Bear Spring Mountain
Address: 512 East Trout Brook Road, Downsville, NY 13755
Campground Phone: (607)865-6989
Regional Office Phone: (518)357-2289
Camping Fee: $17
Campground Map PDF File (187 KB)
PARK CLOSURE: In response to the continuing fiscal crisis of New York State, three DEC campgrounds with very low occupancy rates will not open for the 2009 camping season. These campgrounds are: Bear Spring Mountain, Poke-O-Moonshine, and Poplar Point. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Bear Spring Mountain is located in the western end of the Catskill Forest Preserve offering primitive camping and Launt Pond in all its beauty. The campgrounds beach, boat rental, and multi-use trail system offers fun for all ages. For the horse riding enthusiast, Spruce Grove camping and trail system is one of a kind facility in the Catskill region. This region is also known for its excellent hunting and fishing.
Hours of Operation: The campground opens in mid-May and remains open until Labor Day.
Directions: From Route 17 (Quickway) to Exit 90, East Branch take Route 30 north to Shinhopple; turn left on East Trout Brook Road, proceed 4-5 miles, campground is on right.
Amenities: 41 tent and trailer sites; picnic area with tables, grills, volleyball and pavilion rental; rowboat, canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals; firewood sales; trailer dump station; recycling center; flush toilets and hot showers at Launt Pond Area; boat launch; sand beach; 24 horse tie stalls and horse accessible ramp; 24 miles of multi-use trails.
Boating: No motor boats allowed. Rowboats, canoes and kayaks allowed. Rowboat, canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals available.
Fishing: Launt Pond is stocked with brown trout every spring. The stream flowing through the campground also has very good fishing areas.
Hiking: Miles of horse trails along the two ridges are used for hiking, hunting, and mountain bikes.
Day Use Facilities: Picnic area, pavilion rental, and swimming beach available.* Please take note that at facilities that offer swimming beaches, there are days which lifeguards are unavailable. For the safety of our customers, these beaches will not be open and swimming will be prohibited.
Area Attractions: Antiquing, restaurants, and shopping nearby.
Historic Interest: The New York State Conservation Department took ownership of the area in 1961 and an informal camping program began. In 1966, development of a beach, bathhouse, picnic areas, and parking facilities was undertaken. In 1985, it was decided to upgrade the facilities and establish the 50th campground. In 1994, the Spruce Grove Area with 14 campsites was upgraded to become the Horseman Camping Area of the Catskills.
