Land & Forest Department

For those in the New York region looking for an authentic, off-the-grid outdoor experience, the Land & Forest Department campground in Summitville offers a gateway to some of the most pristine landscapes in Sullivan County. Located on Fish Hatchery Road, this area is synonymous with the rugged beauty of the Neversink River Unique Area. Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Division of Lands and Forests, this destination is not a typical commercial RV park with neon lights and swimming pools. Instead, it provides a sanctuary for true nature enthusiasts, backpackers, and anglers who want to immerse themselves in the quiet of the Catskill foothills.

Summitville, a small hamlet within the Town of Mamakating, is steeped in natural history. The "Land & Forest Department" site on Fish Hatchery Road serves as a primary access point for the Neversink River, which has been designated by The Nature Conservancy as one of the "Last Great Places" in the United States. Camping here means waking up to the sound of rushing water and the rustle of hemlocks. It is a place where the air is noticeably cooler and the stars are significantly brighter, offering a profound sense of seclusion just a few hours' drive from the bustling streets of New York City. For the local New York resident, it represents one of the few remaining spots where you can truly "leave no trace" and reconnect with the wild.

Location and accessibility are vital factors for those planning a trip to this part of the state. The campground area is situated at the end of Fish Hatchery Road in Summitville, NY 12781. This road leads hikers and campers directly into the Neversink River Unique Area. While the location is accessible by standard vehicles, the road can be narrow and rugged, typical of the seasonal access paths found in New York’s state forests. Travelers coming from New York City or the Hudson Valley typically take Route 17 (the future I-86) to the Wurtsboro exit, then navigate north along US-209 to reach the Summitville area. It is important to note that this is a primitive site, and the "accessibility" refers more to its proximity to world-class trails rather than paved walkways and modern facilities.

• Located on Fish Hatchery Road, Summitville, NY, serving as the northern gateway to the Neversink River Unique Area.
• Approximately 90 miles from New York City, making it a feasible weekend destination for city dwellers.
• Direct access to the Hatchery Road Trailhead, which descends over 600 feet to the gorge of the Neversink River.
• Near the village of Wurtsboro, where campers can stock up on supplies, fuel, and local sundries before heading into the forest.
• Proximity to the D&H Canal Linear Park for those who enjoy flatter, historic walking paths in addition to mountain hiking.

The services offered at the Land & Forest Department site reflect its status as a primitive camping area. You will not find electric hookups, Wi-Fi, or water filling stations here. Instead, the "services" provided are those of the natural environment and the regulatory oversight of the New York State Forest Rangers. This area is designed for self-sufficient campers who bring their own gear, water filtration, and waste management systems. The DEC manages these lands for multiple uses, ensuring that the trails are marked and the ecological health of the forest is preserved for future generations.

• Primitive camping opportunities: Seasonal camping is allowed, following DEC general regulations for state lands.
• Trail maintenance and signage: The department oversees the Hatchery Road Trail and connected paths leading to waterfalls like Mullet Brook Falls.
• Information and permits: Forest Rangers provide permits for groups of ten or more or for stays exceeding three days at a single location.
• Public access for hunting and trapping: The area is open for regulated seasonal hunting, providing a service to the New York sporting community.
• Ecosystem management: Staff monitor forest health and water quality of the Neversink River to protect native trout populations.
• Search and Rescue: The local Forest Ranger office provides emergency response services for hikers and campers in the Sullivan County region.

The features and highlights of the Summitville Land & Forest area are rooted in its spectacular geography. The Neversink River gorge is the centerpiece, featuring dramatic cliffs and several stunning waterfalls. For many, the highlight of a stay here is the sense of historical mystery; the Fish Hatchery Road trail passes through the site of the former Eden Brook Fish Hatchery, where visitors can still see the remnants of abandoned raceways and ponds that once supported thriving trout populations. The biodiversity of the area is another significant draw, with old-growth forests and rare plant species thriving in the protected "Unique Area" status.

• Spectacular Gorge Views: High cliffs overlooking the Neversink River provide some of the most dramatic vistas in the Catskill region.
• Waterfall Access: Proximity to Denton Falls, Mullet Brook Falls, and High Falls, all located within a few miles of the Hatchery Road access point.
• Native Trout Fishing: The Neversink River is world-renowned for its fly-fishing, particularly for wild brook and brown trout.
• Historical Exploration: View the ruins of the 19th-century fish hatchery and old carriage roads that tell the story of Sullivan County's past.
• Primitive Seclusion: Unlike crowded public parks, the "campsites" here are dispersed, ensuring a high level of privacy and quiet.
• Watchable Wildlife: Frequent sightings of bald eagles, black bears, white-tailed deer, and a variety of migratory songbirds.

For those seeking specific guidance on camping permits or current trail conditions on Fish Hatchery Road, the Land & Forest Department can be reached through the regional DEC office. It is always wise to check in with a Forest Ranger before a trip, especially during the spring mud season or the winter months when road access may be limited.

Address: Fish Hatchery Rd, Summitville, NY 12781, USA

Phone: (845) 888-2531

What is worth choosing about the Land & Forest Department campground is the opportunity to experience the Hudson Valley exactly as it was centuries ago. In an era where many campgrounds are becoming "resorts" with high prices and crowded amenities, Summitville offers a refreshing return to the basics. It is worth choosing if you value the challenge of a steep hike, the skill of building a safe backcountry fire, and the reward of a pristine river view. Choosing this site means you are prioritizing the health of the planet and your own mental well-being over digital connectivity. For the New Yorker who needs to truly "unplug" and find a sense of wonder in the Sullivan Catskills, there is no better choice than the wild, unvarnished beauty found at the end of Fish Hatchery Road.