2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
State forests and wilderness areas surrounding Downsville, New York offer diverse tent camping opportunities in the western Catskills region, ranging from drive-in lakeshore tent campsites to backcountry sites requiring a short hike. Alder Lake provides both drive-in and walk-in tent sites with several secluded spots along the lakeshore. The Peekamoose Valley, located within reasonable driving distance, features primitive tent campsites in three distinct wooded areas (upper, middle, and lower fields) along Rondout Creek. Beals Pond State Forest offers dispersed tent camping with minimal amenities for those seeking a more remote experience. Giant Ledge Primitive Camp provides backcountry tent camping options for hikers willing to trek into more isolated terrain.
Tent sites throughout the region vary significantly in terrain and accessibility. Most primitive tent camping areas feature basic fire rings but lack drinking water, requiring campers to filter from streams or pack in their own supply. The walk-in tent sites at Alder Lake require a hike of less than half a mile for the closest spots, with additional sites spaced along a mile-long trail. Ground conditions are generally soft and suitable for tent stakes, though some areas become muddy after rain. Port-a-potties are available at some locations like Peekamoose Valley, but many backcountry tent sites have no facilities whatsoever. A standard 14-day stay limit applies to most public land camping in the region.
Tent campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere as a primary draw to the area. According to one visitor at Alder Lake, "The campsites are very spacious with lots of room between you and other campers," making it ideal for those seeking solitude. Another camper at Peekamoose Valley noted, "At night, the only noise you'll hear is from the river and animals in the forest." Early arrival is recommended during summer weekends, as one reviewer reported finding the parking areas completely full by mid-morning. Wildlife sightings are common, with several campers mentioning evidence of beaver activity near creeks and bears in more remote areas. Most tent campsites near Downsville feature ample shade from the dense forest canopy, providing natural cooling during summer months.
"We arrived here early afternoon, which ended up being perfect timing as we could set up everything and catch sunset by the fire."
"There are several beautiful, secluded hike-in sites along the lake which I would love to return to someday. The hike around the lake is a lovely, easy walk."
"Get tracking poles if you don't already have some. Very helpful here. This was one of my favorite weekend backpacking trips."
"However the descriptions of this place in reviews here and elsewhere provided very little info and once I got out to the trail realized how different it was to what I expected."
"Quiet, next to a lightly trafficked road. There was a port a potty. Campsites in middle field are just clearings with fire pits and nothing else. Soft ground for staking a tent. Very few bugs."
"This was a good campground for a base point for hiking around the peekamoose area. I stayed in the middle field campground site #6 (which is the worst spot on that field)."
Available this weekend
from $130 / night
"There are two primitive campsites at this location. The small parking area can accommodate several cars. One site is to the left, one to the right."
"We really loved this spot- it was relaxing to listen to the sounds of the creek and not having any camping neighbors. The night sky was filled with stars and we even saw a rocket."
from $75 / night
from $50 / night
ScoutOctober leaves starting to fall makes for a very quiet, peaceful midweek evening in one of the two dispersed car camping sites. Exactly what I was hoping for - private and empty and lovely. Easy to find - two dispersed car sites are to the left at the fork in the road before the trailhead.
ScoutI stayed here in March 2026 for a night before going snowboarding at Belleayre Mountain. It was in the middle of a snowstorm on a Tuesday night, so I had the whole place to myself, which was nice.
Travelerbeautiful quiet space, great home base for the Catskills and small towns around here. note there's only a few spots. road conditions were fine.
ScoutThis clothing-optional campground has a highly toxic, intrusive, and vindictive environment. During my stay, the seasonal permanent residents('perms') subjected me to intense harassment, inappropriate sexual advances, and severe social retaliation/rumor-spreading when those advances were rejected. The situation escalated to the point where an employee had to intervene for my safety. Furthermore, despite management allowing my photo to be taken in costume at a party, I was intentionally blocked from the community group where the photos were posted, leaving me unable to monitor how my image was being used. Avoid this place if you value your privacy, personal boundaries, and safety.
RangerI'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
GuideWe went the 2nd week of October and seems like we had just missed the foliage peak but it was still beautiful.
Everyone minded their business and most sites were 2-4 people, showers were clean and warm but the kind where you gotta push the button every 30 seconds. Toilets were clean and running smoothly (we were in the southernmost loop, closest to the camp office)
No cellphone reception but we could get satellite signal to text our loved ones that we were alive and well!
We loved the hiking and especially kayaking on the pond
GuideWe were in campsite 20 with lots of room. The first night we were there we were near very loud groups which was difficult to sleep through. The next night everyone cleared out and we had a peaceful crowd. Bathrooms are nice, the park has great hiking trails and a nice day use area! There is also an area where we can rent canoes. I would definitely return, just wish there was a little more crowd control.
ScoutWe really loved this spot- it was relaxing to listen to the sounds of the creek and not having any camping neighbors. The night sky was filled with stars and we even saw a rocket. I also appreciated having an outhouse on site- i would say the only downside was having to take our bag of poop+pee out with us when we left (site rules). The only other thing that was bothersome was being told that wood is provided at the site and then not realizing until after we got there that we would have to Venmo the owner $10 per bundle (I don’t mind paying, just wouldn’t been nice to know ahead of time that it wasn’t included in the price). I recommend this site for anyone who enjoys privacy and doesn’t mind a detox from WiFi.
GuideReally liked it. Love the layout, with camp sites having mowed paths to the restrooms and showers in the middle of each loop. Nicest showers and rest rooms we have seen so far. Each site has brush between them so you can not see your neighbors. Pretty, quiet, relaxing. The groomed hiking trails are the best and Arctic Lake is beautiful. Staff were so nice, and loved doing the scavenger hunt!
Tent campsites near Downsville, New York range from roadside clearings to secluded backcountry sites at elevations between 1,200-2,800 feet. The region's mixed hardwood forests provide natural windbreaks at many campsites, with seasonal temperature variations typically 5-10 degrees cooler than valley locations. Most primitive camping areas require visitors to pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Hiking to fire towers: Several trails near Giant Ledge Primitive Camp offer access to historic fire towers with panoramic views. "We hiked all the way to where it starts going vertical up Panther Mountain, and turned back to our campsite as it was getting dark by then. I want to go back and go all the way up Panther. Looks like a great hike," writes Tina D.
Winter camping options: The Peekamoose Valley area remains open year-round for those prepared for cold-weather camping. One camper notes, "Camped out at one of the sites by the river and it was amazing, no one was around except a man far from our site. Good walking distance to the car especially in the cold!"
Creek swimming: Multiple camping areas provide access to creek swimming, with some sites directly on the water. A camper at Peekamoose Valley reports, "The 'Blue Hole' is amazing and it's quite beautiful to stay right on the creek."
Seclusion from crowds: Campers seeking privacy should target the less accessible sites. At Alder Lake, Erik C. notes, "There are several beautiful, secluded hike-in sites along the lake which I would love to return to someday. The hike around the lake is a lovely, easy walk."
Wildlife viewing: Evidence of beaver activity appears frequently in camper reports. A reviewer at Slide Mountain Wilderness Roadside Campsite observed, "Both sites have access to the creek, which showed active signs of beavers in the area."
Level tent pads: Many primitive sites feature naturally flat areas ideal for tent setup. One visitor to Peekamoose Valley mentioned, "The upper field spots have a little more flat area and were more secluded. There was a fire pit with lots of wood available and flat ground for tents."
Variable site conditions: Weather affects accessibility and comfort. A visitor to Beals Pond State Forest cautions, "This state forest is beautiful but not easily accessible in the winter. After a certain point, the road is not maintained in the winter and I was unable to get cell reception with Verizon."
Peak season crowds: During summer weekends, arrive early to secure camping spots. A disappointed visitor to Alder Lake reported, "We arrived around 11:00 am and the parking lot was already packed and cars were lined up along the road. We grabbed one of the three spots that were left."
Tick prevention: Several campers mention tick encounters in warmer months. One Peekamoose Valley camper warned, "Peekamoose should be renamed Tic-a-Moose" and explained they had significant tick issues during their stay.
Proximity to vehicles: For families with young children, choose sites with minimal walking distance from parking areas. At Peekamoose Valley, one visitor advised, "I was in the lower area and had to walk pretty far with everything and make at least 6-8 trips for each load-in and out. I went and bought a wagon after the first day to carry the firewood down to our site."
Site selection tips: Not all sites provide equal privacy or convenience. A camper notes about Peekamoose Valley, "Site #6 is directly on the path, so people camping past you need to actually walk through your site and I feel it was more awkward for them as well."
Pit toilet locations: For families with children who need bathroom access, note that facilities are often centralized rather than near individual sites. One camper at Upper Esopus Creekside Camp mentioned the property is "a perfect basecamp for hiking the Catskills" with amenities that make it suitable for families.
Limited RV access: Most tent camping areas near Downsville have restricted RV access. One Alder Lake visitor with an RV van noted, "Was not the easiest for my RV van to get up the hill with the ruts, but I have a small lift so it helps, lower clearance vans might not make it."
Parking constraints: RV camping options are primarily limited to designated trailer fields. At Peekamoose Valley, there's a separate "trailer field" area, but the terrain makes access challenging for larger vehicles.
Road conditions: Forest roads leading to many camping areas may have ruts or rough sections. One Alder Lake camper advised, "The place is pretty easy to access with paved road the whole way there except for the last 1/2 mile where it is very bumpy. Some might say 4*4 but we made it just fine in our little Camry."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Downsville, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Downsville, NY is Alder lake with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Downsville, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 45 tent camping locations near Downsville, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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