Bear Canisters Required in Adirondacks Starting April 1 — No Joke!

Camping Requirements in NY? Starting April 1, No Jokes!

Spring is here, trails are opening, and overnight trips into the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness are calling… but starting April 1, there’s one serious rule you can’t ignore.

Bear canisters are required by law, and this isn’t an April Fools’ joke.

Why a Bear Canister Matters

Think of it as insurance for your food — and your sanity.

READ MORE: Eyes Open, Trash Secured - Bears Are Back in New York

A curious bear can easily snatch your backpack, snacks, and anything else with a scent. Losing all your gear in one swipe could cost way more than a bear-resistant canister.

Don’t Want to Buy One? Rent!

Not ready to drop cash on a canister? No problem. Several local retailers offer bear canister rentals. You can pick one up at:

• The Mountaineer – Keene Valley
• High Peaks Interpretive Center – ADK Loj
• Cloudsplitter – Newcomb
• Hoss’s – Long Lake
• Blue Line Sports – Saranac Lake
• St. Regis Canoe Outfitters – Saranac Lake
• High Peaks Cyclery – Lake Placid
• EMS – Lake Placid
• Paul Smith's VIC
• Frontier Town Gateway
• Otto's Abode – Wanakena

Get our free mobile app

Plan ahead — make sure pickup and drop-off hours fit your itinerary.

Bear Canister Rules in the Adirondacks

The NYSDEC requires overnight campers to use bear-resistant canisters in the Eastern High Peaks Wilderness from April 1 through November 30.

They also encourage canister use throughout the Adirondacks.

• Store all food, trash, toiletries, and scented items inside the canister.
• Keep it at least 100 feet from tents, lean-tos, and cooking areas.
• Always keep it closed unless you’re accessing it.

For all the details on bear canisters and avoiding bear encounters, check the NYSDEC guide.