Devils Tombstone Campground, Elka Park, NY

For seasoned campers and serious hikers across New York, Devil's Tombstone Campground in the heart of the Catskill Forest Preserve offers a truly primitive and unparalleled basecamp experience. This is not a luxury RV park; it is a straightforward, no-frills facility managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), explicitly designed for those who prioritize rugged outdoor access over modern amenities.

Nestled deep within the Stony Clove, a rugged mountain pass flanked by towering Catskill peaks, Devil's Tombstone is one of the oldest campgrounds in the region. Its history and unique geographical setting, rumored to have been a favorite haunt of the Devil in the Catskills' early days, lend it an undeniable, old-world charm. The campground takes its name from a large, dramatic boulder—the 'Devil's Tombstone'—a geological remnant carried down by a glacier or landslide centuries ago.

With only 24 wooded sites available for tents and small trailers, Devil's Tombstone fosters a focused, hiker-centric community. Campers here accept the lack of full hookups, dump stations, and the reliance on vault/pit toilets as a fair trade for the direct and immediate proximity to some of the most challenging and rewarding trails in the Northeast. While guests praise the incredible location and the natural beauty, potential visitors must be prepared for a rustic experience, including small campsites, proximity to a main road (Route 214), and a strict carry-in/carry-out policy for refuse.

Its appeal is simple: It is the ultimate staging ground for the Catskill high peaks. If your New York adventure requires getting out of the car and immediately onto a difficult trail, this historic spot is for you.

Location and Accessibility

Devil's Tombstone Campground is uniquely situated to provide direct access to the most rugged terrain in the Catskills, located specifically in the narrow, scenic Stony Clove mountain pass.

Address: NYS, NY-214, Elka Park, NY 12427, USA

The Rugged Stony Clove: The campground is bisected by NY Route 214, which, while offering easy vehicle access, is also a moderately trafficked road. Visitors should be aware that road noise is audible, particularly during the day, though it typically quiets down at night.
Catskill High Peaks Basecamp: The location is a haven for serious hikers. The famous Devil's Path Trail—considered one of the most difficult trails in the Northeast—runs directly through the campground's day-use area, with direct access to trails leading to Hunter Mountain, Indian Head, and the West Kill Range.
Proximity to Hunter Mountain: The site is only about four miles from the popular Hunter Mountain, which hosts various ethnic festivals throughout the summer season and operates a scenic sky ride for fine views.
Nearby Amenities: While the campground itself is primitive, the town of Tannersville is a short drive away, offering access to local shops, restaurants, and supplies.
Directions: From the south, take I-87 (NYS Thruway) Exit 19 at Kingston, follow Route 28 West to Phoenicia, and then take Route 214. From the north, take I-87 Exit 21 at Catskill, follow Route 23A west, and then turn onto Route 214.

Services Offered

As a primitive, DEC-operated facility, the services provided at Devil's Tombstone are basic but functional, focusing on essential camping needs rather than luxury:

Wooded Campsites: The 24 available sites are small and wooded, best suited for tents and small trailers. Each site includes a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grate for cooking.
Water Supply: Potable water spigots are conveniently spaced throughout the grounds.
Restroom Facilities: The park utilizes vault/pit toilets (outhouses). It must be noted that multiple camper reviews have described these facilities as "unbearable" and "gross," indicating a very rustic and sometimes unsanitary experience.
No Hookups or Refuse Disposal: This is strictly dry camping—there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups. Furthermore, it is a carry-in, carry-out park, meaning no recycling or refuse disposal facilities are available; campers must take all trash with them upon departure.
Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for sale at the campground office.
Off-Site Showers and Swimming: Swimming, boating, and shower facilities are not available on-site but can be accessed at the North-South Lake Campground, which is located approximately nine miles away. Day-use passes are sometimes provided to facilitate this.

Features / Highlights

The defining features of Devil's Tombstone are its incredible natural setting and its direct link to the Catskills' hiking core:

Premier Hiking Access: The most significant highlight is the direct connection to the Devil's Path, providing immediate access to trails for serious hikes up mountains like Hunter and Plateau. This makes it an invaluable basecamp for "peak-baggers" and experienced backcountry enthusiasts.
Historic Natural Feature: The legendary Devil's Tombstone boulder itself, a large geological wonder, is a unique fixture of the campground, lending the area a sense of history and mystery.
Notch Lake: The campground is located next to the small, shallow Notch Lake. While swimming and boating are not permitted here, it adds a picturesque element to the natural surroundings.
Day Use Area Amenities: The park offers a small day-use area that includes two picnic areas with grills, a volleyball court, and a horseshoe pit. A playground is also present, though customer reviews suggest it is severely outdated and should not be relied upon for children's entertainment.
Junior Naturalist Program: The campground offers a Junior Naturalist Program, providing guided games and activities for children aged 5-13 and their families, making the natural environment an outdoor classroom.
Primitive Experience: For New York locals seeking a challenging, old-school, tent-focused camping trip where true wilderness proximity outweighs convenience, the primitive nature of Devil's Tombstone is a key feature.

Contact Information

For reservations, which are strongly recommended, please use the official New York State reservation system online. For on-site inquiries during the camping season (typically mid-May through Labor Day):

Address: NYS, NY-214, Elka Park, NY 12427, USA

Campground Phone: (845) 688-7160

Reservation Phone: 1-800-456-2267 (New York State Reservation System)

Check-in Time: 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Campers must register by 9:00 p.m. on the first night or the site is subject to re-rental.)

Check-out Time: 11:00 a.m.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Devil's Tombstone Campground serves a specific and vital niche for New York's outdoor community: it is the definitive jumping-off point for high-difficulty hiking in the Catskills. For locals weary of crowded, commercial campgrounds, the low nightly fee and primitive atmosphere offer a chance to genuinely connect with the wilderness. The direct access to the Devil's Path, Hunter Mountain, and the greater Hunter-West Kill Wilderness is unparalleled, making it an essential resource for hikers seeking to log serious mileage and summit multiple high peaks.

New Yorkers should view this campground not as a destination for a casual family trip—due to its small sites, primitive restrooms, and proximity to the road—but as a strategic base of operations. It is a state-run facility where your reservation buys you direct, immediate access to the rugged, awe-inspiring terrain of the Catskill Forest Preserve. For the experienced camper or the avid hiker, the challenges of its rustic setup are minor inconveniences in exchange for the priceless immersion into one of New York State’s greatest natural treasures.