Best Campgrounds near Catskill, NY

Campgrounds in the Catskill region of New York provide a mix of forest and lakeside camping experiences within a short drive of New York City. North-South Lake Campground features spacious tent and RV sites with lake access, while Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds offers cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping options. The Catskill area includes both state-operated facilities and private campgrounds, with many locations providing amenities like electric hookups, showers, and picnic areas approximately 100-120 miles north of Manhattan.

Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping in the Catskills, with most campgrounds operating from May through mid-October. Winter closures are common throughout the region, especially at higher elevations. Most campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. Facilities like Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground and Copake Falls Area at Taconic State Park provide varied accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Several sites have moderate to good cell coverage, though service can be spotty in more remote areas. "Most websites are secretive and dark," notes one camper about the privacy of sites at North-South Lake Campground.

Campers consistently mention the natural beauty and recreational opportunities available throughout the region. Treetopia Campground receives high ratings for its unique accommodations, including yurts and custom treehouses with electricity. Many campgrounds in the area feature swimming pools, playgrounds, and access to hiking trails. A review highlighted that "there is a lake with swimming, clean bathrooms, clean showers. Picnic table and fire pit with grill top" at North-South Lake Campground. Several campgrounds, including Blue Mountain Campground, provide convenient access to popular hiking trails in the eastern Catskills. Wildlife encounters, particularly bears, are noted at some locations, requiring proper food storage. The proximity to small towns like Woodstock and Saugerties allows campers to combine outdoor recreation with access to restaurants and shops.

Best Camping Sites Near Catskill, New York (173)

    1. North-South Lake Campground

    44 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 589-5058

    $22 - $44 / night

    "Our first campground was in New York Aug 8th. Unfortunately, Debbie was socking New York hard. North South Lake Campground in the Catskills was our camping home."

    "Quality campground just outside of NYC in the Catskills. Very popular especially in the summer. Make reservations as soon as you can."

    2. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds

    16 Reviews
    Saugerties, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 246-8334

    "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river but to do the river you’ll need a New York State fishing license."

    "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. The campground is centrally located you many things to do."

    3. Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Ancramdale, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 851-3631

    $17 - $195 / night

    "The campground has a lake with boat rentals. Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."

    "We decided on Lake Taghkanic. Lake Taghkanic State Park was not a long drive from NYC, maybe 2 hours. The campsite was very clean and maintained."

    4. Brookside Campground

    6 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 678-9729

    "The bathroom and bathhouse were a bit run down looking from the outside, but inside they were updated and clean."

    5. Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

    20 Reviews
    Copake Falls, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 329-3993

    $17 - $175 / night

    "I'm use to the rough and tough it of backpacking the AT Trail so this place had quite a few amenities I am not use to! Haha."

    "It wasn't too busy when we went- we got there on a Friday night around 6pm and were able to get a spot. There are also some fun activities within the campground, and things nearby."

    6. Whip O Will Campsites

    7 Reviews
    Round Top, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 622-3277

    $33 - $113 / night

    "This gem really is the best kept secret campground in the Catskills."

    "It had a little arcade, a nice lake, and playground."

    7. Blue Mountain Reservation

    4 Reviews
    Palenville, NY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (914) 862-5275

    "I went here with my friend and we were using it as our base camp as we went out in trails in the eastern Catskills notably the Devils Path, echo lake, etc."

    "Nice little campground with lake sites. The Northville Placed Trail comes out in this campground. The showers were clean and plenty of pressure."

    8. Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground

    23 Reviews
    Shokan, NY
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (845) 679-7020

    $22 / night

    "This campground is nestled in the Catskills, New York, with easy access to New Jersey and Connecticut."

    "Access to fresh water spouts and clean bathrooms were just a walk away from most sites, theres a beautiful pond on site and beautiful views of the Catskills, Woodstock is a 15 min drive if you’re looking"

    9. Treetopia Campground

    2 Reviews
    Catskill, NY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 943-4513

    $60 - $100 / night

    "Treetopia is a unique and truly amazing camping/Glamping experience in the Catskills, New York!"

    10. Brook N Wood Family Campground

    3 Reviews
    Germantown, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 537-6896

    $50 - $195 / night

    "Management keep social distancing easy by keeping the store closed and allowing firewood or store orders via text message with delivery to your site."

    "Lots of space to run around and a cute mini golf area. We would definitely visit this campground again."

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Recent Reviews near Catskill, NY

670 Reviews of 173 Catskill Campgrounds


  • M
    Oct. 26, 2025

    North-South Lake Campground

    Beautiful grounds HORRIBLE STAFF

    I don’t normally write reviews especially a negative one. We had a very upsetting experience at North-South Lake. We drove over two hours to visit my husband’s childhood campground for the first time with our three kids(ages 5, 7, and 9). When we arrived at the entrance, we were asked if it was a day visit, and we said yes, we were only staying for the day. We paid the fee, received a map, and drove in. My husband was so excited to finally share this place and create memories with our children. Looking for a place to park, we thought we were lucky to find an empty campsite in one of the loops where he used to camp as a child.

    We parked the car hoping to enjoy the view of the lake, take a walk, and maybe make the kids a couple of s’mores before heading home.

     At around 2:15–2:30 p.m., the “SUPERVISOR” in the white Kia approached us in an extremely rude and nasty manner, speaking as if we were committing a serious crime and comparing our situation to“sleeping in someone else’s hotel room.” She asked us if we had a reservation; we said no. She said,“Someone else reserved this spot.” We were very apologetic, embarrassed, and immediately put our stuff in the car. I said they could have told us; we would have moved right away. I’m sorry. 

    She said,“They aren’t supposed to talk to you; that’s why they send me here.” She told us we had ten minutes to leave, waited there while we put our chair, blanket, and s’more cookies in the car, and refused our 9-year-old daughter access to the bathroom while we packed up our three things, and even followed us out of the loop to make sure we didn’t park elsewhere. My daughter came to us crying because the lady told her she couldn’t use the bathroom and had to get in the car. Well, she had an accident in the car right as we were pulling out. 

    We were mortified and apologetic. My husband even offered to leave the firewood we had just purchased for the next campers, but she was dismissive and harsh about that as well. 

    The following day, I called and asked to speak with a manager to explain how we were treated. The manager was just as unfriendly and miserable sounding as the supervisor. I was told they had been looking for us“for hours” and that it’s“common sense” not to park in a campsite. She actually said it’s considered trespassing. So, a friendly warning for first-time visitors: Apparently, if you don’t know that“day use” doesn’t mean“park in any empty campsite,” just for the day, you’re officially a trespassing criminal, at least according to the manager. 

    Reading the website now, I see that check-in for people with reservations is at 2 p.m., which was the time we were trying to make a small fire, so unless someone left their site and returned, it’s unclear how they could have been looking for us“for hours.” We were right there at 2pm. 

    The website also states: Day Use• Anyone who is not camping is a day-user. Day-use hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Day-users are not allowed between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. 

    We were not camping but didn’t realize we couldn’t park in an empty campsite. I think“common sense” would be to inform DAY USE visitors at the ENTRANCE to use public parking, especially for families or first-time visitors who may not be camping experts. Bottom line: this was my husband’s childhood family spot. We just wanted to take a beautiful fall drive and have a special day with our kids. 

    We understand now that we needed to reserve the parking spot ahead of time, and it was an honest misunderstanding. I would have even offered to pay for the campers’ stay for their trouble. What we wish for is that the staff had approached us respectfully and explained the situation instead of treating us like criminals. Imagine being such a miserable person and working in such a BEAUTIFUL and peaceful place for families. 

    This was meant to be a special family day, honoring memories of my father-in-law and creating new ones with our children. Instead, it became stressful and humiliating. Sadly, this is what our children will remember about the day and about North South Lake

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Gunx Camping on a Horse Farm

    No Amenities but Great Location for the Gunks

    This campground is just mowed spots on a hillside in Kerhonkson. There are no facilities aside from some port-o-sans that the owners didn't recommend using. But the location is great for accessing the Shawamhunks. Given the lack of affordable RV campgrounds (and even the few expensive ones) in the area, this stands out.

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    Great State Forest Campground

    Austin Hawes (also known as American Legion State Forest/Campground) is a great little place in a beautiful part of the State. They have cabins if you want some of the creature comforts, as well as sites suitable for tents or campers. Have camped here before in tents and a pop up, it's right on the Farmington River, so we have gone tubing down the river, swimming and fishing as well. The bathrooms have showers and flush toilets, there are hiking trails in and near the campground, and stores not too far. Sites vary in size and privacy.

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Ten Mile River Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Not a public campground!

    Ten Mile River Shelter and campsite is not a public campground. Sure, anyone can camp there, but it is designated for folks hiking the A.T., whether thru-hikers, section hikers, or whatever. While there are no rules about who can camp there, during thru-hiking season, consideration should be made for folks who rely on places like this during a long distance hike. It is at least a mile if not a mile and a half from approved parking (on the side of the road off the A.T.) to camp, either from the A.T. or a combo of the A.T. and a blue blaze trail (which is easier, imo). There are also no fires allowed on the CT A.T.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Osa Trail

    Gorgeous Views

    Had a great time here with my wife and 2 little kids and our dog.  One of the most beautiful sunrises we've ever seen!  Very secluded, though Alex is right down the driveway so didn't feel like the middle of nowhere.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Great staff but back-to-back campsite

    We stayed a coupe of days in Oct. This is a beautiful site to camp out. The staffs are friendly and very attentive.
    Bathroom and water pressure was ok. But one shower location for 50 campsites. Three small showers units and three toilet.
    I never stayed a state campsite where the sites are so close each other. If you like a “normal” distance to your neighbors, I'd not recommend this place.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    New York City North-Newburgh KOA

    Good amenities and fun experience!

    Campsites Great campsites, wooded and cozy, though a little tight for longer rigs as our neighbors found out when they ran over a wooden post backing in. But spaced apart nicely with lots of vegetation between. Nice and level. Amenities Bathrooms are older and need of some repair but let me tell you I was very happy to see a normal shower head with real hot water! So no complaints here. Laundry facilities were clean and open 24/7 with reasonable prices 2.50/2.00 washer/dryer. And the dryers actually worked. Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village. They even have a wine store- cab sav was good. WiFi I work remotely and WiFi is always an issue. We have Starlink but in a wooded campsite, connecting is an issue but luckily their WiFi was great. Had no issues and could stream just fine. Halloween! We visited mid October and folks had sites decorated and the KOA has trick or treating and other activities every weekend in Oct. we were SO bummed to be leaving on a Friday and miss the festivities because it looked really fun. Would definitely go back. Also, staff was super nice.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Brookside Campground

    Not a recreational campsite

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We paid for two weeks in advance of arriving at this site based on reviews available on Google and Dyrt. However, when we arrived we were surprised that this was mostly a trailer park. Call me picky, but I really prefer not to camp in an area where folks are living full time. Just not the vibe I’m going for. We decided to leave without staying. We called to see if we could get a refund and they were very kind and it wasn’t a problem. But just be warned… this is not a recreational campsite.


Guide to Catskill

Campsites near Catskill, New York range from 1,000 to 3,000 feet in elevation throughout the eastern Catskill Mountains. The region experiences temperatures that can drop below 50°F even during summer nights, with peak camping season running from late May through early October. Winter camping is unavailable at most locations, with snowfall typically beginning in November.

What to do

Hiking to waterfalls: 20-minute drive from North-South Lake Campground to Kaaterskill Falls. "Kaaterskill falls, which is minutes down the road from the campground" with "the newly opened (as of 2016) viewing platform," notes Jessica W. The accessibility makes this a popular day trip from the campground.

Swimming in natural settings: Kenneth L Wilson Campground features an on-site lake with swimming areas. "They have a lake on site with swimming. We happened to spend the weekend on a day with free canoe/kayak rentals which was great!" reports Kyla B. The swimming areas are typically open from late June through Labor Day, weather permitting.

Fishing in stocked ponds: Whip O Will Campsites offers fishing in their private lake. "Full facilities and nice fishing pond," notes George C. The pond is stocked seasonally and doesn't require a separate fishing license as it's on private property.

What campers like

Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds. "Amazing campground with perfectly spaced large sites" writes Richard V. The campground features sites with varying levels of seclusion, particularly in the back loops.

Clean shower facilities: Bathroom cleanliness rates highly across several campgrounds. At Copake Falls Area, "Bathroom facilities are adequate" with "2 lifeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of," according to Erin B. Most campgrounds clean bathroom facilities daily in the morning hours.

Specialized accommodations: Treetopia Campground stands out with unique lodging options. "They have RV sites, yurts, custom furnished treehouses with electricity, beautiful tiny homes with outdoor living spaces, completely remodeled vintage airstreams, and gorgeous private cabins!" reports Jeff & Steff's Excellent Adventure. These specialty accommodations require booking 3-6 months in advance.

What you should know

Bear activity: Wildlife encounters require proper preparation. At Kenneth L Wilson, "If you leave food out you will get a warning notice if seen" and one camper had the unusual experience of getting "chased off by a bear." Food storage lockers are not provided at most campgrounds; visitors must bring bear-resistant containers.

Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely by location and carrier. "No cell service" at Kenneth L Wilson Campground, though other areas report better coverage. Many campgrounds post Wi-Fi availability status at their registration offices.

Site selection strategy: At Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park, "A lot of complaints that up front the sites were too close together and this was true, but more towards the back was more spacious and private sites," advises John E. Corner sites typically offer the most privacy but book quickly during peak season.

Tips for camping with families

Entertainment facilities: Brook N Wood Family Campground offers structured activities for children. "They have a great heated pool that our little one loved. Lots of space to run around and a cute mini golf area," mentions Chelsea T. The pool is typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.

Dedicated kid-free areas: Some campgrounds offer adult-only sections. At Rip Van Winkle, one camper stayed "over in 'Lover's Lane' so it was isolated on a separate loop. Couples only on this loop, no kids!" This arrangement allows for different camping experiences within the same facility.

Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, campers appreciate "a rec room for rainy days" and "clean facilities." The recreation buildings typically close at 9 PM during peak season.

Tips from RVers

Deck sites for smaller rigs: Specialized parking areas cater to compact RVs at Treetopia. "We stayed on one of their deck sites with our Class B (Winnebago). I LOVED sitting out on the deck every morning for my coffee while taking in the fall air," writes Janly P. These sites accommodate vehicles under 25 feet in length.

Utility placement: RVers should note the arrangement of hookups at Brook N Wood. "Shared hook ups (two sites on one pole) at the rear of the sites with the exception of sewer," explains April L. This requires appropriate length for power and water connections, typically 25-30 feet.

Remote location considerations: When staying at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, one RVer found it "Very easy to level and setup on #7. Full connections." The review adds, "We don't have kids, but they seemed to offer a lot of programming for them." Advance reservations are essential during summer months for RV sites with full hookups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in the Catskills for tent camping?

The Catskills offer excellent tent camping options with natural beauty and hiking access. North-South Lake Campground is one of the larger public campgrounds with well-spaced sites, great for families, and provides access to the Catskill Escarpment trail. Little Pond Campground is another top choice, offering proximity to wonderful hiking trails with varying difficulty levels and basic amenities including picnic tables and a recycling center. Both campgrounds provide a true Catskills experience with forest surroundings and outdoor recreation opportunities. For a more secluded experience, consider Devil's Tombstone Campground, which offers close access to many Catskill hiking trails.

Are there any private campgrounds in the Catskills with swimming pools?

Treetopia Campground is a unique private campground in the Catskills that offers a swimming pool among its amenities. This campground provides a mix of traditional camping and glamping experiences with various rental options including RV sites and yurts. Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds also features a swimming pool, along with other recreational amenities like playgrounds for children, basketball courts, and a remote control car track. Private campgrounds in the Catskills typically offer more amenities than public ones, and swimming pools are often available from late spring through early fall, depending on weather conditions.

Where can I find lakeside or riverside camping in the Catskills?

The Catskills region offers several excellent waterfront camping options. Catskill/Kenneth L Wilson Campground features a beautiful pond on site with large, tree-surrounded campsites that provide a nice balance of privacy and community. The campground is nestled in the Catskills with easy access to nearby towns. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground offers riverside camping right on the water, making it perfect for anglers and those looking to cool off in natural waters. For lake enthusiasts, Sam Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground near Minnewaska State Park Preserve provides access to a unique acidic lake that's completely safe for swimming.

What options are available for RV camping in the Catskill region?

Spacious Skies Woodland Hills offers excellent RV camping facilities in the Catskills with both back-in and pull-through sites. The campground is accommodating to campers with various needs and is well-maintained with accessible amenities. Whip O Will Campsites is another option that offers seasonal camping opportunities for RVs. For those seeking additional RV-friendly options, Brook N Wood Family Campground and Brookside Campground both accommodate larger rigs and provide standard hookups. Many Catskill RV campgrounds are open from spring through fall, with some offering year-round options, and typically include water, electric, and sometimes sewer hookups.