Upper Esopus Creekside Camp

For New Yorkers seeking a true departure from the urban environment, the Big Indian-Oliverea Valley offers one of the most rugged and untouched landscapes in the Catskill Mountains. Upper Esopus Creekside Camp stands as a unique destination in this region, providing a private 100-acre sanctuary within the boundaries of the Catskill State Park. Unlike traditional high-density campgrounds, this location is designed for those who value solitude and a deep connection with nature. Surrounded by seven of the Catskill High Peaks, including the mighty Slide Mountain, the camp offers a "forever wild" atmosphere where the only neighbors you are likely to encounter are the local wildlife and the rustle of the ancient forest.

The philosophy of Upper Esopus Creekside Camp is rooted in providing a safe, inclusive, and serene environment for all adventurers. It is proudly recognized as an LGBTQ+ friendly destination and a transgender safespace, ensuring that every guest can enjoy the wilderness with peace of mind. The property features a mix of diverse terrains, from wildflower meadows blazed with rock cairns to dense forest stands and half a mile of private waterfront along the world-famous Esopus Creek. Whether you are looking for a quiet place to reflect by the water or a rigorous basecamp for tackling 3,500-foot peaks, this site offers the space and privacy to curate your own mountain experience.

Location and Accessibility are primary features for those venturing from New York City or the Hudson Valley. Located at 50 Rustic Road in Big Indian, NY (12410), the camp is approximately 40 minutes from Kingston and under two hours from Albany. The journey into the Oliverea Valley is a scenic transition from the highway into deep mountain territory. Once you arrive, the camp provides on-site parking for easy vehicle access. During the spring and summer months, the camp is accessible to high-clearance vehicles such as trucks, Jeeps, or SUVs with all-wheel or four-wheel drive. For those in standard sedans or visiting during unpredictable weather, a short, designated hike from the parking area to the campsites ensures the terrain remains preserved and undisturbed.

Services Offered at Upper Esopus Creekside Camp focus on supporting a "primitive-plus" camping style. This means that while you are deep in the woods, the host provides thoughtful infrastructure to make the stay comfortable and manageable. The services include:

• Dedicated tent sites including a 10x12 covered tent platform for elevated sleeping.
• Provision of a bunkhouse and a lean-to for day use or gear storage.
• CleanWaste toilet systems featuring specialized gel-waste bags for odor-free sanitation.
• Complimentary Open Network Wi-Fi available near the Campkeeper home for essential communication.
• Rental options for high-quality Eureka! tents and Therm-a-rest air mattresses.
• Dry campfire stacks available for purchase, pre-built and covered from the elements.
• Dedicated food bag lifts and trash management systems to ensure bear-safe practices.
• Pet-friendly accommodations allowing dogs to join the camping trip at no extra charge.

Features and Highlights of the property take full advantage of the unique Catskill geology and the private waterfront. Highlights include:

• Private Waterfront: Half a mile of access to the Upper Esopus Creek, a premier destination for native Brook Trout fishing.
• Proximity to Slide Mountain: The camp is the closest private site to the trailhead of the Catskills' tallest peak (4,180 feet).
• Wildflower Meadows: A winding path through meadows leading to a secluded swimming hole.
• Mountain Vistas: Unmatched views of the surrounding High Peaks including Balsam, Panther, and Big Indian mountains.
• Safe and Inclusive Environment: A designated safe space for the LGBTQ+ and transgender communities.
• Covered Amenities: A camp table and cook pit protected from the elements, ensuring you can enjoy a meal even during a mountain drizzle.
• Natural Soundscape: A strict 60-decibel noise limit ensures the dominant sounds are the babbling creek and local bird calls.

Contact Information for Upper Esopus Creekside Camp is essential for those looking to book this exclusive 100-acre retreat. Because the site is often booked for private groups (accommodating up to 14 people), reaching out in advance is recommended to secure your preferred dates in the Big Indian-Oliverea Valley.

Address: 50 Rustic Rd, Big Indian, NY 12410, USA
Phone: (917) 577-8780
Booking: Reservations are typically managed via verified land-sharing platforms such as Hipcamp or The Dyrt.

What is worth choosing Upper Esopus Creekside Camp for? The most compelling reason to choose this site is the sheer scale of the privacy offered. In a region where many campgrounds have sites within sight of one another, having 100 private acres to "roam" is a luxury that local New York campers deeply appreciate. It is the ideal choice for groups who want a communal experience without the restrictions of a public park, and for hikers who want to be the first on the trail to Giant Ledge or Slide Mountain in the morning.

Additionally, the commitment to environmental stewardship and inclusive hospitality makes it a standout choice for the modern traveler. Choosing this camp means choosing to support a property that values the "forever wild" spirit of the Catskills while providing a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Whether you are coming to catch trout, bag a peak, or simply sit in the shade of a 100-year-old tree, Upper Esopus Creekside Camp provides the authentic mountain backdrop you need for a restorative getaway.

Would you like me to provide a list of the specific trailheads located within 10 minutes of the camp or help you prepare a checklist for bear-safe food storage in the Catskills?