Bear Spring Mountain Campground

Bear Spring Mountain Campground stands as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the rugged beauty of the Western Catskill Forest Preserve. Located in the town of Downsville, New York, this facility offers a unique blend of traditional camping and specialized recreational opportunities. Unlike more commercialized parks, Bear Spring Mountain is celebrated for its rustic charm and tranquil atmosphere, providing a true sense of seclusion within the 7,000-acre Bear Spring Mountain Wildlife Management Area. It is a place where the air is crisp, the forests are dense with maple and beech, and the sounds of nature replace the hum of suburban life.

For New York residents, particularly those coming from the Hudson Valley or the Southern Tier, this campground represents one of the most well-maintained secrets of the region. Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), the grounds are split into two primary locations: the Launt Pond Area and the Spruce Grove Area. The Launt Pond section serves as the main hub, featuring a beautiful 12-acre pond that is the centerpiece for summer activities. Whether you are interested in a quiet weekend of birdwatching or an active trip filled with hiking and paddling, this campground provides the infrastructure and natural scenery to make every visit memorable.

Location and accessibility are key components of the Bear Spring Mountain experience. Situated at 512 East Trout Brook Road, the campground is easily accessible for travelers coming from various parts of the state. It is approximately a 10-minute drive from the town of Downsville and about 5 miles south of Walton, making it convenient to pick up supplies or enjoy local dining. For those traveling from the New York City metropolitan area, the drive is roughly two and a half to three hours, offering a significant change in scenery without requiring a full day of travel. The entrance and main facilities are designed with inclusivity in mind, featuring wheelchair-accessible parking, restrooms, and specifically designated accessible campsites to ensure everyone can enjoy the outdoors.

The layout of the campground is particularly thoughtful, offering 41 distinct sites that provide varying levels of privacy. While some loops are more open and conducive to social camping, many sites are tucked away among the trees, offering the kind of quiet that Catskills regulars crave. The accessibility features extend to the day-use areas as well, with a fishing and viewing platform at Launt Pond that allows all visitors to get close to the water. The well-marked roads within the park and the on-site parking at each site make logistics simple for those arriving with trailers or heavily loaded vehicles.

• Standard tent and trailer sites equipped with fire rings and picnic tables.
• RV electric hookups available at select sites to accommodate modern camping needs.
• Professional maintenance staff (often praised by regulars) ensuring clean public restrooms and free hot showers.
• Boat rentals including rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats at Launt Pond.
• A dedicated trailer dump station and recycling center for eco-friendly waste management.
• Firewood sales on-site to prevent the spread of invasive species and support local forests.
• Specialized equestrian facilities in the Spruce Grove Area, including horse tie stalls and a mounting ramp.
• Supervised beach area for swimming in the refreshing waters of Launt Pond.

The features and highlights of Bear Spring Mountain are what truly set it apart from other campgrounds in the state. One of the most significant draws is the extensive multi-use trail system, which encompasses over 24 miles of paths. These trails are not just for hikers; they are designed to accommodate horseback riders and mountain bikers as well, weaving through varied topography from gentle valleys to steeper mountainsides. The wildlife viewing is exceptional, with deer, wild turkeys, and the occasional black bear being part of the local ecosystem. For families, the presence of a playground and the Junior Naturalist Program makes it an educational and fun environment for children of all ages.

• Launt Pond: A 12-acre scenic water body stocked with brown trout every spring for premier fishing.
• Spruce Grove Area: A "one-of-a-kind" equestrian camping facility with 24 horse tie stalls and specialized trails.
• Wildlife Management Area: Direct access to 7,000 acres of protected land for hiking, hunting, and trapping (in season).
• Kid-Friendly Amenities: Including a well-maintained playground and easy loop hikes around the pond.
• Picnic Facilities: Spacious areas with barbecue grills, perfect for day-use gatherings or family reunions.
• Cleanliness: Bathroom and shower facilities are cleaned daily, a highlight frequently mentioned by returning campers.
• ADA Compliance: Wheelchair-accessible fishing platforms and mounting blocks for mobility-impaired riders.

Planning your visit is easy through the ReserveAmerica system, though it is important to note that the campground operates seasonally, typically from mid-May through early September. For any specific questions or to check local conditions before your arrival, you can contact the campground office directly during their hours of operation.

Address: 512 E Trout Brook Rd, Downsville, NY 13755, USA

Phone: (607) 865-6989

What is worth choosing at Bear Spring Mountain is the sense of community and the exceptional care taken by the staff. Many visitors point to the dedication of the on-site team—specifically long-term employees like Larry, Jim, and Mike—as the reason the grounds remain so pristine and welcoming. Choosing this campground means choosing a location where the staff takes personal pride in your experience. Furthermore, for horse owners, this is arguably the best-equipped state-run facility in the Catskill region, offering a level of support for equestrian camping that is rare to find elsewhere.

Finally, the value of the experience is unmatched. For a modest camping fee, you gain access to a private slice of the Catskills that feels both wild and safe. The combination of water activities at Launt Pond and the deep-forest exploration available on the surrounding trails ensures that there is never a dull moment. Whether you are looking to cook a meal over a clean fire pit under a canopy of stars or want to challenge yourself on a 20-mile trail ride, Bear Spring Mountain provides the perfect stage. It is a location that honors the traditional New York camping experience while providing the modern cleanliness and accessibility that today’s travelers expect.