How much does camping cost at Mongaup Pond?

Camping fees at Mongaup Pond range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Mongaup Pond first-come first-served or reservation?

Mongaup Pond accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Mongaup Pond?

Mongaup Pond is open July 1 through Labor Day.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Mongaup Pond?

Yes, Mongaup Pond has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Mongaup Pond have?

Mongaup Pond has 160 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Mongaup Pond?

Yes, pets are allowed at Mongaup Pond. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Mongaup Pond?

Mongaup Pond offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Mongaup Pond?

Popular activities at Mongaup Pond include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Mongaup Pond

Q: Can I have a campfire at Mongaup Pond?

Fire policies at Mongaup Pond: Fires must be built in designated fireplaces. Chainsaws are prohibited, and the use of dead wood is mandatory.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.30

207 reviews

231 Mongaup Road, Livingston Manor, New York, 12758, United States

Top 8% in NYFall

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds New York

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,139 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

160 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,139 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

160 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Mongaup Pond

$0.00 - $14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Reservations may be subject to a 9-month maximum window policy; cumulative camping is limited to 14 days between July 1 and Labor Day.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Reserve America

Provider

8454394233

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Mongaup Pond

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Campground Map

231 Mongaup Road, Livingston Manor, New York, 12758, United States

Mongaup Pond

231 Mongaup Road, Livingston Manor, New York, 12758, United States

Nearby places

Liberty and Livingston Manor are within 15 miles. Monticello Raceway, Holiday Mountain, and the National Park Visitor Center at Narrowsburg are within easy driving distance.

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available within a 15-mile radius, in Liberty and Livingston Manor.

Driving directionsFrom Route 17 West: Take Exit 96 at Livingston Manor; turn left on County Road 81 & 82. Drive 6 miles to DeBruce, turn left onto Mongaup Road, and drive 3 miles to the campground. From Route 17 East: Take Exit 96 and turn right at the bottom of ramp, then left at the stop sign. Turn left on DeBruce Road/County Rte 81. Drive 6 miles to DeBruce, turn left onto Mongaup Road, and drive 3 miles to the campground.

Access to Mongaup Pond Campground is via paved roads that are well-marked. Navigation challenges may arise due to lack of cell service, so prepare maps in advance.

Weather at Mongaup Pond

Current alert: Boat rentals are unavailable during weekdays due to staffing shortages. Firewood is not sold on-site.

Best Time to Camp at Mongaup Pond

Fall is the draw here. Foliage on the hemlock and hardwood slopes peaks in late September through mid-October, with daytime highs in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F and nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. The crisp, stable weather suits hiking, paddling, and fishing, though leaf-peeper weekends get crowded. Summer days hover around 70°F, ideal for swimming and boating. Winter brings snow and opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring sees wildflowers and migrating birds return to the forest.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 8% in NY

Fall foliage (late Sep–mid-Oct) is a primary draw; quieter and highly scenic.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 1 through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; restrictions apply during peak season (July-Labor Day).

About Mongaup Pond

Mongaup Pond Campground sits at 2,139 feet within Catskill Park, surrounded by protected Forest Preserve lands that keep it genuinely wild. The 160-site campground centers on a 120-acre natural pond, offering a mix of spacious wooded sites and waterfront spots along loops C through G. Campsites run roughly 60 feet deep by 40 feet wide with fire rings and picnic tables, though privacy varies by loop. Cell service is very spotty, especially for Verizon users.

Mongaup Pond Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent and RV camping. Some sites are directly on the waterfront, offering scenic views and direct pond access.

Historical Significance

Minisink Battleground Memorial Park, a Revolutionary War site, sits a short drive from the campground. Nearby Stone Arch Bridge Historic Park displays 19th-century engineering, and the Sullivan County Historical Museum holds artifacts and pioneer settlement records from the region's early days.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the draw here. Foliage on the hemlock and hardwood slopes peaks in late September through mid-October, with daytime highs in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F and nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. The crisp, stable weather suits hiking, paddling, and fishing, though leaf-peeper weekends get crowded. Summer days hover around 70°F, ideal for swimming and boating. Winter brings snow and opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring sees wildflowers and migrating birds return to the forest.

ElevationPerched within the rolling terrain of the Catskill Mountains, the campground's elevation creates a naturally cooler climate that provides welcome relief during summer months and stunning vistas across the surrounding wilderness.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground wraps around a 120-acre natural pond, the largest lake in the Catskill Park outside NYC's reservoir system. Dense hemlock and hardwood forests blanket the surrounding slopes, creating a dark, quiet canopy over most sites. The pond reflects the forest and draws loons, which call across the water at dawn. Trails wind through moss-covered boulders and along streams, passing occasional waterfalls and overlooks. The glacially carved landscape shows classic Catskill geology: weathered peaks, deep valleys, and ridges thick with deciduous and coniferous growth. Wildlife is abundant. Campers report frequent sightings, so food storage rules are strict.

Geological RegionMongaup Pond Campground sits within the northeastern reaches of the legendary Catskill Mountains, completely surrounded by protected Forest Preserve lands that ensure its wild character remains untouched. This ancient landscape, carved by glaciers and shaped by millennia of natural forces, showcases the classic Catskill geology of weathered peaks, deep valleys, and pristine mountain lakes. The dense deciduous and coniferous forests that blanket these hills create diverse habitats supporting an incredible array of plant and animal life, making this corner of the Catskills a true ecological treasure.

Scenic ViewsWaterfront campsites offer stunning views of Mongaup Pond, which are especially appreciated by kayakers and fisherman.

Programs & ActivitiesEnvironmental Education Recreation programs are available during peak summer months and include nature hikes, crafts, and activities for children.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2PM

Check-out

10 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 cumulative nights allowed between July 1 and Labor Day.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 individuals per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground divides into multiple loops. Waterfront loops (C, D, E, F, G) cluster near the pond with less spacing. Interior loops spread sites farther apart with vegetation buffers, offering better privacy. Some loops feel more tightly packed, especially during busy weekends.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Reserve America.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is limited; reservations are strongly recommended.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are automatically canceled if not occupied within 48 hours of the start date.

AccessibilityFacilities are mostly handicapped accessible, and there are designated handicapped-accessible sites available, which require at least one member of the camping party to be mobility impaired.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious, with typical dimensions approximately 60 feet deep by 40 feet wide.

PrivacyMany sites are well-separated with vegetation buffers, offering a sense of privacy. Some loops have more clustered sites, which may feel less secluded.

Total Campsites160 campsites

Recommended SitesWaterfront campsites in Loops C through G provide direct pond access. Sites on A Loop have strong tree cover.

Best CampsitesLoops C, D, E, F, and G hold the waterfront sites. Reviews consistently recommend booking these for pond views and direct access. Sites away from the water offer more forest seclusion but less scenery.

Need help booking Mongaup Pond?

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Booking tips & windows

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Mongaup Pond Campground offers an extensive range of amenities designed for campers seeking both relaxation and adventure. "The park has campsites; a picnic area with tables, grills, and picnic pavilions; pay phones; restrooms with showers; a trailer dump station; a recycling center; a sand beach." Accessibility is emphasized, as most facilities are handicapped-accessible. The campground provides fire pits, picnic tables, and access to outdoor water faucets. It also has a designated area for dishwashing with hot and cold water. While firewood is not sold on-site, it is available within a short drive. Notably, cell service is limited, which some campers appreciate as an opportunity to disconnect. User reviews highlight the clean, spacious sites, though some criticize the lack of firewood and occasional maintenance issues.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Mongaup Pond Campground provides an array of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. Seasonal environmental education programs are available during July and August, featuring nature hikes, crafts, and games. Winter activities include snowmobiling.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include encounters with bears and biting flies during summer. Caution is advised when swimming or engaging in water activities.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFires must be built in designated fireplaces. Chainsaws are prohibited, and the use of dead wood is mandatory.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM - 7 AM.

Emergency ServicesThe Catskill Hatchery is 3 miles away. Emergency services in Liberty and Livingston Manor are within 15 miles.

Trash & RecyclingThere are recycling and trash facilities available on-site. Campers are advised to clean up food and cooking items promptly to avoid attracting raccoons and bears.

Water FeaturesThe campground surrounds a 120-acre lake. Waterfront campsites provide direct access to Mongaup Pond.

Camp HostHosts are available during operating hours for check-ins and inquiries.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

207 reviews

Satisfactory

Mongaup Pond is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Mongaup Pond Campground are mixed, with many campers praising the scenic beauty, spacious sites, and range of activities. However, some highlight issues with strict enforcement of rules, staff behavior, and maintenance inconsistencies. "Beautiful campground. Nice sized sites and clean facilities," said one user, while another noted, "Staff is brutal though. Potentially the least understanding park employees I have ever encountered."

Review Summaries

Based on 207 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 207 reviews.

F127Loved
F127 and G Loop sites are highlighted as spacious and scenic.
Site 111Issues noted
Site 111 had an issue with flooding, showcasing the importance of site selection.

What Campers Love

Many campers appreciated the scenic beauty, particularly the waterfront sites, abundant wildlife, and recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. Cleanliness and spaciousness of...

Based on 207 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include staff rudeness, lack of firewood on-site, unavailability of boat rentals during weekdays, and occasional maintenance issues such as broken bathroom windows and unstocked...

Based on 207 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Book waterfront sites for the best experience and views. Plan to bring your own firewood and ensure all food is securely stored to avoid attracting wildlife. Arriving before 9 PM is crucial due to...

Based on 207 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are popular but can be crowded. Strict rules are more evident during peak season. Fall is highlighted for its stunning foliage and quieter atmosphere, while winter supports snowmobiling.

Based on 207 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This campground is amazing. The grounds are very clean and well maintained and staff are friendly and helpful." (2021-10-04) "Staff was rude and wouldn’t accommodate moving us to a water spot even...

Based on 207 reviews

Accessibility Features

Handicapped-accessible sites are available and reserved for mobility-impaired campers. Facilities themselves are mostly accessible.

Based on 207 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed with proof of vaccination. Dogs must be leashed at all times and are not allowed in facility structures or on the beach.

Based on 207 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Waterfront campers and paddlers who snag F Loop or G Loop sites early. The pond is the largest in Catskill Park, boat rentals run weekends only, and fall weekends in late September book fast for good reason.

Skip if

Weekday boaters, anyone expecting to buy firewood on-site, or campers who've had bad experiences with rigid enforcement, multiple reviewers flag staff as the least flexible they've encountered, and a few mention the overall vibe feeling unwelcoming.

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Little Pond Campground

549 LITTLE POND STATE CAMPGROUND ROAD, ANDES, New York, 13731, United States

Little Pond Campground sits at 2,028 feet in a remote corner of the Catskills Forest Preserve, centered around a 13-acre pond. The campground has 75 sites spread across numbered loops, accommodating tents, RVs up to 40 feet, and primitive camping. Open July 1 through Labor Day, it charges $22 per night and fills quickly on summer weekends.