Catskill Mountain campgrounds near Ashland typically sit at elevations between 1,200 and 2,000 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Winter camping remains available at select locations until late October, with night temperatures often dropping 15-20 degrees below daytime highs. Rocky terrain characterizes many tent sites in the region, particularly at higher elevations.
What to do
Swimming and water recreation: North-South Lake Campground offers two connected lakes with swimming beaches. "Clean and well run campground with beautiful lakes and surrounded by trails. Perfect Hudson getaway. Reserve very early for waterfront," notes Rachel G. The location features boat rentals and fishing opportunities from May through mid-October.
Hiking to waterfalls: Kenneth L Wilson Campground provides access to nearby waterfall trails. "This campground is about 45 minutes from Minnewaska State Park which is beautiful and has good hiking," reports C R. Several trailheads connect directly to the campground road system for day hikes.
Fishing opportunities: Whip O Will Campsites features a 7-acre stocked fishing pond on property. George C. mentions, "Full facilities and nice fishing pond. Extra bonus for me was a spectacular golf course (Blackhead Mt Resort) only a 5 minute drive away." The pond supports bass, bluegill and catfish without requiring a license since it's private property.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Woodland Valley Campground receives praise for its site layout. Jason L. notes, "This is a great campsite. Clean and not too dense." Another camper mentions, "If you like to camp by water, this is the perfect place for you. It has amazing on the water sites you can camp at, plus a stunning view of the Catskills."
Clean facilities: Max V. Shaul State Park Campground maintains high standards for bathrooms. "Great campsite, cleanest facilities ever! Good adjustable campfire cooking rack," writes one camper. Another mentions, "The bath house is clean and modern. $27.50/night for non-resident." Recent renovations have added family bathrooms and updated shower facilities.
Kid-friendly amenities: Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds offers numerous activities for children. "This place had was huge and had a lot of things for kids to do. Our site was on the creek and we went with three little nieces who had a wonderful time," says Amanda. The campground includes playgrounds, a pool, and organized activities during summer months.
What you should know
Rocky terrain challenges: Devil's Tombstone sites require proper equipment for comfort. Sam L. explains, "Campsites are on either side of a fairly steep valley, so not a ton of room in each site. Be aware the site is very rocky, so a sleeping pad or air mattress would be ideal." Some sites also accommodate hammock camping between trees.
Water access varies: Country Roads Campground organizes different camping sections based on amenities. "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. Water pressure can fluctuate during peak season.
Cell service limitations: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Ashland have limited connectivity. "There is NO cell service here. You have to drive about 5 minutes towards Hunter to get service," notes Sam L. about Devil's Tombstone. For remote work needs, Kenneth Wilson Campground offers better connectivity with campers reporting, "Verizon cell service was decent, enough to work remotely."
Tips for camping with families
Couples-only sections: Rip Van Winkle Campground offers a dedicated area for adult campers. "We were over in 'Lover's Lane' so it was isolated on a separate loop. Couples only on this loop, no kids!" shares Kyla B. This section provides a quieter alternative while still allowing access to all campground amenities.
Waterfront options: Sites along creeks provide natural entertainment for children. "The creek on the property (Plattekill) is great, the pond is fun to fish in, the RC track is great for those who are into it," reports Kathy G. about Rip Van Winkle. Water depth varies seasonally, with late summer featuring shallower, warmer creek conditions.
Indoor alternatives: Whip O Will Campground offers recreation buildings for rainy days. "The campground has a rec center, playground, and pool. There's a great view of a lake and surrounding hills," notes Nicholas F. The arcade area includes classic games requiring quarters, so bring cash for rainy days.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Kenneth L Wilson Campground accommodates various RV sizes but requires preparation. Katherine P. advises, "Campsite is flat and packed dirt instead of gravel, which was great." For larger RVs, Sam L. cautions about Devil's Tombstone: "We had a VW Westfalia, which we had no trouble pulling into our site. If we had something bigger, it might have been an issue."
Hookup availability: North-South Lake features electric hookups but limited full-service sites. The campground includes 30/50 amp connections at designated sites, though these fill quickly during summer months. "Located just about a mile from Kaaterskill Falls this campground couldn't be in a better spot," notes Brittany W., highlighting its convenient location despite limited hookups.
Off-season discounts: Pet friendly campgrounds near Ashland often offer reduced rates after Labor Day. Max V. Shaul State Park provides non-peak season rates of $22-25 per night compared to $27.50 standard pricing. These savings, combined with less crowded facilities, make autumn an attractive option for RV camping in the region.
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