Public Campground
12 Mile (Horsey Hilton) Camping Area
Gaines, New York
camping area, 4 numbered site, mostly ATV users now
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
About Bear Spring Mountain - Spruce Grove
Spruce Grove Equestrian Camping area includes horse tie stalls, manure pits, mounting platform. Pit toilets, water. Showers and flush restrooms are available at Lount Pond, several miles away. Only open May 16 to September 1!
Bear Spring Mountain in Spruce Grove offers a welcoming escape into New York's natural landscape, where visitors can experience the peaceful rhythm of forest camping. This public campground provides an authentic outdoor retreat that appeals to families, couples, and solo adventurers seeking a genuine connection with nature. The setting combines accessibility with that coveted sense of wilderness, making it an ideal destination for both seasoned RV travelers and those new to camping.
The surrounding area showcases the rich character of upstate New York, with rolling terrain and verdant forests that shift through the seasons. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and renewed wildlife activity, summer offers comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor activities, fall displays spectacular foliage, and winter transforms the landscape into a peaceful, quiet wonderland. This variety means Bear Spring Mountain delivers a unique experience throughout the year, with each season offering its own particular charm and appeal.
The campground's location in Spruce Grove positions it well for exploring the broader region's attractions and activities. Nearby areas offer hiking trails that range from leisurely nature walks to more challenging treks through forested terrain. Visitors often enjoy fishing opportunities in local waterways, picnicking in scenic spots, and simply taking time to unwind among the trees. The proximity to small-town amenities ensures that campers can access supplies and services without sacrificing the feeling of being away from it all.
The 4.4-star rating from nearly 100 reviews speaks to the campground's consistent quality and the care taken to maintain the grounds. Guests consistently mention the peaceful atmosphere, helpful staff, and well-maintained facilities. Whether you're looking to spend a quiet weekend in nature, use the campground as a base for exploring New York's outdoor attractions, or simply need a break from everyday life, Bear Spring Mountain provides the kind of reliable, comfortable camping experience that keeps people coming back year after year.
The surrounding area showcases the rich character of upstate New York, with rolling terrain and verdant forests that shift through the seasons. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and renewed wildlife activity, summer offers comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor activities, fall displays spectacular foliage, and winter transforms the landscape into a peaceful, quiet wonderland. This variety means Bear Spring Mountain delivers a unique experience throughout the year, with each season offering its own particular charm and appeal.
The campground's location in Spruce Grove positions it well for exploring the broader region's attractions and activities. Nearby areas offer hiking trails that range from leisurely nature walks to more challenging treks through forested terrain. Visitors often enjoy fishing opportunities in local waterways, picnicking in scenic spots, and simply taking time to unwind among the trees. The proximity to small-town amenities ensures that campers can access supplies and services without sacrificing the feeling of being away from it all.
The 4.4-star rating from nearly 100 reviews speaks to the campground's consistent quality and the care taken to maintain the grounds. Guests consistently mention the peaceful atmosphere, helpful staff, and well-maintained facilities. Whether you're looking to spend a quiet weekend in nature, use the campground as a base for exploring New York's outdoor attractions, or simply need a break from everyday life, Bear Spring Mountain provides the kind of reliable, comfortable camping experience that keeps people coming back year after year.
4.4
Rating
94
Reviews
Park Details
Tips & Tricks
Book Early
Downsville is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Check-in Time
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
Local Weather
New York weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Downsville.
Explore the Area
Don't miss local attractions near Downsville. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
Bear Spring Mountain - Spruce Grove Reviews
Sign in to Review
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Kirstin Connor
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Kirstin Connor
What a great camping experience, definitely one of the best (if not the best) camping grounds in the Catskills region. You can really tell how hard the 3 employees that run the entire campground work. Larry, Jim and Mike show so much care for these grounds and make it their goal for everyone to leave with a positive experience. Extremely clean campground with bathrooms that are cleaned daily, free... What a great camping experience, definitely one of the best (if not the best) camping grounds in the Catskills region. You can really tell how hard the 3 employees that run the entire campground work. Larry, Jim and Mike show so much care for these grounds and make it their goal for everyone to leave with a positive experience. Extremely clean campground with bathrooms that are cleaned daily, free showers that are also cleaned daily, beautiful and unique campsites that are well maintained and have many trees in between each making your camping experience private and full of nothing but the beauty of nature. Clean fire pits that are suitable to cook all of your food on, picnic tables at each site to sit at/ eat on and a lot of beautiful wildlife within the perimeters of the campground/ park and beyond. This particular campsite offers more than just camping, with several hiking trails around the park, horseback trails, a pond to swim/ kayak in and more. Overall a great experience and we can’t wait to come back.
G
Kirstin Connor
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Kirstin Connor
What a great camping experience, definitely one of the best (if not the best) camping grounds in the Catskills region. You can really tell how hard the 3 employees that run the entire campground work. Larry, Jim and Mike show so much care for these grounds and make it their goal for everyone to leave with a positive experience. Extremely clean campground with bathrooms that are cleaned daily, free... What a great camping experience, definitely one of the best (if not the best) camping grounds in the Catskills region. You can really tell how hard the 3 employees that run the entire campground work. Larry, Jim and Mike show so much care for these grounds and make it their goal for everyone to leave with a positive experience. Extremely clean campground with bathrooms that are cleaned daily, free showers that are also cleaned daily, beautiful and unique campsites that are well maintained and have many trees in between each making your camping experience private and full of nothing but the beauty of nature. Clean fire pits that are suitable to cook all of your food on, picnic tables at each site to sit at/ eat on and a lot of beautiful wildlife within the perimeters of the campground/ park and beyond. This particular campsite offers more than just camping, with several hiking trails around the park, horseback trails, a pond to swim/ kayak in and more. Overall a great experience and we can’t wait to come back.
G
Sarah E
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Sarah E
Absolutely gorgeous spot. Not much privacy with sites 28-40 but less crowded on weekdays. Beautiful trails and very well maintained.
G
Sarah E
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Sarah E
Absolutely gorgeous spot. Not much privacy with sites 28-40 but less crowded on weekdays. Beautiful trails and very well maintained.
G
Katerin Lopez
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Katerin Lopez
I loved the experience of camping on Bear Mountain, the tranquility and silence that you breathe there is inexplicable. If you are a quiet person who does not want to hear noise, you just want to enjoy and connect with nature, that is the best place. The person who works in front and care, I think the entire camp is too kind and polite. I will definitely drive four hours again to get there. I love... I loved the experience of camping on Bear Mountain, the tranquility and silence that you breathe there is inexplicable. If you are a quiet person who does not want to hear noise, you just want to enjoy and connect with nature, that is the best place. The person who works in front and care, I think the entire camp is too kind and polite. I will definitely drive four hours again to get there. I loved it.🏕️🏕️🏕️🏕️
G
Katerin Lopez
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Katerin Lopez
I loved the experience of camping on Bear Mountain, the tranquility and silence that you breathe there is inexplicable. If you are a quiet person who does not want to hear noise, you just want to enjoy and connect with nature, that is the best place. The person who works in front and care, I think the entire camp is too kind and polite. I will definitely drive four hours again to get there. I love... I loved the experience of camping on Bear Mountain, the tranquility and silence that you breathe there is inexplicable. If you are a quiet person who does not want to hear noise, you just want to enjoy and connect with nature, that is the best place. The person who works in front and care, I think the entire camp is too kind and polite. I will definitely drive four hours again to get there. I loved it.🏕️🏕️🏕️🏕️
G
Katerin Lopez
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Katerin Lopez
I loved the experience of camping on Bear Mountain, the tranquility and silence that you breathe there is inexplicable. If you are a quiet person who does not want to hear noise, you just want to enjoy and connect with nature, that is the best place. The person who works in front and care, I think the entire camp is too kind and polite. I will definitely drive four hours again to get there. I love... I loved the experience of camping on Bear Mountain, the tranquility and silence that you breathe there is inexplicable. If you are a quiet person who does not want to hear noise, you just want to enjoy and connect with nature, that is the best place. The person who works in front and care, I think the entire camp is too kind and polite. I will definitely drive four hours again to get there. I loved it.🏕️🏕️🏕️🏕️
G
olena n
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by olena n
Campground is pretty big, but the lake itself - not much. Although we had a chance to take some beautiful fall pictures and some sports along the lake allow you to photograph great scenic views. There is also a trail around this lake.
G
olena n
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by olena n
Campground is pretty big, but the lake itself - not much. Although we had a chance to take some beautiful fall pictures and some sports along the lake allow you to photograph great scenic views. There is also a trail around this lake.
G
olena n
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by olena n
Campground is pretty big, but the lake itself - not much. Although we had a chance to take some beautiful fall pictures and some sports along the lake allow you to photograph great scenic views. There is also a trail around this lake.
G
Colleen Kimble
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Colleen Kimble
Nice campground, staff (Nick) super helpful. Only 1 shower house in main campground, which was uphill from sites 1- 10. Firewood is available for sale at the camp office, no ice tho. If you need anything, the Valero/Big M in Walton has it, and only 4 miles away. There is fishing and boat rentals on Launt pond, along with a small swimming beach.
G
Colleen Kimble
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Colleen Kimble
Nice campground, staff (Nick) super helpful. Only 1 shower house in main campground, which was uphill from sites 1- 10. Firewood is available for sale at the camp office, no ice tho. If you need anything, the Valero/Big M in Walton has it, and only 4 miles away. There is fishing and boat rentals on Launt pond, along with a small swimming beach.
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