Big Indian Base Camps

  |  February 6, 2015
BCfinished

The Big Indian Wilderness Preserve in the northwest corner of Ulster County is all about the drama – local glacial activity has created some of the most beautifully rugged terrain in the Catskills, and the virgin forest covering the mountains seems to stretch on as far as the eye can see. Now that winter is upon us, frozen brooks and streams can be found jutting along the eight striking peaks ranging from range from 1,500 to 3,860 feet. Not surprisingly, primitive camping is a popular way to immerse oneself in this neck of the woods, but we know of a few Airbnb rentals that may give the even the most experienced mountaineer second thoughts to the usual tarp and cat-hole routine. No permit required!

1) Secluded Sundown Retreat

BI1

Price/night: $238
Accommodations: Full house, 3 bedrooms
Max guests: 6
Min stay: 2 nights
House description:
Allen’s riverside abode is perfect for an adventuresome group. Open to kids and pets, this rental is tucked away in the southern Catskills and close to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the area. Big Indian Wilderness is right in the neighborhood, and Minnewaska is just a thirty minute drive away.

Sample reviews:

“What an amazing treasure! Such an amazing view of the river and a peaceful setting. The pictures simply don’t do it justice.

We were four of us in this amazing house. It’s big and roomy and soooo very comfortable. Everything feels just like home. The kitchen had everything we needed to cook a nice meal and breakfast in the morning. (We managed to buy a dozen eggs for $2 from a woman named Josie down the road who keeps chickens.)

The host Allen was very helpful teaching us all the little details of the property and the area. He was easy to reach when we had some questions. He even loaned us his movie projector so we can watch films at night by the fireplace.

We enjoyed our stay thoroughly and are definitely planning to go back again as soon as it’s a little warmer.”

“We had a great time in this house! It has everything you need, including some basic food if you forgot to bring something 🙂
Great location, right by the river, and I mean – right by the river. You can hear the river from every corner of the house.
There’s a huge lawn outside – the size of half a football field. You can play any type of sports you wish there.
Allen was awesome, met us before the trip, and was available whenever needed in order to help with answers. There’s a detailed house manual he keeps which answers most of your questions anyway!”

2) Cozy Catskills Bungalow

BI3

Price/night: $179
Accommodations: Full house, 2 bedrooms
Max guests: 4
Min stay: 2 nights
House description:
Ben and Caitlin’s charming bungalow has exactly what your mountain vacation requires, plus a pinch of that mid-mod style that we can’t get enough of! The 20+ rave reviews of the rental highlight the spacious feel of the interior, the amazing collection of vinyl records, and the gracious, communicative hosts. We’re looking at that bright, clean kitchen and wondering whether the character-building process of camping is really all it’s cracked up to be.

Sample reviews:

“What a gem! Tucked away in the rural Catskills, this little cabin is the ideal respite from busy city life. Ben and Caitlin’s home is a perfect blend of modern design sensibility and rustic charm. We loved the quiet, secluded spot, and really tried to soak up all the beautiful nature surrounding us, including the tower hike that’s only a short drive up the road. The foliage is especially spectacular this time of year, so seeing that up close and personal was really special. And as animal lovers, we were particularly taken with the many deer in the area!

But we also had a great time indoors. The cabin is spacious but so cozy, and filled with great architectural and decorating touches. The beds are memory foam, too, which a pretty nice touch — not to mention more comfy than what I even have at home!

We enjoyed cooking in the small but very functional kitchen, watching movies and listening to classic country records — they have a pretty great collection!

If you’re looking to get away with your significant other, this is an ideal retreat. Would definitely go back.”

“Can’t recommend this place enough! An amazing, tasteful cabin in the best part of the Catskills. Ben was extremely helpful as a host, and I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend away from the city. Took the Short Line bus from Port Authority and made it out to the area in no time. The cabin is literally on the very edge of the Big Indian Wilderness Preserve. There were also some amazing trails about 10 minutes away in Denning. I hope to get back this Winter and in the Spring! Very lovely.”

3) Contemporary Margaretville Getaway

BI2

Price/night: $200
Accommodations: Full house, 2 bedrooms
Max guests: 4
Min stay: 1 night
House description:
We don’t know where to start with this striking Delaware County dwelling – the design of Stephen’s retreat is unique, modern, and in perfect harmony with the splendid scenery surrounding it. The home itself gets a huge A+ in our book, and we’re doling out extra credit for the thought Stephen has put into creating comfort as well as atmosphere. The rental features heated floors, natural light galore, and an ample supply of firewood for the woodburning stove in the living room. Winter, do your worst.

Sample reviews:

“bullet points
– YOU NEED TO GO!
– FLOWERS
– GRILLING
– SECLUSION
– FIREFLIES
– FIRE PIT!
– Near by kayaking, SUPER close by hiking (check out the fire tower hike on the way to the house), water holes, horse back riding, and farmer’s market.
– Do check out the bottom of the post for a few things I wish I had known before going, but would not have for a second stopped me from booking (or booking again).

OMG AMAZING! My fiancé and I loved this place and would move in if we could. The property is breath taking. VERY secluded with views of the mountains from atop their field of grasses and wild flowers (an easy walk from the house), the pond is a chorus of green frogs in the evening, and fireflies everywhere at dusk. We spend the majority of our time there outside by the fire pit which was lovely and wonderful to watch the sun setting over the pond and the mountains. Stephen, the owner, was kind enough to have fire wood arranged to be dropped off for us before we got there. He was lovely, we meet him while packing up the car before we left. Awesome guy. The house itself is beautiful, though, as others have said, a work in progress. Everything is clean, presentable, and safe, but if you will notice some touches are not finished, ie, no cabinets under the sink, no doors on the bed rooms, and no shades on the windows. We loved it SO much we are planning on returning in the fall. Here are a few things I wish I had known before coming (but would in no way hinder me booking again):

– Absolutely NO cell service at the house, they do not internet or cable in the house, there is a house phone (LOVED this, but it’s good to know before you book)
– The grill is on the small side and takes small propane tanks. Can easily cook for two at a time, but not much more. For 9 days we went though two mini tanks easily. Only wish I had picked up extra propane tanks to save me another trip to Margettesville before we went up to the house.
– For a couple or couple with children, it is perfect, but two couples it might not be private enough. No bedroom doors and the bathroom is very modern and chic, but has a sliding door, so not for the more ‘modest’ of people … if you get my drift. It’s a quiet house …
– The kitchen has the basics for cooking, but I wish I had brought a second and larger cutting board, grilling tongs, a sharper knife, a cheese grater or mirco plane, and picked up some ice on our first trip to the market (no ice cube trays).

All in all, we loved it and highly recommend it!!!”

“Stephen’s house is amazing! It is a quiet, comfortable, elegantly curated space with picturesque views and frequent wildlife sightings. The landscape is breathtaking – definitely go for a long drive or a hike. The pond and fire pit are highlights! There’s a modest library of books on how to build your dream country retreat… You’ll want one of your own after staying here! This area of the Catskills is experiencing a renaissance. There are great bistros, counter culture coffee shops, and outdoor/regional history activities peppered throughout the region (particularly in Delhi, Bovina, Andes, Margaretville, and Phoenicia). Urban dwellers won’t feel too far from home. Buy the fresh eggs from the refrigerator down the road – $3/dozen. Yum!”

About Elizabeth Wilson

Elizabeth Wilson is an Upstater born and bred with a generalist’s education and a specialist’s passion for the Hudson Valley. Ask nicely and she’ll make you a bagel sandwich. Ask really nicely and she’ll accompany that bagel sandwich with a Bob Dylan impersonation.

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