Best Campgrounds near Athens, NY

Camping near Athens, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the scenic trails in the area. Campers have enjoyed the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "The Catskills are very scenic & we enjoyed our time there!" at North-South Lake Campground.
• Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, offer fishing in private lakes and rivers. A visitor noted, "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river."
• Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim at local lakes. One camper at Taconic State Park said, "The swimming there felt really clean and I loved the dock."

What campers like:

• Natural Beauty: Campers appreciate the stunning landscapes. A reviewer at Woodland Valley Campground described it as "Gorgeous. There was a brook not far from our campsite, and it was only a short stroll to the lake."
• Privacy: Many sites are well-spaced, providing a sense of seclusion. One camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park mentioned, "Each of the campsites in our loop has a lot of foliage around it, creating privacy between you and the site next to you."
• Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park said, "Pat and Gordon are incredibly welcoming hosts."

What you should know:

• Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Little Pond - DEC noted, "No Verizon service and Starlink was spotty."
• Facilities Vary: Some campgrounds have older facilities. A reviewer at Clarence Fahnestock State Park mentioned, "The bathrooms are very old and very clean."
• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings. One camper at North-South Lake Campground shared, "There are bears that visit the campground."

Tips for camping with families:

• Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A parent at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner said, "This campground has a lot of activities and has kids of all ages galore."
• Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A camper at Kenneth L Wilson Campground noted, "The sites either side of us were closed for restoration thankfully."
• Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Copake Falls Area - Taconic State Park mentioned, "There is a lot of noise, a lot of people."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds said, "We were within 2 inches or less of trees on 4 or 5 instances getting in and out of our site."
• Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. One camper at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park appreciated the "plenty of water pressure with grey water hookups."
• Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A visitor at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds mentioned, "They need to clear some of the roads if they are going to accommodate rigs over 40'."

Camping around Athens, NY, offers a variety of experiences, from peaceful nature retreats to family-friendly fun. Whether you're tent camping or bringing your RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.