Camping reservations can be made up to 9 months in advance. Sites become available at the 9-month window at the following times:
March 15 - Labor Day: 8AM Monday - Friday, 9AM Saturday & Sunday.
Day after Labor Day - March 14: 9AM Monday - Friday, 9AM Saturday & Sunday.

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Sam's Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve, NY

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Description

The Sam's Point Preserve, located on the highest section of the Shawangunk Mountains, is the most southerly section of Minnewaska State Park Preserve. The area comprises approximately 5,000 acres, and contains a globally rare community of high altitude pitch pine barrens. The pitch pine barrens, and the matrix of chestnut oak forest that surrounds them, provide habitat for abundant flora and fauna, both rare and common. Sam's Point contains a bounty of natural splendor. It is home to Lake Maratanza, one of the five Shawangunk sky lakes; ice cave crevices that you can explore; cliffs and numerous scenic vistas. Verkeerder Kill Falls, is a spectacular 187 foot high waterfall located on private property, please respect the use of private property and remain on the trail.

The vehicle use fee is $10 per car. The vehicle use fee, as well as gift shop items and snowshoe rentals, can be paid for by credit card, cash or check during non-reservation periods. Reservations are required weekends and holidays ONLY, from April 20th through November 10th for the Sam’s Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Reservations are for Day Pass ONLY, and required for a morning session starting at 9AM to end at 2PM or afternoon session starting at 2PM to end at posted park closing time. All morning reservations must arrive between 9 AM and 11 AM. Reservations may be purchased up to 14 days before a visit and up to 8 am on the day of a visit for an AM reservation and 1 pm for a PM reservation. There is a limit of 70 permits issued per session. The vehicle use fee is $10 per car and the reservation fee is 95 cents. If you hold a current Empire Pass, Lifetime Liberty Pass or Access Pass there is no fee to make a reservation. If you have any difficulty making a reservation, call the reserve America call center at 1-800-456-CAMP (2267).

Parking is limited to the designated parking lot with a valid reservation, please be prepared to check in with ranger upon arrival. Stopping, Standing and Drop offs along the shoulder of the road is prohibited by the Town and is a Tow Away Zone. Vehicles will be ticketed and towed.

Sam’s Point is a carry in/ carry out facility. Be prepared to bring everything you bring in, back home with you. Dogs are permitted on a six-foot leash The following are not permitted: littering, drones, amplified music, alcohol, glass, cooking, fires, overnight use, off trail travel, disturbing plants, animals, or other people.

For more information visit the website at https://parks.ny.gov/parks/samspoint or call the Sam's Point Visitor Center at (845) 647-7989. Sam's Point opens at 9:00 am and closing times vary throughout the year.

Recreation:

Sam's Point has both easy hiking trails with spectacular views, and challenging trails with rock scrambling, and cave like settings. In winter you can snowshoe on the trails. The facility has a nature center with interactive elements to assist you in understanding the historical and natural resources of the park preserve. The Ice Cave Trail contains ice flows, water, narrow crevices, low rock ceilings, dark areas, ladders, and boardwalks. Please use extra caution in all areas. Appropriate footwear must be worn due to difficult footing.

Facilities:

Visitor Center
Restrooms
Gift Shop
Hiking
Picnicking (Barbecuing and cooking not permitted)
Education/Nature Programs
Snowshoeing
Ungroomed Cross Country Skiing

Alerts and Important Information
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Day Passes - Important Information

Sam’s Point has a variety of hiking options, beautiful places, and a variety of levels of trail difficulty. Visit the website at nysparks.com and search for Sam’s Point, or download the New York State Park Explorer app on your phone to plan your visit. You can contact the park preserve at 845-647-7989 for conditions and information. The Ice Cave Trail contains ice flows, water, narrow crevices, low rock ceilings, dark areas, ladders, and boardwalks. Please use extra caution in all areas. Appropriate footwear must be worn due to difficult footing.

  • Reservations are required only on weekend and holidays between April 15th and November 15th.
  • Reservations may be purchased up to 14 days before a visit and up to 8AM on the day of a visit for an AM reservation and 1PM for a PM reservation. There is a limit of 70 reservations issued per session.
  • The vehicle use fee of $10 covers admission for the driver and occupants of one vehicle. Vehicle capacity must not exceed 15 persons. Commercial vehicles, RVs and Buses are not admitted on weekends and holidays between April 20th and November 10th.
  • The vehicle use fee is $10 per car and the reservation fee is 95 cents. Morning reservation sessions start at 9AM and end at 2PM. All morning reservations must arrive between 9AM and 11AM. Afternoon sessions start at 2PM and end at park posted closing time
  • If you hold a current Empire Pass, Lifetime Liberty Pass or Access Pass there is no fee to make a reservation. If you have any difficulty making a reservation, call the reserve America call center at 1-800-456-CAMP (2267).
  • The park opens at 9AM. Closing hours are posted at the park and on the park website

To protect both the visitor experience, and the unique ecosystem, Sam's Point has a small parking facility. Due to the size of the parking facility, patrons may NOT arrive with their vehicles with bicycles as parking will not be permitted during reservation periods. Bicyclists may enter at the main Minnewaska entry during reservation periods.
Parking is limited to the designated parking lot with a reservation, please be prepared to check in with ranger upon arrival. Stopping, Standing and drop-offs along the shoulder of the road is prohibited by Town Law.
Vehicles will be ticketed and towed.

Rules and Regulations:
  • Sam’s Point is a carry in / carry out facility. Be prepared to bring everything you bring, back home with you.
  • Dogs are permitted on a 6 foot leash
  • The following are not permitted: Drones, alcohol, glass, cooking, fires, overnight use, off trail travel, littering, amplified music, disturbing plants, animals, or other people

Contact Information:

Mailing Address:

Sam's Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve

  NY