Bear Spring Mountain DEC Campground offers equestrian enthusiasts dedicated facilities for camping with horses near Kirkwood, New York. The terrain features a mix of wooded trails and open meadows at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,500 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below 10°F, while summer temperatures typically range from 65-80°F during camping season.
What to do
Trail exploration for all levels: Bear Spring Mountain campground connects to trails beyond the 24-mile bridle path network mentioned in reviews. Campers note the diverse terrain options. "Nothing but woods all around! Endless hiking and beautiful steams - you can drink straight from the pipes!" reports Kimberly S. from Bear Spring Mountain — DEC.
Water recreation: For non-equestrians, the pond offers fishing and paddling opportunities. "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," notes J G. from Bear Spring Mountain. Families often combine water activities with hiking during summer months.
Wildlife viewing: The Catskill region supports diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and numerous bird species. Visitors should follow proper food storage protocols. One camper at Lackawanna State Park notes, "The trails are fun for relaxing hikes, we especially like the one right along the lake" where wildlife sightings are common.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: The lower visitor density compared to more popular Catskill destinations creates a peaceful experience. "We were there in May and there were plenty of empty sites so it was nice and quiet," mentions Mayra D. about Bear Spring Mountain DEC. This makes it ideal for those seeking solitude, especially during weekdays.
Natural water sources: Multiple campers mention the natural springs and streams throughout the area. "You can drink straight from the pipes!" notes one enthusiastic review. These natural springs maintain flow even during drier periods, providing reliable water access for both horses and campers.
Extended season options: While primary services run mid-May through late August, shoulder season camping offers unique experiences. "We would love to come back in the winter when they have an ice rink with a warming house," shares Michael from Lackawanna State Park Campground, noting that some nearby facilities offer winter activities.
What you should know
Varying site privacy: Campsite layout varies significantly across the region. "Campsites are nested in a deep shady mature forest, and peaceful and quiet due to the wooded aspect and spacing of sites," explains Janet R. from Lackawanna State Park. However, others note that "some are a little close to each other, but others offer plenty of space."
Seasonal considerations: Regional campgrounds typically operate from mid-May through October, with reduced services during shoulder seasons. Peak horse trail usage occurs from June through August, potentially affecting trail conditions and campground atmosphere.
Facility maintenance: Bathroom and shower facilities receive regular cleaning but can vary in condition. "The bathrooms were the cleanest we've ever experienced at a campground," reports Samantha S. from Keen Lake Resort Campground, while others note occasional maintenance issues at different properties.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: The region offers diverse activities beyond equestrian trails. "My kids absolutely love it and always have something to do. They have activity coordinators that make sure there is something to do for all ages every hour of the day!" shares Mike H. from Keen Lake Resort Campground, highlighting organized programming.
Site selection: Families should research specific site characteristics. "We had a great time despite cold wet weather. Our site was probably one of the worst in the place but we were able to scope out others that we would prefer for our next visit," mentions Emily Z., recommending lakeside sites for families at Keen Lake.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly, especially during spring and fall. "We stayed one night when it happened to rain all evening. So, we stayed inside our camper," reports Amy V. from Lackawanna State Park, emphasizing the need for contingency plans.
Tips from RVers
Hookup reliability: Electrical services can vary between campgrounds. "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained," notes David from Lackawanna State Park, suggesting checking with management about recent electrical upgrades.
Site sizing and access: RV sites in horse campgrounds typically accommodate larger rigs but may have specific requirements. "Camped here for a weekend... the campsites are all very small and packed tight," reports another reviewer, contrasting with others who found "nice large sites" at different loops.
Dump station access: Not all equestrian campgrounds offer full-service hookups. Some provide dump stations only. "We stayed in the fairly new ledges loop that are all full hookup sites. Nice large sites, beautiful area," notes cheryl M., highlighting the importance of researching specific facility offerings.
Ranger
