Upper Esopus Creekside Camp, Big Indian, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents looking for the ultimate combination of Catskills wilderness and dedicated private comfort, the Upper Esopus Creekside Camp in Big Indian, NY, presents a truly unique offering. Situated on a sprawling 100-acre family homestead, this is not a public campground where sites are packed shoulder-to-shoulder; instead, it is a single, private group camp available exclusively to one booking party at a time. This guarantees an unparalleled level of seclusion and privacy, a rare luxury in the popular Catskill Forest Preserve.

The camp is nestled in the scenic Big Indian-Oliverea Valley, literally on the banks of the world-famous Esopus Creek. It positions itself as a glamping-style primitive basecamp, meaning it offers thoughtful amenities that enhance the experience of rustic camping. It’s ideal for families, small groups of friends, or dedicated hikers who need a comfortable and well-equipped launchpad for exploring the surrounding Catskill High Peaks, including Slide Mountain, the tallest in the region. The camp’s blend of vast space, immediate water access, and pre-built, weather-protected facilities makes it a premium, stress-free gateway to the wild heart of Upstate New York.

Location and Accessibility

The Upper Esopus Creekside Camp is conveniently located at 50 Rustic Rd, Big Indian, NY 12410, USA. This address places it deep within Ulster County, in the center of the Catskill State Park, surrounded by the "Forever Wild" Forest. Its location is a primary selling point for local outdoor enthusiasts:

The site is bordered by Forever Wild Forest, offering immediate access to true wilderness exploration.
It is situated directly on the banks of the Esopus Creek, one of the state's most renowned trout streams.
The camp is minutes away from the trailheads for some of the Catskills’ most iconic High Peaks, including Slide Mountain, Balsam, Giant Ledge, and Panther Mountain, making it an ideal staging area for serious hiking.
Unlike many truly primitive sites, this is a drive-up camp, meaning guests can typically access the area directly by car, simplifying the process of unloading gear and settling in.
The camp is easily reachable from major routes in the Catskills, offering a sense of remoteness without being truly isolated; charming local towns like Phoenicia, with shops and restaurants, are just a short drive away for supplies or a meal out.

Services Offered

The Upper Esopus Creekside Camp is designed to make primitive camping comfortable and easy for a single group booking. The focus is on providing robust, built-in facilities that offer protection from the elements and high-quality sleeping arrangements. Services and amenities include:

Exclusive Private Booking: The entire 100-acre camp is reserved for one group per booking, ensuring complete privacy from other campers.
Glamping Tent & Platform: The main accommodation features a large canvas prospector-style tent set up on a 10x12 covered platform for optimal weather protection.
Premium Sleeping Comfort: Inside the main tent, a bunk bed is equipped with 4-inch thick, self-inflating Therm-a-rest MondoKing 3D XXL Queen-sized insulated mats.
Weather-Protected Cooking & Dining: The camp includes a covered cook pit and a covered camp table area, allowing for comfortable meal preparation and dining regardless of the weather.
Day-Use Structures: A small bunkhouse and a lean-to are available for day use or as backup shelter, providing additional functional space for the group.
Individual Tent Sites: Several separate, level tent sites are available around the main area, each with its own private fire ring for a customizable experience.
Toilet Facility: A clean and convenient “CleanWaste loo” (a 5-gallon bucket system with a toilet seat box) is provided for sanitation needs.
Wood Burning Stove: The main tent includes a wood-burning stove for heat on cooler evenings, enhancing the cozy glamping atmosphere.
Non-Potable Water Access: The camp is situated right next to the creek, which provides a source of non-potable water, but guests must bring their own drinking water.
Firewood Available: Seasoned, bundled 16-inch firewood is typically available nearby for purchase via an honor box system.

Features / Highlights

The defining highlights of the Upper Esopus Creekside Camp are its strategic location and the thought put into the guest experience, making it a favorite for discerning New York campers:

Creekside Location: The camp offers a half-mile of private waterfront access on the Esopus Creek. While the creek may be shallow in certain spots, as noted by customers, walking a short distance can lead to deeper swimming holes and is perfect for enjoying the constant, soothing sound of the running water.
Unrivaled Hiking Basecamp: The site boasts the title of being the closest private camp to Slide Mountain, the Catskills’ tallest peak, and is within minutes of the trailheads for seven of the Catskill 3500' High Peaks, providing immediate, high-quality hiking options.
World-Class Trout Fishing: The Esopus Creek is globally recognized as one of the best trout fisheries in the United States, offering excellent opportunities for fly fishing for Brown and Rainbow Trout right near the camp, provided anglers have the necessary NY State licenses.
Exceptional Privacy: The 100-acre property is booked exclusively, meaning no other campers are present. This provides the ultimate private experience, allowing guests to relax, make noise, and roam freely.
Enhanced Camping Comfort: Features like a covered kitchen area, a main tent with a wood stove, and premium sleeping mats elevate the stay significantly beyond typical primitive camping.
Scenic Surroundings: The camp is surrounded by massive 3500-foot peaks, offering stunning mountain views and a profound sense of immersion in the Catskills wilderness.

Contact Information

As a private property operating primarily through third-party booking platforms (such as Hipcamp), the best and most reliable method for New York locals to contact and book this unique site is via online channels. Direct phone contact for reservations is often managed by the property owner/campkeeper through the booking site's platform, but the physical location is:

Address: 50 Rustic Rd, Big Indian, NY 12410, USA
Phone: (Specific phone numbers for booking often change or are managed through online platforms. Guests are advised to search online for "Upper Esopus Creekside Camp" to find the current booking and contact information for the host.)

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For New York locals weary of crowded public parks and seeking a deeper, yet more comfortable, connection to the Catskills, the Upper Esopus Creekside Camp is a revelation. It solves the common camping dilemma: how to access remote wilderness without sacrificing comfort or privacy. Its exclusive single-party booking policy on 100 acres ensures total seclusion, allowing groups to truly relax and reconnect without interruption. Functioning as the closest private basecamp to the most challenging and rewarding hiking trails in the Catskills, it provides a crucial advantage for serious adventurers. Coupled with the immediate access to the revered Esopus Creek for fishing and the thoughtful glamping-style amenities—like covered structures and premium sleeping gear—this camp is the perfect secluded retreat, offering New Yorkers an escape where the rush of the creek replaces the rush of the city.