Map showing campground location near Big Indian, New York

Camper submitted image from Slide Mountain Wilderness Roadside Campsite

Slide Mountain Wilderness Roadside Campsite

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Two primitive campsites sit off a small parking area along a road in the Big Indian Wilderness, managed by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. One site is larger and positioned to the left, adjacent to a pit toilet; the other sits closer to marshy land among trees. Both have creek access, with visible beaver activity reported nearby. Cars pass occasionally, so expect some road noise. The trailheads for Slide Mountain and Panther Mountain are a short drive west, making this a practical base for day hikes in the Catskills.

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Map & DirectionsSlide Mountain Wilderness Roadside Campsite is located in New York near Big Indian

Public Campground

Coordinates

41.99651593 N
74.4661254 W

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Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

54 min from Kingston, NY
1 hr 17 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
1 hr 34 min from Albany, NY
2 hrs 4 min from Pittsfield, MA

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Reviews1 Camper Review - Slide Mountain Wilderness Roadside Campsite

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out of 5

1 Review

Tommy S.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 28, 2020

State Land Roadside Campsites

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 stayed towards the left, which was slightly closer to the road, but was much larger and next to a pit toilet house. The other site was nestled intimately among the trees, and closer to marshy land. Both sites are have access to the creek, which showed active signs of beavers in the area. Some of the land behind the sites have No Trespassing signs, as it belonged to the local YMCA, but there is an info board by the parking area which labels the camping areas as state land. The sites were very clean and quiet, though you will hear occasional cars driving by.

There are a couple trailheads 5-10 minutes west down the road, Slide Mtn and Panther Mtn. I took a hike up to a vantage point along the Panther Mtn., which has a great view of the Catskills. There are also many campsites along this trail and at the top, but after a significant hike uphill. The nearest areas for fuel/food are Phoenicia to the north, or Ellenville to the south.

Month of VisitMay

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping spots in Slide Mountain Wilderness?

Slide Mountain Wilderness Roadside Campsite offers two primitive camping spots with distinctly different characteristics. The site to the left of the parking area is larger and situated closer to the road, making it more accessible but with slightly more road noise. It includes the benefit of being adjacent to a pit toilet. The site to the right is more secluded, nestled further from the road among the trees, offering more privacy but less space. The small parking area can accommodate several vehicles, but spots fill quickly during peak season, especially weekends. Arrive early to secure your preferred site.

What permits or regulations do I need for camping in Slide Mountain Wilderness?

No permits are required for camping at the Slide Mountain Wilderness Roadside Campsite. This is a free, primitive camping area operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Standard Catskill Forest Preserve regulations apply, including properly storing food to prevent wildlife encounters, carrying out all trash, and following Leave No Trace principles. Campfires should be kept within established fire rings when conditions permit. Group size is limited, and camping is restricted to designated sites only. For the most current regulations, check with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation before your trip.

What hiking trails are near camping areas in Slide Mountain Wilderness?

The campsite provides excellent access to several popular Catskill hiking trails. The Slide Mountain Trail, leading to the highest peak in the Catskills at 4,180 feet, is accessible nearby. Giant Ledge Trail offers spectacular panoramic views with less strenuous hiking, making it perfect for day trips from camp. The Woodland Valley-Denning Trail traverses through the wilderness area, connecting to other notable peaks. Cornell and Wittenberg mountains are also accessible via connecting trails. Many hikers use this campsite as a base for tackling portions of the Long Path or completing multi-peak adventures in the region.

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