The Catskill Mountains surround Barrytown, offering camping spots with elevations ranging from 400 to 4,200 feet. The camping season typically spans mid-May through late October, with average summer temperatures between 70-85°F during the day and 50-60°F at night. Most campgrounds near Barrytown sit within deciduous forests dominated by oak, maple and birch trees.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: North-South Lake Campground provides access to Kaaterskill Falls just minutes from the campsite. "Kaaterskill falls, which is minutes down the road from the campground," writes Jessica W. in her North-South Lake Campground review, noting the "newly opened (as of 2016) viewing platform."
Swimming in natural settings: The lakes at Woodland Valley Campground offer clean, refreshing water. One camper noted that "the mountain creek is like nature singing a lullaby - sleeping next to it was very relaxing." Swimming options range from creek wading to lake swimming with floating docks at some locations.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain stocked fishing areas. Interlake RV Park features a dedicated fishing lake separate from swimming areas. The ponds and streams throughout the region contain various trout species, particularly in spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds offers secluded camping spots. "Rip Van Winkle is a beautiful campground, it's well run, well maintained, and has a lot to do! 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," reports Kathy G. in her Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds review.
Clean facilities: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathrooms and showers. "Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten," notes Kurt S. The park also offers platform tent sites which campers appreciate during wet weather.
Dark night skies: The area provides excellent stargazing opportunities away from city light pollution. Seth K. reports that at Lake Taghkanic, "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."
What you should know
Bear activity: Kenneth L. Wilson Campground has reported bear sightings. "It was the wildest weekend I ever had, I'm not being sarcastic. The hiking areas are great, the weather is perfect and the bear was very nice for a bear," writes Kane B. about Kenneth L. Wilson Campground. Park rangers provide guidance on proper food storage.
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have spotty or no cell coverage. Katherine P. notes at Kenneth L. Wilson Campground: "There was no cell service in the campground." Consider downloading maps and information before arrival.
Reservation requirements: Weekends fill quickly, especially during fall foliage season. Campgrounds like Taconic State Park require advance planning. Erin B. mentions: "Fees are $15 residents and $20 non residents plus processing fees."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner specializes in family programming. "This place is great for kids or diverse groups that all want to do different things. It's very family themed and fun for everyone," writes Carrie J. Their amenities include water parks, playgrounds, and organized activities.
Consider platform tent sites: These raised platforms at several campgrounds keep tents dry and make setup easier. Christina M. writes about Taconic State Park: "Each of the sites had a large platform (enough room for one very large tent or 2-3 smaller tents), a fire pit, and picnic table."
Plan for bathroom proximity: Sites near facilities make night trips easier with children. At Taconic State Park, a reviewer noted some sites are "right across the road from a water pump and from the path to the bathrooms so it is a prime location."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions apply: Many campgrounds limit RV length due to narrow roads and small sites. Woodland Valley Campground primarily accommodates smaller rigs due to its mountain location and winding access roads.
Full hookup availability: Mills Norrie State Park Campground offers electric, water and sewer connections. Michael G. notes: "There are great hiking trails on the Hudson River right outside your campsite. Amenities are the great outdoors and an ancient bath house built during the New Deal in the 1930's."
Leveling challenges: Be prepared with leveling blocks as many sites in the region sit on uneven terrain. The region's natural topography means perfectly flat sites are uncommon, even at established campgrounds.
