Generated illustration of a natural swimming setting; not a photograph of this location
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Regional Creek Context And Seasonal Managed Beach AlternativeNY

Phoenicia Catskills Swimming Holes

By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated

Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.

Separate unlocated historical Phoenicia creek stops from Belleayre's managed Pine Hill beach. Check the explicit 2026 closure, guard rules and entrance fees.

Water type
Regional Creek Context And Seasonal Managed Beach Alternative
Access
Swimming temporarily closed
Fee
The operator lists 2026 passenger-vehicle admission of $20 for driver and up to three passengers, with $5 per additional passenger; walk-in admission $5. Confirm the future season's rates.
Best season
Belleayre is explicitly closed for the 2026 season. The displayed season ran June 26 through September 6, closed Tuesdays. Future June 2027 plans are not a confirmed daily reopening schedule
Nearby towns
Kingston, Phoenicia, Big Indian, Oliverea
Water body
Unlocated Historical Creek Stops; Separate Pine Hill Lake At Belleayre Beach

Location

Map & Directions

NY
Nearby towns
Kingston, Phoenicia, Big Indian, Oliverea
Access location not verified
OLIVEREA, NY
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.

Sources & checks

This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.

Swimming rules
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
Access location not verified
The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
Record updated
· This is a data update, not a field visit.

Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.

Phoenicia and Pine Hill

The archived directions end after the Route 28 approach to Phoenicia and do not identify two bathing entrances. Belleayre Beach at Pine Hill Lake is a separately named, operator-supported regional swimming option. Its operator explicitly says the 2026 season is closed and anticipates welcoming visitors in June 2027; this is not permission to swim in the meantime.

A concrete alternative to unnamed creek banks

Belleayre's operator supports swimming at Pine Hill Lake near Route 28. That makes it useful regional trip planning, but it must not be presented as either of the two lost historical stops or as authorization for an arbitrary Esopus pull-off.

The 2026 beach season has closed

The operator's live page explicitly closes the season and mentions a hoped-for June 2027 return. Its old summer hours and entrance fees describe the published 2026 operation, not current access. Call 845-254-6195 for a future operating announcement.

Use the managed swim area, not the whole lake or creek

The operator's page contains conflicting staffing guidance: Beach Rules describes limited unsupervised use inside the second rope, while the Swimming section requires a lifeguard and two guards for the dock and lap lane. Ask the operator to reconcile those rules before a future operating visit. The explicit 2026 season closure takes precedence now. A beach ticket, paddle rental or river fishing access does not authorize private-bank entry, jumping or an improvised tubing route.

Plan with the named source

Getting There

For a future managed beach visit, use Belleayre's Pine Hill Lake directions off Route 28, not an invented Esopus roadside entry. Confirm an actual reopening and current entrance instructions with the operator.

Access Notes

For a future managed beach visit, use Belleayre's Pine Hill Lake directions off Route 28, not an invented Esopus roadside entry. Confirm an actual reopening and current entrance instructions with the operator.

Plan Your Visit

Parking & Access

Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.

Regulations & Fees

Do not swim during Belleayre's explicit 2026 closure. For a future operating visit, ask the operator to reconcile conflicting guard rules: Beach Rules describes limited unsupervised use inside the second rope, while the Swimming section requires a guard and two guards for the dock/lap lane. Follow current staff instructions; no creek jumping permission. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.

Seasonality & Flow

Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.

Nearby Facilities

Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.

Map data retrieved 2026-06-15

Tremper Mountain Trailhead Parking

Hiking area

4.7 (33)

Phoenicia, NY 12464

Esopus Creek Boat Launch & Angler Parking

Parking lot

410 Plank Rd, Phoenicia, NY 12464

Trailways Bus Station

Bus company

52 Main St, Phoenicia, NY 12464

Peekamoose Blue Hole

Hiking area

4.4 (930)

Peekamoose Rd, Sundown, NY 12740

High Falls

Nature preserve

4.7 (661)

540 Roxbury Rd, Hudson, NY 12534

Ashokan High Point Trailhead

Hiking area

4.7 (39)

821 Watson Hollow Rd, West Shokan, NY 12494

Phoenicia Black Bear Campground

Campground

4.1 (244)

17 Bridge St, Phoenicia, NY 12464

Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water

Sleepy Hollow Campground

Campground

4.4 (71)

5636 NY-28, Phoenicia, NY 12464

Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water

Frequently Asked Questions About Phoenicia Catskills Swimming Holes

Is Belleayre Beach open for swimming now?

No. Its operator explicitly says the 2026 season is closed. Check an actual future reopening announcement before planning a swim.

Is Pine Hill Lake one of the two recovered historical stops?

No. The archive ends at general Phoenicia orientation. Belleayre is an explicitly separate current regional option.

What swimming rules apply when Belleayre operates?

The operator page conflicts: Beach Rules describes limited unsupervised use inside the second rope, while the Swimming section requires a guard and extra staffing for the dock and lap lane. Ask the operator to clarify a future operating visit; the explicit 2026 season closure takes precedence now.

What did the 2026 entrance fee cover?

The operator listed $20 for a passenger vehicle with driver and up to three passengers, with extra passengers charged separately. Future prices may change.

Can we enter the Esopus from any roadside gap?

No. A regional creek listing does not establish lawful parking or bank access. DEC navigation rights do not generally authorize crossing private land to enter or leave.

Can we use old tubing or rental claims to plan a trip?

Do not assume a past operator or service is active. Confirm the exact provider, launch permission, operating date and equipment arrangements directly before relying on them.

Location & Area Map

Safety Information

Important Safety Tips

  • Avoid jumping, diving, natural slides and high or rising flow
  • A recreation listing or clear appearance is not a water-quality or depth guarantee

Cultural & Historical Context

Historical Background

Historical directions are retained separately; use current manager instructions for travel.

Photography Guide

Photo Opportunities

Photograph only from currently lawful viewpoints; no exact water-entry photograph is approved here.

Conservation & Ethics

Protect This Place

Follow current manager routes and fire restrictions, respect private parcels and pack out waste.

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At a Glance

Best Time to Visit
Belleayre is explicitly closed for the 2026 season. The displayed season ran June 26 through September 6, closed Tuesdays. Future June 2027 plans are not a confirmed daily reopening schedule.
Difficulty Level
Use current named entrance and route information. No general family-safe depth, easy creek descent or surveyed accessible water entry is asserted.
Fee
The operator lists 2026 passenger-vehicle admission of $20 for driver and up to three passengers, with $5 per additional passenger; walk-in admission $5. Confirm the future season's rates.
Facilities
Belleayre lists a managed sandy beach, picnic facilities and seasonal boat rentals. Its current page conflicts about unsupervised inner-rope swimming versus a universal guard requirement; confirm the future operating model with the operator. These services do not belong to unidentified Esopus banks.
Activities
Named managed swimming alternative currently seasonally closed; lawful land-based activities only where actually operating.
Phone
845-254-6195

Safety & Access Notice

This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.

You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.

Camping Information

No overnight camping permission established at the historical creek entries or Belleayre Beach. Arrange accommodation separately.

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Safety & Access Notice

This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.

  • Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
  • Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
  • Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
  • Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
  • Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
  • Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.

You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.

J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes

Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.

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