Devils Tombstone Campground

For New Yorkers who truly appreciate the rugged beauty of the Catskill Mountains and prefer a more primitive, back-to-basics camping experience, Devils Tombstone Campground in Elka Park, NY, offers a unique opportunity. As one of the oldest campgrounds in the Catskill Forest Preserve, this site is renowned for its deep immersion in nature, surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the region. It's a destination for those who prioritize challenging hikes and a genuine wilderness feel over extensive amenities, making it a compelling choice for the adventurous local looking to truly unplug.

Devils Tombstone Campground is nestled deep within Stony Clove, a dramatic pass slicing through Hunter Mountain and Plateau Mountain. This geographical feature not only contributes to the campground's picturesque setting but also positions it as an ideal basecamp for serious hikers. While it's certainly a primitive campground, emphasizing a "carry-in, carry-out" philosophy, it provides the essential foundations for an authentic outdoor adventure. Its small, wooded sites are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, each offering a picnic table and a fireplace or charcoal grill for classic campfire cooking and gatherings. Visitors often highlight the raw, untamed beauty of the area, making it a truly immersive experience for those who appreciate unspoiled landscapes. Though not for everyone, those who understand and seek a more rustic approach to camping will find Devils Tombstone to be a captivating and rewarding destination, a true haven for escaping the urban sprawl and embracing the wild heart of the Catskills.

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Devils Tombstone Campground is strategically located at NYS, NY-214, Elka Park, NY 12427, USA. This placement is particularly significant for New Yorkers, as it situates the campground in a core area of the Catskill Forest Preserve, specifically within the Stony Clove. This deep mountain pass makes the campground an exceptional jumping-off point for some of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in the Eastern United States, including sections of the infamous Devil's Path. From New York City and its surrounding metropolitan areas, the drive typically takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic and exact starting point. Access to the campground is primarily via major state routes, such as the New York State Thruway (I-87), transitioning to scenic local roads like NY-214, which winds directly through Stony Clove. While the campground is right next to the main road, visitors should be aware that the natural setting means cell phone service can be limited (some T-Mobile users report no service), encouraging a true disconnect from digital life. Despite its primitive nature, its proximity to renowned hiking trails and the raw beauty of the Catskills makes it a highly accessible and desirable destination for local outdoor enthusiasts.

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• Primitive Tent & Trailer Sites: Devils Tombstone Campground offers 24 individual sites primarily suited for tents and smaller trailers (up to 20 feet in length). Each site includes a picnic table and a fireplace or charcoal grill.

• No Hookups: It's important to note that this is a primitive campground, meaning there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available at the campsites. Campers should be prepared for dry camping.

• Potable Water Spigots: While individual site water hookups are absent, potable water spigots are available throughout the campground for public use.

• Vault Toilets: Restroom facilities consist of vault toilets (outhouses). Visitors should be prepared for basic, primitive sanitation options.

• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase on-site, a convenient service for campers looking to enjoy campfires.

• Carry-In, Carry-Out Facility: Devils Tombstone operates under a strict "carry-in, carry-out" policy. There are no recycling or refuse disposal facilities provided, so campers are responsible for removing all their trash.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed within the campground but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under control at all times. Proof of rabies vaccination is required. Pets are not allowed in facility structures or on the beach (if applicable to a nearby swimming area).

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• Direct Access to Hiking Trails: Devils Tombstone is renowned as an ideal basecamp for serious hikers. The campground's trails directly connect to the Devil's Path, one of the most challenging and iconic trails in the Northeast, and offer access to peaks like Hunter Mountain (with its historic fire tower), Indian Head, and West Kill Range.

• Notch Lake: The campground is adjacent to Notch Lake, a small, shallow lake within the preserve. While swimming and boating are generally not permitted on Notch Lake itself, its presence contributes to the scenic beauty of the area.

• Stony Clove Setting: Located deep within Stony Clove, the campground is surrounded by towering peaks and dramatic mountain scenery, offering a truly immersive natural experience.

• Children's Playground: Despite its primitive nature, the campground does offer a children's playground. Visitors should note that reviews suggest the equipment may be older or basic.

• Picnic Areas: In addition to individual site picnic tables, there are dedicated picnic areas with tables and fireplaces or charcoal grills for day use.

• Sports Amenities: Features like a volleyball court and horseshoes are available, offering basic recreational activities.

• Wildlife Viewing: The deeply forested and wild setting provides ample opportunities for wildlife observation and bird-watching.

• Primitive Camping Experience: This is a key highlight for those seeking a true "roughing it" or backcountry-style camping experience within a designated campground, emphasizing self-reliance and minimal modern distractions.

• Historic Significance: As one of the oldest campgrounds in the Catskill Forest Preserve, it holds a unique place in the history of New York's outdoor recreation.

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As a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) campground, Devils Tombstone operates under a standardized fee structure. Unlike private campgrounds, you typically won't find specific promotional discounts or special offers in the traditional sense (e.g., "buy one night, get one free"). However, there are general policies and considerations for booking that New Yorkers should be aware of:

• Standard State Park Rates: Fees for campsites are set by the DEC and are generally consistent across their primitive campgrounds. There might be a base fee per night, with additional charges for out-of-state residents (which would not apply to New Yorkers).

• Reservation System: Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season (typically July and August) and holiday weekends, as this is a popular spot for hikers. Reservations can be made online through the Reserve America platform or via their call center (1-800-456-2267). Same-day reservations are allowed until 5 PM on the day of arrival.

• Shoulder Season Opportunities: Camping outside of the busiest summer months (e.g., late spring and early fall) often provides a more tranquil experience with fewer crowds, although specific "discounts" on rates might not be explicitly advertised.

• Empire Pass (Day Use): While the Empire Pass doesn't apply to overnight camping fees, it provides unlimited day-use vehicle entry to most New York State Parks and DEC forest preserve facilities. If you plan to visit other state parks for day trips during your camping excursion, this pass can offer savings on entry fees.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on current rates, reservation policies, and any specific alerts or seasonal operating dates, it is always best to consult the New York State Parks website or the Reserve America booking portal for Devils Tombstone Campground. This will ensure you have all the necessary details before planning your primitive Catskills adventure.

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• Address: NYS, NY-214, Elka Park, NY 12427, USA

• Phone: (845) 688-7160

• Mobile Phone: +1 845-688-7160

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For many New Yorkers, the allure of the Catskill Mountains lies in their ruggedness and the promise of true wilderness. Devils Tombstone Campground perfectly embodies this appeal, making it an excellent choice for local adventurers who seek an authentic, no-frills outdoor experience. Its location deep within Stony Clove, directly on NY-214 in Elka Park, ensures that some of the most challenging and rewarding hiking trails in the Northeast are literally at your doorstep. This direct access to the Devil's Path, Hunter Mountain, and other iconic peaks is a significant draw for serious hikers from the New York area who often travel hours for such opportunities.

While it's important to understand that Devils Tombstone is a primitive campground with basic amenities—vault toilets and no hookups for RVs—this is precisely its strength for a certain type of local camper. It offers a genuine chance to disconnect from urban conveniences and immerse oneself in nature, relying on personal preparation and the beauty of the surroundings. For those who appreciate the quiet solitude of a wooded campsite with a fire pit and picnic table, and are comfortable with a "carry-in, carry-out" approach to waste, this campground delivers an unparalleled back-to-basics experience within a relatively accessible distance from major New York cities. The raw, untamed beauty of the Catskill Forest Preserve, with its dense forests and dramatic landscapes, provides a stunning backdrop for true outdoor enthusiasts. The presence of a small playground, despite its simplicity, still offers a space for children, indicating that even in its primitive nature, the campground considers family elements, albeit for those accustomed to more rustic settings. This campground is for the New Yorker who finds solace in the sounds of the forest, the challenge of a strenuous hike, and the simple joy of a campfire under a starlit, unpolluted sky, making it a unique and cherished local gem for those truly seeking a wilder side of New York.

Devils Tombstone Campground

NYS, NY-214, Elka Park, NY 12427, USA