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The Peekamoose Valley

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

The Peekamoose Valley, near the scenic Rondout Creek in New York, is a primitive campground that offers a back-to-nature experience for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. With a variety of sites spread across upper, middle, and lower fields, you’ll find plenty of space to set up your tent or RV and enjoy the great outdoors.

This campground is all about simplicity, featuring fire pits at each site and access to the beautiful creek for some refreshing water activities. Visitors have noted the peaceful ambiance, with the soothing sounds of the river and wildlife providing a perfect backdrop for relaxation. One camper mentioned, “At night, the only noise you’ll hear is from the river and animals in the forest,” which really captures the essence of this spot.

For those who enjoy hiking, the Peekamoose Valley serves as a great base for exploring nearby trails. Campers have shared their experiences of stunning sunsets along the river and the thrill of discovering the area's natural beauty. Just remember, this is a no-frills location—there are no showers or drinking water, so come prepared.

While some sites are a bit more accessible than others, the overall vibe is laid-back and welcoming. If you’re looking for a quiet retreat where you can truly connect with nature, Peekamoose Valley is worth checking out.

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Location

The Peekamoose Valley is located in New York

Detail location of campground

Directions

To Peekamoose Valley Primitive Campsites and Trails: Take Route 28 from Kingston or Boiceville to 28A (wraps around the southern side of the Ashokan Reservoir, New York City's water supply) to Watson Hollow Road (County Route 42), then continue south past the Kanape Trailhead. The Peekamoose Mountain Trailhead and campsites will be on your right several miles down. As an alternative, take State Route 209 to State Route 55 to a right on County Route 153 (bordering the west side of the Rondout Reservoir, just before Grahamsville), then continue on Route 153 (Sundown Road) till it becomes Route 42 (Peekamoose Road). Campsites and trailhead are on your left. (41.91590°N, 74.443422°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)

Coordinates

41.91603295 N
74.44331875 W

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Connectivity

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews

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6 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 2, 2021

PeekaMoose should be renamed Tic-a-Moose

Peekamoose is a very nice place if you’re into the primitive thing. I suppose it’s my fault for not doing my due diligence. 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, But the terrain was so rough it almost didn’t help. 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. Other then those negatives the “ Blue Hole” is amazing and it’s quite beautiful to stay right on the creek. Oh, did I mention the Tics!??

Site006
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of The Peekamoose Valley by Guy M., June 2, 2021
  • Review photo of The Peekamoose Valley by Guy M., June 2, 2021
Reviewed Apr. 14, 2021

A quiet night by the river

We stayed here mid-March and although it was a little chilly at night, overall a great spot. We got to the spot at around 4pm, and choose a spot in the “upper field”, although we didn’t see anyone at the lower spots on the road. The upper field spots have a little more flat area and were more secluded. The only thing was there was no port-a-potty at the upper field. There was a fire pit with lots of wood available and flat ground for tents. The area was pretty big and we walked down the river to watch the sunset which was beautiful. At night, the only noise you’ll hear is from the river and animals in the forest which is of course an added benefit! In the morning we went hiking, and there are lots of cool hikes close by to do so. Really cool spot, can’t wait to return.

  • Review photo of The Peekamoose Valley by Nora S., April 14, 2021
  • Review photo of The Peekamoose Valley by Nora S., April 14, 2021
  • Review photo of The Peekamoose Valley by Nora S., April 14, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Feb. 13, 2021

Winter camping

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! A few benches, and no trash cans so take your trash with u.

  • Review photo of The Peekamoose Valley by Kelsey , February 13, 2021
  • Review photo of The Peekamoose Valley by Kelsey , February 13, 2021
  • Review photo of The Peekamoose Valley by Kelsey , February 13, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2020

Nice, Free, Primitive Campground

There are three campgrounds (upper, middle, and lower field) and a trailer field for a total of 24 campsites. Calling them “fields” might be misleading - they’re heavily wooded areas by a river. I slept in the middle field. On a Wednesday night in early September I had the whole campground to myself. 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. Good water access with the river. At the middle field, you have to walk 200+ feet from the parking lot to your campsite, so just be prepared to carry your stuff. I got there long after dark: had to stumble around a little in the dark to figure out where the campsites were, but it wasn’t too bad. Highly recommended.

  • Review photo of The Peekamoose Valley by Cameron , October 1, 2020
  • Review photo of The Peekamoose Valley by Cameron , October 1, 2020
  • Review photo of The Peekamoose Valley by Cameron , October 1, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Sep. 28, 2020

Easily accessible primitive campground

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). BUT  the other sites are nice right by the river, and there is plenty of privacy between spots. It is not remote though (road is right next to you so you hear cars/ can see 1 house with lights, although I had no service). There was 1 portapotty. Overall it was nice because it was an easy walk-in site. First come first serve.

Site6
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Sep. 18, 2018

Next to no amenities but nice

This is a cute little campground between the Peekamoose Road and Rondout Creek. It’s actually a set of 4 campgrounds, the lower field, the middle field, the upper field, and the trailer field. All of the sites are walk in except for the trailer field, which I didn’t look at. There are fire pits at each marked site and one port-a-poty at each of the four campgrounds. No cell service whatsoever (Verizon). I did a bit of picking up litter and broken glass while I was there.

Spent one night here and enjoyed it a lot. It was nice to walk in but still be close enough to leave the food in the car rather than hanging the food up. Will be back soon!

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of The Peekamoose Valley by Mollie R., September 18, 2018
  • Review photo of The Peekamoose Valley by Mollie R., September 18, 2018
  • Review photo of The Peekamoose Valley by Mollie R., September 18, 2018
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Peekamoose Blue Hole camping located in the Sundown Wild Forest?

The Peekamoose Valley camping area is located in the Sundown Wild Forest, nestled between Peekamoose Road and Rondout Creek in the Catskills region of New York. The camping area consists of four distinct sections: the lower field, middle field, upper field, and trailer field. These wooded camping areas provide a natural setting along the river, offering a serene forest experience rather than open fields despite their names. The location serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding wilderness and accessing the popular Peekamoose Blue Hole swimming spot.

Do I need a permit or reservation for camping at Peekamoose Blue Hole?

No formal reservation system exists for the primitive campsites at Peekamoose Valley. The 24 campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with busier periods typically occurring on weekends. However, for visiting Peekamoose Blue Hole itself (the swimming area), you need to obtain a free permit during peak season. Check with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for current permit requirements, as regulations for this popular swimming destination may change. Always verify current rules before your visit.

What is the parking situation at Sundown Wild Forest Peekamoose campground?

Parking at the Peekamoose Valley campground requires some planning as most sites are walk-in only. Parking areas are available near the camping fields, but campers must carry their gear from their vehicles to their sites. The distance varies depending on which field you're camping in, with some campers reporting multiple trips needed to transport equipment. Only the trailer field offers direct vehicle access to sites. Consider bringing a wagon or cart to help transport your gear, especially for the lower field sites which have longer walks from the parking area.

What activities can you do near Peekamoose Valley camping area?

The Peekamoose Valley offers numerous recreational opportunities. Hiking is popular with multiple trails accessible from the camping area, including routes to Peekamoose Mountain. The adjacent Rondout Creek provides excellent spots for fishing, wading, and relaxing by the water. Swimming at the famous Peekamoose Blue Hole is a highlight when permitted. The heavily wooded setting is perfect for nature observation and photography. Campfires are allowed in the established fire pits at campsites, making evening gatherings enjoyable. The area's natural beauty and secluded atmosphere also make it ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the woods.