what’s coming? You better master the art of water filtration like your life depends on it. Because it does.
FIRST: THE UGLY TRUTH ABOUT NEW YORK’S WATER
They call it “world-class.” Sure — maybe before it hits the city’s hundred-year-old pipes, some of which still contain lead. The stuff you learned about in elementary school as brain poison? Yeah, that’s still flowing in “acceptable levels” in a lot of areas.
Microplastics? Present. Chlorine? Present. Pharmaceuticals? Hell yes — anti-anxiety meds, birth control, even traces of opioids. And PFAS — those “forever chemicals” linked to cancer and immune system damage? They’re in there too.
Still feel like filling your reusable water bottle straight from the tap? Go ahead. But don’t cry to me when your thyroid craps out or your kids grow a third eye.
15 WATER FILTRATION SKILLS EVERY SURVIVALIST NEEDS TO MASTER BEFORE THE GRID FAILS
1. Boiling The simplest, oldest, and still one of the best methods. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute (3 minutes if you’re above 6,500 ft). It kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites — but it won’t remove chemicals or heavy metals.
2. DIY Charcoal Filter Layer activated charcoal with sand and gravel inside a container or cut plastic bottle. It removes odors, some chemicals, and particulates. It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid first pass.
3. Gravity-Fed Filtration Systems like Berkey or DIY equivalents use gravity to push water through multiple layers of filtration. No electricity needed, and very effective against bacteria and heavy metals.
4. Solar Disinfection (SODIS) Fill a clear PET bottle with water and leave it in direct sunlight for 6+ hours. UV rays kill most pathogens. Doesn’t help with chemical pollutants, but it’s better than nothing.
5. Cloth Straining Use a clean bandana, t-shirt, or sock to remove debris. It won’t kill anything, but it’s a pre-filter step you’ll thank yourself for.
6. Bleach Purification Use unscented household bleach — 8 drops per gallon, stir, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Not tasty, but effective. Learn the dosage — too little does nothing, too much and you poison yourself.
7. Ceramic Filters These filter out bacteria and protozoa but not viruses or chemicals. Great for long-term off-grid setups. Easy to clean and reuse.
8. Iodine Tablets Effective against bacteria and viruses. Leaves a taste, and not suitable for pregnant women or long-term use — but in a pinch, it works.
9. UV Pen Sterilizers Battery-powered gadgets that zap water with UV light. Kills pathogens in 90 seconds. Useless without power, but deadly effective while it lasts.
10. DIY Bio-Filter Layer: gravel, sand, activated charcoal, and a cloth in a barrel or bottle. Let water drip through slowly. Not fast, but thorough.
11. Distillation Boil water and catch the steam in a clean container. It leaves everything — even heavy metals — behind. You can even drink seawater this way.
12. Wild Plant Filters Some plants like cattails or banana peels have filtering properties. Shred and use as one layer in a filter. Experimental, but can assist other methods.
13. Silver Infusion Colloidal silver has antimicrobial properties. It’s controversial — but survivalists have used it for decades. Caution is advised, but it’s in the toolbox.
14. Water Catchment & Pre-Filter Collect rainwater and let it sit so sediment settles. Use a coffee filter or cloth to pre-filter before boiling or purifying.
15. Redundancy Protocol Never trust just one method. Filter + disinfect + test. Always. Combine at least two methods — it’s your life we’re talking about.
3 DIY SURVIVAL DRINKING WATER HACKS FOR CITY DWELLERS
Let’s get real. Not all of you have cabins in the Adirondacks. Some of you are stuck in shoebox apartments waiting for the blackout. So here’s what to do when the tap goes toxic or shuts off completely.
HACK 1: BATHTUB BUNKER Before any major storm or emergency, fill your bathtub with water. Use a WaterBOB (or a clean plastic liner if you’re broke) to keep it potable. That’s 100 gallons of drinkable water if you play your cards right.
HACK 2: GUTTER TO GALLON Rig a tarp or plastic sheet on your fire escape or balcony. Funnel rainwater into buckets. First rain flushes off crap; toss it. Then collect. Filter and boil before use.
HACK 3: SODA BOTTLE SOLAR STILL Cut a 2-liter soda bottle, add dirty water inside with a small cup in the middle. Wrap the top in plastic wrap, seal edges with tape, and leave in the sun. Condensed droplets drip into the cup = pure water. Slow? Yes. Lifesaving? Absolutely.
CONCLUSION: YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN
New York’s drinking water might pass government standards, but those standards are decades out of date and built for convenience, not survival. You want to trust your life and your family’s health to some bureaucrat’s interpretation of “safe”? Be my guest.
But when the next contamination hits — when the grid shuts down, or the water plant floods, or the terrorists hit the reservoir — don’t say you weren’t warned.
This isn’t about paranoia. It’s about preparation. Learn to filter. Learn to store. Learn to survive.
Hiking Trails in New York That Will Push Your Survival Skills to the Limit By a Survival Prepper Who’s Felt the Burn and Bled on the Trail
Let me tell you something straight from the heart—and from the blistered soles of a man who’s spent more nights in the woods than in a bed. If you’re just looking for a walk in the park, turn around now. These New York trails aren’t for casual weekend warriors in gym shoes. These are battlegrounds. They’re testing grounds for the soul. They’re the kinds of places where your GPS fails, your water filter becomes your best friend, and your survival pack isn’t just for show—it’s your lifeline.
New York isn’t all bagels and Broadway. It’s got teeth. Mountains that claw at your lungs, bogs that’ll suck the boots off your feet, and weather that turns on a dime. You want to build grit? Get comfortable being uncomfortable? These trails will teach you.
Here are 20 trails in New York State that’ll challenge your endurance, test your wilderness skills, and, if you’re lucky, turn you into the kind of person who doesn’t just survive—but thrives.
The name says it all. Six major peaks over 24 miles, relentless elevation, and tricky terrain. It’s one of the toughest trails in the East. You’ll need to scramble, route-find, and ration your energy. Pack for three days unless you’re superhuman.
2. The Great Range Traverse – Adirondacks
A 25-mile monster with 10 High Peaks—including Gothics, Saddleback, and Haystack. Exposed ridges, vertical ascents, and full-on survival conditions in winter. Bring layers, GPS, and the will of a warrior.
3. Mount Marcy via the Van Hoevenberg Trail – Adirondack High Peaks
Sure, it’s popular—but don’t underestimate New York’s tallest peak. Weather turns nasty fast, and the exposed summit demands respect. Ideal training for alpine survival.
4. Black Dome Range Trail – Catskills
Steep grades, knife-edge ridgelines, and the occasional bear track. Don’t come without a map, compass, and the know-how to use them. Water sources are scarce—filter what you find.
5. Cranberry Lake 50 – Five Ponds Wilderness
Fifty miles through deep forest, remote lakes, and beaver-dammed wilderness. It’s isolated. No cell service. You’re on your own here. Perfect for long-distance prepping and solo survival testing.
6. Finger Lakes Trail – Western NY to Catskills
Over 950 miles of interconnected trails—choose your poison. Rugged backcountry, hidden lean-tos, and unpredictable weather. Great for practicing navigation and endurance hiking.
7. Escarpment Trail – Catskills
Rugged 23.9-mile trail with panoramic views and tricky rock sections. It’s dry up top—carry more water than you think you need. Good boots and ankle support are mandatory.
8. West Canada Lakes Wilderness Loop – Adirondacks
Pristine, raw wilderness. Wet, muddy, and mosquito-infested in the summer. A haven for practicing water purification, foraging, and staying dry in a soggy forest.
9. Cascade and Porter Mountains – Adirondacks
Shorter hike but steep and fast. Perfect for a survival day-hike challenge. Do it in the snow, and you’ll learn fast how to handle exposure.
10. Hunter Mountain via Devil’s Path – Catskills
A vertical haul with minimal forgiveness. Good to test snowshoes, crampons, or minimalist gear. That fire tower at the top? It’s earned.
11. Saranac 6er Ultra Challenge
Six peaks. One day. Over 30 miles and 8,000+ feet of gain. You’ll be running on grit and jerky by the end. This is survival with a stopwatch.
12. Slide Mountain – Catskills
The highest in the Catskills, and it’ll beat you down in winter. Deep snowdrifts, wind shear, and limited trail markers. Bonus points if you bivvy overnight.
13. Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower Trail
Don’t let the word “tower” fool you. You’re still climbing nearly 2,000 feet, and in icy conditions, it’s slick as hell. Great for winter survival drills.
14. Indian Head and Rainbow Falls – Adirondack’s Ausable Club Area
One of the most scenic—and deceptive—routes. Trails can flood and wash out, and footing is treacherous near the cliffs. Practice your balance, or bring a rope.
15. South Meadow to Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden
This one’s for those who love rock-hopping and icy water crossings. Avalanche Pass will test your navigation skills with blowdowns and reroutes. Ideal for practicing with a heavy pack.
16. Jay Mountain Wilderness Trail
Less trafficked and more raw. If you want to hone your backcountry instincts with fewer footprints ahead of you, this is the spot. Amazing ridgetop scrambles.
17. Tongue Mountain Range – Lake George
Rocky, exposed, and known for rattlesnakes. Yes, you heard that right. Bring snake gaiters if you’re serious. Watch your step. Stunning views, brutal climbs.
18. Northville-Placid Trail
133 miles of solitude and old-school backpacking through the heart of the Adirondacks. You’ll encounter stream crossings, remote lean-tos, and real wilderness. Carry a PLB (personal locator beacon). It’s no joke out here.
19. Bear Mountain Loop Trail – Harriman State Park
Underestimated because of proximity to NYC. But it packs a punch: steep stone stairs, switchbacks, and exposed scrambles. Try it in 90-degree heat or a winter storm and see how tough you really are.
20. Overlook Mountain – Catskills
Ghost town ruins, fire tower, and black bear sightings galore. A great trail to combine survival scenarios with some eeriness. Practice your stealth camping and bear-proofing here.
Gear Up or Get Left Behind
If you’re going to take on these trails, you better come prepared. Here’s my short list of non-negotiables:
Map and Compass – Electronics fail. Paper and steel don’t.
Water Filtration System – I use the Sawyer Mini, but boil if you’re unsure.
These hikes aren’t just treks. They’re gauntlets. They’re where you meet your limits—and then push past them. You’ll learn how to ration water, how to read a trail when the blazes vanish, and how to calm your nerves when the howls get closer at night.
In New York, you don’t need to go west to find wild. The survival experience is right here—waiting for those bold enough to face it. Pack your gear, tell someone where you’re going, and don’t just hike to finish. Hike to prepare. Hike to survive.
See you on the trail—and if you see me out there, don’t be afraid to say hey. Just know I’ll be judging your pack weight.
From freezing winters and heavy snowfalls to hurricanes, floods, and even the occasional earthquake, the state’s residents must stay vigilant. As a prepper, being prepared is not just about collecting gear; it’s about understanding the risks, planning ahead, and ensuring you can survive and thrive when the worst happens.
New York is a diverse state, with its geography ranging from the busy streets of New York City to the remote Adirondacks and the coastal shores of Long Island. Each of these regions faces unique natural disaster threats. Whether you’re in the city, upstate, or along the coast, being ready for natural disasters is crucial. Let’s break down the major risks and some prepper tips to keep you and your family safe.
The Top Natural Disasters in New York
Blizzards and Snowstorms: The cold, harsh winters of New York are famous, and with that comes the risk of heavy snowstorms and blizzards. These can trap people indoors for days or even weeks and cause power outages that leave you without heat and electricity.
Flooding: New York is prone to both river and coastal flooding. Areas like the Hudson Valley and parts of New York City are particularly vulnerable to spring floods, while Long Island is threatened by hurricanes that can bring massive storm surges.
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms: The Atlantic hurricane season is a significant concern for New Yorkers, especially those in coastal and low-lying areas like Long Island and the boroughs of NYC. These storms can cause widespread damage through high winds, heavy rain, and storm surges.
Earthquakes: While not as frequent as other disasters, earthquakes do pose a risk in parts of New York. The state has experienced small tremors in the past, and although large quakes are rare, it’s always wise to be prepared.
Tornadoes: While not as common as in the Midwest, tornadoes have been known to strike New York, particularly in the western and central parts of the state. These storms can cause significant damage, and their sudden nature makes them a true threat to residents.
10 Essential Survival Tips for New York Preppers
Now, let’s talk about how you can prepare for these natural disasters. Prepping isn’t just about having the right supplies; it’s about understanding the risks and making sure you’re prepared for any emergency.
1. Winterize Your Home and Vehicle
When snowstorms hit New York, they can cause massive disruptions. Your first priority should be to winterize your home and vehicles. Make sure your pipes are insulated, your furnace is serviced, and you have a reliable backup heat source, such as a wood stove or propane heater. Stock up on snow removal equipment like shovels and salt, and make sure your car has snow tires, a full tank of gas, and emergency supplies, including blankets, food, and water.
2. Build a Comprehensive Emergency Kit
In New York, it’s not just snow and ice you need to worry about – flooding, hurricanes, and power outages are common as well. Build a survival kit that includes:
Non-perishable food (at least a three-day supply for each person)
Water (1 gallon per person per day for at least three days)
Flashlights, batteries, and solar chargers
First-aid kit and prescription medications
Extra clothing and blankets
Important documents (in a waterproof bag)
Multi-tool, fire starters, and emergency blankets
3. Prepare for Power Outages
Long winter storms and hurricanes often lead to extended power outages in New York. Investing in a generator can be a lifesaver, especially if you live in a rural area. Make sure your home has enough fuel to power the generator for at least 72 hours, and always follow safety guidelines when using it. If a generator isn’t feasible, battery-operated lights and a solar-powered battery charger can keep you functional.
4. Know Your Evacuation Routes
Whether you’re in a flood zone or a high-risk area for hurricanes, it’s crucial to have an evacuation plan in place. Research routes that avoid flood-prone areas or other hazards, and make sure everyone in your household knows how to get to safety. Also, keep a “go bag” packed with essentials like a change of clothes, money, and identification.
5. Flood-Proof Your Property
If you live in an area prone to flooding, elevate essential items like your furnace, water heater, and electrical appliances above potential flood levels. Sandbags can be used to help divert water away from your home. Be prepared to move quickly and have waterproof bags or containers to keep your most important belongings safe.
6. Stay Informed
When hurricanes, snowstorms, or earthquakes are on the horizon, knowledge is power. Stay connected by having a battery-powered radio or weather alert system. Make sure you have a plan for getting updates even if the power goes out. Local emergency services often provide real-time information on evacuation orders, road closures, and shelter locations.
7. Secure Your Home’s Structure
If a tornado is a concern in your area, secure your home by reinforcing the roof and windows with storm shutters or plywood. Have a safe room designated in your home that’s as small and central as possible. For blizzards, keep walkways clear and ensure your roof is free of snow accumulation to avoid collapse.
8. Stay Hydrated and Stock Water
Water is critical for survival. In case of a natural disaster, like a hurricane or snowstorm, water supplies may be contaminated or unavailable. Stock up on bottled water and ensure that you have a filtration system or purification tablets in case you need to source water from elsewhere.
9. Establish a Communication Plan
During a disaster, communication can become difficult. Have a plan in place for how your family will stay in touch. Designate an out-of-town contact person whom everyone can check in with. Ensure that your phones are charged, and consider investing in walkie-talkies for short-range communication.
10. Take Personal Safety Precautions
If an earthquake hits, drop, cover, and hold on. In a blizzard, dress in layers and avoid exposure to freezing temperatures for extended periods. For hurricane season, know the signs of storm surges and high winds, and don’t try to drive through floodwaters. Always err on the side of caution and keep a survival mindset.
Conclusion
New York’s unpredictable weather and natural disasters can strike at any time, and being prepared can mean the difference between life and death. As a prepper, it’s not just about hoarding supplies; it’s about understanding the potential risks and having a plan in place. The key to surviving New York’s worst natural disasters is knowledge, readiness, and a strong survival mentality.
By following these prepper tips, you’ll be more confident in your ability to handle whatever nature throws your way. Whether you’re facing a blizzard in the Adirondacks or a hurricane on Long Island, these strategies can help you survive and thrive through any disaster.
Discover New York’s Most Challenging Survival Campsites
If you’re a prepper living in New York, you’re probably already aware that your survival plan needs to include reliable access to nature. In a state as diverse as New York, with its dense forests, rugged mountains, and sprawling lakes, it’s the perfect place to prepare for all kinds of situations. Whether you’re looking for an off-the-grid weekend retreat, a basecamp for your bug-out plan, or just a place to practice wilderness survival skills, New York is home to some of the best campsites that cater to every prepper’s needs.
As survivalists, we know that camping is more than just recreation—it’s preparation. It’s the opportunity to hone your skills, test your gear, and get comfortable with self-sufficiency in the wild. In this guide, we’ll go over 30 of the best campsites in New York for survival preppers. These campsites offer everything from backcountry, primitive camping to more established sites where you can stock up and get away from it all. Whether you’re testing out a new shelter or practicing bushcraft, there’s a spot here that fits the bill.
1. Adirondack Park: A Prepper’s Paradise
Adirondack Park is one of the largest protected areas in the U.S., covering over six million acres. The size of this wilderness alone makes it a perfect location for a prepper’s retreat. The park offers an expansive network of trails and primitive campsites where you can practice your skills in survival, navigation, and self-reliance. Remote lakes and rivers offer ideal spots for fishing and water purification practices.
Campgrounds: The state has more than 100 campsites scattered throughout the park, but for a true prepper experience, you’ll want to check out the backcountry sites.
Skills to Practice: Wilderness navigation, fire-starting, shelter-building, water filtration.
2. Letchworth State Park: The Grand Canyon of the East
Known for its dramatic gorge and the Genesee River cutting through, Letchworth State Park is a wonderful place for both beginner and advanced preppers. With over 14,000 acres of rugged terrain, this park offers a variety of experiences, from easy-to-access campsites to more remote, primitive ones for those who want to test their survival mettle.
Campgrounds: You’ll find several campgrounds with amenities, but the more remote sites on the western side of the park offer a challenge for those wanting a deeper survival experience.
Skills to Practice: Topographic map reading, first-aid, fire-starting in damp conditions.
3. Catskill Mountains: Steeped in Wilderness and History
The Catskills are a rugged mountain range that stretches over 700,000 acres in southeastern New York. A favorite for backpackers and survivalists, the Catskills are packed with hiking trails and primitive camping options. The terrain here will challenge your skills and force you to adapt to ever-changing conditions.
Campgrounds: The high-elevation sites along the Long Path and the Pine Hill-West Kill trail will provide solitude and allow you to practice backcountry survival.
Skills to Practice: Map and compass use, knot-tying, building improvised shelters.
4. Shawangunk Ridge: Rugged and Remote
If you’re looking for rugged, isolated terrain where you can disconnect and get serious about prepping, the Shawangunk Ridge is the place to be. This area offers everything from high cliffs to deep forests, making it a great location for testing your wilderness survival skills.
Campgrounds: The Sam’s Point area has several primitive campsites, but for the truly adventurous, the backcountry campsites off the main trails are the most secluded.
Skills to Practice: Shelter-building, hunting, foraging, signaling for help.
5. Taconic State Park: Remote and Quiet
Located in the southeastern corner of the state, Taconic State Park offers a peaceful retreat for preppers looking to escape to more remote locations. With its mix of dense woods and open fields, Taconic is a great spot to practice bushcraft and hone your fire-making techniques in a variety of environments.
Campgrounds: Several primitive campsites near Rudd Pond provide a more isolated experience. The Taconic Trail offers ample opportunities for backcountry exploration.
Skills to Practice: Water purification, creating traps, building effective shelters.
6. Finger Lakes National Forest: Lakeside Survival
The Finger Lakes region is known for its clear, deep lakes, and the national forest here is no exception. The forest offers several campsites located near water, which is ideal for learning fishing, water treatment, and utilizing natural resources. For a prepper, having access to a water source is a key factor in determining camp location.
Campgrounds: The Backbone Campground is situated in a secluded area, providing the perfect base for testing your outdoor skills.
Skills to Practice: Fishing, water purification, crafting tools from stone and wood.
7. Harriman State Park: Just a Stone’s Throw from the City
If you’re based in New York City, Harriman State Park offers a quick getaway without venturing too far. Despite its proximity to the city, Harriman is a large park with plenty of backcountry campsites, making it a prime spot for testing your survival skills in a relatively controlled setting.
Campgrounds: The park has both developed and primitive campsites, with remote sites along the Long Path and the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail.
Skills to Practice: Navigation, long-term food storage, night survival techniques.
8. Mohonk Preserve: A Nature Lover’s Sanctuary
This stunning preserve in the Shawangunk Mountains offers a variety of outdoor experiences, including backcountry camping for those who want to test their preparedness in a pristine, protected environment. It’s not just about camping here—it’s about integrating survivalism into the natural ecosystem.
Campgrounds: The preserve’s camping areas offer access to diverse habitats for testing different types of shelters and survival strategies.
Skills to Practice: Foraging for edible plants, emergency shelter-building, wilderness first-aid.
9. North-South Lake: Escape to the Catskills
Located in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, North-South Lake offers a prime location for preppers to practice their survival skills with access to both water and wilderness. The campsites here are well-established but also provide access to remote and less-visited backcountry areas.
Campgrounds: The North-South Lake Campground is ideal for beginner preppers, while the surrounding wilderness areas are perfect for more advanced survivalists.
Skills to Practice: Fishing, water filtration, natural navigation.
10. Lake Placid: Adventure and Survival Combined
Lake Placid is known for its winter sports, but it’s also an excellent spot for preppers. Located in the Adirondacks, this area offers both rugged terrain and access to water, making it a prime location for honing skills in a variety of environments.
Campgrounds: The area has several backcountry campsites that are ideal for testing both your survival gear and your ability to live off the land.
Skills to Practice: Winter camping, ice fishing, shelter-building in harsh conditions.
11. Green Lakes State Park: Beautiful and Practical
Located near Syracuse, Green Lakes State Park is a picturesque site with two glacial lakes. For preppers, this area offers the opportunity to practice survival in a relatively controlled environment while having easy access to clean water and fish. It’s a great location for testing emergency supplies and gear.
Campgrounds: The campgrounds offer access to lakeside camping with easy access to hiking trails and survival testing spots.
Skills to Practice: Fishing, emergency preparedness, first-aid skills.
12. Boreas Ponds: Remote and Rugged
For those who want to take their prepping to the next level, Boreas Ponds is a secluded, hard-to-reach location within the Adirondacks. The ponds and surrounding wilderness provide a truly isolated experience, perfect for testing your limits.
Campgrounds: Primitive campsites scattered around the ponds and accessible only by trail offer solitude and immersion in nature.
Skills to Practice: Water sourcing, navigating in isolation, long-term food storage.
13. Saranac Lake: A Prepper’s Oasis in the Wild
Saranac Lake offers a unique combination of wilderness, beauty, and remote camping. The region is home to multiple campgrounds and backcountry sites that are ideal for preppers looking to test their survival skills without too much interference from modern civilization.
Campgrounds: The surrounding forest and lake make it a great location for testing shelter-building, hunting, and trapping.
Skills to Practice: Fishing, fire-making, water filtration.
14. Ticonderoga: Fort and Wilderness
Ticonderoga is known for its historic fort, but the surrounding wilderness offers much more for a prepper. With its location near Lake Champlain, it’s a great area for practicing aquatic survival skills, navigation, and wilderness shelter building.
Campgrounds: Primitive campsites along the Lake Champlain shore provide a mix of history and survival experience.
Skills to Practice: Shelter-building, historical knowledge, water sourcing.
15. Allegany State Park: Large and Diverse
This massive state park offers a mix of forest, open land, and mountainous terrain. It’s perfect for preppers looking to test out a variety of survival techniques in one area.
Campgrounds: The park has several established campgrounds with primitive sites for serious survivalists.
Skills to Practice: Tracking, shelter-building, foraging.
16. Balsam Lake Mountain: A Peak Experience
For a real challenge, head to Balsam Lake Mountain. With a summit offering panoramic views and a remote setting, it’s a great place to work on your prepper skills in a more challenging environment.
Campgrounds: Several backcountry campsites along the mountain trails allow for extensive wilderness testing.
Skills to Practice: Hiking, navigation, fire-making in high altitudes.
17. Wilson State Park: Secluded Wilderness
This state park in the southern part of the Adirondacks is known for its wild, remote setting. It’s perfect for testing your backcountry survival skills without distractions from other campers.
Campgrounds: With its rugged terrain, the campgrounds are isolated, offering an excellent testing ground for preppers.
Skills to Practice: Navigation, bushcraft, water sourcing.
18. Hither Hills State Park: Coastal Survival Skills
Located on Long Island, Hither Hills State Park offers a different type of wilderness compared to the dense forests of the Adirondacks or Catskills. The coastal environment here is perfect for practicing coastal survival skills, such as fishing, foraging, and beach shelter-building.
Campgrounds: The park’s oceanside campsites provide access to both forests and beaches, offering an ideal setting for water-based survival practices.
Skills to Practice: Coastal foraging, fishing, shelter-building on sandy terrain.
19. Montauk Point State Park: Coastal Retreat
At the farthest tip of Long Island, Montauk Point offers some of the most remote, rugged coastal terrain. Ideal for preppers looking to master survival skills along the coast, Montauk combines the harshness of the sea with wilderness challenges.
Campgrounds: With limited campsites near the lighthouse and surrounding terrain, it’s a great spot for testing survival tactics and gear for coastal environments.
Skills to Practice: Saltwater fishing, sea survival, emergency signaling.
20. Rondout Reservoir: Off the Beaten Path
Located in the Catskills, the Rondout Reservoir is a hidden gem for preppers looking for a remote site. The reservoir and surrounding forest offer a pristine location to test your skills, especially for water sourcing and aquatic survival techniques.
Campgrounds: There are few established campgrounds here, and most camping requires a trek into more isolated areas.
Skills to Practice: Fishing, water filtration, long-distance hiking.
21. Seward Mountain: Rugged Adirondack Challenge
For preppers looking for a serious challenge, Seward Mountain provides the rugged terrain and remote setting you need to put your survival skills to the test. This area is perfect for training in altitude, exposure, and long-term survival practices.
Campgrounds: The lack of established campsites makes it an ideal spot for backcountry camping.
Skills to Practice: Altitude survival, trail navigation, advanced fire-building.
22. Palisades Interstate Park: Urban Escape
Located just across the river from New York City, Palisades Interstate Park offers a surprising escape into nature with cliffs, woodlands, and riverside spots. It’s ideal for prepping if you’re located in or near the city but need to retreat into nature.
Campgrounds: With easy access to the city but a wild atmosphere, this park is perfect for weekend getaways with a focus on survival training.
Skills to Practice: Urban escape planning, water purification, minimal camping.
23. High Peaks Wilderness: Ultimate Prepper Challenge
High Peaks is home to New York’s highest mountains, offering terrain that will test even the most seasoned prepper. This area offers an abundance of backcountry campsites in a rugged, remote wilderness environment, perfect for serious long-term survival practice.
Campgrounds: Remote campsites only accessible by foot, making it ideal for experienced preppers.
Skills to Practice: Wilderness navigation, shelter-building, winter survival.
24. Otter Creek: Off the Grid
If you’re looking for a true off-the-grid experience, Otter Creek offers remote backcountry camping perfect for preppers wanting to disconnect entirely. Located near the Adirondacks, it offers both water access and forested terrain for testing your survival skills.
Campgrounds: Primitive camping sites scattered throughout the area provide a true wilderness experience.
Skills to Practice: Fire-starting without matches, fishing, stealth camping.
25. Lake George Wild Forest: Nature’s Bounty
The Lake George Wild Forest offers abundant resources for preppers, including clean water, wild food sources, and shelter-building materials. The extensive trail network and forested terrain make it a perfect location for a comprehensive survival practice.
Campgrounds: A mix of primitive and established campsites throughout the area provides varying levels of challenge for preppers.
Skills to Practice: Wild edibles, trap-setting, crafting survival tools.
26. Zaleski State Forest: Wilderness Exploration
While technically just over the border in Ohio, Zaleski State Forest has become a popular choice for preppers looking to challenge themselves in the wild. Its isolation and rugged terrain make it a great spot for practicing long-term survival techniques.
Campgrounds: Zaleski offers few established campsites, so you’re likely to be in complete isolation.
Skills to Practice: Navigation, stealth camping, fire-starting in wet conditions.
27. Cherry Ridge Wilderness Area: Seclusion and Silence
Cherry Ridge is one of the most remote camping locations in New York State, offering a deep wilderness experience. This location is perfect for practicing survival skills in an isolated environment, far from civilization.
Campgrounds: With minimal infrastructure, this area is ideal for those wanting to test their true survival skills.
Skills to Practice: Long-term shelter-building, wilderness foraging, tracking.
Additional Tips for Preppers Camping in New York:
Be Prepared for the Weather: New York’s climate varies greatly depending on the region, so make sure to check weather reports before heading out. The Adirondacks can be cold, even in summer, while the Catskills can have sudden weather shifts.
Carry Essential Survival Gear: Always have a survival kit with essentials such as a knife, fire starter, first-aid kit, flashlight, water purifier, and food rations.
Know Your Water Sources: Many of these campsites offer access to lakes and rivers, but always purify your water. Knowing how to filter water and make it potable is a crucial prepper skill.
Practice Leave No Trace: Be respectful of nature. Take everything you bring and leave no trace of your stay.
Consider Emergency Communication: It’s a good idea to carry a satellite phone or radio in case of emergency, especially in more remote areas.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re looking for an off-the-grid retreat, a basecamp for your bug-out plan, or just a place to test your survival skills, New York State has something to offer every prepper. From the dense forests of the Adirondacks to the rugged peaks of the Catskills, each of these campsites provides a unique environment for prepping, learning, and honing your skills. So, gather your gear, pick a spot, and get out there—your next survival training adventure awaits!
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