Max V. Shaul State Park Campground sits in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains about 15 miles southwest of Berne, New York. The campground has 30 sites at an elevation of approximately 1,100 feet, offering cooler summer temperatures than nearby urban areas. The region features deciduous forests, rolling hills, and small streams that create a typical Northeastern woodland camping environment.
What to do
Hiking at Vroman's Nose: Located near Max V. Shaul State Park Campground, this popular trail features a distinctive rock formation with panoramic views. "There's no pond/lake here but there's several waterfalls nearby and vromans nose," notes Brian H., highlighting alternative natural attractions in the area.
Water activities: Nearby lakes provide swimming and fishing opportunities for warm weather visits. At Nickerson Park Campground, "We had a stellar time just hiking down the path and relaxing by the water. There's no noise at night apart from the running water of the stream," reports one camper about the peaceful waterside experience.
Stargazing: The rural setting offers excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "We have also had some great star viewing here!" mentions one visitor at Glimmerglass State Park, pointing to the clear night skies that make astronomy activities worthwhile during your stay near Berne.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds near Berne feature well-separated camping areas. At Frosty Acres Campground, campers appreciate the layout. "Very remote. Windy as all get out. Elevation about 1409 feet. View of the sunrise over the entire valley are awesome. Very very cool place," writes James S. about the expansive setting.
Clean facilities: Modern bathhouses receive consistent praise across multiple locations. At Country Roads Campground, a visitor noted, "We were escorted to our site upon arrival and I certainly appreciated that as we were very tired after a long day of travel," highlighting the attentive service standards.
Privacy options: The wooded settings create natural buffers between sites. At DevilDoc Campsites, a camper shared, "These guys really do so much to go out of their way to provide an amazing experience, from brewing coffee in the AM to helping you in whatever way they can," emphasizing the hospitality alongside the private camping experience.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from May through October. At Brookside Campground, a camper noted, "During the heavy rains water flowed down the roads ways due to the clay based soil and looked like it pooled up in places near the tent areas," indicating drainage issues that can occur during wet weather.
Variable water quality: Some locations have mineral-rich water that may affect taste. "The water! Absolutely disgusting! I'm guessing the new owners didn't do as much as the previous owners as far as water treatments. It smelled like raw sewage, loaded with sediment and very discolored," reported Peter S. at Nickerson Park, suggesting visitors might want to bring their own drinking water.
Limited cell service: Reception varies throughout the region, particularly in valley areas. "Verizon cell service was decent, and enough to work remotely," noted Taylor H. at Nickerson Park, providing useful information for those needing to stay connected during their glamping trip near Berne.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. A visitor to Nickerson Park mentioned, "They had a pool and water slides for the kids. The owner and staff were so friendly and welcoming," highlighting facilities specifically designed for younger campers.
Accessible hiking trails: Shorter paths suitable for various ages can be found throughout the area. At Glimmerglass State Park Campground, Erin G. shared, "The views at glimmerglass are wonderful. I have brought my dog swimming and hiking several times. The beach is great and well kept," noting options that work well for both children and pets.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Local fauna includes deer, birds, and small mammals. "It is a cool place... The land they share has a pond that is very secluded," noted a camper at DevilDoc Campsites, mentioning the natural setting that provides wildlife observation chances for curious kids.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds have restrictions on larger vehicles. Holly R. observed at Max V. Shaul State Park, "The Max V. Shaul State Park is small and quiet - only 30 sites here, which are large, flat and sited well apart from each other," indicating the spacious but limited number of available spots.
Hookup availability: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary by location. "Great campsite, cleanest facilities ever! Good adjustable campfire cooking rack," noted a visitor at Max V. Shaul, mentioning the practical amenities that make RV camping more comfortable.
Winter options: Limited year-round camping exists for cold-weather enthusiasts. James S. at Frosty Acres Campground shared, "We stayed from April until October then decided to stay over winter. They have a small winter section. You'll have the entire mountain side all to yourself! Snowshoe, cross country ski. Winter campfires," highlighting rare winter glamping opportunities near Berne, New York.
