The Bethel, New York area sits at elevations ranging from 1,200-1,800 feet in the Catskill region, creating distinct camping microclimates. Delaware River camping locations typically remain 5-8 degrees warmer than elevated sites in the mountains. Sites along water bodies offer summer swimming and fishing with seasonal water temperatures reaching 76°F in July and August.
What to do
River tubing access: At Kittatinny Campground, tubing packages are popular among groups visiting the Delaware River. "My college friends go here each year to meet up and we have so much fun. The group sites are great and perfect for our 30-50 people. Definitely go for the rafting/tubing package, it was the best part of the trip!" reports Maggie K.
Lake activities: Swimming, fishing, and paddle sports are available at Keen Lake Resort Campground, which features both a lake and pool. A camper notes, "The kids really loved having a pool to swim in, in addition to the lake. I seemed less busy where we were as far as cars and people which is what we were looking for."
Stargazing opportunities: Elevated Catskill locations offer exceptional night sky viewing, particularly during fall when humidity drops. A visitor to The Blueberry Patch mentioned, "The dark nights were filled with gazing shooting stars. A wood oven stove to keep us cozy our entire stay. Great for those seeking quiet and zen like space."
Fly fishing: Roscoe is known as "Trout Town USA" with premier fishing spots along the Beaverkill River. "Right on the Beaverkill River, it's quiet, clean, gorgeous, brand new cabins and concrete pads. Fisherman's heaven," shares Richard V.
What campers like
Site privacy: Many campers appreciate the distance between sites at Oakland Valley Campground, which has three distinct camping sections. "Nice, family friendly campground with 3 levels to camp at. Top level has a pool, showers and bathrooms with laundry area and game room. Middle level has open field with bathrooms with sinks and running water," explains Jeanne-Marie P.
Riverside locations: Direct water access is highly valued at campgrounds like Roscoe Campsites. "We were able to relax on the adirondack chairs on the deck as the sun went down and our fire (wood provided by host) and the porch lights remained glowing," reports Brooks B. from his stay at a riverside glamping site.
Cell service breaks: The limited connectivity around glamping sites near Bethel provides forced disconnection. Some campers at Neversink River Resort value this aspect: "We were there at the end of the season, which we loved bc we practically had this huge campground to ourselves. Our spot backed up to the river, which was great," shares Aliceon W.
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain excellent bathroom facilities. "The bathrooms were the cleanest we've ever experienced at a campground," noted Emily Z. about Keen Lake Resort Campground.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Not all sites at campgrounds are created equal, particularly for tent campers. "We ended up right across the way on E7 & E8 - much better. This loop for tent campers is mixed. Some of the sites are literally on the road - stay away from the sites on the same side of the road as the pond," advises Lori M. about Neversink River Resort.
Seasonal considerations: Visit during fall for optimal glamping close to Bethel, New York. "It was beginning of fall in October and the dark nights were filled with gazing shooting stars. A wood oven stove to keep us cozy our entire stay," shares a visitor to The Blueberry Patch.
Weekend noise levels: Several campgrounds experience higher noise levels during weekends. "Busy campground no quiet time loud music till 3 in the morning. Very clean, workers very friendly and helpful but after dark no one around," explains Jim D. from High Point State Park Campground.
Bathroom facilities vary: Check what type of bathroom facilities are available. "Bathrooms are spaced out. No running water except for pump founded outside of the bathrooms. Toilets are pump flushed. Showers are only located INSIDE High Point State Park, not throughout the campsites," explains Damia F.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Choose campgrounds with structured activities for children. "We have taken our children there often but I wouldn't recommend or call it family friendly," notes Kate D. about Jerry's Three River Campground, suggesting families research child-friendly options first.
Playground access: Evaluate playground quality when booking glamping close to Bethel with children. "Playground definitely needs to be replaced. It was more like a few metal bars for hanging. But they had a jump blob thing my kids loved," reports Aliceon W. about Neversink River Resort.
Swimming options: Sites with both lake and pool access provide alternatives for families. "I spent two nights camping with my niece and this campground was perfect. The site was maybe a 50-yard walk-in and we barely heard anyone around us and had a real wilderness feel. We fit in a hike up to the Appalachian Trail from our campsite, swam at the pond (Lake Marcia), and got in a fishing session at Steeny Kill Lake," shares Justin P. about High Point State Park.
Kid-friendly sites: Look for sites with specific family-friendly designations. "This place was so fun for the entire family, it wasn't that busy, so we didn't really have to worry all the time about the kids getting ran over! The park ranger person came through and gave the kids cool posters," reports Jill R. from Kittatinny Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Verify site levelness before setting up. "We had to try 2 different spots bc some of them are VERY un level," notes one RVer about Neversink River Resort.
Hookup availability: Check specific site hookups when booking. "There is water and electric on the sites at the middle level," explains Jeanne-Marie P. about Oakland Valley Campground's tiered camping layout.
Site size considerations: Assess site dimensions for larger RVs. "The RV sites are spaced out nicely. There are plenty of things to do; paddle boats, row boats, swimming pool, snack bar/campstore, activities, etc," reports Charlotte D. about Keen Lake Resort.
Seasonal limitations: Confirm operating dates as many campgrounds close from late October through April. "Clean bathrooms and showers. People working there were more then helpful. Guided us to our site. Helped us set up. All and all a very pleasant stay," shares Alex K. from Roscoe Campsites, which operates seasonally.
