Devils Path Trail. Camp Area

For New Yorkers who equate the word "campground" with deep wilderness and the challenge of the climb, the Devils Path Trail Camp Area stands as a legendary destination. Located in the eastern portion of the Catskill Forest Preserve near Elka Park, this area is not a traditional drive-in campground but rather a vital sanctuary for backpackers and high-peak enthusiasts. Known for being part of one of the most grueling and rewarding hiking trails in the Eastern United States, the camping areas along the Devils Path offer a raw, unadulterated connection to nature. Here, the hum of the city is replaced by the whispering hemlocks and the silent grandeur of the Catskill High Peaks, providing an immersive escape for those who carry their world on their backs.

The Devils Path itself earned its name from early settlers who believed the rugged, steep terrain was hewn by the devil himself—a landscape so formidable that only the sure-footed could navigate its narrow rock chutes and vertical scrambles. For local New York hikers, the trail camp area serves as more than just a place to sleep; it is a strategic basecamp for traversing iconic summits like Indian Head, Twin, Sugarloaf, and Plateau mountains. The experience here is defined by "primitive" camping, which prioritizes the preservation of the forest's wild character. It is a place where self-reliance is rewarded with breathtaking sunrise vistas over the Hudson Valley and the quiet satisfaction of conquering some of the most difficult miles in the Northeast.

Location and accessibility are unique for this destination. The primary eastern gateway is the Prediger Road Trailhead, located in Elka Park, NY 12427. For New Yorkers driving up from the city or the Hudson Valley, the journey into Greene County provides a dramatic transition from rolling hills to steep mountain passes. Accessibility is strictly for those on foot; there are no roads leading directly to the backcountry camp areas. Once parked at the end of Prediger Road, campers must hike into the wilderness to reach the designated lean-tos and tent sites. Because the trail is part of the New York State Forest Preserve, hikers must be mindful of seasonal road closures, particularly Platte Clove Road, which provides access to the region but is closed during the winter months due to its steep and dangerous grades.

The services offered at the Devils Path Trail Camp Area are purposefully minimal to protect the fragile mountain ecosystem. You will not find electrical hookups, paved pads, or running water here. Instead, the "services" are provided by the natural landscape and the basic structures maintained by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The area offers several Adirondack-style lean-tos—three-sided wooden shelters that provide a roof over your head and a communal atmosphere for weary hikers. For those who prefer tents, designated "Camp Here" markers indicate spots where the ground is suitable for impact-free camping. These primitive amenities ensure that the wilderness remains wild while providing the necessary infrastructure for multi-day backpacking expeditions.

• Primitive Adirondack-style lean-tos located at strategic intervals along the trail (e.g., Devils Kitchen, Mink Hollow, and Devils Acre).
• Designated backcountry tent sites marked with yellow DEC "Camp Here" discs to minimize environmental footprint.
• Natural water sources such as mountain springs and streams (filtration or treatment is required).
• Backcountry privies (primitive outhouses) located near major lean-to sites for waste management.
• Information kiosks at trailheads providing maps, weather alerts, and safety regulations.
• Access to the extensive Catskill trail network, including connections to the Long Path.
• Free primitive camping for groups under 10 people for up to three nights (no reservation required).

The features and highlights of the Devils Path Trail Camp Area are centered on the extraordinary geography of the Indian Head Wilderness. The main highlight is, of course, the trail itself, which offers world-class hiking right from the flap of your tent. Hikers can experience "The Notch"—dramatic gaps between the mountains—and scale rock walls that require three points of contact. For families with older children who are experienced in the outdoors, it provides a masterclass in backcountry skills and resilience. The area is also a haven for photography, especially during the autumn when the maples and birches of the Catskills turn the mountainsides into a sea of fire. The boreal forests at higher elevations offer a different climate entirely, characterized by fragrant balsam fir and moss-covered rocks.

• Direct access to the 24-mile Devils Path, famous for its intense elevation gains and panoramic views.
• Proximity to five of the Catskill High Peaks, offering a "peakbagger’s" paradise.
• Stunning overlooks such as Jimmy Dolan Notch and the Buck Ridge Lookouts.
• Educational opportunities for children through the "Junior Naturalist" mindset of observing local flora and fauna.
• Boreal forest ecosystems that provide unique wildlife viewing opportunities, including black bears and various raptors.
• Secluded, low-density camping that offers true solitude and dark skies for stargazing.
• Historic rock formations and geographic features that tell the story of the region’s glacial past.

Because the Devils Path Trail Camp Area is part of a wild forest preserve, there is no central office on-site. Visitors are encouraged to prepare thoroughly before arrival by consulting DEC maps and local weather reports. For general inquiries regarding trail conditions or camping regulations in the Elka Park area, you may contact the regional office or use the general address for navigation to the eastern trailhead:

Address: Prediger Road (Eastern Trailhead), Elka Park, NY 12427, USA
NYS DEC Regional Office Phone: (607) 652-2032

What is worth choosing about the Devils Path Trail Camp Area? It is worth choosing for the authenticity of the experience. In a world of "glamping" and crowded RV parks, this area remains a bastion of true New York wilderness. It is the ideal choice for the hiker who wants to test their limits and wake up to the silence of the high peaks. It is worth choosing for the sense of community found at the lean-tos, where hikers from all over the state share stories and trail advice. Most importantly, it is worth choosing for the perspective it provides; looking out from a ledge on Twin Mountain after a night in the woods reminds every visitor why the Catskills have been a source of artistic and spiritual inspiration for centuries.

Choosing this camp area means embracing the rugged spirit of New York's outdoor heritage. It requires preparation—proper footwear, bear-resistant food canisters, and a respect for "Leave No Trace" principles—but the reward is a deep sense of accomplishment. Whether you are attempting a single-night stay at the Devils Kitchen lean-to or a full thru-hike of the entire path, the Devils Path Trail Camp Area provides the essential infrastructure for a transformative journey. For those located in the New York region, this is not just a place to stay; it is a rite of passage for every serious lover of the woods.