Devils Path Trail. Camp Area, Elka Park, NY

Introduction / Overview: Your Base for Catskills Adventure

For New York residents seeking a genuine escape into the wilderness, the Devils Path Trail Camp Area, officially known as Devil’s Tombstone Campground, presents an exceptional and historically rich destination. Nestled deep within the rugged beauty of the Catskill Forest Preserve in Elka Park, this site is one of the oldest campgrounds in the region, offering a rustic and authentic primitive camping experience. It serves as an unparalleled base camp, especially for serious hikers looking to conquer the notorious Devil’s Path—widely regarded as one of the most challenging trails in the Eastern United States. The atmosphere here is one of peaceful seclusion, setting the stage for adventure, recovery, and a deep connection with nature. It’s the ideal spot for locals who prioritize trail access and an unembellished outdoor experience over resort-style amenities.

This campground is not a high-amenity destination, but a functional and well-maintained spot to set up camp while surrounded by some of New York State’s most breathtaking and demanding mountains. Its location in Stony Clove, a deep mountain pass, ensures a distinctive and scenic backdrop for your entire stay. For those coming from New York City or other downstate areas, it represents a conveniently accessible, yet completely immersive, mountain getaway that feels worlds away from urban life.

Location and Accessibility: Nestled in Stony Clove

The Devils Path Trail Camp Area (Devil's Tombstone Campground) is strategically located in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, providing immediate access to major trails.

The physical address for this storied location is:

Elka Park, NY 12427, USA

The campground sits directly on New York State Route 214, positioned in a steep, scenic mountain pass known as Stony Clove, which actually divides the campground into two sections. This central location in the Hunter-West Kill Wilderness area makes it a crucial access point.

Accessibility from major metropolitan areas like New York City involves driving north on the New York State Thruway (I-87) to Exit 19 (Kingston). From there, travelers follow Route 28 West to Phoenicia and then take Route 214 North directly to the campground. The drive places local New Yorkers within easy reach of a true mountain environment without the extensive travel required for comparable wilderness areas farther afield. Prospective visitors should be mindful that the road dividing the campground may involve some traffic noise, a small trade-off for such exceptional trailhead proximity. Parking is available, though space can be limited, especially during peak hiking season, emphasizing the campground’s function as a rustic, popular outdoor hub.

Services Offered (Basic Amenities for Primitive Camping)

Devil's Tombstone Campground focuses on providing the essential services needed for a simple, rustic, and enjoyable primitive camping experience. It operates as a carry-in, carry-out facility with a strong emphasis on responsible outdoor recreation.

Tent and Trailer Sites: The campground offers a modest number of designated sites, each suitable for tent camping or small trailers.
Picnic Tables: Every campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and preparation.
Fire Rings/Fireplaces: Each site includes a designated fire ring or fireplace for cooking and campfires. Fires must be built only in provided fireplaces, and campers are permitted to use only dead and downed wood found on the ground for fuel.
Primitive Restrooms: Vault or composting toilets are available on-site, providing basic sanitary facilities (Note: no running water in these facilities).
Water Spigots: Communal water spigots are scattered throughout the campground for general use, though water availability can be seasonal.
Information Center: General information and registration services are available for campers.
Firewood Sales: Firewood is typically available for purchase on-site.
Reservations: Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made up to a year in advance via the New York State DEC’s reservation system. Same-day reservations are permitted until 5 PM, but walk-ins are not.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are permitted, provided they have proof of a current rabies vaccination, are leashed (leash no longer than six feet), and are not left unattended.

Features / Highlights (Focus on Wilderness and History)

The primary appeal of this camp area lies in its unique location, rich hiking culture, and historical significance.

Direct Trail Access to the Devil’s Path: This is the paramount highlight. The extremely popular and challenging Devil’s Path hiking trail crosses right through the vicinity of the campground, making it an ideal starting or mid-point for multi-day backpackers.
Proximity to Catskill High Peaks: The location serves as a gateway to five of the Catskill High Peaks accessible from the Devil’s Path: Indian Head, Twin, Sugarloaf, Plateau, and West Kill Mountain, offering numerous challenging day-hike opportunities.
Notch Lake: The campground borders a small, shallow body of water called Notch Lake, adding to the scenic beauty, although swimming and boating are prohibited.
The Devil’s Tombstone: A large, distinctive seven-by-five-foot boulder, from which the campground gets its name, is a historic and intriguing geological feature on the campground’s edge.
Access to North-South Lake Amenities: For campers desiring additional features, the extensive North-South Lake Campground is located only about eight miles away, offering facilities such as swimming areas, boat rentals for paddling, and showers.
Family-Friendly Recreation: Despite the rustic nature, a playground, volleyball net, and horseshoes are available, along with a Junior Naturalist Program for younger visitors (ages 5-13).
Rustic, Wooded Sites: The individual campsites are heavily wooded, offering shade, privacy, and the classic "in the woods" camping feel.

Contact Information (As per the public information for the official campground)

For specific inquiries regarding reservations, seasonal hours, or rules, local New Yorkers should use the official channels for the Devil's Tombstone Campground, which is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

Address: Elka Park, NY 12427, USA

Phone: (845) 688-7160 (DEC Campground Reservation & Information Line, subject to change)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

The Devils Path Trail Camp Area (Devil's Tombstone Campground) is exceptionally well-suited for New York locals for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its relatively short driving distance from major population centers in the state makes it a practical weekend wilderness escape. It provides a genuine, challenging mountain experience without the need for an extended road trip. Secondly, for the established hiking community in New York, particularly those seeking to complete the Catskill High Peaks or take on the legendary Devil’s Path, this campground is a necessary and perfect staging point. Its direct trailhead access is unmatched. Finally, it offers an affordable and authentically rustic experience for families and individuals who want to unplug and reconnect with nature. It’s a place where the history of the Catskills and the challenge of its most rugged trails converge, making it not just a campsite, but a part of the local outdoor heritage. For New Yorkers craving an unfiltered taste of the high Catskills, this basic, beautiful, and strategically placed camp area is the definitive choice.