Gunks Camping

[johnroberts]

According to The Mohonk Preserve, Camp Slime will close when the new AAC Camp opens on May 15.
They've been told that the MUA will remain open.

You can reserve AAC Camp sites at the link below.
Note: Both AAC members and Mohonk Preserve members are entitled to the member discount ($24 members, $38 non-members per site).

https://lodging.americanalpineclub.org/ ... ations/new

[johngassel]

I've always preferred the multi-[ab]use area myself, but it's still a bit sad to hear that Camp Slime will close.

Looking forward to checking out the AAC campground though!

[AndyGriffin]

I've always done Creek view myself. 10 bucks a night and free showers. But I might have to check this out.

[eric]

The campground is now (in 2 days) officially open. Here is a glowing review:

http://philly-chapter.squarespace.com/journal/gunks-campground

Sounds worth checking out.

[johngassel]

That's a pretty good review. I'm curious how this is be interpreted:

Campsites are $24 per night for AAC and Mohonk Preserve members, and $38 for non members.

Does that mean you have to be a member of both the AAC AND the Mohonk Preserve as stated, or does either quality? I always hold both myself so it's not a big deal, but makes me curious nonetheless.

I still think the biggest problem is going to be parking. That's my main concern about MUA, but I deal with it because it's free. If I'm paying $24/site, you should guaranteed 2 cars at the campground. I don't mind overflow parking on-site but having to park at the Visitor center sounds awful.

[DonGillespie]

The Gunks Climber's Coalition just announced the MUA is closing as of May 3.
Details here: http://gunksclimbers.org/gunks-news/mua ... d-closing/

[johngassel]

This makes me really sad. The end of an era with both slime and (soon-to-be) MUA closing.

[RjBlake]

For those still interested in legal free camping near the Gunks, and willing to do a little more driving, its worth nothing that there are other MUA's (multi-use areas) and some State Forest land that permits primitive camping within 20-30 minutes of the Gunks.

The land is administered by the NY DEC and you're most likely interested in Region 3, Ulster County. http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7804.html Its worth double checking the equipment, group size, and length of stay restrictions as they vary from site to site.

A map of Ulster County DEC land is here: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/48255.html

A bit of google earth work will turn up parking turn offs and likely camping sites.