The Catskill Mountain region surrounding Delhi, New York offers designated equestrian camping areas with specialized facilities for riders and their horses. Situated at elevations between 1,500-2,200 feet, this region maintains cooler summer temperatures compared to surrounding lowlands, with evening temperatures often dropping into the 50s even during July and August. Most horse camping facilities operate seasonally from May through October, with trail conditions varying significantly based on recent rainfall.
What to do
Trail riding at various difficulty levels: Bear Spring Mountain features extensive trail networks suitable for riders with different experience levels. "Middle of Nowhere! Nothing but woods all around! Endless hiking and beautiful steams - you can drink straight from the pipes!" notes Kimberly S. about Bear Spring Mountain.
Fishing in nearby ponds: Launt Pond at Bear Spring Mountain offers fishing opportunities during summer months. According to Mayra D., "Cute and friendly campground by Launt pond :) We were there in May and there were plenty of empty sites so it was nice and quiet."
Explore remote woodland areas: Betty Brook Camp provides access to more isolated riding terrain. Robert B. explains, "Love to camp here all year long have been coming to the area for a couple of decades now. Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream." Betty Brook Camp offers a more secluded experience for riders seeking solitude.
Swimming opportunities: Many local campgrounds offer swimming in natural bodies of water during summer months. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," shares Lizz H. about the North-South Lake area.
What campers like
Spacious sites for horse trailers: Campers appreciate the accommodation of larger vehicles at several equestrian campgrounds. "This campground has many different size sites big enough for groups and small for just single. Great place to camp," explains Eliany L. about North-South Lake Campground.
Clean facilities: Regular maintenance of shared spaces receives positive mentions. Amanda P. notes that Bear Spring Mountain offers "Clean, private, and quiet! We had a blast!!"
Stream access for horses: Several sites feature natural water sources where horses can drink and cool off. Peter describes Betty Brook Camp: "There's a stream alongside it, a fire pit, and a town about 8 mi away. It's a small town, with just a gas station store."
Wildlife viewing: The forested Catskill terrain supports diverse wildlife populations. Amber A. shares about Bear Spring Mountain: "Lots of wildlife! There are two areas for camping, check out both though one smells kind of like a barn. Site was typical of state park campgrounds, all up to expectations. Obey bear rules!"
What you should know
Primitive camping options: For those seeking basic accommodations, several forest campgrounds provide minimal facilities. "Camped here on a Thursday night in late September. Only found one designated campsite, which was available, but there's a lot of good space for dispersed camping right nearby," reports Cameron about Charles E. Baker State Forest.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the region close during winter months. North-South Lake Campground operates from "May 19 to October 22," according to their official season information.
Limited services in rural areas: Many campsites are located significant distances from towns with services. Peter notes that near Betty Brook Camp, "It's a small town, with just a gas station store. I would not recommend this for large trailers."
Horse manure management expectations: Equestrian campers must follow specific waste management protocols. Matt A. shares about Charles E. Baker: "Beautiful forest with miles of trails. I found this spot passing through on my bike and had no problem pitching a tent in a secluded spot in the woods."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with playgrounds: Some campgrounds offer child-friendly facilities. "Small playground was nice for the kids," mentions Becky S. about her experience at Bear Spring Mountain.
Consider water activities: Ponds and lakes provide entertainment options for children. J G. recommends: "There is an area for day use where you can rent a paddle boat or kayak to go out on the water. Highly recommended if you like hiking." North-South Lake Campground offers multiple water-based recreation opportunities.
Plan for varied weather: Mountain elevations can experience significant temperature fluctuations. Chris D. shares his North-South Lake experience: "I'm a native of the Catskills and spent many an afternoon with my family enjoying the facilities at North/South Lake. I've recently started going there again with my own family and it's great to see them take the same enjoyment I did. Camping, swimming, hiking, boating, biking, this place has it all."
Avoid holiday crowds: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak periods. Tara L. advises about North-South Lake: "North South lake is one of the larger public camp grounds in New York. The sites are well spaced out. Great for families. The lake is huge. Avoid holidays to avoid the crowds."
Tips from RVers
Check road access carefully: Rural access roads may present challenges for larger rigs. Peter cautions about Betty Brook Camp: "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small, but it's in state park, and there's tons of walking that can be done."
Consider generator restrictions: Many campgrounds limit or prohibit generator use. Matt A. notes about primitive camping: "There are official camp spots with water access which are also free to use," highlighting natural alternatives to powered amenities.
Research dump station availability: Not all equestrian campgrounds offer waste disposal facilities. Cameron explains about Charles E. Baker State Forest: "Only giving 4 stars because the best free sites have water pumps and vault toilets, but this is a great camping experience."
Legend
