Have you ever imagined spending your days floating on clear, calm waters, with green forests and mountains all around you? That’s exactly what you’ll find in The Catskills. Come enjoy floating down The Delaware River, fishing in The Willowemoc, cooling off in The Beaverkill or jumping in one of our lakes. You can even chase waterfalls all over Sullivan County, the most refreshing thing to do on a hot summer day!
1) Kayaking Adventures
Kayaking is one of the best ways to experience the Catskills. The region offers diverse waterways suitable for all skill levels, including the Delaware River, Neversink Reservoir, Beaverkill River, Mongaup Pond, and Willowemoc Creek.
Beginners will love the calm sections of the Delaware River and the region’s many lakes. In Livingston Manor, Mongaup Pond, the largest body of water in the Catskill Forest Preserve, has convenient on-site kayak rentals. These peaceful waterways let you paddle at your own pace while enjoying the scenery and spotting wildlife.
For more excitement, check out the Delaware’s faster sections or parts of the Beaverkill River. Local outfitters like Kittatinny Canoes, Reber’s River Trips and Lander’s River Trips provide equipment rentals and guided tours throughout the region and you can also rent kayaks at the Mamakating Environmental Center, near the Bashakill Wetlands in Wurtsboro.
2) Tubing & Float Trips
When warm weather arrives, tubing is one of the most popular water activities in The Catskills. The Delaware River provides longer, leisurely floats, while the Beaverkill offers a more intimate experience through beautiful forested corridors.
Choose your adventure based on what you’re looking for – some sections offer calm, relaxing floats, while others have light rapids for added excitement. You can bring your own tube or book a trip with Reber’s River Trips , Kittatinny Canoes, Lander’s River Trips who offer all the essentials including safety gear and transportation. Many also offer amenities like picnic spots and BBQ areas for a complete day of fun.
3) Fishing
The Catskills are renowned as a fishing paradise. As the home of Dry Fly Fishing, the Willowemoc and Beaverkill are legendary trout streams in Livingston Manor and Roscoe that have drawn anglers for generations, while the Delaware River offers excellent fishing for trout, bass, and walleye all season long.
Must-visit fishing spots include the Upper Delaware and the famous Junction Pool where the Willowemoc and Beaverkill meet in Roscoe. For something more expansive, consider visiting the Neversink Reservoir in Neversink! There are so many great, free fishing options!
Local shops like Dette Flies and Fin Fur and Feather in Livingston Manor and Trout Town Flies in Roscoe, provide quality gear and valuable local knowledge about getting your fishing license, conditions and what’s biting. You can even book guided fishing experiences & float trips!
Make sure you get a fishing license! Apple directly on the DEC website or visit Fur Fin & Feather in Livingston Manor, Tractor Supply in Liberty or one of the other licensing agents in Sullivan County.
4) Lakeside Communties
Kauneonga Lake has the complete Catskills lake experience. Enjoy lakefront dining at Benji & Jake’s, rent a pontoon boat for a day on the water, or simply relax in the sun.
The DEC provides a pier with boat and fishing access surrounded by plenty of free parking. We know the whole family will have fun too, kids love getting ice cream at Sticky Fingers, while everyone enjoys the Bethel Lakeside Music series during summer months and great local shopping.
5) Public Access Lakes & Waterways
The Catskills feature numerous public lakes perfect for day trips or spending the weekend. Crystal Lake in Roscoe provides a peaceful setting for fishing and swimming and also has free primitive camping and an extensive trail system.
At Waneta Lake in Livingston Manor you can enjoy excellent bass fishing and clear swimming waters too. Waneta lake is stocked with a few different types of fish including: Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Brown Bullhead and Chain Pickerel
New York State Park Mongaup Pond in Livingston Manor combines boat rentals with a public beach, making it ideal for families. During your visit you will also have access to miles of scenic, easy to hike trails.
Make plans to visit The Bashakill Wetlands, located within the Bashakill Wildlife Management Area. Located in Wurtsboro, you can fish, hunt, hike and watch for wildlife all year round.
Hanofee Park in Liberty features fishing access, swimming facilities and picnic areas for a complete day outdoors. An easy access boat launch and plenty of free parking is available
6) Waterfall Exploration
The Catskills boast some of the Northeast’s most accessible waterfalls. Within the Willowemoc Wild Forest, the Historic Bendo Covered Bridge Trailhead area offers family-friendly hikes to picturesque cascades close to Livingston Manor.
Russell Brook Falls provides one of the region’s easiest waterfall experiences, with free parking just a short walk from this beautiful multi-tiered cascade. During warmer months, the pools at the base make a perfect cooling-off spot. There is even free primitive camping at Russel Brook Falls within the Delaware Wild Forest!
The Parksville Rail Trail follows the former O&W Railway route, featuring several waterfall views along its flat, accessible path. This trail works well for families and casual hikers wanting to combine a nature walk with waterfall viewing. Bring a picnic or snacks to enjoy at one of the picnic tables along the way!
7) Boat Rentals
Morningside Park in Fallsburg offers boat rentals perfect for a relaxing day on the water. The boats are very easy to maneuver and provide a unique view of the park’s beautiful shoreline. Rentals run seasonally from late spring through early fall, weather permitting. The park’s picnic areas make it easy to spend a full day enjoying the water and surroundings, plus you can camp, enjoy the pool and more!
You can also rent boats, enjoy the beach, fish & spend the day at New York State Park, Lake Superior Park in Bethel! Boat rentals include: kayaks, canoes, peddle boats, and row boats. You can even rent one of the pavilions and host a party for friends and family!
8) Accommodations with water activities
Several hotels & resorts in The Catskills offer fishing experiences. You can book a guided trips that includes everything you need such as gear and hands on lessons. Many have private water access, allowing guests to fish within minutes of stepping outside their door. Check out:
- The DeBruce in Livingston Manor
- Roscoe Mountain Club in Roscoe
- Antrim Stream Side in Livingston Manor
- The Roscoe Motel in Roscoe
- The Chatwal Lodge in Eldred
- Beaverkill Valley Inn in Livingston Manor
- The North Branch Inn in North Branch
- Rest Co. In Jeffersonville
- The Inn at Lake Joeseph
If you prefer to camp, these sites have all different types of camping amenities including, glamping, RV rentals, primitive camping, and conestoga wagons. They also have plenty of river access. You can even sleep on the riverbank at Landers in Narrowsburg!
- Butternut Grove in Roscoe
- Roscoe Campsite Park,
- Willowemoc Campground in Livingston Manor
- Covered Bridge Campground in Livingston Manor
- Russel Brook Campsite in Roscoe
- Lander’s Narrowsburg & Skinners Falls Campgrounds in Narrowsburg
Tips for Catskills Water Adventures
A little preparation ensures a great experience:
- Book equipment and tours in advance, especially during peak summer months
- Monitor weather forecasts as conditions can change quickly
- Pack essentials like sunscreen, hats, water shoes, and dry bags
- Choose activities appropriate for your skill level
- Always wear proper safety equipment during water activities
So come experience the Catskills! Whether you’re kayaking, fishing, tubing, swimming, discovering waterfalls or just enjoying lakeside communities….. Sullivan County is the perfect place to visit for a group of friends or your next family trip. Come enjoy being waterside in The Catskills this season!
