Little Pond Campground

- 549 Barkaboom Rd, Andes, NY 13731

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a true, authentic escape into the heart of the mountains, Little Pond Campground offers a perfect sanctuary. Nestled within the expansive and beautiful Catskill Forest Preserve in the Western Catskills, this New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) campground delivers the quintessential mountain camping experience. It is often described by returning visitors as a quiet, picturesque, and exceptionally well-organized site that provides a deeply peaceful and refreshing atmosphere.

The campground is centered around a serene, 13-acre pond—the "Little Pond" from which it takes its name—creating a focal point for relaxation and recreation. With 67 tent and trailer sites, plus eight remote tent sites for those who prefer true seclusion, Little Pond caters to a range of camping styles, from families in RVs to primitive tent campers. Guests consistently praise the well-maintained campsites, which are often heavily wooded to provide privacy and an immersive natural feel. Unlike more commercial parks, Little Pond emphasizes natural beauty and outdoor activity, making it a beloved spot for hiking, fishing, and simply enjoying the clear water and crisp air of the Catskills. It’s a cherished, family-friendly destination that encourages visitors to fully disconnect and reconnect with the natural world.

Location and Accessibility

Little Pond Campground is strategically located at 549 Barkaboom Rd, Andes, NY 13731, positioning it deep in the remote, western part of the Catskill Forest Preserve in Delaware County. While remote enough to offer genuine peace and quiet, it remains reasonably accessible for New York metro-area residents, typically involving a scenic drive of under three hours from many parts of the city and its suburbs. The journey, often via NYS Route 17 (the Quickway), is straightforward, leading travelers through increasingly lush and mountainous terrain until they reach the serene locale near the town of Andes.

The location offers direct access to the vast Delaware Wild Forest, which borders the campground to the north and provides over 27,000 acres of preserved land. Furthermore, Little Pond is just minutes away from the world-renowned Beaverkill stream, often called the birthplace of American fly fishing. For day trips and supplies, the charming small towns of Liberty, Livingston Manor, and Margaretville, which offer local shops, restaurants, and attractions, are all within a 20-mile radius. However, those seeking a true 'digital detox' should be aware that cell service is generally non-existent at the campground itself, reinforcing the opportunity to truly get off the grid. A pay phone is available near the entrance for emergency contact.

Services Offered

As a well-established state campground, Little Pond provides a robust set of services designed to make the camping experience comfortable and convenient for all visitors, from novice campers to seasoned RVers.

• Campsites: Offers a total of 75 sites, including 67 sites suitable for tents and trailers, and eight highly secluded, primitive walk-in or boat-in remote tent sites.
• Essential Amenities: Each individual campsite is equipped with a picnic table, a fireplace or grill, and access to fresh drinking water spigots throughout the grounds.
• Sanitary Facilities: Flush toilets are available, alongside hot showers (which may require a small fee), and a trailer dump station for RV and trailer use.
• Camp Store: Firewood and ice are conveniently available for purchase on-site, saving campers a trip to town.
• Water Recreation Rentals: Rowboats, paddle boats, kayaks, and canoes can be rented at the pond, allowing easy access to water activities.
• Family Programs: The campground runs a Junior Naturalist Program, offering games and activities aimed at educating children (ages 5-13) and their families about nature.
• Day-Use Area: A dedicated picnic area with grills and a pavilion is available for rent, ideal for larger groups or family gatherings.

Features / Highlights

The most notable highlights of Little Pond Campground are its natural setting and the sheer volume of accessible outdoor recreation, cementing its status as a top-tier destination in the Catskills for locals.

• The 13-Acre Pond: The centerpiece of the campground, Little Pond offers a sand beach area for swimming (unsupervised), a boat launch for non-motorized vessels, and ample opportunity for fishing (panfish are common).
• Extensive Hiking Network: The site serves as a trailhead for several trails, including a gentle 0.75-mile Little Pond Loop trail, as well as connections to the challenging Touch-Me-Not Mountain Trail and the 33 miles of foot trails within the surrounding Delaware Wild Forest.
• Wheelchair Accessible Features: Several parts of the day-use area are designed for accessibility, including a fishing/viewing platform, the picnic pavilion, the main hiking trail, and the beach access route, making the outdoors enjoyable for everyone.
• Family-Friendly Recreation: The grounds feature a playground, a soccer field, basketball and volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits, ensuring there are plenty of organized activities for children and adults.
• Seclusion and Wildlife: The heavily wooded sites and remote location are ideal for peace and quiet, with excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife like white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and bald eagles.
• Proximity to Fly Fishing: Being minutes from the famed Beaverkill River provides unparalleled access for serious anglers looking for a world-class trout fishing experience.
• Historical Interest: A time capsule buried in 1985 in front of the supervisor's office is scheduled to be opened on the 200th anniversary of the Forest Preserve, adding a unique historical footnote to your visit.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries about site availability, or more specific information regarding the Little Pond Campground, please use the contact details provided below. Keep in mind that reservations, especially during peak summer and fall foliage seasons, are highly recommended.

Address: 549 Barkaboom Rd, Andes, NY 13731, USA

Phone: (845) 439-5480

Mobile Phone: +1 845-439-5480

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Little Pond Campground is exceptionally suitable for New York locals looking to trade skyscrapers for the stunning views of the Touchmenot Mountains. Its state-managed status ensures a focus on preserving the natural beauty of the Catskill Forest Preserve, providing an accessible and well-maintained outdoor experience without the high cost of private resorts. For families, the combination of a calm, non-motorized pond for swimming and paddling, the playground, and the Junior Naturalist Program offers wholesome, engaging activities that promote a love for nature.

Furthermore, for those needing a true break from the incessant connectivity of city life, the lack of cell service is a unique asset, allowing for a genuine, distraction-free retreat. Anglers from the metro area are drawn by the proximity to the legendary Beaverkill River. Whether seeking a leisurely, accessible stroll around the pond or a challenging backcountry hike, Little Pond Campground serves as the perfect, peaceful base camp for exploring the best of the Catskills. It is a recurring favorite for a reason: it's a reliable, beautiful, and fundamentally New York wilderness experience.

Little Pond Campground

549 Barkaboom Rd, Andes, NY 13731, USA