Upper Esopus Creekside Camp

For New Yorkers yearning for a truly secluded and immersive outdoor experience, Upper Esopus Creekside Camp in Big Indian, NY, offers a unique and highly sought-after opportunity. Unlike many public campgrounds, this private retreat provides a remarkable sense of solitude and direct access to the pristine wilderness of the Catskill Mountains. It’s an ideal destination for those who prioritize peace, quiet, and a deep connection with nature, all within a manageable drive from urban centers.

Upper Esopus Creekside Camp is situated on 100 acres of private land, offering a rare chance to enjoy the Catskills without the crowds often found in more public areas. Its defining feature is its location directly on the world-famous Esopus Creek, providing a constant soothing soundtrack of flowing water and opportunities for various water-based activities. The camp is often described as a "primitive camp" but with thoughtful amenities that enhance comfort, bridging the gap between rustic camping and a more comfortable "glamping" style, particularly with its well-appointed main tent. This destination is perfect for individuals, couples, or groups who wish to use it as a basecamp for exploring the surrounding high peaks or simply to unwind in a natural, undisturbed setting.

Upper Esopus Creekside Camp is nestled at 50 Rustic Rd, Big Indian, NY 12410, USA. This address places it deep within the scenic Big Indian-Oliverea Valley, an enchanting part of the Catskill Mountains known for its rugged beauty and towering peaks. The camp is surrounded by seven 3500-foot Catskill High Peaks, including Slide Mountain, which, at 4180 feet, is the tallest in the Catskills.

The camp boasts being the closest private Hipcamp site to Slide Mountain, making it an exceptional basecamp for serious hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Beyond Slide Mountain, the area is minutes from numerous trailheads leading to other prominent peaks like Balsam, Giant Ledge, Panther, and Big Indian. This unparalleled access to some of the best hiking in the Catskills is a significant draw for local adventurers.

While offering a feeling of deep wilderness, the camp remains accessible. It is approximately a 40-minute drive from Kingston, 1 hour and 20 minutes from Albany, and 1 hour and 22 minutes from Kiryas Joel, making it a viable weekend escape for many New York residents. The drive itself along NY-28, a major route through the Catskills, is scenic and straightforward. Upon arrival at the corner of Brown Road and Rustic Road, visitors are directed to the camp by clear campfire signs, ensuring an easy navigation to this hidden gem.

Upper Esopus Creekside Camp prides itself on providing a unique blend of rustic camping with essential comforts. Here's a look at the services and provisions designed to make your stay enjoyable:

• Private, Exclusive Camping: The camp is situated on 100 acres, and crucially, it is a PRIVATE camp, meaning there are no other campers on the property during your stay unless otherwise arranged. This ensures maximum seclusion and tranquility.
• Direct Esopus Creek Access: Enjoy private waterfront access along a half-mile stretch of the Esopus Creek, offering opportunities for swimming (in appropriate areas), wading, and world-class wild brook trout fishing.
• Main Prospector Tent: The primary camping setup includes a 4-6 person prospector-type tent, offering a comfortable and sheltered sleeping area. This tent often includes a wood-burning stove for warmth, a folding card table, seating for four, and a bunk bed equipped with thick, self-inflating Therm-a-rest MondoKing 3D XXL Queen-sized insulated mats for enhanced comfort.
• Covered Tent Platform: A 10x12 covered tent platform provides additional sheltered space, useful for gear or as an alternative sleeping area.
• Individual Tent Sites with Fire Rings: Beyond the main setup, there are several individual tent sites, each with its own private fire ring, allowing for a more traditional camping experience if desired.
• Bunkhouse and Lean-to: For day use or additional shelter, a bunkhouse and a lean-to are available on the property.
• Covered Camp Table and Cook Pit: A dedicated camp table and cook pit are covered from the elements, ensuring you can prepare meals comfortably regardless of the weather.
• Toilet Facilities: A CleanWaste loo, which is a 5-gallon bucket in a toilet seat box with odor-absorbing Poo Powder, is provided for toilet use, offering a clean and convenient solution for waste management in a primitive setting.
• Potable Water: Access to potable water is provided, ensuring you have drinking water during your stay.
• Firewood Availability: Seasoned, bundled 16-inch firewood is available for purchase on an honor-box cash payment system on Brown Road, conveniently located across from the camp entry road.
• Host Support: Pierre, the host, is highly praised for being a "true gem," responsive, friendly, and dedicated to ensuring a pleasant stay for all guests.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are often welcome, though it's advised to discuss details with the host in advance.

Upper Esopus Creekside Camp offers several key features and highlights that make it a premier camping destination in the Catskills:

• 100 Acres of Private Wilderness: The sheer size and exclusivity of the property set it apart, guaranteeing privacy and a deep immersion in nature.
• Unbeatable Hiking Access: As the closest private site to Slide Mountain and minutes from trailheads to numerous 3500-foot Catskill High Peaks, it's an unparalleled base for serious hikers and peak baggers.
• Esopus Creek Waterfront: Half a mile of private waterfront on the world-famous Esopus Creek provides opportunities for swimming, fishing for wild Brook Trout, or simply relaxing by the water.
• Comfortable "Glamping" Amenities: The inclusion of a prospector tent with a wood-burning stove and insulated sleeping mats elevates the camping experience beyond traditional primitive sites, offering comfort even in cooler weather.
• Covered Cooking and Dining Area: The covered camp table and cook pit allow for comfortable meal preparation and dining, protected from rain or strong sun.
• Stargazing Opportunities: The remote location and minimal light pollution provide incredible opportunities for stargazing, with clear views of the night sky.
• Wildlife Observation: Being bordered by Forever Wild Forest, the camp offers abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing, from various bird species to other forest inhabitants.
• Secluded Yet Accessible: Despite its wilderness feel, the camp is easily accessible by car and conveniently located near amenities in charming nearby towns like Phoenicia, which offers unique restaurants, shops, and attractions like the historic Delaware/Ulster railroad.

While Upper Esopus Creekside Camp focuses on providing a premium, private camping experience, promotions or special offers are typically managed directly by the host or through booking platforms like Hipcamp. As a smaller, private operation, large-scale, widely advertised promotions are less common than with larger commercial campgrounds. However, it's always worth checking for the following:

• Seasonal Pricing: Rates may vary depending on the season, with potential discounts during off-peak times (e.g., late fall or early spring).
• Extended Stay Discounts: For those planning a longer retreat, there might be reduced rates for bookings exceeding a certain number of nights.
• Direct Booking Incentives: Sometimes, contacting the host directly may reveal exclusive offers not available elsewhere.
• "Whole Property Exclusive" Option: While not a discount, the option to book the entire 100-acre property exclusively for a group can be considered a special offering for those seeking ultimate privacy, though it comes at an additional rate.

For the most current information on pricing, availability, and any potential offers, it is highly recommended to contact Pierre directly. He is known for his responsiveness and can provide tailored information for your desired stay.

To inquire about booking your stay at Upper Esopus Creekside Camp or to get more detailed information, please use the following contact details:

Address: 50 Rustic Rd, Big Indian, NY 12410, USA

Phone: +1 917-577-8780

Email: connarch@yahoo.com

The host, Pierre, is praised for his excellent communication and willingness to assist guests with their needs and questions. Reaching out directly will ensure you receive the most accurate and up-to-date information for planning your visit.

For New Yorkers who cherish the outdoors but also value privacy and comfort, Upper Esopus Creekside Camp offers an ideal retreat right in their backyard. Its significant advantage lies in its exclusivity – 100 private acres mean no crowded campsites or noisy neighbors, allowing for a truly peaceful and restorative experience. This is especially appealing for city dwellers seeking a genuine escape from the constant buzz.

The camp's prime location in the Catskills, surrounded by majestic peaks and with direct access to the Esopus Creek, makes it a perfect launchpad for hiking adventures and fishing excursions. Hikers will particularly appreciate being so close to Slide Mountain and other major trailheads. The blend of rustic charm with thoughtful amenities, such as the comfortable prospector tent with a wood stove and covered cooking areas, means that campers don't have to sacrifice all comforts while immersing themselves in nature. Although one review mentioned it not being "secluded enough" for their personal preference, the overwhelming sentiment and detailed descriptions point to a highly private and tranquil setting compared to typical public campgrounds. For those in New York looking for an accessible yet genuinely wild and private camping experience, where the sounds of the Esopus Creek and the rustling leaves replace urban noise, Upper Esopus Creekside Camp stands out as an exceptional choice.

Upper Esopus Creekside Camp

50 Rustic Rd, Big Indian, NY 12410, USA