Bear Spring Mountain Wildlife Management Area encompasses 3,000 acres of forested terrain in the western Catskills. Equestrian campers find ample opportunities for trail riding throughout this destination. The campground sits at 1,900 feet elevation with terrain ranging from gentle rolling hills to steeper mountain paths suitable for various riding skill levels.
What to do
Hiking trails: Multiple paths wind through Bear Spring Mountain offering hikers of all abilities scenic routes. "Nothing but woods all around! Endless hiking and beautiful steams - you can drink straight from the pipes!" notes Kimberly S. The trail system includes a loop around Launt Pond ideal for casual walks.
Paddling on Launt Pond: Visitors can rent kayaks and paddle boats for water recreation during summer months. J G. reports, "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. Great flowers and nature."
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can try their luck at Launt Pond, which supports multiple fish species. The pond is easily accessible from the campground with designated fishing areas. Kevin T. mentions that "There is a lake, grills restrooms and showers. This is one of the more fancy campsites and is definitely worth it for only 18 dollars."
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: The remote setting of Betty Brook Camp provides solitude for those seeking peace. "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," shares Robert B. This primitive campsite offers streamside camping with minimal facilities.
Natural surroundings: The heavily wooded environment creates natural privacy between sites at many campgrounds in the area. Amanda P. from Bear Spring Mountain describes the experience as "Clean, private, and quiet! We had a blast!!" The natural setting allows campers to disconnect from urban environments.
Wildlife viewing: The wildlife management area designation means increased opportunities to observe native species. "Lots of wildlife! There are two areas for camping, check out both," states Amber A. Morning and evening hours provide the best chances for wildlife sightings near campground edges.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most equestrian campgrounds near Downsville, New York operate on limited schedules. Bear Spring Mountain campground runs from mid-May through late August only. Mayra D. mentions, "We were there in May and there were plenty of empty sites so it was nice and quiet."
Limited amenities at dispersed sites: Betty Brook Camp offers primitive camping without modern facilities. Peter notes, "It is rather remote, but it is right along West kill road. 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."
Trail conditions: Horse trails can become muddy after rainfall, particularly in spring. Plan accordingly with appropriate gear and footwear. The elevation changes throughout the area mean some trails require moderate fitness levels for both horses and riders.
Trail maps: Trail maps for horse-friendly routes are available at most campground offices. Many trails interconnect throughout the wildlife management area, allowing for rides of varying distances and difficulties.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Keen Lake Resort Campground offers structured programs for children. "They have activity coordinators that make sure there is something to do for all ages every hour of the day!" explains Mike H. Activities typically include crafts, games, and nature programs.
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature playground equipment for younger children. Becky S. notes that at Bear Spring Mountain, "Small playground was nice for the kids." These areas provide entertainment when not on the trails.
Swimming options: During summer months, designated swimming areas offer relief from heat. Shannon C. shares, "Each day we would paddle over to the swimming area on the lake. It was awesome. The kids had fun riding bikes on the road, which was off the main road."
Family fishing: Bring basic fishing gear for children to try catching sunfish in Launt Pond. "The kids caught multiple sunnies and even a small perch," reports Shannon C. New York fishing regulations apply, and adults need valid fishing licenses.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horses: When bringing horses to equestrian campgrounds near Downsville, select sites with adequate space for trailers and corrals. Not all designated equestrian sites accommodate larger rigs. Harry L. from Keen Lake Resort Campground advises checking facilities: "When we got to our site the sewer pipe was buried and we didn't know where it was, they sent someone out to our site within minutes."
Weather considerations: Prepare for variable mountain weather when RVing in this region. "The worst part though was when i did go and camp out for a week near the small pond part it rained and our campsite turned into a complete mud pit," warns Lou R. Sites on higher ground drain better after rainfall.
Water and electric access: Confirm hookup availability when reserving, as not all horse campgrounds offer full connections. Betty Brook Camp offers no hookups, requiring self-contained camping. Peter cautions, "I would not recommend this for large trailers. The site is fairly small."
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