How much does camping cost at Peekamoose Blue Hole?

Camping fees at Peekamoose Blue Hole range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Peekamoose Blue Hole first-come first-served or reservation?

Peekamoose Blue Hole 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 Peekamoose Blue Hole?

Peekamoose Blue Hole is open May 15 through September 15.. 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 Peekamoose Blue Hole?

Peekamoose Blue Hole does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Peekamoose Blue Hole?

Fire policies at Peekamoose Blue Hole: All fires are prohibited, including charcoal, wood, gas grills, and propane stoves.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Peekamoose Blue Hole have?

Peekamoose Blue Hole has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Peekamoose Blue Hole?

Yes, pets are allowed at Peekamoose Blue Hole. 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 Peekamoose Blue Hole?

Peekamoose Blue Hole offers: Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Peekamoose Blue Hole?

Popular activities at Peekamoose Blue Hole include Hiking, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Peekamoose Blue Hole

3.55

38 reviews

Peekamoose Road, Town of Denning, New York, 12782, United States

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,201 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open mid-May through...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,201 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open mid-May through...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Peekamoose Blue Hole

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day-use permits are required from May 15 through September 15 and cost $10. Permits can be reserved up to 7 days in advance but are not available...

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Reserve America

Provider

8452563076

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Campground Map

Peekamoose Road, Town of Denning, New York, 12782, United States

Peekamoose Blue Hole

Peekamoose Road, Town of Denning, New York, 12782, United States

Driving directionsThere are limited parking areas located along Peekamoose Road (Route 42). Only one parking area is located near the Blue Hole and there is an approximate 0.6-mile walk to the Blue Hole; the others are some distance away and are meant to provide access to other parts of Sundown Wild Forest. Parking is extremely limited and parking along the roadway is prohibited. Any vehicle parked along the roadway will be ticketed or towed.

Parking is extremely limited, and the trail to the Blue Hole does not meet ADA accessibility standards. Parking along the road shoulder is prohibited by the Town and is a Tow Away Zone.

Weather at Peekamoose Blue Hole

Best Time to Camp at Peekamoose Blue Hole

Summer is peak season. Mid-70s to low-80s air temperatures make the 55°F water feel refreshing instead of punishing. The permit window (May 15 to September 15) aligns with warm weather and the busiest months, June through August. Arrive midweek or early morning to avoid the parking scramble. Outside this window, the site closes and the forest goes quiet.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

After Sept 15 fewer visitors and fall foliage improve experience; maintenance may decline.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 through September 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open mid-May through mid-September with permits required for day use.

About Peekamoose Blue Hole

Peekamoose Blue Hole sits in the Catskills near Denning, offering 12 primitive tent sites and day-use access to a famous swimming hole. From May 15 through September 15, advance permits control parking and day use. Sites cost $10 per night and hold up to six people. No cell service. Reviews split sharply: visitors love the cold, clear pools and forest setting but complain about trash overflow and crowded portable restrooms.

Camping options include designated day-use areas and campsites in the 'Lower Field' loop. Permits are required for both activities.

Historical Significance

Peekamoose Blue Hole used to be a locals' secret. Social media turned it into a bucket-list stop, which forced the introduction of permits to manage the flood of visitors and protect the ecosystem.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is peak season. Mid-70s to low-80s air temperatures make the 55°F water feel refreshing instead of punishing. The permit window (May 15 to September 15) aligns with warm weather and the busiest months, June through August. Arrive midweek or early morning to avoid the parking scramble. Outside this window, the site closes and the forest goes quiet.

ElevationNestled within the rolling contours of the Catskill Mountains, the Blue Hole rests at a moderate elevation where mountain streams converge to create this natural wonder.

Natural Features and SceneryRondout Creek carved deep pools and cascades through Peekamoose Valley on its way to the Rondout Reservoir. Glaciers and persistent water flow shaped the bedrock into natural basins that trap the creek's water, creating the swimming holes. Hemlocks and hardwoods lean over the banks. The water stays around 55°F year-round and glows green in summer light. Elevation here is 1,201 feet. Smooth rocks worn by the current double as diving platforms.

Geological RegionCarved by millennia of patient water flow, Peekamoose Blue Hole showcases the geological artistry of the Catskill region. Here, Rondout Creek has sculpted its masterpiece through Peekamoose Valley, creating deep pools and cascading riffles on its journey to the Rondout Reservoir. The underlying bedrock, shaped by ancient glaciers and persistent streams, forms natural basins that trap the creek's crystal-clear waters, creating the legendary swimming holes that draw visitors from across the globe.

Scenic ViewsThe swimming hole itself offers breathtaking views of clear water and the surrounding forest. Some sections have waterfalls and deep areas exceeding 30 feet.

Lodging & AccommodationsHotel-style lodges or accommodations are not available within the area.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are hosted at this site.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

One-half hour before sunrise.

Check-out

One-half hour after sunset.

Stay Limit

Day-use permit valid for one day only.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Permit allows up to 5 individuals per vehicle.

Groups

No specific information about group camping sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwelve sites clustered near the parking area along Route 42. A 0.6-mile walk leads to the Blue Hole. Sites aren't highly private. Reviews mention limited space and overcrowding during peak season.

Reservation PlatformsReserveAmerica website.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; all use requires a permit reserved in advance.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are not permitted.

AccessibilityThe trail to the Blue Hole does not meet ADA accessibility standards. 'ACCESSIBILITY - The trail to the Blue Hole does not meet ADA accessibility standards' as per official information.

Site SizeStandard campsite sizes with a maximum occupancy of 6 people per site.

PrivacySites are likely clustered and not highly private based on user comments about overcrowding and limited space.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early to secure parking close to the Blue Hole and avoid overcrowding.

Need help booking Peekamoose Blue Hole?

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When to Book

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Amenities available

Peekamoose Blue Hole offers limited amenities, which include port-a-johns near the Blue Hole and designated parking areas. 'Bathrooms - Port-a-Johns are provided near the Blue Hole.' However, cleanliness is a major issue as 'The temporary bathrooms were dirty, smelled bad, and with NO toilet papers, that was on the negative side and can be better managed,' according to user reviews.

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground's unique draw is the Peekamoose Blue Hole, a natural swimming hole with crystal-clear but very cold water. Other activities include hiking and relaxing by the creek. 'A small hike down the road and we can reach this place. A nice place to just get into water and enjoy.' But overcrowding and litter have detracted from the experience for some users.

Hiking

Swimming

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCold water temperatures (around 55°F), overcrowding during peak times, and limited parking. Black bears are occasionally mentioned as a wildlife hazard.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not provided. Port-a-johns are the only restroom option.

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 PolicyAll fires are prohibited, including charcoal, wood, gas grills, and propane stoves.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Quiet enforced by prohibiting audio devices and musical instruments at all times.

Trash & RecyclingUsers must utilize dumpsters for all waste disposal. However, trash management appears to be an issue as one user complained, 'HUGE piles of trash in front of the dumpster...It was also so off-putting and infuriating to see this.'

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Rondout Creek, featuring swimming holes and occasional waterfalls.

Camp HostForest rangers are present to check permits and offer briefings on safety and area conditions.

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

3.6

38 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Peekamoose Blue Hole has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are highly polarized. Many praise the natural beauty and exclusivity enforced by the permit system, while others criticize overcrowding, poor maintenance of facilities, and litter management.

Review Summaries

Based on 38 reviews

What Campers Love

The natural beauty of the Blue Hole is widely praised: 'This magical place is like a page from a fairy tale.' Swimmers appreciate the clear, cold water and find it refreshing. The permit system is...

Based on 38 reviews

Common Concerns

Significant issues include unclean port-a-johns, litter near the dumpsters, and rude or unhelpful rangers in some instances. Reviews also highlight overcrowding and limited parking: 'Parking is...

Based on 38 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The 'Lower Field' loop is available, but no specific site recommendations stand out.

Based on 38 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a parking spot. Dress warmly for the cold water, and remember to bring your permit and ID. Avoid weekends to escape the crowds.

Based on 38 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summers are busier and require permits. Some users suggest visiting after mid-September when permits are not required, but facilities and maintenance may decline.

Based on 38 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The water is cold, very cold, so dress appropriately.' 2. 'No alcoholic beverages, no glass bottles, no fire. Go and enjoy!' 3. 'The temporary bathrooms were dirty, smelled bad, and with NO...

Based on 38 reviews

Accessibility Features

The trail to the Blue Hole is not ADA-accessible, limiting its use for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 38 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed with restrictions. Owners must provide proof of rabies vaccination, and dogs cannot be left unattended.

Based on 38 reviews

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Go if

Cold-water swimmers and hikers who book weekday permits well in advance through ReserveAmerica will get the most out of it. Fall visits after the permit window closes mean fewer people, quieter forest, and no parking scramble.

Skip if

The port-a-johns are consistently reported as filthy and understocked, there's no potable water, no cell service, and no cancellations allowed. Campers who've felt unwelcome at majority-white rural sites in the Catskills have had similar experiences here, so that history is worth

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