Minnewaska State Park Preserve Camping Guide 2025

Minnewaska State Park Preserve is one of those places that feels like a complete escape without requiring a long road trip. Tucked along the dramatic Shawangunk Ridge in New York’s Hudson Valley, this park offers rugged cliffs, waterfalls, sky-blue lakes, and sweeping views—without the crowds you might find in other well-known areas.

We’d recommend Minnewaska to anyone looking for a wild, back-to-basics camping experience close to NYC. But here’s the catch: there’s no developed campground inside the park itself. Camping here means embracing a more primitive setup—think nearby backcountry spots, limited amenities, and a stronger focus on Leave No Trace ethics. If you’re looking to get off the grid for a night or two, this is your kind of place.

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How to Get There

Minnewaska is located in Ulster County, New York, about 90 miles north of New York City. The park entrance is just outside the small town of Kerhonkson, and only a short drive from New Paltz, which is your best bet for groceries, gas, or grabbing a hot meal before heading in.

Driving Directions:

• From NYC or the southern Hudson Valley: Take I-87 North (New York State Thruway) to Exit 18 (New Paltz). From there, head west on Route 299 until it becomes Route 44/55, which leads directly to the park entrance.
• From the north: Use Exit 19 on I-87 and take Route 209 south to Route 44/55.

There’s a main entrance at 5281 Route 44-55, which leads to the Upper and Lower Awosting parking areas. Be prepared to pay for parking upon arrival (more on that below). Parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends—so we always suggest arriving early, especially if you’re planning to hike in and set up camp nearby.

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Permits and Fees

Minnewaska State Park Preserve has no in-park camping, but there are a few legal dispersed or backcountry camping options just outside park boundaries, especially on adjacent public lands or at designated primitive sites.

For the park itself:

• Day-use entrance fee: $10 per vehicle (collected year-round)
• Camping permits: While camping is not allowed inside Minnewaska, if you plan to stay on nearby Mohonk Preserve or other adjacent DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) lands, you’ll need to check individual permit requirements. For example:
  • DEC primitive camping areas typically do not require a permit if your group is under 10 people and you’re camping for fewer than 3 nights.
  • Mohonk Preserve requires a membership or day pass and does not allow camping.

It’s important to double-check with the New York DEC if you’re aiming for a spot on public forest preserve lands nearby. Rules can vary depending on the exact area and current fire/weather conditions.

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Camping Rules and Regulations

Here’s what you need to know before setting up a tent anywhere near Minnewaska:

• No camping is permitted within park boundaries. This includes all lakes, carriage roads, and forested areas managed by the state park.
• Dispersed camping is available in nearby state forest lands, such as sections of the Shawangunk Ridge State Forest or Sundown Wild Forest. These are within a short drive and offer a more rustic, secluded experience.
• Fires are generally prohibited in most backcountry areas near Minnewaska unless you’re at a DEC-designated primitive site with a fire ring. Even then, always check for fire bans during dry spells.
• Group size is limited to 9 people or fewer without a special permit. Larger groups require DEC approval.
• Leave No Trace is not optional here—it’s essential. This means burying human waste at least 6–8 inches deep and 200 feet from water, packing out all trash, and avoiding any kind of permanent structure or impact on the land.

If you’re planning a trip, we highly recommend doing your homework about the exact location you want to camp and following both state and local guidelines. The line between park boundary and public forest land can be blurry without a proper trail map or GPS.

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Best Camping Spots and Recommendations

Since camping inside Minnewaska isn’t allowed, we’ve gathered a few nearby legal camping options that still keep you close to the action—and nature.

1. Shawangunk Ridge State Forest

This is one of the closest dispersed camping areas near Minnewaska. It’s located just west of the park, off Route 52 or Berme Road. There are no developed campsites here, but primitive camping is allowed 150 feet away from trails, roads, and water sources.

Pros:

• Free and no permit required for small groups
• Quiet and low traffic
• Excellent stargazing

Cons:

• No water, toilets, or amenities
• Requires careful navigation and map reading
• Fires prohibited

2. Nearby DEC Campgrounds (Sundown Wild Forest)

If you’re looking for something slightly more structured but still primitive, Sundown Wild Forest to the north offers a few first-come, first-served camping areas, including along Peekamoose Road.

Pros:

• Access to creeks for water (filter required)
• Easier parking and road access
• Less ambiguity about where you can camp

Cons:

• Farther from Minnewaska trails
• Busier on weekends
• No reservations; arrive early

3. Off-Grid Car Camping (Kerhonkson Area)

A few unofficial pull-off spots and rural backroads around Kerhonkson or Accord sometimes get used for stealthy overnight stays, especially by vanlifers or solo car campers. While these aren’t technically approved, they’re low-risk if you’re respectful, quiet, and leave early. We don’t actively recommend these, but they’re sometimes used as a last-minute option.

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Hiking Trails and Routes

Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a hiking paradise. If you’re planning to camp nearby, hitting at least one or two trails while you’re here is a must. The park is crisscrossed with carriage roads (wide gravel paths) and single-track footpaths that lead to waterfalls, cliffs, and serene lakes.

Here are a few of the most popular routes we’d recommend:

• Lake Minnewaska Loop Trail (2 miles): This easy loop circles the lake and offers picture-perfect views with minimal elevation gain. It’s great for a relaxed walk or a warm-up before tackling something longer.
• Gertrude’s Nose Trail (7.5 miles roundtrip): This is the crown jewel of Minnewaska. You’ll get stunning cliffside views, dramatic rock formations, and enough challenge to feel like you earned the scenery. The terrain is rocky and uneven in parts, so wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
• Awosting Falls (1 mile roundtrip): A short hike to a beautiful 65-foot waterfall. Great if you’re looking to stretch your legs or squeeze in a quick sight before heading out.
• Castle Point Trail (10+ miles roundtrip): If you’ve got the time and energy, this long loop rewards you with panoramic views and fewer crowds once you’re deep into the backcountry.

Trail maps are available at the visitor center, but we’d also suggest bringing a downloaded GPS map on your phone or a paper map if you’re exploring less-traveled paths.

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Packing List and Gear Guide

Even though you’ll be camping outside of the main park, the terrain and weather around Minnewaska call for a solid gear checklist. Here’s what we’d recommend bringing:

Essentials:

• Backpacking tent or bivy sack (lightweight and weather-resistant)
• Sleeping bag (rated for at least 30°F even in summer)
• Sleeping pad or ground insulation
• Lightweight stove or no-cook food options
• First aid kit
• Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries

Clothing:

• Layered clothing for variable temps (especially in shoulder seasons)
• Waterproof jacket and extra socks
• Hat and gloves (even in early fall, nights can get cold)
• Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots or trail shoes

Navigation:

• Trail map and compass or GPS
• Offline map app (cell signal is unreliable)

Water Gear:

• At least 3 liters of water storage per person
• Portable water filter or purifier
• Collapsible sink or jug for camp use

Other Must-Haves:

• Trowel for digging catholes (if no toilet available)
• Bug spray (especially in spring and summer)
• Bear bag or odor-proof food sack + rope (for tree hanging)
• Trash bag (you’ll need to pack out all your waste)

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Water and Food Tips

One of the most important things to prepare for is the lack of potable water sources in and around Minnewaska. There are lakes, streams, and creeks nearby, but you should assume none of them are safe to drink without treatment.

We’d suggest:

• Carrying enough water for your hike and overnight stay
• Using a filter that removes protozoa and bacteria (Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree work well)
• Bringing water purification tablets or a UV sterilizer as backup

For food, there are no bear boxes or lockers in the dispersed camping areas, so you’ll need to store your food properly:

• Use a bear bag or bear-proof container
• Hang your food bag at least 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet from the trunk of a tree
• Keep your cooking area at least 100 feet away from where you sleep

Don’t leave food scraps or wrappers behind—chipmunks and raccoons will definitely find them before morning.

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Best Time to Visit and Weather Tips

Minnewaska is open year-round, but not every season is ideal for camping. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Late Spring (May to June):
One of the best times to visit. Waterfalls are flowing, trails are in great shape, and temps are mild. Just watch for mosquitoes and ticks, especially in grassy areas.

Summer (July to August):
Busy, hot, and sometimes humid. You’ll want to hit the trails early to beat the heat. Afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly, so always carry a rain shell.

Fall (September to mid-October):
Arguably the most stunning time to be here. The fall foliage is unreal, the crowds thin out, and the bugs disappear. Nights can get cold, so bring warm layers.

Winter (late October to April):
Snow and ice are common, and the park allows cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but camping is rough unless you’re an experienced winter backpacker. Many facilities and trailheads have limited access during deep winter.

In general, we’d recommend visiting between mid-May and early October for the best conditions.

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Safety and Navigation

It’s easy to think that a popular state park doesn’t require serious planning—but Minnewaska and the surrounding wilderness areas have fooled plenty of hikers. You’re often deep in forest or exposed on cliffs, and cell service is spotty at best.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Always carry a paper map or GPS. The trails are well-marked, but intersections can be confusing, especially when carriage roads split.
• Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
• Avoid cliff edges, especially after rain—some rocks get slick fast.
• Don’t rely on your phone. In some areas, even Google Maps won’t load. Offline maps via Gaia GPS, AllTrails, or similar apps are super helpful.
• Emergency contact info is posted at some trailheads, but it may take time for help to reach you. For longer backcountry trips, a satellite communicator or emergency beacon is a wise investment.

And while wildlife isn’t usually a major concern, there are occasional black bear sightings in the surrounding woods. Make noise as you hike, don’t leave food out, and store everything with care.

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Leave No Trace Principles

If there’s one thing we really hope you carry with you into Minnewaska’s backcountry, it’s a Leave No Trace mindset. This place is stunning—cliffside views, crystal-clear lakes, and dense forests—and it stays that way because visitors take care of it.

Here are the 7 Leave No Trace principles, with tips for putting them into practice around Minnewaska:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
   • Know the rules: no fires, no camping inside the preserve, and no off-trail wandering in sensitive areas.
   • Bring the right gear: don’t count on finding water or cell service.
   • Prepare for weather changes—this area can surprise you.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
   • Stick to established trails and rock or gravel when possible.
   • When choosing a dispersed camp spot outside the park, use pre-existing clearings if you can find one.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
   • Pack out everything. This includes food scraps, wrappers, and even used toilet paper.
   • Bury human waste at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from any water sources or trails.
4. Leave What You Find
   • Don’t pick wildflowers or stack rocks—it might seem harmless, but it can disrupt ecosystems and trail navigation.
   • Take only pictures.
5. Minimize Campfire Impact
   • Fires aren’t allowed in Minnewaska, and you shouldn’t build one in the surrounding areas either.
   • Use a camp stove instead—it’s lighter, cleaner, and far safer.
6. Respect Wildlife
   • Store food securely. Animals (especially raccoons and the occasional bear) will investigate anything that smells like a snack.
   • Don’t feed wildlife, and give them space if you spot them.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
   • Keep noise to a minimum.
   • Yield to others on trails, especially runners and mountain bikers on multi-use paths.

This approach keeps the park wild and beautiful—not just for you, but for the next person who wanders through.

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Nearby Attractions

If you’ve got a little extra time, we’d absolutely suggest checking out a few nearby gems:

• Mohonk Preserve: Just minutes from Minnewaska, this area offers more trails and the iconic Mohonk Mountain House nearby. A day pass is required, but the scenery is worth it.
• Sam’s Point Area: Technically part of Minnewaska but accessed from a separate entrance in Cragsmoor. It has unique features like ice caves and expansive views.
• New Paltz: A charming college town about 20 minutes away. Grab a coffee, explore the shops, or treat yourself to a hot meal after your trip.
• Shawangunk Wine Trail: If you’re wrapping up your camping adventure and want something relaxing, consider a wine tasting tour at one of the nearby vineyards.

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Suggested Itineraries

Here’s what we’d suggest depending on how much time you’ve got:

Quick 1-Night Trip

Perfect for: Weekend warriors or first-time backcountry campers.

• Start at: Lake Minnewaska parking area.
• Hike: Explore the Lake Minnewaska Loop, then head out on Gertrude’s Nose trail for a shorter out-and-back version.
• Camp: Choose a dispersed site in nearby state forest land (outside the preserve boundaries).
• Pack: Essentials only—light sleeping setup, water filter, trail snacks, stove, and map.
• Highlight: Catch sunset at Millbrook Mountain or a cliffside viewpoint before setting up camp.

2-3 Night Adventure

Perfect for: A longer, scenic escape with time to explore multiple areas.

• Day 1: Hike Gertrude’s Nose and Castle Point Loop. Camp in nearby forest.
• Day 2: Visit Awosting Falls and Sam’s Point area. Enjoy Ice Caves if open.
• Day 3: Optional early morning loop around Lake Awosting or relax near Minnewaska before heading out.
• Camp: Rotate between legal dispersed sites outside the preserve (plan ahead).
• Pack: Full backcountry setup including multiple meals, warm layers, water gear, map, and first aid.

This setup gives you the full range of Minnewaska’s landscapes—without rushing through it all.

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Frequently Asked Questions