Camping options near Ashland, New York include several established campgrounds set in the forested hills of the northern Catskill region at elevations between 1,200-2,500 feet. The area receives approximately 45 inches of annual precipitation, creating lush surroundings with abundant vegetation. Most campgrounds in this area close seasonally between October and May due to snowfall and freezing temperatures.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: Explore multiple waterfall destinations near Max V. Shaul State Park Campground where several cascades are within a short drive. "There's no pond/lake here but there's several waterfalls nearby and vromans nose," notes camper Brian H.
Wildlife observation: Visit A Promise to Gaia/Garden of One, a native plant and wildlife sanctuary with designated butterfly gardens. This 3-site property serves as both a glamping destination and conservation area that maintains pollinator-friendly habitats.
Lake activities: Take advantage of the water recreation at Alder Lake which offers swimming and fishing opportunities. "The hike around the lake is a lovely, easy walk. The hike trail that connects to the far end of the lake is 6+ miles and while there were no real views, it was lovely," shares Erik C.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Nickerson Park Campground features tiered camping areas with common use spaces. "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," reports Sarah S.
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the well-designed layout at Country Roads Campground near Gilboa. "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," explains William R.
Privacy and seclusion: The arrangement of campsites provides good separation at many locations. One visitor to Max V. Shaul State Park Campground noted, "The Max V. Shaul State Park is small and quiet - only 30 sites here, which are large, flat and sited well apart from each other."
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds experience seasonal water issues. At Nickerson Park, a camper warned, "THE WATER! ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING! It smelled like raw sewage, loaded with sediment and very discolored. Little to no pressure and a couple times no water at all."
Site conditions vary: Tent sites can be challenging at some locations. One camper at Blue Mountain Campground reported, "The tent site are very richly and uneven, it was very hard to pitch a tent. When it rains theres a horrible smell across the campground."
Weather preparedness: The Catskill mountains experience rapidly changing weather conditions. At Alder Lake, one visitor noted that after heavy rain "water flowed down the roads ways due to the clay based soil and looked like it pooled up in places near the tent areas."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Pools and water features provide entertainment for children at several locations. At Jellystone Park Gardiner, a parent shared, "Nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone or they have a 3 ft pool also."
Animal viewing opportunities: Children enjoy interaction with farm animals at multiple glamping spots near Ashland. A visitor to Brookside Campground mentioned, "We use tents and got a bad storm the owner called and let up bunk in the arcade for the night since she was worried. They have animals the kids can go check out."
Activity variety: Family-oriented campgrounds schedule regular events. "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore. I was worried my 12 year old would be too old for it but he enjoyed making friends there," reported a Jellystone visitor.
Tips for RVers
Site accessibility: Road conditions affect RV access at some locations. At Alder Lake, a camper warned, "The place is pretty easy to access with paved road the whole way there except for the last 1/2 mile where it is very bumpy. Some might say 4*4 but we made it just fine in our little Camry."
Campground layout: RV and glamping near Ashland should consider campground sections carefully. At Treetopia, a visitor recommended, "We went in late September and stayed on one of their deck sites with our Class B (Winnebago). I LOVED sitting out on the deck every morning for my coffee while taking in the fall air."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the region operate on limited schedules. Country Roads Campground runs from May 15 to Columbus Day, while Max V. Shaul State Park operates from May 19 to October 10, requiring advance planning for RV trips.
