Mongaup Pond Campground

- 231 Mongaup Pond Rd, Livingston Manor, NY 12758

Are you a New York resident looking for a genuine, nature-immersed escape without the multi-state travel? Tucked away in the beautiful Catskill Park,

Mongaup Pond Campground

in Livingston Manor, NY, offers a quintessential Northeast camping experience that is both accessible and deeply rewarding. Managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), this is more than just a place to pitch a tent—it is a serene and well-maintained retreat centered around the largest body of water in the Catskills Park outside of the New York City reservoirs: a stunning 120-acre pond.

For local users, Mongaup Pond is a refreshing return to the basics of camping, offering spacious, wooded sites, pristine water access, and miles of surrounding forest to explore. It’s a place where the air is fresh, the amenities are clean, and the friendly staff are dedicated to ensuring a memorable outdoor adventure. Whether you are a seasoned RVer with a self-contained unit or a family introducing kids to the joy of campfire s'mores, this New York gem provides the perfect setting.

Mongaup Pond Campground is situated in the charming town of

Livingston Manor, New York

, in the heart of Sullivan County. This location places it squarely in the Willowemoc Wild Forest, part of the greater Catskills region, making it a prime spot for trout fishing and general mountain recreation. The drive from the greater New York City area is manageable, providing a relatively quick transition from urban hustle to forest tranquility.

Accessibility is straightforward via major routes. The campground is located just a few miles northeast of Livingston Manor, easily reached from

Route 17 (Future Interstate 86)

. As you get closer, the roads become scenic and winding, a hallmark of the Catskills experience. While the setting feels wonderfully remote, the proximity to Livingston Manor means essential services, charming local shops, and unique dining options are all within a short 15-mile drive, ensuring you have the convenience of civilization nearby if needed.

The campground's official address is:

231 Mongaup Pond Rd, Livingston Manor, NY 12758, USA

Mongaup Pond Campground offers a variety of public services and facilities designed to make your stay comfortable, clean, and enjoyable. Many customer reviews specifically call out the dedication of the staff and the cleanliness of the comfort stations, which contributes significantly to the quality of your camping trip.

• Campsites: Approximately 163 large, well-spaced, mostly wooded campsites accommodating both tents and hard-wheeled camping equipment (RV/Trailer). Many sites are located directly on the lake.
• Water Access: Direct access to the 120-acre Mongaup Pond for swimming, boating, and fishing. Note: No trailered boats or gasoline motors are permitted to protect the water quality, though electric trolling motors are allowed.
• Sanitary Facilities: Well-maintained comfort stations are available throughout the loops, featuring flush toilets and sinks. Hot showers are also provided, primarily located near the day-use area and beach.
• Waste Management: A trailer dump station and a recycling center are available for camper use.
• Provisions and Supplies: A camp store on-site typically offers essentials such as firewood, ice, and basic groceries, enhancing convenience for all visitors.
• Campground Staff: Highly praised, knowledgeable, and helpful attendants are at the front gate and throughout the park, providing an excellent welcome and assistance to campers.

Beyond the basic amenities, Mongaup Pond provides outstanding features that make it a favorite destination in the Catskills, focusing heavily on nature-centric recreation.

• Scenic Waterfront: The campground is set entirely around the large 120-acre Mongaup Pond, offering beautiful views and numerous lakeside sites. The lake is ideal for quiet water sports.
• Swimming Beach: A designated, well-maintained small beach and swimming area is available for cooling off, complete with a lifeguard during designated hours in season.
• Paddling and Fishing: The

  no-motor rule

  ensures a peaceful atmosphere for canoeing, kayaking, and rowboating. Boat and canoe rentals are available on-site. The pond is a known spot for excellent fishing, with species like brook trout, bass, and pickerel.
• Hiking Trail Network: The campground serves as a gateway to the broader Willowemoc Wild Forest. A popular, gentle 1.5-mile loop trail circles the pond, and more extensive trails like the Mongaup-Hardenburg Trail and connections to the Big Indian Wilderness system originate here, offering challenges for all skill levels.
• Picnic and Day-Use Area: A dedicated day-use area provides picnic tables, grilling stations (including fire rings at each campsite), a large green space, and a pavilion available for rental, making it perfect for family gatherings.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Dogs are welcome in the campground and on trails but are restricted from the designated beach, picnic areas, and buildings, following standard DEC guidelines.

To contact the campground directly for reservations, current conditions, or inquiries, please use the following information:

Address:

231 Mongaup Pond Rd, Livingston Manor, NY 12758, USA

Phone:

(845) 439-4233

For New York residents seeking an accessible, high-quality, and deeply enriching outdoor experience, Mongaup Pond Campground is an ideal local choice. It offers the rare combination of a secluded, dense-forest environment with clean, fully functional amenities.

Unlike many overcrowded weekend spots, Mongaup Pond provides generous spacing and the privacy of wooded sites, a feature highly valued by repeat campers. The focus on paddle sports (no gas motors) ensures a tranquil and unpolluted atmosphere on the water, perfect for quiet contemplation, fishing, or a gentle paddle with the family. Furthermore, the commitment to cleanliness—from the pristine bathrooms and hot showers to the well-kept grounds—reflects a high standard of maintenance that elevates the entire camping experience.

It serves as a perfect base camp for exploring the Southwestern Catskills, from serious hiking to visiting local attractions like the nearby Catskill Fish Hatchery or the historic sites and charming villages of Sullivan County. It is an authentic New York State retreat—close enough to be convenient, but remote enough to feel like a true escape from the city and suburbs. It's the place where locals go to reconnect with nature, creating lasting memories by the pond, under the stars, right here in the Empire State.

Mongaup Pond Campground

231 Mongaup Pond Rd, Livingston Manor, NY 12758, USA