FAQ

What is Forest Fringe Farm?

Forest Fringe Farm is a diversified perennial polyculture farm on 8 acres in Bethel, Sullivan County, the hamlet of the original 1969 Woodstock Festival. We operate as a hosted land platform. Not a traditional retreat center, not a passive rental property. We work with arts organizations, mission-driven companies, creative agencies, and teams running multi-day programs that need flexible outdoor space, coordinated logistics, and room to evolve onsite.

Who books here?

Artist-run collectives, cultural nonprofits, experience design firms, impact-focused tech companies, and corporate teams. Any organization doing work that benefits from time on land with on-site coordination.

How far is it from New York City?

2.5 hours by car. Bus service via Shortline/Coach USA to Monticello, then 20-minute rideshare to the farm. Shuttle coordination available as an add-on for groups.

What does a booking include?

Outdoor cooking access, composting sanitation, camping areas, flexible gathering spaces, and site coordination. On-site support, setup and breakdown assistance, and advance planning available as tier-dependent add-ons.

Is there indoor space?

No permanent indoor structures for programming. The studio is a small solar-powered workspace, not suitable as a primary event space. The Interstice Retreat, a 448 SF polycarbonate and timber-framed workshop, is scheduled for construction Summer 2027. All current programming is outdoor.

What happens if it rains?

The campsite is protected by a canopy of wild blue berry bushes and trees.

We had rain at a four-day dance camp at the end of May 2025. Out of 20 campers, only 5 had wet belongings after the rainfall. We took those to the laundromat in Jeffersonville, 10 minutes away, and washed everything.

We also offer a weather contingency hold you can add to your booking so we can move dates if troubling weather is incoming. Weather is real, we plan for it, and the land still delivers.

Where do people sleep?

Groups bring their own tents and camping gear. Canopy campsite under tree cover is available. No indoor lodging, furnished accommodations, or tent rentals provided. Offsite accommodations can be arranged independently.

Is there running water?

Rainwater catchment for outdoor shower (seasonal). Non-potable water for washing. Drinking water must be brought in or arranged in advance for large groups. Well installation planned for Summer 2026, significantly expanding water access.

Is there Wi-Fi or cell service?

No Wi-Fi. Cell coverage is inconsistent. Verizon and AT&T work better than others. Plan to unplug. Download offline maps before arrival.

Is the site ADA accessible?

No. The terrain is rural, uneven, and unpaved. Composting toilet is not wheelchair accessible. 3–5 minute walk from parking to campsite over natural ground. Groups with specific access needs should contact us during the inquiry phase to discuss feasibility.

What is the booking process?

Submit an inquiry through our booking portal. We review within 48 hours. If there is potential fit, we schedule a 20-minute call to discuss your program, logistics, and dates. No commitment required to inquire.

How many people can the site hold?

Meadow gathering areas accommodate 10–50 people. The Hex seats 20–30. Outdoor cooking supports meal prep for 30–50. Larger events possible with advance planning and additional sanitation.

What seasons are available?

Primary season is May through October. Summer is peak. Fall is beautiful and comfortable. Spring is wet and demanding. Winter bookings are extremely limited and require cold-weather experience.

Is this only for arts organizations?

No. We work with any organization doing meaningful work that benefits from time on land: arts nonprofits, tech companies, design firms, foundations, corporate teams. What matters is fit: your program needs outdoor space, your group values intentionality over amenity, and you want a site that is stewarded, not just rented.

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