Campgrounds & Fire Towers Reopen

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that additional DEC campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill parks will open on July 1 to existing reservation holders for the 2020 season. To maintain social distancing and reduce the density of facilities and protect visitors, DEC is not accepting additional reservations or walk-in camping for the 2020 season at this time. Only existing reservations for all DEC campgrounds will be honored

DEC Campgrounds to Open June 19:
Bear Spring Mountain Campground and Day Use Area
Little Pond Campground and Day Use Area
North-South Lake Campground and Day Use Area
Woodland Valley Campground

DEC Campgrounds to Open July 1:
Beaverkill Campground & Day Use Area
Devils Tombstone Campground & Day Use Area
Kenneth L Wilson Campground & Day Use Area
Mongaup Pond Campground & Day Use Area

Reopening Fire Towers and DEC Lands to Camping
In addition, State Lands that were temporarily closed to camping will allow overnight camping beginning Friday, June 26, with the exception of Evergreen Pond (Ossian State Forest, town of Ossian, Livingston County), Peekamoose Valley in the Catskills, Otter Creek Horse Trail (Independence River State Forest, town of Glenfield, Lewis County), and Sugar Hill Recreation Area (Sugar Hill State Forest, town of Orange, Schuyler County). Day use is allowed at Sugar Hill State Forest, but the fire tower, gate off Tower Hill Road, and facilities (bathroom, water, campsites) at the fire tower area remain closed. Peekamoose Valley will allow camping starting July 1. Otter Creek and Sugar Hill are expected to open to camping later this summer. Please check DEC's website for the most up-to-date information.

DEC has temporarily stopped issuing permits for backcountry camping for groups of 10 or more. As of June 11, DEC resumed issuing permits for groups of fewer than 10 people who would like to stay for more than three nights at one location on state lands. DEC is also temporarily restricting lean-to use to members of a single household at a time.

DEC-controlled fire towers (with the exception of Sugar Hill) are also reopened to visitors.

Visiting New York State's Public Lands during the COVID-19 Response
New York State is encouraging people to engage in responsible recreation during the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis. New York State DEC and State Parks recommendations for getting outside safely incorporate guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York State Department of Health for reducing the spread of infectious diseases.

While enjoying outdoor spaces, please continue to follow the CDC/NYSDOH's guidelines for preventing the spread of colds, flu, and COVID-19:

Stay home if you are sick, or showing or feeling any COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, coughing, and/or troubled breathing;
Practice social distancing. Keep at least six (6) feet of distance between you and others even when outdoors;
Wear a mask when you cannot maintain social distancing;
Avoid close contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, and high-fives;
Wash hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol when soap and water are not available; and
Avoid unnecessary contact with surfaces that are often touched, such as doorknobs and handrails.

DEC Is Hiring Campground Staff
DEC is seeking seasonal campground staff with all levels of experience and skill sets, including supervisors, security, maintenance, and cleaning staff, and booth workers. If interested, please send an email to campinfo@dec.ny.gov.