The Catskill region around Barrytown sits at elevations ranging from 100 feet along the Hudson River to over 4,000 feet at the higher peaks. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summer days average 75-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Campgrounds in this area typically operate from mid-May through October, with peak season running July through Labor Day weekend.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Several campgrounds provide access to trails leading to local waterfalls. At Taconic State Park, trails connect to Bash Bish Falls with "a short hike across state lines into Mass" where visitors can access "beautiful" waterfalls that may vary seasonally, as one camper noted "It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible."
Creek exploration: Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds offers creek access directly from camping areas. "We were over in 'Lover's Lane' so it was isolated on a separate loop... But super nice being right on the creek--we took our chairs and plopped down in the water," notes a visitor. The Plattekill Creek provides natural cooling during hot summer days.
Swimming in natural settings: North-South Lake Campground maintains swimming areas that receive regular maintenance. A visitor describes it as "One of my favorite swimming spots" while another mentions the facilities are "always clean." The lake size accommodates multiple swimming areas, making it less crowded even during busy periods.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots with natural separation. At Woodland Valley Campground, sites feature "private and just secluded enough" settings with creek access "right behind tent." The sound of running water serves as natural white noise, with one camper noting "the mountain creek is like nature singing a lullaby - sleeping next to it was very relaxing."
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention bathroom cleanliness as a priority. Kenneth L Wilson Campground maintains "clean but sometimes ran out of toilet paper" facilities according to recent visitors. Another camper noted the "bathrooms were a bit of a hike, but they were clean and had plenty of signage advising people during the pandemic."
Family-friendly activities: Jellystone Park Gardiner specializes in child-focused recreation. "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," says one reviewer, though they caution "it can end up being as crowded as an amusement park depending on when you go." Another visitor mentioned "a nice pool that is shallow so you can relax and let the little ones go in the water park section alone."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor or non-existent connectivity. At Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground, "There was no cell service in the campground" according to a recent visitor. Another camper explained the trade-off: "No mobile signal, but that's the point, isn't it? You get to disconnect from it all for a while."
Wildlife encounters: Bears frequent several campgrounds, requiring proper food storage. One camper had a memorable experience: "Got chased off by a bear... It was the wildest weekend I ever had, I'm not being sarcastic." Campground staff typically provide warnings and guidance about food storage protocols.
Site selection matters: Campsite quality varies significantly within campgrounds. At Taconic State Park, "more towards the back was more spacious and private sites" while "up front the sites were too close together." Another visitor noted that "There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful."
Tips for camping with families
Platform tent options: Several parks offer raised platforms that simplify tent setup. At 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." This feature keeps sleeping areas dry during rain and provides level sleeping surfaces.
Playground accessibility: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground maintains multiple play areas near camping loops. According to visitors, the park has "options for trailers, tent sites, platforms for tents and even some cabins" plus "a big lake with swimming and boating as well as many hiking trails."
Swimming options for different ages: Swimming areas often separate deeper sections from shallow areas. One visitor mentioned Lake Taghkanic has "a great beach, 5 minute drive from campground" while another described "clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days" making this location suitable for unpredictable weather with children.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Mills Norrie State Park Campground provides complete services in some loops. A camper noted the "sites were spacious enough to allow for two cars each" while another mentioned the campground was "right across the Hudson River from a highly active nighttime freight train route" which can disturb light sleepers but provides river access.
RV length restrictions: Many campgrounds have limited turning radius on interior roads. When selecting sites, consider approach angles and overhead clearance from trees. Tighter campgrounds often have maximum RV lengths posted on reservation systems.
Site leveling considerations: Terrain varies widely between campgrounds. Some visitors recommend calling ahead to request specific sites based on RV needs: "Big and spacious state park with many camping options. Has options for trailers, tent sites, platforms for tents and even some cabins."
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