Best Campgrounds near Ashland, NY

Camping in the Catskill region near Ashland, New York encompasses a range of developed campgrounds and primitive sites. North-South Lake Campground, Devil's Tombstone Campground, and several other established camping areas provide options for overnight stays within forested mountain settings. The area supports both tent and RV camping, with several facilities like Country Roads Campground and Nickerson Park Campground offering full hookup sites. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally, typically from mid-May through early October, with some remaining open through Columbus Day weekend.

Reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds during the peak summer season. Many campgrounds in the Catskills provide amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Several campgrounds offer electric hookups and water access, while others maintain a more rustic atmosphere with limited services. Terrain throughout the region tends to be rocky and mountainous, with some campgrounds situated in steep valleys that limit site size. As noted in feedback on The Dyrt, "Campsite was cozy, trees were amazingly huge. Camp tent sites better than trailer sites. Very quiet and perfect."

The Catskill camping experience offers proximity to hiking trails, fishing streams, and mountain recreation. Visitors consistently mention the mature forest environments and access to outdoor activities as highlights. Country Roads Campground receives positive feedback for its spacious tent sites set apart from RV areas. Devil's Tombstone Campground provides a more primitive camping experience with convenient access to Catskill hiking trails. Water features are important considerations for many campers, with some sites offering creek or pond access. Some campgrounds like Nickerson Park feature additional amenities such as swimming pools and playgrounds. One camper shared that "Groups of sites sit on level terraces stepped down toward the river. The center area of each grouping of sites had a common use area with tether ball, playgrounds, privies, or additional parking."

Best Camping Sites Near Ashland, New York (169)

    1. North-South Lake Campground

    44 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 589-5058

    $22 - $44 / night

    "Our first campground was in New York Aug 8th. Unfortunately, Debbie was socking New York hard. North South Lake Campground in the Catskills was our camping home."

    "Had a great time at this campground- surrounded by many returning campers which gave the whole experience a good community vibe. Ice cream truck comes around each evening in the summer."

    2. Woodland Valley Campground — DEC

    29 Reviews
    Phoenicia, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 688-7647

    $20 / night

    "water to play in right behind tent. I do prefer fire pits over the brick stove. this had the stove. more advanced hiking in walking distance. no cell service. my gps on phone was able to track though."

    "Close to Woodstock, NY, many trails and other attractions. You need to plan for it, there's a lot to explore; some trails are challenging. "

    3. Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground

    23 Reviews
    Shokan, NY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 679-7020

    $22 / night

    "This campground is nestled in the Catskills, New York, with easy access to New Jersey and Connecticut."

    "Access to fresh water spouts and clean bathrooms were just a walk away from most sites, theres a beautiful pond on site and beautiful views of the Catskills, Woodstock is a 15 min drive if you’re looking"

    4. Nickerson Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Gilboa, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 588-7327

    "Our site was on top of the creek, close to the path down to the water and close to a hiking trail. During our visit we drove around the nearby towns and didn't find much to see or do with our time."

    "We had reservations about being side by side with other RVs but the site we were in was so big and being in a valley with huge trees all around a large open grassy area in the middle made everything feel"

    5. Devil's Tombstone Campground

    10 Reviews
    Elka Park, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 688-7160

    $16 / night

    "this is close by to many catskill hiking trails"

    "It was close to trails and town"

    6. Whip O Will Campsites

    7 Reviews
    Round Top, NY
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 622-3277

    $33 - $113 / night

    "From it bathrooms to its pool to its general store , playground , basketball courts , bocceball, 7 acre lake and 2 miles of walkable runable paths , Ted & Angela do a fantastic job of keeping the place"

    "It had a little arcade, a nice lake, and playground."

    7. Country Roads Campground

    3 Reviews
    North Blenheim, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 827-6397

    $34 - $55 / night

    "There are water spigots near all the tent sites and they are nice and spread out. They have special events in a pavilion near the RVs including bingo"

    8. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds

    16 Reviews
    Saugerties, NY
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 246-8334

    "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river but to do the river you’ll need a New York State fishing license."

    "I was a little skeptical that we wouldn’t get to choose our site, but you can’t go wrong, they are all wooded, private and well situated. The campground is centrally located you many things to do."

    9. Whispering Timbers Glamping

    1 Review
    Hensonville, NY
    7 miles
    +1 (516) 729-6558

    $125 - $160 / night

    10. Max V. Shaul State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Fultonham, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 827-4711

    $17 - $50 / night

    "Just ok distance between camp sites. If we return we might try the more upper loop further from the front"

    "there's no pond/lake here but there's several waterfalls nearby and vromans nose"

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Recent Reviews near Ashland, NY

570 Reviews of 169 Ashland Campgrounds


  • Pete V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2025

    Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail

    Nice quiet overnight stay

    This was a quiet overnight stay, just as the other reviewers say, a gravel parking lot that is easy to find a level spot in. This is on the river with a nice view. Lots of trains rolling through across the river but the noise wasn't an issue for me. There was a police officer that drove through the lot and drove around my campervan and continued on his way so I know that it is okay to overnight there.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2025

    Allaben Primitive Campsites

    Pond spot

    Cool spot next to a pond. There are a few others that aren’t next to a pond, and therefore not as cool… but still pretty cool bc it’s free and you can walk up a little to a pond.

  • M
    Oct. 26, 2025

    North-South Lake Campground

    Beautiful grounds HORRIBLE STAFF

    I don’t normally write reviews especially a negative one. We had a very upsetting experience at North-South Lake. We drove over two hours to visit my husband’s childhood campground for the first time with our three kids(ages 5, 7, and 9). When we arrived at the entrance, we were asked if it was a day visit, and we said yes, we were only staying for the day. We paid the fee, received a map, and drove in. My husband was so excited to finally share this place and create memories with our children. Looking for a place to park, we thought we were lucky to find an empty campsite in one of the loops where he used to camp as a child.

    We parked the car hoping to enjoy the view of the lake, take a walk, and maybe make the kids a couple of s’mores before heading home.

     At around 2:15–2:30 p.m., the “SUPERVISOR” in the white Kia approached us in an extremely rude and nasty manner, speaking as if we were committing a serious crime and comparing our situation to“sleeping in someone else’s hotel room.” She asked us if we had a reservation; we said no. She said,“Someone else reserved this spot.” We were very apologetic, embarrassed, and immediately put our stuff in the car. I said they could have told us; we would have moved right away. I’m sorry. 

    She said,“They aren’t supposed to talk to you; that’s why they send me here.” She told us we had ten minutes to leave, waited there while we put our chair, blanket, and s’more cookies in the car, and refused our 9-year-old daughter access to the bathroom while we packed up our three things, and even followed us out of the loop to make sure we didn’t park elsewhere. My daughter came to us crying because the lady told her she couldn’t use the bathroom and had to get in the car. Well, she had an accident in the car right as we were pulling out. 

    We were mortified and apologetic. My husband even offered to leave the firewood we had just purchased for the next campers, but she was dismissive and harsh about that as well. 

    The following day, I called and asked to speak with a manager to explain how we were treated. The manager was just as unfriendly and miserable sounding as the supervisor. I was told they had been looking for us“for hours” and that it’s“common sense” not to park in a campsite. She actually said it’s considered trespassing. So, a friendly warning for first-time visitors: Apparently, if you don’t know that“day use” doesn’t mean“park in any empty campsite,” just for the day, you’re officially a trespassing criminal, at least according to the manager. 

    Reading the website now, I see that check-in for people with reservations is at 2 p.m., which was the time we were trying to make a small fire, so unless someone left their site and returned, it’s unclear how they could have been looking for us“for hours.” We were right there at 2pm. 

    The website also states: Day Use• Anyone who is not camping is a day-user. Day-use hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Day-users are not allowed between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. 

    We were not camping but didn’t realize we couldn’t park in an empty campsite. I think“common sense” would be to inform DAY USE visitors at the ENTRANCE to use public parking, especially for families or first-time visitors who may not be camping experts. Bottom line: this was my husband’s childhood family spot. We just wanted to take a beautiful fall drive and have a special day with our kids. 

    We understand now that we needed to reserve the parking spot ahead of time, and it was an honest misunderstanding. I would have even offered to pay for the campers’ stay for their trouble. What we wish for is that the staff had approached us respectfully and explained the situation instead of treating us like criminals. Imagine being such a miserable person and working in such a BEAUTIFUL and peaceful place for families. 

    This was meant to be a special family day, honoring memories of my father-in-law and creating new ones with our children. Instead, it became stressful and humiliating. Sadly, this is what our children will remember about the day and about North South Lake

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Gunx Camping on a Horse Farm

    No Amenities but Great Location for the Gunks

    This campground is just mowed spots on a hillside in Kerhonkson. There are no facilities aside from some port-o-sans that the owners didn't recommend using. But the location is great for accessing the Shawamhunks. Given the lack of affordable RV campgrounds (and even the few expensive ones) in the area, this stands out.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Osa Trail

    Gorgeous Views

    Had a great time here with my wife and 2 little kids and our dog.  One of the most beautiful sunrises we've ever seen!  Very secluded, though Alex is right down the driveway so didn't feel like the middle of nowhere.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Great staff but back-to-back campsite

    We stayed a coupe of days in Oct. This is a beautiful site to camp out. The staffs are friendly and very attentive.
    Bathroom and water pressure was ok. But one shower location for 50 campsites. Three small showers units and three toilet.
    I never stayed a state campsite where the sites are so close each other. If you like a “normal” distance to your neighbors, I'd not recommend this place.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    New York City North-Newburgh KOA

    Good amenities and fun experience!

    Campsites Great campsites, wooded and cozy, though a little tight for longer rigs as our neighbors found out when they ran over a wooden post backing in. But spaced apart nicely with lots of vegetation between. Nice and level. Amenities Bathrooms are older and need of some repair but let me tell you I was very happy to see a normal shower head with real hot water! So no complaints here. Laundry facilities were clean and open 24/7 with reasonable prices 2.50/2.00 washer/dryer. And the dryers actually worked. Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village. They even have a wine store- cab sav was good. WiFi I work remotely and WiFi is always an issue. We have Starlink but in a wooded campsite, connecting is an issue but luckily their WiFi was great. Had no issues and could stream just fine. Halloween! We visited mid October and folks had sites decorated and the KOA has trick or treating and other activities every weekend in Oct. we were SO bummed to be leaving on a Friday and miss the festivities because it looked really fun. Would definitely go back. Also, staff was super nice.

  • A
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Russell Brook Campsites

    Clean, Friendly, and Right on the Water

    Loved this place! It's clean and well-maintained - even the restrooms. Every site is well-equipped with its own water, electricity, fire pit, and picnic table. The best part is the waterfront sites. We were right next to a small brook, and falling asleep to the sound of the water behind our tent was amazing. Everyone we met was super friendly. We will definitely be back!


Guide to Ashland

Camping opportunities in the Catskill region near Ashland, New York range from established campgrounds to glamping accommodations. The area includes developed sites like North-South Lake Campground and Devil's Tombstone Campground, offering both tent and RV camping options. Country Roads Campground in Gilboa provides 118 designated campsites with drive-in access, while specialty accommodations like Whispering Timbers Glamping cater to those seeking more comfortable outdoor experiences. Most campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from mid-May through early October.

Access to camping areas varies based on location, with several campgrounds situated along mountain roads that wind through the Catskill Mountains. Many established sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and fall foliage season. The camping season generally runs from May through October, with specific opening and closing dates varying by location. Most developed campgrounds provide essential amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets, though services differ between locations. One camper observed of Devil's Tombstone, "This is one of the oldest sites I've been to. This site has a lot of history and at night is very beautiful."

Campers frequently mention the natural features that make this region distinctive for outdoor recreation. The Catskill terrain creates varied camping experiences, from valley campgrounds near creeks to more elevated sites with mountain views. Several visitors highlight the spacious sites at certain campgrounds despite their proximity to others. As one reviewer noted about Country Roads Campground, "Mainly an RV ground, but they have about 10-15 great tent sites back beyond the RV area. There are water spigots near all the tent sites and they are nice and spread out." Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, with some campgrounds like Devil's Tombstone having no coverage at all. Wildlife viewing, hiking access, and fishing opportunities are common draws for campers visiting the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Ashland, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ashland, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 169 campgrounds and RV parks near Ashland, NY and 15 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Ashland, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ashland, NY is North-South Lake Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 44 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ashland, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Ashland, NY.