Kid Fishing at Bear Spring Mountain
Campgrounds and Day Use Area

Bear Spring Mountain Campground and Day Use Area

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Firewood Restriction Map (PDF) shows the 50-mile radius from which untreated firewood may be moved to this campground. Help prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases by following New York's firewood regulation.

Bear Spring Mountain is located in the western end of the Catskill Forest Preserve. The campgrounds beach, boat rental, and multi-use trail system offers fun for all ages. For the horse riding enthusiast, Spruce Grove camping and trail system is one of a kind facility in the Catskill region. This region is also known for its excellent hunting and fishing.

The facility is broken into two distinct areas, the Launt Pond Area (the main campground) and the Spruce Grove Area which is 3.5 miles from the campground office. The Spruce Grove Area is equipped with pit toilets. The hot showers, rest rooms and garbage disposal area are all located in the Launt Pond Area. Spruce Grove campers have access to all amenities, however they will be a drive from their camping area.

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Amenities

41 tent and trailer sites; picnic area with tables, grills, playground, horseshoe pits, volleyball and pavilion rental; rowboat, canoe, and kayak; firewood sales; trailer dump station; recycling center; flush toilets and hot showers at Launt Pond Area; boat launch; sand beach; 24 horse tie stalls and horse accessible ramp; 24 miles of multi-use trails. Please note: There are no horse rentals available at this campground. Proof of current negative Coggins Certificate is required for all horses entering the campground. Out-of state horse owners will be required to produce a 30-day health certificate Patrons must carry each horse's health papers with them at all times.

Campsite Restoration Project

This campground has sites that have been selected for restoration. While undergoing restoration the chosen sites will be closed. For the list of sites and more information on the project visit the Campsite Restoration Project page.

Accessible Features

In the day use area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

  • Fishing/viewing platform

In the camping area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

  • Three accessible campsites (Sites: 16, 20, 27); and
  • Shower building in Launt Pond Area (near Campsite 16)

See Maps, Directions, and Featured Activities sections on this page for more details on these features. Visit the DEC Accessible Recreation web page for additional accessible recreation opportunities including a full listing of Accessible Features at DEC Campgrounds and Day Use Areas.

Featured Activities

No motor boats allowed. Rowboats, canoes and kayaks allowed. Rowboat, canoe, kayak and paddle boat rentals available.

Launt Pond is stocked with brown trout every spring. Fishing licenses are no longer being sold at any of our campground facilities, but can be conveniently purchased on-line or by phone.

Just South of Launt Pond on E. Trout Brook Road the Corral Spur and Launt Pond Spur trail can be accessed via a small parking area. The Launt Pond Spur Trail connects into the larger Bear Springs Wildlife Management Area trail system. The Spruce Grove Spur and the State Hill Trail can be accessed via the Spruce Grove camping area. Both trails connect into the larger Bear Springs Wildlife Management Area trail system.

Swimming at DEC campgrounds is unsupervised by lifeguards. DEC advises those wishing to swim to access the water from the designated beach area(s) only. Beaches are maintained and patrolled by campground staff. Swimming is prohibited from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise.

Directions

From Route 17 (Quickway) to Exit 90, East Branch take Route 30 north to Shinhopple; turn left on East Trout Brook Road, proceed 4-5 miles, campground is on right.

Get driving direction from Google Maps 

Planning and Management

The Bear Spring Mountain Unit Management Plan (PDF) (UMP) guides the DEC's land management activities at this facility for a ten-year period, although a number of goals and objectives in the plan focus on a much longer time period. The UMP addresses specific objectives and actions for public use at this facility.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

DEC campground rules and regulations
Clean your boat and equipment
Don't move firewood
Hiking safety tips
Dock with Paddle Boat at Bear Spring Mountain Campground

Additional Information

Area Attractions

Antiquing, restaurants, and shopping nearby.

Historic Interest

The New York State Conservation Department took ownership of the area in 1961 and an informal camping program began. In 1966, development of a beach, bathhouse, picnic areas, and parking facilities was undertaken. In 1985, it was decided to upgrade the facilities and establish the 50th campground. In 1994, the Spruce Grove Area with 14 campsites was upgraded to become the Horseman Camping Area of the Catskills.

Junior Naturalist Program

Our campgrounds become an outdoor classroom for young children (5-13) and their families. Enjoy games and activities to earn a beautiful embroidered patch.

Important Links

Catskills Region Official Tourism Site
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