Best Campgrounds near Berne, NY

Camping near Berne, New York, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

• Hiking: The area is known for its scenic trails. Many campers enjoy the nearby Kaaterskill Falls, which is described as "a short, easy trail" that can get crowded, so plan to arrive early.
• Fishing: If you love fishing, check out the lakes at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds. One reviewer mentioned, "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river."
• Swimming: Campgrounds like North-South Lake Campground have lakes with swimming areas. A visitor noted, "There are two nice lakes with beaches."

What campers like

• Natural Beauty: Campers rave about the stunning scenery. One person said about Schodack Island State Park Campground, "Very clean bathrooms, firewood can be delivered to your campsite as well as ice."
• Privacy: Many sites are well-spaced, providing a sense of seclusion. A reviewer at Nickerson Park Campground mentioned, "The sites were very spacious and clean."
• Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff. At Max V Shaul State Park, one visitor said, "The staff is friendly and helpful, and check the campground regularly."

What you should know

• Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have little to no cell service. A camper at Devil's Tombstone Campground noted, "There is NO cell service here."
• Bear Activity: Be cautious of wildlife. A visitor at North-South Lake Campground shared, "There’s a lot of bear activity here, so constantly cleaning up your food is very important."
• Basic Facilities: Some campgrounds, like Devil's Tombstone Campground, have limited facilities. One reviewer said, "The toilets were pit toilets, which could have been cleaner."

Tips for camping with families

• Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds has playgrounds and activities for children. A parent mentioned, "There are playgrounds for the kids, basketball, pool, and a remote control car track."
• Quiet Areas: Choose sites that are away from busy roads for a more peaceful experience. A camper at Thompson's Lake Campground said, "Some of the lakeside sites have private foot trails down to the water."
• Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. One family at Cherry Plain State Park Campground enjoyed the "quiet campgrounds with multiple kinds of sites."

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds mentioned, "We were assured that it would fit. It did—technically."
• Road Conditions: Be aware of the road conditions when driving in. One RV owner at Nickerson Park Campground noted, "The roads were tight, and I had to drive off the road on several occasions."
• Amenities: Look for campgrounds with full hookups. A visitor at Max V Shaul State Park appreciated the "clean facilities and incredibly nice staff."

Camping around Berne, New York, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!