2 sites · Tents250000 acres · West Kill, NYA true wilderness experience. Base camp is an old Catskill farmhouse built late 19th century but first deeded 1820. Sits at the base of Evergreen Mountain bordered on three sides by tumbling water: West Kill Creek, Herdman Brook, and Haring Brook. Operated as a hunting and fishing lodge for decades - rainbow, brown, heron, kingfishers, eagles, larks , deer, bear, mink, beaver, bobcat - all there, right out the door, literally. You don't know what's going to come through your camp.
The actual camp site itself is the ultimate in social distancing. As close to pure wilderness as it gets. No vehicles allowed at site. From an easily accessible parking space, it's a mildly uphill ten minute hike through magical meadows deep into a hidden mountain valley in the midst of 250,000 acres. Utter privacy. The only sounds being the wind, the birds, yourself, and Herdman Brook rushing along a few yards east of your site.
Once again no vehicles are allowed at the campsite itself. At one time, yes, but we needed to disallow it because the property was being torn up, and the beauty of the site is that it's so pristine. This is not glamping. No cabin. No platform. Need tent, tarp, or hammock, and you will sleep under more stars than you can possibly imagine.
Fire ring, cooking grate, water bucket
This is true wilderness camping. You're off the grid at site - no cell service - but wifi available if necessary on front porch of main house aka base camp.
10 a.m. check in. 3 p.m. checkout.
Please send ETA when possible.
Campers ought to be aware that black bears live in these mountains., although you're not likely to see one unless it's running away from you. If you're really nervous bring bear spray, but you're not likely to need it. I literally chased one off our porch not a month ago.
I would appreciate your purchasing human waste bags from me at base camp when you arrive. I'll have them here for $3.00/bag. Feel free to buy your own. You should also bring FIRE STARTER to make your life easier. We sell firewood as well - 7 logs/$10. As with the waste bags, we would appreciate buying the firewood directly from us.
Wonderful hikes - one to a waterfall - trail head at end of Spruceton Rd. Hunter Brook, Devil's Notch, Fire Tower atop Hunter Mountain, Ridge of West Kill Mountain
West Kill Brewery and Spruceton Inn Bed and Bar each half mile up the road. Civilized respites.
4 campers preferred. 6 possible.
One more thing: DOGS. We have two: a 13 year old female whatever and a shepherd-husky mix, 4 years old, also female. They are quite friendly and docile, although the shepherd looks intimidating, and both roam the property at will 2-3 times/day. We would prefer you not bring your dog, however, if you must, please be certain it is well behaved
4.5 miles up County Rte 6 to 1833 Spruceton Rd., NY 12492 Old white farmhouse. On left. Coach lights. American flag. Welcome sign. Look for Baker Rd. Bridge directly opposite on right
Stop at house for check in and guide to site.
And Drive Carefully!
PS: Pack it in. Pack it out. Please leave campsite as pristine as you found it.
