Mongaup campground closed for the season

Staffing shortages reduce services

By Aidan Dusenbury-Dalto | Manor Ink

DeBruce, NY – A beloved campground, a staple for families and adventure-seekers, has announced its early closure.

Mongaup Pond Campground, located just a few miles outside Livingston Manor in DeBruce, is closing on Sept. 1, as opposed to its usual closing date in mid-October.

The campground, operated by the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, features a 120-acre lake, the largest body of water in the Catskill Park aside from the New York City reservoirs. The 160 large campsites in a dense forest environment with a swimming beach, picnic area and boat rentals, attract both campers from afar and local day visitors. Staffing shortages have also plagued the campground this summer, causing boat rentals to be suspended due to a lack of personnel.

Disappointed campground users

Many were surprised by the early closing date. “It’s a shame they are closing early and don’t have the staff to rent boats,” said Markie Bloat of Liberty. “It’s a beautiful place, and the staff keep it well maintained and clean.” Sammy Rodriguez of Manhattan was shocked by the news. “Closing Sept. 1? That’s crazy. September and October are so beautiful and quiet here – the best,” Rodriguez said.

Of the staffing issues, one DEC worker commented, “Some days there are only two or three of us, so it’s quite hard to keep up with the maintenance, cleaning and other things that need to be done.”

Officials gave other reasons for shuttering the campground. According to Dana Ferine, assistant public information officer for the DEC, “The earlier closing date provides staff with additional time to conduct site restorations, major repairs, health and safety projects, and to close and winterize the campground to prevent infrastructure issues before freezing weather sets in.” She added that the Woodland Valley Campground and Day Use Area in Phoenicia will remain open this year until Oct. 13.

Mongaup Pond is not the only state camping facility to end public use before October. The Beaverkill Campground in Roscoe also will close on Sept. 1, as will the Kenneth L. Wilson Campground in Mt. Tremper.

Early morning rescue

As noted, due to staff shortages there were also no boat rentals available this summer. At 1 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, an emergency alert was received requesting help rescuing persons on the lake.

The Livingston Manor Fire Department and others responded. A campground boat had been taken from the shore and capsized. Fortunately some campers came to the rescue and, by the time the responders arrived, the persons were safely back on shore.