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 Area of Minnewaska State Park 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.

Reservations are required weekends and holidays ONLY, from April 15th through November 15th 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 morning reservation and 1 pm for a afternoon reservation. There is a limit of 70 permits issued per session. 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 1-800-456-2267.

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. 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

Alerts and Important Information
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Day Passes - Important Information

Sam’s Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve has a variety of hiking options, beautiful places, with various of levels of trail difficulty. Visit the website at parks.ny.gov/parks/193 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.

  • Reservations are required only on weekend and holidays between April 15th and November 15th.
  • There are two reservation sessions per day; 9 AM to 2 PM and 2 PM to close.
  • Reservations may be purchased up to 14 days before a visit. Two reservations can be purchased for one day. Reservations may be purchased up to 8AM on the day of a visit for a morning reservation and 1PM for an afternoon reservation.
  • Morning reservation sessions start at 9AM and end at 2PM. Afternoon sessions start at 2PM and end at park posted closing time. All Morning reservations must leave by 2 PM.
  • The vehicle use fee is $10 per car and the reservation fee is 95 cents.
  • The vehicle use fee 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 15th and November 15th.
  • 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- 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 bikes on their cars. Cars with bikes on them may enter at the main Minnewaska entrance 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. There are no garbage cans on the premise.
  • 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 and disturbing plants, animals, or other people.

Contact Information:
Mailing Address:
Sam's Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve
PO Box 86, Cragsmoor, NY 12420
Physical Address:
400 Sam’s Point Road, Cragsmoor NY 12420

Contact Information:

Mailing Address:

Sam's Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve
PO Box 86
Cragsmoor  NY  12420
Phone Number:
Information:  (845)647-7989