Is a Mobster’s Treasure Buried in This New York Campground?

There may be more than just beautiful nature to find at one of the oldest campgrounds in New York state... have you heard of the legend of the Devil's Tombstone?

The name of the campsite alone should get anyone's imagination running wild. Known in legend as the literal burial site of the devil, the storied campground in the Catskill mountains has hosted adventure-seekers since the 1800s... it also may be the site of a mobster's illicit buried treasure.

The Devil's Tombstone Campground in Elka Park, NY

It defies logic that a campsite with legends as large as being both the burial site of the devil and twentieth-century treasure is not more well-known. The good news is, treasure-hunters and outdoorspeople alike can begin making reservations now at the almost-legendary campground. But back to the treasure...

Is There Treasure Buried at the Devil's Tombstone in New York State?

The story of the hidden loot dates back to the early 1900s and a criminal named Dutch Schultz. As legend has it, Schultz was fearful of having his ill-gotten valuables seized if he was sentenced to prison. Living near the famous rock that had already received its devilish nickname, he secured his treasure in a chest and may have buried it near the "tomb".

Read More: How to Visit This Famous Hudson River Ghost Town

Like most hidden treasure stories, the legacy Shultz allegedly left behind has never been found (or a lucky treasure-hunter never revealed that they discovered the booty said to be worth millions). Luckily, the campground near the rumored hiding spot may be reward enough for nature-loving New Yorkers. It's also not the only New York campsite with a fascinating history.

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Camp on a Revolutionary War Battleground in New York

History buffs will love to learn about camping opportunities at Crown Point, an upstate New York campground that was a literal site of Revolutionary War battles. With many of the fort walls still standing, campers can explore the battlegrounds during the day and tell ghost stories around the campfire at night. Check out some more local "ruins" below.