By:
Submission
There are five lean-tos as well as five primitive campsites marked with round, yellow, DEC markers. In addition, primitive camping is allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from the regional office.
Camping is prohibited above 3,500 feet in elevation from March 22 until December 20 each year to protect the fragile summit environment. Campfires are permitted below 3,500 feet in elevation, but only dead and down fuel may be used. In an established campsite, use the existing fire ring. Before you leave, completely extinguish the fire. Never leave a fire unattended. The use of camp stoves is encouraged.
Very nice lake with numerous campsites circling the lake. Lots of Beaver activity at the far end of the lake, great for photographing.
Went just for the lake. Really pretty vista. No real beach areas, not a lot of space to sit or to spread a blanket and a ton of goose poop. Shallow end has a lot of small rocks so may be water shoes would be a good idea. Recommend bribing a inflatable bc water can get deep and also more fun for kids. We hiked down to the spring with small water fall and a better time. Shady for great for a hot day and pretty quiet. Only really dirty and disgusting portapotty.
Pros: great place to camp—lots of camp sites (I think there are 14) which are mostly pretty nice if you're ok with primitive camping; it's at the foot of amazing hiking trails—top of the mountain is beautiful, also there are lean-tos farther up the trails for more camping awesomeness; beautiful views; lake is great, especially if you stay at a campsite with direct access.
Cons: beach site could be better (not that big); not all of the campsites have water access; no way to know if there will be a campsite available before going (usually not a problem, but can be on busier weekends in the summer); bears! (be careful with your food storage at night)
Definitely more enjoyable now that it's monitored. I still think it should have a manned gate to offset the over use of the area and the lack of respect for the natural environment.
Be aware... It's a zero electric zero cell service zero bathroom zero food stand place. It's a small lake in the mountains... No snack shack, no pavilion, no rental for anything.
If you bring stuff with you take it back with you.
There is no garbage can no dumpster and no bear is going to eat the garbage you leave behind.
This is one of the most overused dirty areas during tourist season.
A gate and a charge for entry would deter a lot of the unnecessary trashing of a remote area. It would be beneficial in helping to maintain it and ensure repairs...that become necessary when out of area people.. spray paint there out of area towns like bridge graffiti on the trees and rocks. Same as the lean to areas around.
There is no quiet time there unless you go early day... Or off season. Sadly.
Our locals appreciate the area immensely and are enjoying the opportunity for the solitude it provides away from the crowds...now.
One of the most disrespected places in our area.
Shameful.
We randomly found this site dropping our boys off at Onteora Scout Camp. We didn't hike very far but did a little bit around the pond. The pond is great and clean, and really a hidden gem. I wish I had my kayak. There were people kayaking and using their SUP's. My daughter and I had fun trying to catch frogs in the pond. Then right by the parking their is an entrance to a spring. We refilled our water bottles and hike down further to the stream and there was a really cool path with waterfalls. We had so much fun exploring the area. I'd definitely go back.
