Bear Spring Mountain Campground & Day Use Area
- Dates of Operation: See campground schedule
- Camping Fee: $18 per night (out of state residents surcharge additional $5 per night)
- Address: 512 East Trout Brook Road, Downsville, NY 13755 (directions below)
- GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude): 42 07 11.76201N, 075 04 10.45445W
- Campground Phone: (607) 865-6989
- Regional Office Phone: (607) 652-2032
- Make Your Camping Reservation: ReserveAmerica
Check out the virtual tour for this facility! (leaves DEC's website)
Bear Spring Mountain Campground & Day Use Area Map (PDF) || DECinfo Locator
Firewood Restriction Map (PDF) shows the 50-mile radius from which untreated firewood may be moved to this campground. Help prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases by following New York's firewood regulation.
Bear Spring Mountain is located in the western end of the Catskill Forest Preserve. 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.
The facility is broken into two distinct areas, the Launt Pond Area (the main campground) and the Spruce Grove Area which is 3.5 miles from the campground office. The Spruce Grove Area is equipped with pit toilets. The hot showers, rest rooms and garbage disposal area are all located in the Launt Pond Area. Spruce Grove campers have access to all amenities, however they will be a drive from their camping area.
Amenities
41 tent and trailer sites; picnic area with tables, grills, playground, horseshoe pits, 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. Please note: There are no horse rentals available at this campground. Proof of current negative Coggins Certificate is required for all horses entering the campground. Out-of state horse owners will be required to produce a 30-day health certificate Patrons must carry each horse's health papers with them at all times.
Campsite Restoration Project
This campground has sites that have been selected for restoration. While undergoing restoration the chosen sites will be closed. For the list of sites and more information on the project visit the Campsite Restoration Project page.
Featured Activities
No motor boats allowed. Rowboats, canoes and kayaks allowed. Rowboat, canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals available.
Launt Pond is stocked with brown trout every spring. Fishing licenses are no longer being sold at any of our campground facilities, but can be conveniently purchased on-line or by phone.
Just South of Launt Pond on E. Trout Brook Road the Corral Spur and Launt Pond Spur trail can be accessed via a small parking area. The Launt Pond Spur Trail connects into the larger Bear Springs Wildlife Management Area trail system. The Spruce Grove Spur and the State Hill Trail can be accessed via the Spruce Grove camping area. Both trails connect into the larger Bear Springs Wildlife Management Area trail system.
A swimming beach is available * Please take note the swimming facilities at this location are not supervised by a lifeguard or other responsible person. In place of on-site supervision, this facility has established a series of safeguards to be followed by all guests, the details of which are outlined in a brochure presented to customers upon arrival at the facility.
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.
Get driving direction from Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
Planning and Management
The Bear Spring Mountain Unit Management Plan (PDF, 3.6 MB) (UMP) guides the DEC's land management activities at this facility for a ten-year period, although a number of goals and objectives in the plan focus on a much longer time period. The UMP addresses specific objectives and actions for public use at this facility.
Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety
DEC campground rules and regulations
Clean your boat and equipment - help prevent the spread of aquatic invasives
Don't move firewood - help prevent of spread of invasive insects
Additional Information
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.
Junior Naturalist Program
Our campgrounds become an outdoor classroom for young children (5-13) and their families. Enjoy games and activities to earn a beautiful embroidered patch.
