Turkey Point State Forest

• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 3 New Paltz Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:45 PM), (845) 256-3076; [email protected]
  • Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911- or - 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) 
    A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit.
• Location: Town of Saugerties, Ulster County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 3J
• Map: Turkey Point State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

Turkey Point is a 139-acre state forest in the Town of Saugerties in Ulster County, fronting on the Hudson River. Immediately to the south of Turkey Point is the county's Ulster Landing Park. The hills and terraces contain a small forested swamp, an open swamp, a few brushy fields, and a small conifer plantation, adding diversity to this relatively undeveloped property. It is historically significant as an anchorage for Henry Hudson. The remains of the ice house operated by the Knickerbocker Ice Company can be found along the river bank. A 200-foot-deep concrete dock provides fishing for species such as striped bass, not normally caught from shore.

Accessible Features

General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.

The former Coast Guard dock provides a fishing pier for people with disabilities (0.6 miles beyond the gate on Flatbush Camp Road, on a gravel-woods road). At the end of the road is a small parking lot with access paths leading to a 200-foot wharf, formerly owned by the U.S. Coast Guard, that has been converted to an accessible fishing pier on the Hudson River. The site is notable for its seclusion and shoreline access to the river's deep channel. The gated road also provides for motorized access by people with disabilities who would otherwise have difficulty accessing the site. Individuals who have obtained a Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities permit may call DEC's New Paltz office to open the gate by combination lock.

Directions

• From Route 32, turn east onto Ulster Landing Road. Turn left onto Flatbush Camp Road. Follow to the parking area. (42.016095°N,73.94566°W) Google Maps

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, preserve natural resources and be courteous to other backcountry visitors.

All visitors to Turkey Point State Forest must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all outdoor safety practices for their safety and the protection of the resource.

Target shooting is prohibited on this property.

Planning and Management

DEC has developed a West of Hudson Draft Unit Management Plan (PDF, 8.9MB) that will include Turkey Point State Forests and describes the proposed management activities for nearby state land units as well. In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Turkey Point Unit Management Plan. The UMP also contains detailed information on natural features, recreation, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife and much more. View the Turkey Point State Forest UMP (PDF) and the 2008 Amendment to Turkey Point UMP (PDF).

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please emails us at [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Bluestone Wild Forest in the Towns of Hurley and Kingston offers hiking, fishing, hunting, biking, picnicking and many winter activities as well.
• Tivoli Bays Wildlife Management Area is across the Hudson River, about a half-hour away, in the Town of Red Hook. It has hiking trails, canoe launches and is an excellent birding area. It is a unique marsh bird breeding area and an important staging area for migrating waterfowl.

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Lodging, dining, shopping and attractions can be found in the nearby communities of Saugerties (to the North) and Kingston (to the south)

Ulster County Tourism provides information about other recreation, attractions, and amenities in this area.

Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association for information on outdoor guides.