Dutch Doctor Shelter — Hotel in Town of Haverstraw

Great place to dip your feet if you're getting into overnight backpacking ~2 hour hike from Tuxedo station lets you get a taste of nature even if you live in NYC. There is no water or toilets so just take the time to learn basic backpacking skills (bring a filter, a trowel, map, a compass) before coming. I'd recommend bringing a tent, but this might be optional in the summer. There are bear hang lines on a nearby hill, and about four obvious places to pitch a tent in the surrounding area. You don't need to get a permit or pay anything, so this is fantastic getaway for the carless and not rich lol. I'm thinking of bringing my...

Oh goodness. As of June 2021, the shelter is infested with a MASSIVE ant colony. Took over the whole thing. I wouldn't sleep in there unless you had absolutely no alternatives.

Other than that, the view isn't great, and spots can be limited. Very rocky, but that's expected. Not terrible, the surrounding area is nice enough and campable, but man I've never had to turn down an empty shelter before.

Turns out it was empty because every group that passed by came to the...

Love the place. Have spent more than 20 nights there due to proximity to Tuxedo and Sloatsburg train stations. Shallow creek for water in fall, winter, and spring, it dries up in summer so you'll need to carry water in or purify at Lake Sebago. Hang your food, there has been bear activity around the shelter. Insect repellent is a must in all...