Peekamoose Blue Hole
00 reviewPeekamoose Road, Town of Denning, New York, 12782, United States
Peekamoose Blue Hole
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
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 on-site.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the Catskills, Peekamoose Blue Hole beckons adventurers with its crystalline waters and untouched natural splendor. This coveted day-use swimming destination transforms summer afternoons into unforgettable experiences, where visitors plunge into emerald pools fed by mountain streams. Due to its surging popularity, access requires advance permits between May 15 and September 15—a small price for preserving this pristine sanctuary. While you'll find designated parking and basic facilities, the true luxury here is nature itself, inviting you to spend sun-drenched hours exploring, swimming, and soaking in the raw beauty of the wilderness.
Camping options include designated day-use areas and campsites in the 'Lower Field' loop. Permits are required for both activities.
Historical SignificanceFor generations, Peekamoose Blue Hole remained one of the Catskills' best-kept secrets, whispered about among locals who treasured its secluded waters. This once-hidden sanctuary served as a private refuge for those willing to venture off the beaten path. The digital age brought both blessing and burden, as social media transformed this intimate hideaway into a bucket-list destination, prompting conservation measures to protect what longtime visitors fondly remember as their personal slice of paradise.
Weather and SeasonsSummer at Peekamoose Blue Hole offers a thrilling contrast—warm sunshine filtering through the canopy while the swimming hole maintains its signature bone-chilling 55°F temperature year-round. The brief window from late spring through early fall reveals the area at its most spectacular, when verdant foliage frames the sapphire waters and wildflowers dot the banks. Outside this enchanted season, nature reclaims her solitude, closing the area to visitors and allowing the ecosystem to regenerate in peaceful isolation.
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 SceneryImagine stepping into a living emerald—that's the magic of Peekamoose Blue Hole. Fed by the pristine waters of Rondout Creek, this natural swimming hole glows with an otherworldly green hue that seems almost too vivid to be real. Ancient hemlocks and hardwoods lean over the water's edge, their branches creating a natural cathedral that filters sunlight into dancing patterns across the surface. Smooth rocks worn by centuries of flowing water provide natural diving platforms, while the surrounding forest hums with life, from chattering chipmunks to soaring hawks riding the mountain thermals.
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.
Campsite details
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.
Sites SizeStandard campsite sizes with a maximum occupancy of 6 people per site.
Sites PrivacySites are likely clustered and not highly private based on user comments about overcrowding and limited space.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early to secure parking close to the Blue Hole and avoid overcrowding.
Best CampsitesNot applicable for this day-use site.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutDesignated parking areas along Route 42 with a short 0.6-mile walk to the Blue Hole.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-May through mid-September with permits required for day use.
Reservation PlatformsReserveAmerica website.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; all use requires a permit reserved in advance.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are not permitted.
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
There are trails nearby with varying levels of difficulty. 'There are hikes on the other side of the road that are pretty tough and an incline for most of the way,' one user review noted.Swimming
Swimming in the Blue Hole is a major attraction. The water is described as 'ice-cold but breathtaking.' Depth varies, with some sections being extremely deep (over 30 feet).Winter Activities
There are no specific winter activities recorded.Water Sports
Swimming is the main water-based activity available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- All fires are prohibited, including charcoal, wood, gas grills, and propane stoves.
- Quiet hours are Quiet enforced by prohibiting audio devices and musical instruments at all times.
Hazards
General hazardsCold water temperatures (around 55°F), overcrowding during peak times, and limited parking. Black bears are occasionally mentioned as a wildlife hazard.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 through September 15.
Trash and 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.'
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Rondout Creek, featuring swimming holes and occasional waterfalls.
Common complaintsOvercrowding, poor management of portable restroom facilities, and piles of trash near the dumpsters are recurring issues.
HostForest rangers are present to check permits and offer briefings on safety and area conditions.
Campground Map
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.Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Peekamoose Blue Hole has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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
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...
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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...
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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.
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.
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...
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Site-Specific Reviews
The 'Lower Field' loop is available, but no specific site recommendations stand out.
Accessibility Features
The trail to the Blue Hole is not ADA-accessible, limiting its use for individuals with disabilities.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed with restrictions. Owners must provide proof of rabies vaccination, and dogs cannot be left unattended.
Last updated August 10, 2025