Mongaup Pond Campground

For New Yorkers seeking a true escape from the constant buzz of city life and a deep dive into nature, Mongaup Pond Campground in Livingston Manor is a quintessential Catskills destination. Tucked away in the beautiful Catskill Forest Preserve, this campground offers a unique opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the great outdoors. With its impressive 120-acre Mongaup Pond as a centerpiece, surrounded by dense woodlands, it's a place where the sounds of nature replace notifications, and starry nights outshine city lights.

Mongaup Pond Campground is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), ensuring a focus on conservation and providing a well-maintained, yet naturally rugged, camping experience. It’s known for its large, wooded campsites, many of which offer stunning views or direct access to the pond. This campground appeals to campers who truly value a dense forest environment and a sense of seclusion. While some recent experiences have highlighted challenges with staff interactions and strict rule enforcement regarding campsite occupancy and vehicle limits, the overarching appeal for many New Yorkers remains its ability to foster a quiet, natural environment where families and friends can genuinely reconnect without the distractions of the modern world. It's a place where bringing a simple FM radio for music becomes a delightful part of the "unplugged" experience, as one satisfied camper noted.

Mongaup Pond Campground is nestled at 231 Mongaup Pond Rd, Livingston Manor, NY 12758, USA, deep within the Catskill Forest Preserve in Sullivan County. This location places it firmly within one of New York's most beloved and accessible natural playgrounds, making it a popular choice for residents from across the state, particularly those in the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, and the greater New York City metropolitan area.

Accessibility to Mongaup Pond is generally straightforward, though it requires navigating some winding country roads typical of the Catskills. From Route 17 (Future I-86), take Exit 96 at Livingston Manor. Follow County Road 81 & 82 for about 6 miles to DeBruce, then turn left onto Mongaup Road and continue for approximately 3 miles to reach the campground. The journey itself offers a scenic transition from developed areas to the wild beauty of the forest. While the campground offers a remote feel, its connection to major state routes ensures it remains within reasonable driving distance for many New Yorkers. It's important to note that cell service is famously non-existent here, a feature many campers cherish as it truly allows for an "unplugged" experience. Therefore, printing directions or downloading offline maps before you depart is highly recommended for a smooth arrival.

• Tent and Trailer Sites: The campground offers 163 tent and trailer sites, accommodating a variety of camping setups. Each campsite typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate.

• Flush Toilets and Hot Showers: Essential amenities include flush toilets and hot showers, providing a significant comfort for campers. There is a shower building in Loop G (near Campsite 161) with accessible features.

• Potable Water: Drinking water is available throughout the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh water.

• Trailer Dump Station: For RV and trailer campers, a convenient dump station is available for waste disposal.

• Picnic Area and Pavilion Rental: There is a dedicated picnic area with tables and grills, and a picnic pavilion is available for rental, ideal for day-use gatherings or larger group events.

• Boat Launch and Rentals: A hand-launch boat launch is available for canoes, kayaks, and rowboats (electric trolling motors are permitted). Canoe, rowboat, and kayak rentals are also available on-site, making it easy to get out on Mongaup Pond.

• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase at the campground, making it convenient for campers to enjoy a campfire (only dead and down wood from within the park may be used, and no chainsaws are permitted).

• Recycling Center: The campground provides a recycling center to encourage environmentally responsible camping.

• Pay Phones: Given the lack of cell service, pay phones are available for essential communication, a helpful feature for emergencies or quick calls.

• Accessible Sites and Facilities: Several campsites (Sites: 72, 75, 79, 88, 90, 162) are designated as accessible for mobility-impaired individuals. The shower building in Loop G and a fishing/viewing platform in the day-use area are also wheelchair accessible.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are permitted at campsites with proof of current rabies vaccination, provided they are leashed (max 6 feet), not left unattended, and kept out of facility structures, the beach, and day-use areas.

• 120-Acre Mongaup Pond: The largest body of water in Catskills Park outside of the NYC reservoirs, offering ample opportunities for fishing, paddling, and swimming at the designated sandy beach (when lifeguards are on duty).

• True "Unplugged" Experience: With no cell service, Mongaup Pond Campground provides a rare opportunity to completely disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with nature and loved ones, a highly valued feature for many seeking a true break.

• Extensive Hiking Trails: The campground serves as a trailhead for numerous hiking opportunities, including the 1.5-mile Mongaup Pond Loop trail, and connects to the larger 45+ mile Big Indian Wilderness and Willowemoc Wild Forest trail systems, catering to various hiking preferences.

• Large, Wooded Campsites: Many campsites are generously sized and heavily wooded, offering a sense of privacy and immersion in the forest environment.

• Pristine Forest Preserve Setting: Surrounded by protected Forest Preserve land, the campground boasts a serene and natural setting, promoting wildlife viewing and a peaceful atmosphere.

• Family-Friendly Activities: Beyond camping, popular pastimes include swimming in the lake, relaxing in the picnic area, and boating, making it an excellent destination for families.

• Environmental Education Programs: The campground hosts environmental and recreational programs from July to September, enhancing the outdoor learning experience for visitors of all ages.

• Winter Activities: During the colder months, the park offers opportunities for snowmobiling, extending its recreational appeal year-round.

• Proximity to Catskill Fish Hatchery: Located just 3 miles from the campground, the Catskill Fish Hatchery offers an interesting educational side trip.

As a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) campground, Mongaup Pond Campground operates under a standardized fee structure, rather than offering frequent commercial promotions or discount codes. The camping fee is generally set at $22 per night, with an additional $5 per night surcharge for non-New York State residents.

While specific "promotions" for Mongaup Pond itself are uncommon, campers should be aware of state-wide policies and booking advantages. Reservations can be made up to nine months in advance via ReserveAmerica, the state's official booking platform, which is crucial for securing popular sites, especially during peak season (July 1 to Labor Day). During this peak period, there's a limit of 14 cumulative nights permitted at any DEC campground, ensuring fair access for all.

Occasionally, the DEC may announce specific initiatives or adjustments to their operating procedures, such as allowing same-day reservations until 5 PM on the day of arrival, as seen in past communications. For the most up-to-date information on fees, reservation policies, or any general state park initiatives that might offer value, New Yorkers should always consult the official NYSDEC website or the ReserveAmerica platform for Mongaup Pond. The primary "offer" here is the consistent, accessible, and affordable opportunity to enjoy a high-quality state-maintained outdoor experience.

Address: 231 Mongaup Pond Rd, Livingston Manor, NY 12758, USA

Campground Phone: (845) 439-4233

Mobile Phone: +1 845-439-4233 (Note: While a mobile number is listed, be aware there is no cell service at the campground itself, so this number would be for external contact or if staff are at a location with service.)

Regional DEC Office Phone (for broader inquiries): (845) 256-3099

Reservations: Reservations can be made online via ReserveAmerica or by calling 1-800-456-CAMP (1-800-456-2267).

For New Yorkers seeking a genuine outdoor retreat, Mongaup Pond Campground in Livingston Manor is an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination. Its location deep within the Catskill Forest Preserve provides an immediate sense of escape from urban environments, yet remains within a manageable driving distance for residents across the state. This accessibility means less time spent traveling and more precious moments dedicated to enjoying nature and connecting with loved ones.

What truly makes Mongaup Pond ideal for locals is its commitment to providing an "unplugged" experience. In a world saturated with digital distractions, the lack of cell service is not a drawback but a cherished feature, allowing families and friends to truly disconnect and engage with their surroundings and each other. This fosters the kind of genuine connection and community often sought, but rarely found, in today's fast-paced society. As one camper noted, it encourages a serene atmosphere where you can "shut off the outside world."

Despite some reported challenges with staff interactions, the inherent value of the campground's natural setting and extensive amenities shines through. The 120-acre Mongaup Pond offers endless opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling, while the vast network of hiking trails invites exploration of the Catskills' beautiful forests. The presence of flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station provides essential comforts, balancing the rustic feel with practical needs. For New Yorkers eager to embrace a quiet, family-friendly camping experience that prioritizes nature immersion and genuine connection, Mongaup Pond Campground offers a unique and invaluable opportunity right here in our backyard. It's a place where the simple joys of a campfire, a starry sky, and the quiet beauty of the Catskills truly come alive.

Mongaup Pond Campground

231 Mongaup Pond Rd, Livingston Manor, NY 12758, USA