Mount Tremper sits between the eastern Catskill Mountains and the Hudson Valley in New York. The region features diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 800 to 2,400 feet and numerous streams and ponds suitable for fishing. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer averages 75-85°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Horse enthusiasts can access multiple bridle paths at Bear Spring Mountain near Mount Tremper. A visitor noted, "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. There is a hiking loop that goes around the pond."
Stream fishing: Betty Brook Camp offers stream access for fishing enthusiasts. According to camper Robert B., "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."
Hiking network: North-South Lake Campground connects to extensive trail systems including the Catskill Escarpment. One reviewer mentioned, "This campsite is by far my favorite in the Catskills! Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable, bathrooms & beach areas are always clean, & the hiking nearby is fantastic. A lot of the hiking nearby is also relatively easy."
What campers like
Swimming options: Many equestrian campgrounds include water recreation. One North-South Lake visitor stated, "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time."
Private campsites: Bear Spring Mountain — DEC offers secluded sites for those seeking quieter horse camping experiences. A camper noted, "Clean, private, and quiet! We had a blast!"
Well-maintained facilities: Several horse-friendly campgrounds maintain clean facilities. According to one North-South Lake visitor, "Great restrooms cleaned every morning staff was very friendly, awesome!! This campground has many different size sites big enough for groups and small for just single."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Book equestrian sites well in advance, particularly for waterfront locations. One camper advised, "Clean and well run campground with beautiful lakes and surrounded by trails. perfect Hudson getaway. Reserve very early for waterfront."
Seasonal popularity: Avoid peak holiday periods for less crowded conditions at horse campgrounds. A regular visitor noted, "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."
Terrain considerations: Betty Brook Camp and similar sites may present challenges for larger trailers. A local resident warned, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly amenities: Select campgrounds with appropriate facilities for children. One visitor reported, "Large family friendly campground with all the amenities - boating, showers, great hiking."
Accessible hiking options: Look for trails suitable for various skill levels. A camper shared, "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot. We had a wonderful weekend there. The restrooms were clean and had showers, which we did not expect."
Playground access: Bear Spring Mountain provides play areas for younger visitors. A reviewer mentioned, "Small playground was nice for the kids."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose appropriate-sized spaces for your rig. One camper advised, "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."
Limited maneuverability: Some equestrian campgrounds near Mount Tremper have steep roads challenging for RVs. A visitor warned, "Small place, not a whole lot to do. Brought bikes but the roads were way too steep."
Utility availability: Country Campsites offers hookups for RV campers with horses, providing electric service and sewer connections. Water access points are available throughout the campground, allowing for proper hydration of horses.
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