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Upper Esopus Creekside Camp

100%
·
· Big Indian, New York
100 acres
1 site
1 Tent
Camp on the Esopus Creek in the Big Indian-Oliverea Valley surrounded by seven 3500' Catskill High Peaks including Slide Mountain, the tallest in the Catskills. Our PRIVATE camp (no other campers) is situated on 100 acres of land in the middle of the Catskill State Park. We are the closest HipCamp site to Slide Mountain, the Catskills tallest peak at 4180 feet. A perfect base camp for some of the best hiking in the Catskills, the site is bordered by Forever Wild Forest and is minutes from the trailheads to Balsam, Giant Ledge, Panther, Big Indian, Slide Mountain and dozens more peaks within 30 minutes or so away. You can walk to a swimming hole on a winding path through a wildflower meadow blazed with rock cairns along a half mile of private waterfront. Try your luck at catching some wild Brook Trout on the world famous Esopus Creek! The camp has several tent sites with individual fire rings, as well as a bunkhouse and a leanto for day use.. Camp table and cook pit are covered from the elements. Open WiFi is available at the Campkeeper home a short woods walk away. Seasoned bundled 16" firewood is available by honor box cash payment a few doors up on Brown rd adjacent to the camp entry road. Rules: 'Almost' anything goes. Learn about 'pack-in pack-out/leave no trace camping' and the 'leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures' motto. Due to local laws, no music or noise louder than 60 decibels is allowed which is about as loud as conversation with 20 people in a restaurant, an office of 20 people speaking or being on the phone, background music typically heard in restaurants and public spaces, an air conditioning unit at 100 feet. Our site is to be best enjoyed for the sounds that do exist naturally, the many birds singing their song, the babbling Esopus Creek, the rustling leaves on the trees. Ask questions, I will always answer anything about camping and am thrilled to share my knowledge. Extras: -I have several tents available including a large 5 person Eureka! Copper Canyon tent for $15.00, and 4 two person backpacking tents (Eureka! Timberline, Eureka! Prism, 2 Gazelle tents, and Moss Starlet tent) for $10.00 each. -I have 4 comfortable 2" thick Therm-a-rest Camprest foam and air mattresses for $8.00 each.
Activities
Biking
Fishing
Hiking
Swimming
Natural features
Forest
River, stream, or creek
Swimming hole
Mountainous
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Location
Big Indian, New York, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Pierre L.Joined in May 2019
100%
83 ratings · 68 reviews
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Tumas R.recommends
January 18, 2023
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
I tent camped in January. It was very cold with our water continuously freezing and firewood wouldn't catch. Despite the harsh climate Pierre offered to help us out with many options to make our stay more comfortable. He's great. The whole space is very nice and is beautiful in the day. At night you can see tons of stars.
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Paige M.recommends
November 7, 2022
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
Super awesome site for a large group -- well designed. Our hosts were super laid back and welcoming. I plan on booking again!
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David K.recommends
October 24, 2022
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
Pierre's camp is in a stunning location and has all the basics you need for a group camping trip: fire pit w/ grill, covered eating area, small kitchen workstation and a short ways up the road, a freshwater spring. Will definitely stay here again should the opportunity arise.
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Rueben P.recommends
October 17, 2022
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
Awesome camp site. Private and sweet!
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Liz F.recommends
October 10, 2022
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
the perfect riverside camp site
A perfect camp site. Pierre was a wonderful and welcoming host. The site is riverside, secluded, and in an amazing location close to hiking and other activities. Highly recommend!
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Samantha S.recommends
October 9, 2022
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
Wonderful property and host! Pierre was very helpful directing us to an amazing hike in the area and renting a few extra tents and sleeping mats.
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Leslie P.recommends
September 24, 2022
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
Amazing view
I have nothing but great things to say about this campsite. So much space, privacy and amazing view. Pierre was so nice, funny and helpful. We are coming back for sure. Thank you
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Lilly K.recommends
September 8, 2022
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
Great host, clean & neat campsite
Only good things to say about Pierre who is a kind host and went above and beyond for us first-time campers! Speaking of which, the campsite is great for beginners who also don't want to "glamp" too much - it's the best of both worlds: there are multiple tent sites to choose from (nobody else is there so you can pick any one) - whether you want to set up on the ground or on a tent platform. Also multiple campfire rings with grates to choose from. The campsite is maintained really well - neat and clean. There's also a garbage can provided. The only negative were all the daddy-long-leg type spiders who really really wanted a taste of our shish-kebabs! It could be due to the weather or time of year, but my advice is cook before sundown and don't bring any open bags (or store those in the car). Bags with zippers help keep the spiders out of them. In addition to the campsite, there's a lot of hiking nearby (hint: look up the word "activity" nearby in Google Maps to find a lot of trails), and Susan's Pleasant Pheasant Farm (~30 min away) which has amazing kayaking (hiking too). You can drive your car right up to the campsite, so there's no problem carrying your things from the car.
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Orin B.recommends
August 29, 2022
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
Best Camping!
Pierre's property is by far the best camping west of the Hudson. Or east. Or north or south! My wife and I spent a wonderful weekend next to the Esopus river on the spacious yet private location in Big Indian. This was our second trip up and we will surely be back! Book early!
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Adam S.recommends
August 24, 2022
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
This is an exceptional site. The photos don't really capture how lovely the landscape is and how pleasant the camp site. Pierre is an excellent and kind host. We had a wonderful time, in fact we traveled through so quickly we regretted not getting to stay longer - so will be bookmarking this one for next time we're through the area.
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Ron S.recommends
August 21, 2022
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
We loved tent camping here! The hosts are so friendly and as camping enthusiasts, they know how to set up a site and create a great vibe. Multiple tent sites (we camped with several friends), a couple covered and/or elevated platforms which is helpful for rainy weather, and key resources (firewood, water for dishes/drinking) nearby. The creek is a great spot to hang during the day. Lots of nearby hiking. Quiet, beautiful site with the nicest hosts around. We will be back!
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Sean H.recommends
July 31, 2022
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
Favorite campsite to date!
Our group loved our second time at Pierre’s site. A great host as always, and such a well-equipped campsite too! Always highly recommended and can’t wait to be back again and again.
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Jarett C.recommends
July 25, 2022
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
The Upper Esopus Creekside Campsite has everything you can ask for. Pierre is a gracious host who has done a fantastic job building an ideal campsite. We look forward to camping here again soon.
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Steven F.recommends
July 20, 2022
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
Would Like To Return!
The camp sight was very clean and inviting. Host was great with communicating and has a lovely sight. My group was thinking about going back again soon.
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Jeremy C.recommends
July 10, 2022
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
Very peaceful property!
The site was exactly as described. Pierre was very helpful in showing us around the property. We had 4 boys under the age of 13 and it was perfect for them. Exploring the river and surrounding forest was just what this crew needed!
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James H.recommends
June 27, 2022
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
30th Birthday With 14 Campers
Pierre's land was an awesome place to have a large camp out with friends. We had 12 people camp comfortably at this site for several nights. The location was great, very close to many great spots both natural and in town. We ended up spending a lot of time in camp though because it was such a nice spot right on the creek, and a very nice peaceful grassy meadow behind the camp for lawn games, we didn't really feel the need to seek out day trip destinations too often. The kitchen facilities made it very easy to prepare large meals for everyone. I think everyone in our group would have liked if the "Spa" was a little further away from camp (only for privacy, the clean waste pages worked well). Wasn't too bad though and certainly with less campers it would be no issue. Pierre was a very great host who came down a few times just to check if we needed anything and was always a pleasure to catch a few stories and tidbits from him. I think we could tell it was a pleasure for him to host us which was very nice, non-transactional like we were welcome there.
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Christina V.recommends
June 20, 2022
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
Great camping spot near the river!
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Elisabeth K.recommends
May 27, 2022
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
Great Camping in the Catskills!
Pierre owns a wonderful campsite with enough features and amenities that we didn't leave camp the whole weekend! We weren't expecting 90 degree days in May when we booked the site a couple months back but our party made use of the cold water creek alongside camp. The space is smartly laid out with plenty of space for our group to spread out and have some privacy/quiet away from the main camp. The campsite was stocked with a full kitchen/prep area, wash station with water jugs to fill a creek, trash and recycle bins, and two options for toilets. The only bad thing is that we wished we stayed longer! I enjoyed hearing about the land and how Pierre has built it up over the years. He truly has a special place here - thank you for having us! We will be back again to take advantage of some hiking in the Catskills.
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Samantha S.recommends
May 9, 2022
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
Everything you need plus a cat!
Leading up to this trip, we knew we were in for a treat. The photos show an expertly crafted, low-impact site with all the amenities you could possibly need. Open arriving we were floored with how much more there was. You are surrounded by acres upon acres of woods and flowing right next to the site is the Esopus Creek, which provides a variety of stress-reducing nature sounds and a place to swim. Within the site, you have several overhead structures (perfect for escaping the rain), a large fire pit with benches, a large communal table and prep space that is lit at night with solar lights. There is even water and cleaning supplies provided to use after cooking. There are also numerous places to pitch your tents (by the creek, in the woods, on this beautiful rear lawn). Furthermore, there are two choices for bathrooms and a solar shower. The host was extremely accommodating and provided us with facts on the site and hiking recommendations. He even brought over he beautiful 18lb. maine coon cat for us to meet. This place books up extremely fast so if you see a free weekend... JUMP ON IT! I promise you will not be disappointed.
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Michael R.recommends
April 11, 2022
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
This is a gem of a site. Pierre is very accommodating and I will recommend it to anyone traveling to the Catskills.
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Rueben P.recommends
October 18, 2021
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
Great camp site. It was private and the set up was really good. Dish washing station, tables for cooking and prepping etc. highly recommend.
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Daniel T.recommends
October 3, 2021
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
Everything was very nice for a rustic campsite. The creek access is awesome. The campsite opens up to a great view of the creek. Short walk and there is a little deck with 2 Adirondack chairs (Verizon reception there). to relax. A little further and there is a great watering hole that went about lower chest high. Pierre himself was very nice, informative, and accommodating. We are already discussing when we can get back there.
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Rebecca D.recommends
September 20, 2021
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
1000/10 would recommend!
Fantastic campsite. Beautiful setting along the Esopus Creek. Pierre has created a truly magical place. Thank you for hosting us, Pierre!
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Mary P.recommends
September 20, 2021
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
incredible site - highly recommend
This campsite was one of the best I’ve ever been to. You’re in the heart of the Catskills and the camp ground is so perfectly laid out. We were a group of 10 and felt comfortable. All tent sites were flat and clear. The fire pit was perfect with a smaller area and grate to be able to cook. There was a great covered table to eat at and plenty of space to prep. Even the dishwashing station was great! Having two options for the bathroom was great too. The creek makes the site. It’s refreshing and the perfect way to go to sleep and wake up. Pierre is an incredible host and is there for anything you need. He was welcoming and kind and fun to be around! It was nice hearing the history of the property and felt good knowing he and his wife were nearby if needed. There is no cell service but there’s a wifi network close by. However we welcomed being off the grid for 3 days! Highly recommend this site.
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Orin B.recommends
September 13, 2021
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
Perfect place
Pierre’s space was fantastic. My wife and I had a wonderful time cooking and lounging by the river. Beautiful space, can’t wait to return! Pierre and his wife are incredibly kind and helpful as well. Wonderful weekend!
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William C.recommends
September 4, 2021
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
Idyllic creek side hideaway
Pierre was a fantastic host, the campsite is glorious, the Esopus creek beautiful, I could go on and on. Idyllic.
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Ethan C.recommends
August 30, 2021
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
Pierre's site has everything you need, and he is a delight of a host. Our favorite part was the falling asleep to the sound of the Esopus. The site is laid out beautifully and the construction is sound! Pierre attends to every aspect of the site, from supplies to cleanliness, and is super responsive and willing to share his knowledge of the area. The site is also 10 minutes from great hikes. This place is a hidden gem and we would go back any chance we could!
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Shannon R.recommends
August 28, 2021
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
Magic ricjj kk s
We are over the moon over Pierre & Michelle’s upper esopus creek camping !!! This is our 2 nd trip in the past month & It’s such a wonderful site🌲⭐️🙏 We got there super duper late & had a roaring camp fire Walked along the creek to sit on the beautiful deck over looking the creek and talked about stars ⭐️ life & the moon … my husband , 2 kids and I are so happy to have found this place & there is something so gentle about these woods~~~ the creek was bustling which made our sleep so pleasant We came on a whim so weren’t even set up for camping but with a little help from Pierre it worked out just perfectly 😍🙏 The next morning we frolicked by the rocks in the river and attempted to do the cold water plunge 🥶 This camp site has become our absolute favorite and it’s set up so well😍 it would be perfect if you had a group of friends to set up some tents along the creeek with although upon booking this site it’s you & yours alone⛰❤️♥️🙏⭐️ Thank you Pierre for making & sharing such a wonderful place to camp!! it’s so comforting to know your just a hop skip & a jump away and we enjoyed. Your stories about hiking & the beavers 🦫!!!! Especially the Canadian beaver ❤️♥️❌⭕️🌲⛰ See you sooner than later (we hope) Love Shannon , Jake , aden & indie
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Gidon O.recommends
August 19, 2021
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
One of the best places
This was a terrific experience for everyone and especially my kids. This campsite was perfect for what we needed and definitely somewhere I want to go again. Pierre was a great host and was a pleasure to meet him and speak with him. Even though we had rain for a good part of our trip, it was still manageable and fun to be there.
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Colleen G.recommends
August 16, 2021
Upper Esopus Creekside Camp
Perfect Rustic Private Getaway!
This campsite was the perfect rustic getaway for our annual Fresh Air Friends gathering! The swimming holes were super refreshing and the grounds were beautiful and peaceful. Pierre was super accommodating and even let one of our little campers test put his tractor. We would highly recommend this spot!
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