The Catskill region surrounding Germantown features dramatic elevation changes, with surrounding mountains rising over 3,000 feet from the Hudson Valley floor. Camping options range from primitive, secluded sites to full-service campgrounds with comprehensive amenities. Spring camping often experiences wider temperature fluctuations, with overnight lows frequently dropping into the 40s even when daytime temperatures reach the 70s.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide stocked ponds and natural water features for anglers. At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, campers can fish in Plattekill Creek and a stocked pond. As one visitor noted, "The creek on the property (Plattekill) is great, the pond is fun to fish in, the RC track is great for those who are into it."
Swimming options: Most campgrounds with water access maintain dedicated swimming areas with varying amenities. Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers "great beach, 5 minute drive from campground. Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days." Another camper mentioned, "The lake is gorgeous and there are plenty of nearby hikes for exploring."
Hiking proximity: Direct trail access varies significantly between campgrounds. At Kenneth L Wilson Campground, "There are great hiking trails connected to many campgrounds. The park staff were keeping things really clean as well." Another visitor added, "For hiking in and around the Phoenicia area this place is the BEST! An easy commute to town, and yet secluded and wooded."
What campers like
Private sites: Campers consistently rate sites with natural separation higher than those in open layouts. At North-South Lake Campground, "Clean and well run campground with beautiful lakes and surrounded by trails. Perfect Hudson getaway. Reserve very early for waterfront."
Swimming facilities: Campgrounds with maintained swimming areas receive higher ratings, especially those with docks. One camper at Lake Taghkanic State Park noted, "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds feature raised wooden platforms that improve camping during wet conditions. As one camper at Lake Taghkanic explained, "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain, but have no fear!! The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!"
Seasonal activities: Programming varies significantly by season, with summer offering the most structured options. A visitor to Whip O Will Campsites appreciated the "Super Friendly Community" with "tons to do" including a heated pool, mini-golf area, and playgrounds.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell coverage varies dramatically by carrier and location. One camper at Kenneth L Wilson Campground reported, "This was a truly great campground, but no cell service. You have to drive about 5 minutes towards town to get service."
Reservation windows: Peak season weekends require advance planning. At Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park, a visitor advised, "This was a truly great campground, but it's proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends."
Wildlife considerations: Bear activity requires specific food storage protocols throughout the region. Multiple campgrounds post warnings and rangers actively enforce proper storage regulations, with some issuing formal warnings for violations.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather patterns can change rapidly. At Kenneth L Wilson, a camper shared their experience: "We had a 3-day weekend tent camping at this site from July 24-26 2020. Campsite is flat and packed dirt instead of gravel, which was great."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Playgrounds, swimming areas, and organized activities vary widely between campgrounds. A visitor to Brookside Campground appreciated that "They have animals the kids can go check out. The pool is nice and they offer fun activists for the kids."
Noise levels: Family-oriented campgrounds often have established quiet hours but enforcement varies. At Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, one camper noted, "There's a few playgrounds a great pool and a lot of amenities can't wait to go back."
Site selection strategy: Request sites away from main roads and bathrooms for better sleep quality. A camper at Whip O Will mentioned, "Management were doing rounds often in the golf carts and stopped often to make sure you didn't need anything. We would go back again, especially if camping with friends."
Day trip options: Nearby towns offer alternatives during inclement weather. As one Brookside Campground visitor noted, "There is a general store about 3 miles west as well as other shopping. Lots to explore near Blue Mountain."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. At Brookside Campground, an RVer mentioned, "We ended up at this campground because the family we were traveling with needed to accommodate their 50 foot camper. As a rule of thumb - I try to visit as little RV parks as I can, but we were trying to find somewhere that would accommodate both of our needs."
Hook-up variations: Water and electric connections often require longer hoses and cords than standard. One camper at Rip Van Winkle noted, "Very easy to level and setup on #7. Full connections. Pay showers and laundry onsite."
Leveling challenges: Sites in mountainous areas often require additional leveling equipment. At Whip O Will, a camper shared that "The C section (30 amp) has some shade trees and all grassy sites. Shared hook ups (two sites on one pole) at the rear of the sites with the exception of sewer."
