Hey,
my girlfriend and a friend of hers want to go camping, somewhere that's an easy drive from the city. I suggested that if they don't want to be in or about a parking lot, this will involve some backpacking, which is an idea they're cautiously warming up to.

I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a camping spot that's
1) not too many hours from the city
2) pretty
3) not more than a mile or two from the trail head
4) (this might be asking way too much) isn't crowded or full of trash

does such a spot exist, or am i tripping?

many thanks for any advice,
p

go look at nynjtc maps at any outdoor store, i recommend harriman/bear mtn or catskills maps.
there are many short hikes to shelters/leantos. you can sleep in the leanto or set up a tent within 150 feet.
hunter mountain has 3 nice shelters and a loop hike 8 miles.
harriman is 45 minutes from the city and has tons of options. i recommend tom jones shelter, big hill, bald rocks, west mountain, all relativly close to trailhead.
good luck

link www.nynjtc.com click on viewpoint for discussion forums for other info etc

what Charlie said, plus, go on a weekday and you'll likely have the place to yourselves!

thanks for the info.
i picked up the adk guide to the catskills, which has some nice ideas in it.
when we narrow things down i'll get a map.