Primitive Campsites: Rochester Hollow

Parking: End of Matyas Rd (off Route 28), Big Indian, NY
Map: NYNJTC #142




Situated within Shandaken Wild Forest is a small network of trails.  The property was privately owned until it was purchased by the state.  There are 5 miles of trail that show signs of past settlement.  A monument to local nineteenth century naturalist John Burroughs sits along the trail 2 miles from the parking lot.  There is also a lean to .7 miles from the the monument, the Rochester Hollow shelter.

This campsite is less than 1/4 mile from the lot and is one of two alongside the stream within the first mile of parking.  Having a reliable water source right next door is a great luxury. There is room enough for a few tents and it has a great fire pit with a section for a smaller cooking fire.  Primitive sites like these have 0 amenities; the bathroom is behind a tree or a hole at least 6" deep, far from water (you dig the hole by the way) - much like backpacking a wilderness.  Being able to hear the flowing water nearby was very peaceful.  I was lucky enough to have been left a small pile of firewood (that I would add to).  Seats and tabletops were also set up with stones, and that is always convenient.  

I camped here for 1 night so that I could go on 2 quick peak bagging treks.  On a Saturday and Sunday I reached the summit of 4 Catskills 3500 mountains.  Twas a fun weekend!