Devils Path Trail. Camp Area

For New Yorkers who crave an authentic wilderness experience and a true challenge, the Devil's Path Trail Camp Area, more commonly known as Devil's Tombstone Campground, in Elka Park, NY, offers an unparalleled opportunity. Nestled deep within the Catskill Forest Preserve, this site is not just a place to set up camp; it's a strategic basecamp for some of the most rigorous and rewarding hiking in the Eastern United States. It's a destination for those who seek to push their limits, immerse themselves in raw nature, and explore the legendary Devil's Path.

Devil's Tombstone Campground is one of the oldest campgrounds in the Catskill Forest Preserve, steeped in local lore and offering a truly primitive camping experience. It’s a small, intimate campground featuring wooded sites and a serene, shallow lake called Notch Lake. While swimming and boating are not permitted on Notch Lake, the calm waters provide a picturesque backdrop and a sense of tranquility. What truly defines this camp area is its direct connection to the famous Devil's Path Trail. This challenging trail, spanning over 21 miles, links the Indian Head and Hunter-West Kill Wilderness Trail systems, making the campground an ideal starting or resting point for serious hikers. Guests can expect a no-frills environment that prioritizes connection with nature over extensive amenities. It’s a place where the sounds of the forest and the allure of rugged mountain trails take center stage, offering a profound escape from urban life and a deep dive into the wild heart of the Catskills.

Devil's Path Trail Camp Area, officially Devil's Tombstone Campground and Day Use Area, is located off NYS Route 214 in Hunter, NY, though its proximity to Elka Park, NY 12427, means it's often associated with that hamlet. This location places it in Greene County, deep within the rugged and awe-inspiring Catskill Mountains of New York.

The campground's unique geographical position in Stony Clove, a "gash or cut in the body of mother earth," adds to its mystique and natural drama. It's rumored to have been a favorite haunt of the Devil in early Catskills settlements, with a large boulder known as the "Devil's Tombstone" still residing within the campground, adding a touch of historic and legendary interest.

Accessibility to Devil's Tombstone is generally straightforward. From the south, travelers can take the NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 19 at Kingston, then follow Route 28 West to Phoenicia, and then head north on NYS Route 214. The campground is situated along this route. Its pivotal location makes it a common access point for the Devil's Path, which crosses directly through the campground's day-use area. For day hikers or backpackers, there are multiple parking areas and trailheads along the Devil's Path in the Indian Head Wilderness, including the Notch Lake Parking Lot directly at Devil's Tombstone Campground, as well as others like Prediger Road and Roaring Kill. While offering a remote feel, the campground is within reasonable driving distance of local villages that provide restaurants, shops, and other attractions, allowing for resupply or a meal after a strenuous hike.

Devil's Tombstone Campground, as a primitive camping area within the Catskill Forest Preserve, focuses on providing essential services for a rugged outdoor experience. It's important to note that it's a carry-in, carry-out facility, meaning campers are responsible for removing all their refuse. Services typically include:

• Tent and Trailer Sites: The campground offers 24 designated tent and trailer sites, each providing a space for campers to set up.
• Picnic Tables and Fireplaces/Grills: Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fireplace or charcoal grill, allowing for outdoor cooking and enjoyment of campfires (fires must be built in provided fireplaces, and only dead and down wood can be used; no chainsaws are allowed).
• Notch Lake: The presence of Notch Lake within the campground provides scenic views and a tranquil environment, though swimming and boating are not permitted.
• Restroom Facilities: Pit/vault toilets are available for campers.
• Water Spigots: Water spigots are provided for potable water access.
• Playground: A children's playground is available for younger campers, offering a space for play.
• Recreational Facilities: Basic recreational facilities such as volleyball and horseshoes are often available.
• Hiking Trail Access: Direct access to the Devil's Path Trail and other hiking opportunities.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood may be available for sale on-site, though campers are encouraged to verify this upon arrival.
• Limited Seasonal Operation: The campground typically operates from mid-May to early September.

It's important to be self-sufficient when visiting, as extensive modern amenities found in commercial campgrounds are not the focus here. Campers should be prepared for a more rustic experience.

Devil's Path Trail Camp Area (Devil's Tombstone Campground) is celebrated for several key features and highlights that draw a specific type of outdoor enthusiast:

• Direct Access to Devil's Path: This is arguably the campground's most significant highlight. The renowned Devil's Path Trail, considered one of the most challenging hikes in the Eastern United States, crosses through the campground's day-use area. This makes it an ideal basecamp for hikers looking to tackle segments or the entirety of this demanding, rugged trail, which involves significant elevation gains and losses, and often requires hand-over-foot climbing.
• Catskill High Peaks Exploration: From the campground, hikers can access trails leading to some of the highest peaks in the Catskills, including Hunter Mountain (home to New York State's highest historic fire tower), Indian Head, Twin Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain, Plateau Mountain, and West Kill Range. This offers unparalleled opportunities for peak-bagging and breathtaking views.
• Primitive Camping Experience: For those who prefer a more rustic and less commercialized camping experience, Devil's Tombstone offers wooded sites that provide a true sense of being immersed in the wilderness. It's a place to disconnect and embrace nature.
• Historic and Natural Intrigue: The campground's location in Stony Clove and the presence of the "Devil's Tombstone" boulder add a unique layer of local history and mystery to the natural setting.
• Junior Naturalist Program: For families with younger children (ages 5-13), the campground sometimes offers a Junior Naturalist Program, turning the outdoors into an educational and engaging classroom.
• Proximity to North-South Lake Campground Amenities: While Devil's Tombstone is primitive, more extensive facilities like swimming, boating, and showers are available just 8 miles away at the larger North-South Lake Campground, offering a convenient option for those seeking additional amenities.
• Scenic Beauty: The small, shallow Notch Lake and the surrounding dense forests provide a beautiful and serene environment, perfect for enjoying the tranquility of the Catskills.
• Wildlife Viewing: Being situated within a vast forest preserve, the area offers opportunities for wildlife observation.

As a state-operated campground (under NYSDEC), Devil's Tombstone Campground generally follows standardized pricing and policies, and large-scale commercial promotions or "special offers" in the traditional sense are not typically available. The focus is on providing an accessible and well-maintained public camping experience. However, it's worth noting the established fee structure:

• Standard Camping Fee: The camping fee is generally $16 per night.
• Out-of-State Surcharge: Non-New York residents will typically incur an additional surcharge, often around $5 per night.
• ReserveAmerica Booking: Reservations are typically made through the ReserveAmerica platform, which handles the standard booking process and fee collection.

There are no known individual promotions or discounts offered directly by the campground beyond the standard state park system pricing. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, availability, and booking, it is always recommended to check the official New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) website for Devil's Tombstone Campground or the ReserveAmerica booking portal. Any specific events, like organized hikes or naturalist programs, would be announced through official DEC channels rather than commercial promotions.

For inquiries and reservations related to the Devil's Path Trail Camp Area (Devil's Tombstone Campground), please use the following contact information:

Address: NYS Route 214, Hunter, NY 12442 (The physical location is within the Elka Park/Hunter area.)

For Camping Reservations: ReserveAmerica (the official booking platform for NYSDEC campgrounds).

Campground Phone: (845) 688-7160

Regional Office Phone: (607) 652-2032

It's important to note that the physical address provided in the initial prompt (Elka Park, NY 12427, USA) refers to the general area, while the DEC and ReserveAmerica often list the address as Hunter, NY, due to the specific road access. Always refer to the official DEC and ReserveAmerica websites for the most accurate and up-to-date booking and contact details.

For New Yorkers who are serious about hiking and crave a genuinely immersive wilderness experience, the Devil's Path Trail Camp Area (Devil's Tombstone Campground) is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination. Unlike more amenity-rich private campgrounds, Devil's Tombstone embraces a primitive approach, offering a raw and authentic connection to the Catskill Forest Preserve. This appeals directly to locals seeking to escape the urban sprawl and truly disconnect in nature's embrace.

Its unparalleled access to the infamous Devil's Path Trail is the primary draw. This rigorous trail, known for its steep ascents and descents and challenging terrain, provides an incredible physical and mental test. For experienced hikers or those looking to expand their limits, having this world-class trail literally at their doorstep is invaluable. Furthermore, the campground serves as an ideal base for exploring other Catskill High Peaks like Hunter Mountain, Indian Head, and West Kill Range, offering endless opportunities for breathtaking views and challenging adventures. While reviews for the campground specifically were not available, the nature of primitive camping means a focus on the essentials, and the state-operated nature ensures basic facilities like picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets. The presence of a playground and the occasional Junior Naturalist Program also indicate a family-friendly aspect, making it suitable for introducing younger generations to the joys of rustic camping. For New Yorkers passionate about hiking, seeking a profound outdoor challenge, and valuing a pure wilderness experience over glamping luxuries, Devil's Path Trail Camp Area provides the perfect, accessible gateway to the rugged beauty of the Catskills.

Devils Path Trail. Camp Area

Elka Park, NY 12427, USA