Little Pond Campground RV & Campground Guide
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Little Pond Campground is a gem in the middle of the Catskill Forest Preserve. You can fish, boat, and swim on the picturesque, 13-acre lake, and hike through the woods nearby. The campground first opened in 1968 with 67 campsites, and these are the same campsites that remain today. The forest preserve in which Little Pond Campground lies celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1985. That year, there was a time capsule buried that included the names of the campers there that day and other 1980s memorabilia. The capsule is scheduled to be opened in 2085. If you have children between the ages of 5 and 13, then they can participate in the parl's free Junior Naturalist program.
Nearby Cities:
Middletown, NY
Oneonta, NY
Port Jervis, NY
New Paltz, NY
Spring 32-53 F
Summer 63-72 F
Fall 45-66 F
Winter 16-30 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Little Pond Campground
Campground Accommodations
Little Pond Campground
Water hookups: No
Electrical hookups: No
Sewer hookups: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, dump station, recycling center, and a picnic pavilion
Little Pond Campground
Little Pond Campground has 67 trailer-compatible sites. Each site has a picnic area with a grill or fireplace. Seasonal campsite activities include boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. The park charges $22 a night, with a $5-per-night surcharge for out-of-state residents. It is open from late June to early October.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Beach, trails
Stratton Falls Campground
Stratton Falls Campground is a privately owned enterprise located in the upper Catskill region just outside of Roxbury, New York. The campground is open from May until October. It sits on over 37 acres in one of the nation's most geographically unique and peaceful areas. Stratton Falls offers rustic sites for $35 a night and full hookup sites for $45 a night.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Boat launch, restrooms, showers, laundry
Bear Spring Mountain Campground
Bear Spring Mountain Campground, which is in Downsville, New York, is managed by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. The campground boasts 41 sites. Its 24 miles of multi-use trails make it a popular destination for horseback riders and hikers alike. Rates start at $18 a night.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Multi-use trail system, beach, boat rentals, horse tie stalls, horse accessibility ramp, heated showers
Catskill RV Resort
The Catskill RV Resort is a popular overnight destination for RVers. Located in Wurtsboro, New York, this park offers a full spectrum of on-site amenities and recreation activities. Rates start at $55 per night. The campground's ever-developing schedule of social activities and on-site recreation make it easy for visitors to mingle with their fellow guests.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: N/A
Other amenities: Swimming pool, playground, skate park, clubhouse, bathhouse
What to Do at
Little Pond Campground
The pond is small, but you can row or paddle around for a great time, and there is a fishing pier for you to cast your line. The woods provide excellent hiking through the forest on Touchmenot Mountain. Relaxing at your campsite or on the beach with a good novel is always an option. Bring your camera or binoculars for birding, too. Challenge your friends to a game of horseshoes or volleyball, and there's even a basketball court and an all-purpose athletic field.
The adventures at Little Pond Campground are small, but that doesn't mean that they're not exciting. Your children, especially, will enjoy getting to know various parts of nature.
Inside Little Pond Campground
Visitors don't need to leave Little Pond Campground to enjoy the beauty of the Catskill region. The 13-acre pond is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and boating. The campground even offers a naturalist program for young campers. Volleyball courts, basketball courts, soccer fields, playgrounds, and horseshoe pits make up the camp's more traditional outdoor recreation offerings. You can even purchase ice and firewood from the on-site campground store.
Hiking
There are three major hiking trails in and near Little Pond Campground. All three are moderately difficult loop trails that climb a couple of hundred feet. The birding along these trails is rewarding, so bring your notebook to record the species you see.
Climbing
While there are no climbing or bouldering opportunities in Little Park Campground, the Shawangunk Mountains, or "The Gunks," are only 60 miles away near New Paltz. This is one of the premier climbing destinations in the world, and there are dozens of well-mapped traditional routes that range in difficulty from 5.2 to 5.13c.
Flora and Fauna
Wildflowers are plentiful along the hiking trails, and species that you will commonly see include cap lilies, twinflowers, trilliums, and balsamroot. There are many animals you will encounter, too, including deer, birds, coyotes, black bears, snakes, and even mountain lions. Be sure to follow established strategies when encountering predators. Stay back at least 150 feet from them, and remember to back away without running. You can brush up on these strategies online.
Fishing
Little Pond is not renowned as a fantastic fishing destination, but record bass have been caught off the fishing pier and in the nearby reservoir. You can also catch panfish, shiners, and pumpkinseeds. You need a separate permit for the reservoir along with a New York State fishing license. Campgrounds no longer sell the licenses, so you'll have to get them online or by calling the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Boating
Motorboats are prohibited, and on such a small lake, any sailboat with a relatively deep draft might prove unwieldy. However, human-powered boats like canoes and kayaks are great fun and are welcome on the lake. If you don't have your own, boat rentals are available at the park.
Swimming
The beach is not manned by lifeguards. However, the campground staff keeps a list of precautions to take to be safe while swimming. The beach is open with the campground from May to October.
How to Get to
Little Pond Campground
From Oneonta and all points north, drive south on Route 28 to North Franklin. From North Franklin, continue east on Route 28 until you reach Delhi. Proceed on Route 28 through Delhi, which will take you south. Drive along Route 28 until you reach the junction with Route 30. Turn west on Route 30. Eventually, you will come to a bridge. Cross the bridge, and when you reach the southern bank, turn east on BWS Road No. 8. Continue and then take Barkaboom Road heading east. Continue until you reach the junction with Little Pond Road. Turn onto Little Pond Road, and follow it to Little Pond Campground.
From New Paltz and all points south and east, take Route 299 west until you reach Route 44/55. Take Route 44/55 north, and it will make a hairpin turn to the west. Follow Route 44/55 west through Kerhonkson to the junction with Route 209. Follow Route 209 west to Napanoch. There, take Route 55 north to Liberty. At Liberty, turn north on Route 17. Take the exit for Debruce Road, and turn west along Debruce Road until you reach the crossroads with Old Route 17. Take that north until you reach the junction with Beaverkill Road. Bear northeast on Beaverkill Road, which will become Big Pond Road. A little ways further on, you will see Little Pond Road on your left, which will take you to Little Pond Campground.
Entering Little Pond Campground
There is no fee for parking at Little Pond Campground.
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Little Pond Campground. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Little Pond Campground
The campground is open from May 19 until October 9, and any time therein is a good time to visit. The weather is cooler than you might think, even in the summer, so prepare by bringing enough clothing to dress in layers during the evening.
In the nearby woods, you will find deer, coyotes, and even bears and mountain lions to go with snakes and rodents like squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits. There are plenty of birds to see and appreciate as well.
Although no hookups are available, RVs are welcome at any of the sites in the campground.
You do need reservations, and you can make them up to 5 p.m. on the day of your arrival. The cost is $22 per night, and out-of-state residents must pay an additional $5 per night.
Pets are welcome at Little Pond Campground, but they must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length when you have them outside your vehicle. Remember to clean up after them.