The Catskill Mountains near Accord, New York range in elevation from 600 to over 4,000 feet with diverse microclimates throughout the region. Tent camping opportunities near Accord include both drive-in sites with amenities and more remote backcountry locations accessible by hiking trails. Spring and early summer camping often requires extra layers as nighttime temperatures can drop into the 40s even when daytime temperatures reach the 70s.
What to do
Hiking to mountain summits: Several tent campsites serve as starting points for hikes to Catskill peaks. At Giant Ledge Primitive Camp, campers can access multiple scenic viewpoints. "This was a fairly decent and semi challenging hike. We took our dog too. Bring a bear bell and bear mace can to be safe. We did not see any but definite signs of them. Get tracking poles if you don't already have some," notes one camper who enjoyed the trail system.
Rock climbing access: The Shawangunk Ridge offers world-class climbing routes for various skill levels. Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground provides dedicated camping for climbers. As one visitor mentioned, "Love this campground! Have been here several times and have never had a complaint... Located really close to the Gunks for climbing and also some great hikes around the area."
Swimming in natural pools: The region features several swimming holes for cooling off during summer months. One camper at Peekamoose Valley noted, "the 'Blue Hole' is amazing and it's quite beautiful to stay right on the creek," referring to a popular swimming spot that draws visitors during warm weather.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Many Catskill camping areas provide isolation from other campers. At Echo Lake, "There are tent sites around the whole lake with fire pits and 1 lean-to site at the end of the trail when you first arrive at the lake. The sites are relatively flat and well shaded with trees."
Year-round camping options: Some areas remain accessible through winter months. One winter camper at The Peekamoose Valley shared, "Camped out at one of the sites by the river and it was amazing, no one was around except a man far from our site. Good walking distance to the car especially in the cold!"
Clean facilities: At developed campgrounds, maintained bathrooms rank highly in camper reviews. Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground offers "a pavilion near the fire ring with sinks and bathrooms with pay showers. They are kept relatively nice. There is also another 'comfort station' with sinks and vault toilets near the other side of the campground."
What you should know
Limited parking at trailheads: Many dispersed camping areas have small parking areas that fill quickly on weekends. Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed has a "small (10 car) parking lot and a trail that runs thru 80 acres of forest. Camping is allowed anywhere 150ft from the trail."
Bear activity requires proper precautions: Black bears inhabit the Catskill forests, requiring careful food storage. A camper at Slide Mountain Wilderness Roadside Campsite noted, "The sites were very clean and quiet, though you will hear occasional cars driving by... the creek showed active signs of beavers in the area."
Seasonal bugs can be intense: Insect activity peaks in late spring and early summer. "Note, it can get swampy near the edge of the lake so you may want to bring bug spray," warns a camper about Echo Lake. Another camper at Hemlock Ridge mentioned, "Bugs are relentless. Many climbers stay there for access to the gunks."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campsites with amenities: Families often prefer sites with basic facilities. "This campground was extremely manicured. There is no eating at the campsite, they would prefer you cook and eat by the showers, the lights go off at a certain time," notes a reviewer about Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground.
Consider walk-in distances with children: Some sites require hiking with gear. At Peekamoose Valley, a camper mentioned, "I was in the lower area and had to walk pretty far with everything and make at least 6-8 trips for each load-in and out. I went and bought a wagon after the first day to carry the firewood down to our site."
Look for safe water play areas: Upper Esopus Creekside Camp offers creek access for supervised water activities. As one reviewer noted, "This property is the closest private property to Slide Mountain. It's also just minute from so many other trailheads and peaks."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access at most sites: The region primarily caters to tent camping with few dedicated RV areas. Creek View Campground offers some hookups but "you are basically camping in this guy's back yard, so dont expect any feeling of being in nature. you are also right next to the road and will hear some traffic."
Consider tent camping instead: Many visitors with RVs opt to pitch tents at primitive sites. A camper at Peekamoose Valley mentioned there are "three campgrounds (upper, middle, and lower field) and a trailer field for a total of 24 campsites. Calling them 'fields' might be misleading - they're heavily wooded areas by a river."
Prepare for rough access roads: Some camping areas have unpaved access requiring careful driving. One visitor observed that when camping near Echo Lake, "it can get swampy near the edge of the lake" which can affect vehicle access during wet periods.
