Camping in the Catskills

[Jacon]

Hey all,

My buddy and his wife are looking for a nice weekend camping trip in the Catskills next weekend. Pretty mellow (5 miles of hiking or less, probably), and dog-friendly. I have lots of suggestions for the Whites but that's too far, as they live on Long Island.

Any suggestions? Much appreciated.

Jacon

[AOC]

If they're looking to stay at an established campground, North-South Lake near Haines Falls is open until Oct. 22 - good hiking nearby to North Mt. and Stoppel Point and along the escarpment trail. Woodland Valley campground near Phoenica is open to Oct. 7 (Wittenberg, Cornell, Slide Mts.), and Devil's Tombstone campground (Stony Clove) is also open to Oct. 7 (Hunter Mt., Plateau Mt., Diamond Notch Falls). Pets allowed with proof of vaccination.

[Jacon]

Thanks this is great. Any you particularly recommend?

[AOC]

North-South Lake is the most scenic with the most hiking options and mellowest trails (campsites are more expensive there than at other Catskill campgrounds); 2nd choice would be Woodland Valley - somewhat secluded but the shortest hike to Wittenberg Mt. is a stiff climb. Devil's Tombstone is right off Route 214 and is the least scenic IMO.

[Jacon]

Thank!

Apparently there is now a 100 character minimum on posts...

[spydermonkey]

Hunter Mountain is a great pseudo-loop (If I remember correctly it is like a mile or a half mile of walking on a dirt road at the end to get back to your car.) The John Robb Lean-to is brand spanking new as of last year, and it is a nice scenic spot on the back of the popular ski-resort mountain.

It could easily be done in a day, but I've hiked it with a big slow family group and my girlfriend before by hiking up the steep ridge for like 3 miles to the Lean To late in the afternoon, then hang out at the awesome lean-to (or camp illegally right next to the trail in an amazing, sunny, grassy field...the rangers didn't mind when they talked to me.) Next day do the 6 or 7 miles up and down the next ridge.

Good hike